Former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks has died aged 67.
The American achieved a famous upset win over Muhammad Ali in 1978, in just his eighth professional fight.
He had suffered with health issues in his later years and was diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer in 2019.
“His final fight was fought with the same skill, grace and grit that had carried him through so many lifetime challenges,” said a statement from his management company.
The former US marine died on Friday evening in Henderson, Nevada, with his wife Brenda Glur Spinks by his side.
“Leon fought his battle with numerous illnesses resiliently, never losing his trademark smile. Showing true Spinks determination, he never threw in the towel,” the statement added.
Born in St Louis, Spinks won gold at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, then rose to greater prominence a little more than 18 months later, given the nod via a split decision to stun Ali and claim the WBC, WBA and lineal heavyweight titles.
In one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport, Spinks defied his 10-1 underdog odds with bookmakers to prevail after 15 rounds, winning 145-140 and 144-141 on two scorecards while a third went 143-142 in favour of Ali.
His reign as world champion lasted exactly seven months as a sharper and fitter Ali gained revenge in a rematch in September 1978, becoming the first three-time lineal heavyweight champion after a comfortable points win.
Spinks did get another opportunity for heavyweight glory in June 1981, but was stopped inside three rounds by Larry Holmes.
Spinks then dropped down to cruiserweight but was defeated by WBA champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi in 1986. He boxed on for another nine years and finished with a record of 26 wins, 17 defeats and three draws.
Known for his gap-toothed grin, Spinks’ battles in the ring contributed to his ill health in later life. It was found he had shrinkage in the brain in 2012 before his cancer diagnosis was confirmed a few years later.
His son Cory, 42, is a former undisputed welterweight champion who also won a world title in the light-middleweight division.
Spinks’ younger brother Michael, 64, was undisputed light-heavyweight champion for a period in the 1980s, before moving up to heavyweight, where he won the IBF title and avenged Leon’s loss to Holmes.
The UK-Nigerian artist is shortlisted in five genre categories as well as Diaspora Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year
Princess Wonda has been nominated in eight categories at the Diaspora Creatives Awards 2026, the awards body confirmed on its official nominee list.
The UK-Nigerian Afrofusion artist is shortlisted for Diaspora Artist of the Year, Best Female Artist, Songwriter of the Year, and five genre awards: Best Afrobeats Artist, Best Amapiano Artist, Best Afro-Fusion Artist, Best Afro-R&B and Afro-Soul Artist, and Best Afro Pop Artist.
The Diaspora Creatives Awards, which runs under the line “Stars Beyond Borders”, holds its inaugural ceremony on Saturday 21 November 2026 at Atlanta Virtual Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. Public voting is open now at diasporacreativesawards.com.
Responding to the news on Instagram, Princess Wonda said she was “truly feeling honoured to be considered in 8 categories”.
The nominations were announced on 12 September, three weeks after she released Magic Hour, a seven-track EP produced by Mr Marz and Indigo Beats with guitar from Fiokee. The project passed three million Spotify streams in under two weeks and was her first EP or album since her 2021 debut Fantasy Fair.
She headlines 229 in London on Saturday 10 April 2027 with The Magic Hour Live Experience, a full live show with band, dancers and special guests. Tickets are on sale.
Every icon starts with a single spark. For emerging Nigerian Afrobeats artist Queen Geradzzy, that moment came back in 2013 on the vibrant streets of Lagos Mainland. Watching Tiwa Savage command the stage with poise, power, and unapologetic femininity, a young Geradzzy didn’t just see an artist—she saw a blueprint for her own future.
What began as a childhood dream quickly grew into an undeniable calling. By 2019, Geradzzy took a leap of faith, moving to Lekki to immerse herself fully in the heart of the Nigerian music industry. Years of quiet dedication, vocal refinement, and deep creative exploration followed. Today, that discipline is paying off as she prepares to step into the global spotlight.
Queen Geradzzy’s music sits at an exciting intersection where classic Afrobeats rhythms meet polished international pop and R&B. Her sound is inherently versatile—catchy, sensual, deeply emotional, and effortlessly relatable.
Much like the artist herself, her music balances soft vulnerability with an unshakeable, ambitious confidence. She brings a fresh perspective to modern African pop, leading with strong feminine energy and an aura of intentional mystery that leaves listeners wanting more.
Geradzzy’s upcoming debut EP is designed as a formal introduction to her artistry and personal journey. The project captures her evolution as both a woman and a musician, weaving through themes of romantic attraction, self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth.
With her eyes firmly set on the international stage, Queen Geradzzy is building a brand rooted in memorable melodies, high-concept visual storytelling, and live performances crafted to resonate across cultures.
The little girl from Lagos Mainland who once watched her idol on screen is now ready to build an empire of her own. Keep your eyes on Queen Geradzzy—her story is just getting started.
So I was scrolling earlier and stopped on this NNPC Retail flyer because it’s literally just a big question mark and a line that says “66 Reasons Why You Need To Watch This Space.” Nothing else. No context, no explanation, just vibes and mystery.
It also speaks to our Naija slang and banter (the “Omo,” “Gbas Gbos,” and “Sapa” ones had me laughing).
It’s part of their ongoing “66 Reasons Why We Love Naija” series, so it seems to be leading up to something for October 1st. What they are clear about is that you need the NNPC Fuel App to be in the loop. They describe it as fast, secure, reliable, and rewarding, and they’ve made it easy with a QR code you can scan straight from the post.
If they’re trying to build hype, it’s working on me. SCAN THE BAR CODE HERE.
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