SCR Boxing

While many boxing legends out of inner-city St. Louis ultimately fall back on bad habits and poor decision making, likely stemming from an underprivileged upbringing in the city’s rough streets, Michael Spinks represents the one of the hard-luck community’s true shining stars. The younger brother of heavyweight champ Leon Spinks, the two came up together in a housing project that would later be condemned and demolished, often the victims of bullying by some of area’s shadier figures. Both brothers took to boxing as a means of self-defense, Leon first taking to the sport then urging his younger brother to join him. Though Leon was older, Michael tended to display more maturity in his decision making, and could be considered the man of the house, as their father abandoned the boys at a young age. Michael’s level head manifests itself today as he has managed his money responsibly and walked a well-thought out career path, while Leon has fallen on hard times after the early glory of his fighting days. The two brothers rose to fame together taking dueling gold medals at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.Unlike brother Leon’s quick rise and fall, Michael rose through the boxing ranks more slowly, running his tally to 17-0 before finally accepting a title fight, in the light heavyweight division. He would proceed to defend his title successfully, later uniting his WBA belt with the WBC belt as well. As his career progressed, Spinks decided to bulk up and pursue the heavyweight title belt. Despite giving up 22 pounds to champion Larry Holmes, Michael defeated his much heavier opponent in 15 rounds. He defended his IBF heavyweight crown three times from ’85 to ’87, including a rematch with Holmes ending in the same result. Spinks finally suffered his first defeat at the hands of upstart Mike Tyson, virtually unbeatable at that stage of his career, after which he found it fit to retire.Michael Spinks wise decision to walk away at the right time, in addition to the savvy investing he put his winnings towards, stand in stark contrast to the tale of his brother Leon, as Michael leads a very comfortable lifestyle. He now works in the Philadelphia area out of passion as opposed to necessity, helping to train, advise and inspire aspiring young boxers.