Boxing
FORMER BOXING HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, LEON SPINKS IS DEAD
Leon Spinks, the gap-toothed fighter from the St Louis slums who pulled off one of the most stunning upsets in boxing history in 1978 by defeating Muhammad Ali to take the undisputed world heavyweight title, has died at the age of 67 after a long battle with cancer, a spokesman said on Saturday (Feb 6).
Spinks passed away with only a few close friends and family present due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“Leon fought his battle with numerous illnesses resiliently, never losing his trademark smile,” The Firm PR said in a statement sent to Reuters.
“Showing true Spinks determination, he never threw in the towel.”
Spinks rose to fame winning the light-heavyweight gold medal for the United States at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
He shocked the boxing world just two years later when he defeated Ali in a split decision.
That would be the highlight of his career as Ali would get his revenge in the rematch seven months later in New Orleans.
Spinks would fight for a heavyweight crown only on one other occasion, losing to Larry Holmes in 1981.
On Saturday, Holmes wrote on Twitter: “You gave me a hell of a fight but you were a good guy. You lived your life the way you wanted and it was a good one. I pray you Rest In Peace.”
Spinks retired in 1995 at the age of 42 with a pedestrian 26-17-3 record, including 14 knockouts.
Much of his post-boxing life was marked by substance abuse, subsistence jobs and obscurity.
But in the late 1970s he had plenty of reasons to flash his trademark broad smile, sometimes accentuated by two missing front teeth.
After serving in the Marine Corps, Spinks won a gold medal in the light heavyweight competition at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
He was undefeated in his first seven professional fights but few thought he had any chance at all against the legendary Ali, even though the champ was past his prime going into their Feb 15, 1978, fight in Las Vegas.
His aggressive style and superior stamina allowed him to outduel Ali in a 15-round split decision, becoming the first boxer to take the title from Ali in the ring.
His reign did not last long. Seven months later, he squared off again with Ali at the Superdome in New Orleans and a properly prepared Ali won a 15-round unanimous decision. Spinks already had been stripped of his World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title for refusing to fight No. 1 contender Ken Norton in favour of the Ali rematch.
After the second Ali fight, Spinks was never again a serious championship contender, although in 1981 he took on Larry Holmes for the WBC crown.
Holmes beat him on a technical knockout in the third round.
Spinks continued fighting, often for embarrassingly small purses, until retiring following a unanimous decision loss to Fred House on Dec 4, 1995.
When his brother Michael Spinks upset Holmes for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight championship in 1985, he and Leon became the first brothers to have held world heavyweight championships.
The Spinks brothers were often bullied growing up in a notoriously rough housing project in St Louis, Missouri and learned to fight as a matter of self-preservation.
In a way, Leon remained a raw, naive child of the rough streets and after he won the title, the life of “Neon Leon” became a cautionary tale.
“It might have looked to people like I was having a good time,” Spinks told the Chicago Tribune, “but deep down I wasn’t because I wasn’t who I wanted to be. I never had anything when I was young. We were poor and now I had so much, so I tried to enjoy it. Having money like that makes you feel you can do anything you want but you can’t.”
Spinks was unsophisticated and did not seem to mind being photographed without his false teeth – replacements for the ones he lost to a head-butt in the Marines, he said.
He endured a series of arrests for driving violations and problems with drinking and drugs, including an arrest for cocaine and marijuana possession.
In 1981 he was mugged outside a bar in Detroit and later woke up naked in a hotel, missing several thousand dollars worth of clothes, jewellery and cash, as well as his false teeth.
The millions of dollars he won in the ring were lost to exorbitant spending and mismanagement, Spinks said.
In the late 1990s media reports said he sometimes stayed in a homeless shelter in the St Louis area and was taking random minimum-wage jobs.
In 2005 Spinks was living in Columbus, Nebraska, working as a janitor at a YMCA and at a McDonald’s.
In his 50s he began showing signs that the punches he took to the head had brought on a form of dementia.
In October 2011, Spinks married Brenda Glur, who began managing his personal appearances, and moved to Nevada, where he had two emergency abdominal operations in 2014.
-Reuters
Nigerian-born Irish boxer Daniel Fakoyede has declared his ambition to conquer the global heavyweight boxing scene after making an explosive professional debut in Dublin.
The 27-year-old fighter, who competes in the Super Heavyweight category, announced his arrival in the paid ranks with a first-round knockout victory over Polish opponent Mateusz Rybarski at the National Stadium, Dublin — a bout that lasted just 72 seconds.
Born on March 17, 1998, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Fakoyede moved with his family to Ireland in October 2000, where he grew up in Dublin. Now representing Ireland, he has a professional record of 10 bouts, with seven wins coming by knockout, reflecting a KO rate of over 57 percent.
Speaking about his journey, Fakoyede said his love for boxing began as a teenager, inspired by former world champion Anthony Joshua, whose success and charisma motivated him to pursue the sport seriously.
“I wanted to win the love and respect of people just as Anthony Joshua did through his boxing and likeable character,” he said.
Fakoyede began his boxing career in October 2019 under head coach Frank Stacey at the Westside Boxing Club, where he honed his skills as an amateur. After amassing an amateur record of 7 wins and 3 losses, with a knockout ratio of 71 percent, he transitioned into professional boxing in 2024.
To prepare for the professional circuit, Fakoyede joined Unit 3 Boxing Gym under coach Niall Barrett, before signing a management deal in May 2025 with Sheer Sports Management, headed by former Irish professional boxer Jason Quigley.
Now based in Dublin, Fakoyede says his goal extends beyond personal success. He hopes to inspire a new generation of athletes from immigrant backgrounds whose parents may be hesitant about boxing.
“I want to create opportunities for those coming after me who come from immigrant families like mine,” he explained. “Many parents are skeptical about boxing, but the sport teaches structure, discipline, and self-control.”
He also emphasized the mental and emotional discipline required to excel in boxing.
“Boxing isn’t about anger or violence,” he said. “It’s about dedication, discipline, perseverance, and intelligence. An angry, wild boxer won’t go far, but one with a cool head and a great work ethic will.”
Fakoyede credits boxing with giving him focus and direction during his youth, encouraging parents to let energetic children channel their drive into sports.
“Boxing gave me structure and kept me disciplined during my tumultuous days growing up,” he reflected.
With his powerful knockout debut and a growing reputation in Ireland’s boxing circuit, Daniel Fakoyede is now setting his sights on climbing the heavyweight ladder — determined to make both Nigeria and Ireland proud.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
For over a decade, Bet9ja has extended its reach beyond sports betting to touch real lives through the Bet9ja Foundation, a platform dedicated to empowerment, education, and youth development.
At the heart of its mission is a belief that talent is universal, but opportunity is not — and that Nigerian youth deserve access to both.
Key initiatives include:
- Sports Infrastructure Renewal: Through strategic partnerships, Bet9ja has supported the renovation of local sporting facilities — from football fields to boxing gyms — providing safe spaces where young Nigerians can train, dream, and compete.
- Scholarships and Skill Development: The Foundation offers scholarships and vocational training programs aimed at equipping youths with tools for self-reliance, whether in sports, technology, or entrepreneurship.
- Grassroots Sports Talent Hunt: Partnering with schools and local councils, Bet9ja scouts and supports emerging athletes, offering mentorship, exposure, and funding to help them reach professional levels.
- Community Uplift Projects: From orphanage donations to environmental clean-ups and women’s empowerment programs, Bet9ja continues to use its platform to strengthen communities nationwide.
The Itauma partnership is the latest chapter in this vision — combining global inspiration with local action. As Mrs. Olatunji put it, “We’re not just betting on sport. We’re betting on Nigeria’s future.”
The Naija Power in His Punch
Though raised in Europe, Itauma never shies away from his Nigerian roots. He says the “Naija power” fuels him in every bout. “The Naija power definitely helps me during a fight,” he said with a smile. “There are a lot of fighters around the world who are Nigerian — you can feel that strength. It’s in the blood.”
Indeed, from Anthony Joshua to Efe Ajagba, Nigerian fighters have become a global force in heavyweight boxing. But Itauma is determined to carve his own lane.
“I respect those who came before me,” he said. “But I don’t want to be ‘the next someone’. I want to be me. That’s what I’m trying to say — I want to be Moses Itauma.”
That identity, both personal and cultural, is what this homecoming celebrates. A young man shaped by three continents — Europe, Africa, and the wider sporting world — is learning that his greatest power may lie not just in his fists, but in his story.
Dreaming of a Nigerian Fight Night
For fans, the question is inevitable: will Moses ever fight on Nigerian soil?
His response was instant: “Of course. That’s something we’ve been speaking about. Having fights here in Nigeria — that’s a dream. There’s so much talent here, and the atmosphere would be incredible.”
If realised, it could be a watershed moment — a globally broadcast fight night in Lagos, headlined by a young star returning home, uniting a nation through sport. For Bet9ja, that’s precisely the kind of vision they hope to help materialise.
Rediscovering Heritage, Reclaiming Identity
For all the bright lights and brand partnerships, Itauma’s reflections remain deeply personal. Growing up in Europe, he often felt a quiet distance from his roots.
“Growing up in Slovakia, then in the United Kingdom, I never really had that relationship with Nigeria,” he admitted. “When this opportunity came along, I thought — this is the right time. The right moment to discover my roots. It’s been a long time since I came to Nigeria, and one of the main reasons I’m here is to reconnect 100% with my heritage.”
That reconnection — emotional, cultural, and symbolic — is at the core of his visit.
It’s not unusual for children of the diaspora to wrestle with questions of belonging. But for Itauma, the answer now feels clear: he belongs everywhere Nigeria’s spirit thrives.
Beyond Boxing: The Bigger Picture
For Bet9ja, Itauma’s story is a mirror reflecting what’s possible when Nigerian talent is nurtured and celebrated. The partnership speaks to a larger mission — one that goes beyond sponsorships to social investment and youth empowerment.
By linking a world-class athlete with local initiatives, Bet9ja hopes to ignite a chain reaction — inspiring young Nigerians to dream boldly, while giving them platforms to act on those dreams.
Born to Win, Bred Naija Style
As the Lagos skyline glows into evening and Itauma continues his homecoming tour, his words linger: “This is more than a visit.”
Indeed, it is. It’s a reminder that victory isn’t only measured by belts or scorecards — but by roots rediscovered, bridges rebuilt, and dreams reignited.
For Moses Itauma, Born to Win is more than a motto. It’s the story of a fighter whose heart beats to the rhythm of home — strong, fearless, and forever Naija style.
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Heavyweight boxing prospect Moses Itauma has returned to Nigeria in partnership with Bet9ja, marking an important homecoming that connects his international career with his Nigerian heritage.
At just 20 years of age, Itauma has already gained recognition as one of the most exciting prospects in world boxing. His visit is designed not only to reconnect him with his roots but also to inspire young Nigerians, support grassroots sports, and highlight the role of Nigerian heritage in global sport.
Bet9ja, Nigeria’s leading sports betting brand, is at the centre of this partnership, emphasising its commitment to the development of talent and the celebration of Nigerian excellence.
Mrs Jennifer Olatunji, Senior Marketing Manager at Bet9ja, said: “Moses carries Africa in his heart and Nigeria in his DNA. Through this partnership, we’re celebrating not just his boxing career, but the unstoppable Nigerian spirit.”
Speaking at a media session in Lagos, Itauma reflected on the significance of returning home.
“This is more than a visit – it’s a chance to celebrate where I come from, to stand with my people, and to show the world what it means to be Born to Win. Bred Naija Style,” he said.
Itauma, who was born in Slovakia to Nigerian parents and raised in the UK, explained that the trip offered an opportunity to learn more about his heritage. “The journey so far hasn’t been a long one to be honest, obviously I’m only 20 years old, but I’m forever staying curious, I’m forever learning. Every city, every country I go to, I always learn something different. Coming here, I’m just glad to learn about the culture, my culture, and gain experience too.”
As part of the partnership, Itauma will engage in a series of cultural and sporting activities throughout the week. A key highlight will be a visit to a Lagos boxing facility, where he will meet young athletes. Plans are also underway to renovate and reopen a local boxing gym in collaboration with the Bet9ja Foundation, creating opportunities for grassroots talent to train and develop.
“The partnership is not just about sending a message but about being hands-on with the development of young athletes. Nigeria is full of untapped potential, and it’s about executing real opportunities for the next generation,” Itauma explained.
When asked about Nigeria’s long-standing reputation for producing elite fighters, Itauma acknowledged the strength of his background. “The Naija power definitely helps me during a fight. There are a lot of fighters around the world that obviously are Nigerian,” he said.
Referencing boxers like Anthony Joshua and others with Nigerian roots, Itauma stressed the importance of creating his own identity. “I want to be a person, not someone else. That’s what I’m trying to say.”
With a record of fast knockouts early in his professional career, questions were raised about when Itauma might step up to challenge the top heavyweights. He responded with patience.
“My job is just to get in the ring and fight. Everything that’s outside the ring, making fights happen, that’s down to the team. I still have a lot of time on my hands.”
On the possibility of fighting in Nigeria, Itauma was enthusiastic. “Of course. That’s something we’ve been speaking about. Having fights here in Nigeria. There’s a lot of talent here,” he confirmed.
Itauma also explained why the Bet9ja partnership was significant to him personally. “Growing up in Slovakia, then in the United Kingdom, I never really had that relationship with Nigeria. When this came along, I said, It’s a good time to discover my roots. It’s been a long time since I came to Nigeria, and one of the main reasons for me 100% discover my heritage.”
The homecoming marks more than just a symbolic return. It blends sports, culture, and community engagement, with Bet9ja positioning itself as a partner in unlocking opportunities for young Nigerians through sports.
As Itauma continues to rise in international boxing, his commitment to his Nigerian roots and the potential of the country’s youth remain central to his journey.
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