Leon Spinks, the man who shocked Muhammad Ali, loses battle with cancer

Leon Spinks celebrates as his entourage holds him aloft after his 15-round split decision victory over world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas in 1978 (AP)

Former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks has died, aged 67.

The American, who in just his eighth professional fight claimed a famous upset win over Muhammad Ali in February 1978, was plagued by health issues in his later years and was diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer in 2019.