Tweet
He gave us one of the most memorable upsets in history. I remember cheering on Leon when he upset Ali. RIP.https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/...ad-ali-dies-67
-
-
Rest In Peace champ. -
| 1953-2021 |
- -Missed the first fight, and incredulous how such a thing could happen in spite of the Ali decline.
Asked around and finally found a guy who'd watched it, and he said Ali just couldn't keep Leon off him.
Made a special moment to see the rematch that started with a typical Danny Liitle Red Lopez monumental KO.
Place called Madison Square Garden had a big screen with beautifully crafted wooden half shell arena seating and all the beer you could pay for.
When Ali came out they all cheered. When Leon came out they all booed. I remembered distinctly being embarrassed being lumped as a boxing fan with these misanthropes.
Leon in spite of training on whiskey put up a good fight, but Ali was better prepared.
Does Leon have the best scalp in the history of boxing?
Co-Greatest?Comment
-
I watched Leon all through the 76 Olympics. He and his brother were my favorites. Watched all his pro bouts leading up to his win vs Ali and loss a few months later. Leon was a sad case. Brought along way to fast and then thrown to the wolves.Comment
-
RIP... Leon was from the mere appearance a disheveled, irresponsible, compulsive man with the worse dentist in the LOU! But to those in the know he was and will always be boxing royalty. I only mention the contrast because it truly made him larger than life...Yet approachable to all the fans who knew the Spinks dynasty. Leon was good natured and accepted the role.
As much as the Ali fight was special...It was kind of like focusing on the filet mignon, when one was also served a special salad of truffles, seminola and aged parmigiano shaved... Leon was an amatuer phenomina! He and his brothers put St Louis on the boxing map.
Houdini is right that Leon was mismanaged. Its a shame, but as we must always remember... The Spinks were old school, fighters first. Whiskey, women and the ring... sometimes more than whiskey. Does not diminsh Leon's greatness, his humility, and his talent.Comment
-
Leon had very fan friendly personality. For this unfamiliar with him he had fast hands and a swarming / attacking type of style.
He made some bad choices, but that's Leon.Comment
-
Wow 67 isn't that old and cancer? And was lineal champ when he beat Ali, so was definitely the top guy for a short time. Sad. RIP Champ.Comment
Comment