Photo by Korody / Sygma
Negative Year: 1978 (printed year: 1970s)
Print size: 29.8x20 cm
Style: Vintage print / gelatin silber print
Story documentation on the verso
The Backstory:
Leon Spinks had won a gold medal at the Olympic Games in 1976, but he was not considered a leading contender for the heavyweight title when he stepped into the ring against Muhammed Ali in Las Vegas on February 15, 1978. Ali was already a legend in the sport at that time, but for Spinks, who was 24, it was only his eighth professional fight.
No one expected Ali, the reigning champion, to have much trouble with unproven Spinks.
At the post-fight press conference, the new and the old champion appeared to be the best of friends. Ali was in very good spirits as he announced:
“If I had to lose the title, I’m glad I lost it to a real man like Leon. I didn’t know he could fight like that. I know all you press people were surprised, and I’m glad he proved you all wrong. I was surprised myself and I was right there in the ring. I should be sad, but I’m not. We’re all gonna lose sometime in life."
Muhammad Ali, Las Vegas, 1978
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