Former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks is in a Las Vegas hospital after a second operation for abdominal problems.
The 61-year-old boxer who catapulted to fame by beating Muhammad Ali in 1978 had the second surgery in recent days after complications from the first emergency surgery.
His wife updated The Associated Press on her husband's condition, saying "it's going to be a long road ahead, but he's strong and he's starting to recover." Brenda Spinks does not know how long he will be hospitalized but the family is optimistic.
Spinks won an Olympic gold medal in 1976. After just seven pro fights he defeated Ali in a 15-round decision in Las Vegas, only to lose the title in a rematch seven months later in New Orleans.
Brother Michael Spinks also was a heavyweight champion.
Former champion Leon Spinks hospitalised
Former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks is in a Las Vegas hospital after a second operation for abdominal problems.
The 61-year-old boxer who catapulted to fame by beating Muhammad Ali in 1978 had the second surgery in recent days after complications from the first emergency surgery.
His wife updated The Associated Press on her husband's condition, saying "it's going to be a long road ahead, but he's strong and he's starting to recover." Brenda Spinks does not know how long he will be hospitalized but the family is optimistic.
Spinks won an Olympic gold medal in 1976. After just seven pro fights he defeated Ali in a 15-round decision in Las Vegas, only to lose the title in a rematch seven months later in New Orleans.
Brother Michael Spinks also was a heavyweight champion.
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