Former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, diagnosed with prostate cancer, has shown “small signs of improvement and progress,” according to a family statement.
The cancer, diagnosed earlier this year, has spread to Spinks’ bladder. He is in an intensive care unit at a Las Vegas hospital.
The statement read: “Leon is currently in intensive care at a Las Vegas hospital receiving attentive medical care to suppress prostate cancer which he was diagnosed with earlier this year and has since spread to his bladder. The last few months have been an agonizing roller coaster for Leon and his wife, Brenda, with continuous hospital stays. Leon is showing small signs of improvement and progress.
“A miraculous fighter his entire life, we are optimistic and hopeful that he will move out of ICU soon. The power of prayer is real, and his family is beyond grateful for all of the tremendous love and support.”
The former U.S. Marine won a gold medal as a light heavyweight in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Then, in only his eighth fight, he upset an aging Muhammad Ali by a split decision to win the heavyweight title on Feb. 15, 1978 in Las Vegas.
Ali regained the title seven months later by a unanimous decision. Spinks had mixed results the remainder of his career, at both heavyweight and cruiserweight, never again winning a major title. He last fought in 1995.
Spinks’ brother, Michael Spinks, won a gold medal as a middleweight in the 1976 Olympics and went on to become light heavyweight and heavyweight champion.