Status: Former World Heavyweight Champion in 1978. Boxed professionally from 1977-1995. His ring record is 26-17-3 (14 KOs).
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 220
DOB: July 11, 1953 In: St. Louis, Missouri
Childhood Hero: Muhammad Ali.
Nicknames: Vampire, Neon Leon, Junior.
Hobbies/Interests: I like training my sons, time with my grandson and wife and
dancing.
Pre-Fight Feeling: I tried to keep my mind on my fight. Call on The Lord, Hey Lord, help me go through what I’m going through.
Favorite Movies: I love horror movies – Halloween, Frankenstein, The Wolfman, Zombies, Child’s Play [laughs].
Musical Tastes: Jazz.
Favorite TV Shows: All horror movies.
First Job: Selling newspapers for the St. Louis Post Dispatch when I was 11.
First Car: 1978 gray and black Cadillac.
Favorite Meal: Meatloaf.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Walnut.
Favorite Breakfast: Bacon and eggs.
Greatest Sports Moment: When I beat Muhammad Ali (1978). No…when I won the
Olympics. With on overhand right in the third round (to KO Sixto Soria of Cuba in 1976 in Montreal). Because I did it for my country. That was good for me. I loved representing the United States.
Most Painful Moment: When I lost to Larry Holmes (by TKO 3 in Detroit in 1981). My last chance at the title.
Favorite Boxers To Watch: Tim Witherspoon, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, my son Cory.
Worst Injury From Boxing: When I got knocked on my ass [smiles].
Hardest Puncher: I haven’t found him yet [smiles].
Toughest Opponent: Ali. I was scared, that’s why.
Most Treasured Possession: My brother Michael. My most treasured possession. He’s still within my heart. I be lookin’ out for him.
