He and his younger brother Michael Spinks were Olympic boxing champions.
15 February 1978 - Won the WBA and WBC Heavyweight Title beating Muhammad Ali by split decision in only his 8th pro fight.
31 October 1982 - Won the NABF Cruiserweight Title beating Jesse Burnett by split decision.
Two time WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Champion: 13 December
1985 - Beating Kip Kane by TKO round 8 28 April 1987 - Beating Jeff
Jordan by Split Decision
Pro Boxing Record 26 Wins - 17 Defeats - 3 Draws - 14 KOs
Son Cory won the IBF Junior Middleweight Title on 24 April 2009. He won the IBF Welterweight Title in 2002 and 2003, the WBC Welterweight Title and the WBA Welterweight Title in 2003, and the IBF Light Middleweight Title in 2006.
Living in Columbus, Nebraska (pop. 20,971), keeps a low
profile doing volunteer work in an after-school program and helping out
at the local YMCA on weekends. (April 2005)
Was a Professional Wrestler.
Inducted into Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in August 2017.
Has three sons: Leon III (d. 1990), Darnell, and Cory.
Currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada [May 2020].
At points during his professional career he had Mr. T as his bodyguard.