[Writehooks]

Just found out that Neon Leon succumbed to prostate cancer today. He was only 67.
I got to know him a bit over the years, first interviewing him in New Orleans ahead of his second fight with Ali, and again in 1985 when he came close to fighting 1984 Olympic silver medalist Willie de Wit. Connected again in Canastota, where he showed up for the HOF induction weekend every year. He was very personable, had a great sense of humor and was always a big hit with the fans. If an autograph seeker was pushy or rude, he would just sign "Fuck you! Leon Spinks". He'll be missed.