Boxing promoter Lou DiBella remembered the fighter on Twitter, posting, “Rest In Peace, Neon Leon, a heavyweight champion and a nice man. Condolences to @MikeSpinksjink and the Spinks family. Rest In Peace and Power, Leon Spinks.”
Rev. Jesse Jackson also paid tribute to the easy-going fighter, tweeting, “#LeonSpinks, we became friends. He and his brother, Michael, made history by winning Olympic gold medals in 1976. He won the heavyweight championship. I liked him very much. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
Boxer Larry Holmes, who actually defeated Spinks in several fights, added on Twitter, “You gave me a hell of a fight, but you were a good guy. You lived your life the way you wanted and it was a good one. I pray you Rest In Peace #leonspinks #RIP.”
Both Leon and Michael were inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017. Spinks was also a former Marine and served from 1973-1976.
