The family of Leon Spinks isn’t providing much information on his condition but his son made it clear he’s not doing well.
The former heavyweight champion, best known for upsetting Muhammad Ali to win the heavyweight championship in 1978, is in a Las Vegas hospital.
“My Dad isnt doing so good now & his wife Brenda Glur Spinks and I ask that u pray that he weather’s this storm. my dad is all i have left,” Leon Spinks III wrote on Facebook Tuesday.
The family issued this statement: “Leon is currently hospitalized and in the care of an exceptional team of doctors. We kindly request that privacy be given to his family at this time. His wife Brenda and their family would like to graciously thank all of Leon’s friends and fans for all of the outpouring support of love and prayers.”
Spinks’ wife posted on Facebook Monday, “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.”
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Spinks, 66, reportedly has suffered from brain shrinkage, apparently the result of his boxing career. And he had abdominal surgery in 2014. He also has been in and out of a wheelchair for several years.
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 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.
