Boxer Leon Spinks Reportedly 'Fighting For His Life'

The wife of Leon Spinks has reportedly asked for prayers as the legendary boxer, who defeated Muhammad Ali in 1978, is hospitalized in Las Vegas. While Spinks’ condition is unclear, TMZ reports that the 66-year-old is “fighting for his life.” Spinks’ wife, Brenda, took to social media on Wednesday and said, “Dear Friends: I know it’s been awhile. However, you know how I Believe in the Power of Prayer. It’s been a tough year for us. Leon has endured a lot of medical problems. I’m reaching out to ask you to kindly pray for my Beautiful Husband Leon. So that he may overcome the obstacles that have crossed his path. We Love You All & Appreciate Your Support.” Spinks’ son, Leon Spinks III, also asked for prayers on social media. He wrote, “As u all know by now im a very very private person & i NEVER seek attention or emotional support for the uncontrollable bs life seem to throw at me thru social media,’ Spinks III wrote, ‘but this is for the record My Dad isnt doing so good now & his wife Brenda Glur Spinks and I ask that u pray that he weather’s (sic) this storm. my dad is all i have left and i really appreciate it if yall let God know that he is not in this battle alone.’”

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Fox News reports that the boxer has been battling health issues for some time. He was diagnosed with brain shrinkage in 2012, which doctors attributed to his career as a boxer. Spinks was hospitalized again in 2014 after a chicken bone caused major damage to his intestines. Spinks has undergone several major surgeries in the past and was admitted to a rehab facility to assist in his recovery process. Spinks is most famous for his win over Ali, which is known as one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. However, he lost his WBC heavyweight title after facing Ali in a rematch seven months later. Spinks lost the fight to an unanimous decision. Prior to his career in the ring, Spinks served in the U.S. Marines for three years. He attended the Summer Olympics in Montreal in 1976 and took home a gold medal for the light heavyweight division. His professional boxing career spanned from 1977 to 1995, with him retiring with a 26-17-3 record. NewsOne will provide updates on Spinks’ condition and the story is developing. Check out the photos of Leon Spinks throughout the years.

1. Leon Spinks Receiving Gold Medal

(Original Caption) 7/31/1976-Montreal, Quebec, CanadaUSA’s Leon Spinks waves to the crowd after he was awarded the gold medal for light heavyweight boxing. vertical,photography,people,sport,african-american ethnicity,group of people,1970-1979,the olympic games,gold medal,medalist,archival,arms raised,crowd,light heavyweight,montreal,boxing – sport,1976 summer olympics – montreal,leon spinks,waving – gesture

2. Leon Spinks And Larry Holmes Boxing At Joe Louis Arena

Detroit, MI – 1981: Leon Spinks boxing at Joe Louis Arena, June 12, 1981. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) vertical,photography,celebrities,arts culture and entertainment,usa,television show,1980-1989,archival,stadium,boxing – sport,detroit – michigan,leon spinks

3. Leon Spinks in his training camp

Leon Spinks (centre) training ahead of his second fight with Muhammad Ali. Ali won on points to win the World Title for a third time 16th September 1978 . (Photo by Monte Fresco/Mirrorpix/Getty Images) photography,horizontal,usa,smiling,sport,african-american ethnicity,archival,sports training,fighting,heavyweight,ethnicity,sports training camp,1978,20th century,boxing – sport,muhammad ali – boxer – born 1942,leon spinks

4. Muhammad Ali, Leon Spinks At The Superdome

New Orleans, LA – 1978: (L-R) Muhammad Ali, Leon Spinks boxing at the Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) photography,celebrities,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,usa,television show,1970-1979,archival,new orleans,gulf coast states,stadium,louisiana superdome,boxing – sport,muhammad ali – boxer – born 1942,leon spinks

5. OLY 1976-BOXING-LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT-SPINKS

Picture taken on July 1976 at Montreal showing American Lignt heavyweight boxer Leon Spinks (R) on the ring at the end of his fight as part of the 1976 Summer Olympic Games. (Photo by – / AFP) (Photo credit should read -/AFP via Getty Images) vertical,photography,sport,canada,1970-1979,the olympic games,black and white,archival,national team,fighting,heavyweight,olympic team,boxing ring,knockout,quebec,montreal,summer olympic games,boxing – sport,1976 summer olympics – montreal,leon spinks

6. 30th Annual Fight Night: The Final Round

WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 14: Boxer Leon Spinks attends the 30th Annual Fight Night: The Final Round at the Washington Hilton on November 14, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images) vertical,photography,celebrities,arts culture and entertainment,attending,usa,night,washington dc,final round,fighting,hilton,boxing – sport,leon spinks