Not many fighters become Olympic gold medalists and even fewer win the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world after that. That's a pretty impressive achievement. Go easy, champ.
As an Ali fan, I was disappointed the night he lost back in 1978. I thought Ali should have retired rather than lose to a guy with a years pro experience and seven bouts to his name. And I was happy when Ali regained his title and retired later that year. But it was a great cinderella story and I couldn't help being happy for the young Olympic gold medalist. Many years later, in the summer of 2017, I met Leon (and Michael) in Vegas and chatted a little with both. Mainly Michael, though, as the years had not been good to brother Leon and he wasn't in the best of shape for much talking. As we parted, Michael rose to shake hands for a photo. Leon stayed in his chair, but he still had that big smile on his face. It's a bit sad that he never again reached the heights he achieved as a twenty-four year-old that night forty three years ago. But he did have that great moment and he achieved more than most of us ever will. Undisputed, all belts ( WBA & WBC ), lineal Heavyweight champion of the world. RIP Champ.
R.I.P Champ. Had he been more consistent, I imagine history may have been kinder to him. One interesting thing to note, he died the same age as Joe Frazier (though Frazier was a few months older) and by the same cause (cancer).
I got to see him fight live once, vs. Tex Cobb in 1988. He was far from prime (as was Cobb) but he brought what he had and lost a close decision that I remember thinking could have gone either way. He served his country in the Marines. He represented his country in the Olympics and brought back gold as an underdog. He beat a legend to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. That’s a lot. I don’t think he was mentally or emotionally equipped to carry the mantle of holding what was still then the most prestigious championship in all of sport worldwide. His fast path to that platform probably robbed him of much-need development. And I always gathered he was the guy who couldn’t say no to the hangers-on and handout-seekers. But as Larry Holmes said in a tweet today, he lived his life the way he wanted, and it was a good one. We know about his downs, but I bet he had some good times along the way. RIP champ.
It's sad to hear this. At least he always had the right to be called former heavyweight champion of the world.,how many can say that? RIP.
Very saddened to hear this. Olympic champion and world heavyweight champion beating the greatest in the process. He achieved what the rest of us can only dream of. R.I.P. champ.