Post by Admin on Dec 12, 2019 16:28:24 GMT -4
Leon Spinks still in hospital with ‘exceptional team of doctors’ as family thanks fans for prayers
By NANCY DILLON
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS |
Former heavyweight champ Leon Spinks remained in a Las Vegas hospital Thursday under the care of an “exceptional team of doctors,” his family said in a statement.
A source previously said he was battling pneumonia in an intensive care unit.
“Leon is currently hospitalized and is in the care of an exceptional team of doctors,” the family statement sent to the Daily News said.
“We kindly request that privacy be given to his family at this time. His wife Brenda and their family would like to graciously thank all of Leon’s friends and friends for all of the outpouring support of love and prayers,” it said.
Sources told The News on Wednesday that Spinks, 66, had a treatable underlying illness that was not terminal. Another source then said the boxer contracted pneumonia.
Leon Spinks celebrates after winning a 15-round decision against Muhammad Ali to become Boxing's new heavyweight champion on Feb. 15, 1978 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
According to TMZ Sports, Spinks, was “fighting for his life” on Wednesday.
Originally from Missouri, Spinks won gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. He then shocked the sports world on Feb. 15, 1978 by defeating Muhammad Ali in a split decision in 1978 to win the undisputed heavyweight championship.
The Greatest of All Time got his revenge by beating Spinks by unanimous decision in a rematch on Sept. 15, 1978.
Brenda posted a Facebook plea for support on Monday.
“It’s been a tough year for us. Leon has endured a lot of medical problems,” she said in the caption to several smiling photos of Spinks.
“I’m reaching out to ask you to kindly pray for my Beautiful Husband Leon. So that he may overcome the obstacles that have crossed his path,” she wrote.
Spinks underwent abdominal surgery in 2014 and has used a wheelchair on and off for the last four years.
He attended an event at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in August and celebrated his birthday with boxer brother Michael Spinks.
By NANCY DILLON
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS |
Former heavyweight champ Leon Spinks remained in a Las Vegas hospital Thursday under the care of an “exceptional team of doctors,” his family said in a statement.
A source previously said he was battling pneumonia in an intensive care unit.
“Leon is currently hospitalized and is in the care of an exceptional team of doctors,” the family statement sent to the Daily News said.
“We kindly request that privacy be given to his family at this time. His wife Brenda and their family would like to graciously thank all of Leon’s friends and friends for all of the outpouring support of love and prayers,” it said.
Sources told The News on Wednesday that Spinks, 66, had a treatable underlying illness that was not terminal. Another source then said the boxer contracted pneumonia.
Leon Spinks celebrates after winning a 15-round decision against Muhammad Ali to become Boxing's new heavyweight champion on Feb. 15, 1978 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
According to TMZ Sports, Spinks, was “fighting for his life” on Wednesday.
Originally from Missouri, Spinks won gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. He then shocked the sports world on Feb. 15, 1978 by defeating Muhammad Ali in a split decision in 1978 to win the undisputed heavyweight championship.
The Greatest of All Time got his revenge by beating Spinks by unanimous decision in a rematch on Sept. 15, 1978.
Brenda posted a Facebook plea for support on Monday.
“It’s been a tough year for us. Leon has endured a lot of medical problems,” she said in the caption to several smiling photos of Spinks.
“I’m reaching out to ask you to kindly pray for my Beautiful Husband Leon. So that he may overcome the obstacles that have crossed his path,” she wrote.
Spinks underwent abdominal surgery in 2014 and has used a wheelchair on and off for the last four years.
He attended an event at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in August and celebrated his birthday with boxer brother Michael Spinks.
