Leon Spinks

The American achieved a famous upset win over Muhammad Ali in 1978, in just his eighth professional fight.

He had suffered with health issues in his later years and was diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer in 2019.

"His final fight was fought with the same skill, grace and grit that had carried him through so many lifetime challenges," said a statement from his management company.

The former US marine died on Friday evening in Henderson, Nevada, with his wife Brenda Glur Spinks by his side.

Horn won a unanimous, albeit highly controversial, points decision at Suncorp Stadium to sensationally claim the WBO welterweight world title.

In the wake of the Australian's triumph, we take a look at previous instances where boxers have unexpectedly overcome the odds.

July 10, 1951: Turpin shocks Sugar Ray

Widely considered one of the finest boxers in history, Sugar Ray Robinson had only been beaten once - by the great Jake LaMotta - in 132 bouts when he defended his world middleweight crown against Randy Turpin at Earls Court Arena.