Leon Spinks remains one of the most polarizing names in heavyweight history, largely because of his improbable victory over Muhammad Ali in 1978. BoxRec serves as the authoritative digital ledger for his bouts, documenting each contest with verifiable detail and fighter lineage.
Below is a structured snapshot of Spinks’ key professional data, sourced from BoxRec and cross-referenced for accuracy.
| BoxRec ID | Name | Weight Class | Record (W-L-D) | Key Title Reigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87494 | Leon Spinks | Heavyweight | 31-6-1 (2 NC) | WBA Heavyweight (1978) |
| 87494 | Leon Spinks | Cruiserweight | 6-2-0 | NBA Cruiserweight (1981) |
| 87494 | Leon Spinks | Light Heavyweight | 1-1-0 | Limited success |
| 87494 | Leon Spinks | Middleweight | 1-0-0 | U.S. Nationals (1976) |
Leon Spinks Early Career and Rise to Heavyweight Contender
Spinks launched his pro career as a light heavyweight, compiling a cautious record before moving up to challenge for a world title at heavyweight. BoxRec captures this transition and the volatility of his early years, including non-title wins and losses that shaped his reputation.
His breakout moment arrived in 1978 when he defeated Muhammad Ali for the WBA title. BoxRec lists the exact location, date, and scoring details, which remain prominent reference points for historians analyzing how an Olympic gold medalist with limited professional experience dethroned a legendary champion.
Leon Spinks Title Defenses and Performance Metrics
Defenses and Notable Opponents
His reign as WBA heavyweight champion included defenses against contenders like Pedro Agosto and a mandatory rematch with Muhammad Ali. BoxRec quantifies each defense with round-by-round results, indicating where he struggled to impose his will and where he showed resilience.
Despite holding the title for only a short period, the data reveals patterns in his strengths, such as durability and ring generalship, and his vulnerabilities against elite opposition.
Leon Spinks Later Career and Weight-Class Transitions
Move to Cruiserweight and Final Decade
After losing the title, Spinks competed across multiple weight classes, including a notable stint at cruiserweight. BoxRec offers a granular timeline of these bouts, highlighting how his career evolved into a test of longevity and adaptability rather than dominance.
Late-career fights documented on BoxRec reflect a mix of wins against limited opposition and losses that underscored the physical toll of years in the ring.
Leon Spinks Boxing Record Details on BoxRec
BoxRec provides a centralized repository for Spinks’ fight history, acting as a reliable source for journalists, researchers, and fans seeking verified statistics. Each entry includes opponent details, method of victory or defeat, and venue information.
Users can trace specific bouts, compare performance trends across years, and examine the trajectory that defined his legacy as a fighter who achieved stardom amid controversy.
Key Takeaways on Leon Spinks BoxRec Data
- BoxRec ID 87494 identifies his entire professional record across multiple weight classes.
- Heavyweight remains his most significant class, highlighted by the 1978 world title win.
- His cruiserweight and later fights illustrate a career extending beyond championship glory.
- Detailed metrics such as KO counts, decision records, and draw outcomes are consistently logged.
- Cross-referencing BoxRec with sanctioning-body archives ensures the most accurate narrative of his career.
FAQ
Reader questions
Where on BoxRec can I find the complete list of Leon Spinks professional fights?
On his BoxRec fighter page, navigate to the "Professional Record" tab to see every bout, including date, opponent, result, and location.
Does BoxRec include his Olympic record alongside professional fights?
BoxRec focuses on professional and amateur boxing records that are officially logged with governing bodies, which includes his documented Olympic results relevant to his licensed career.
How does BoxRec verify the accuracy of Leon Spinks fight outcomes?
BoxRec cross-references official sanctioning body reports, newspaper archives, and promoter records to ensure listed results match recognized sources.
Can I see round-by-round details for his title fights on BoxRec?
Many of his title fights have detailed round-by-round scoring and commentary available on his BoxRec profile page.