Career
In the final he defeated Mircea Dobrescu of Romania on points. He was an apprentice jockey, before finding boxing more lucrative. Olympic results Defeated Samuel Harris (Pakistan) points Defeated Abel Laudonio (Argentina) points Defeated Vladimir Stolnikov (Soviet Union) points Defeated René Libeer (France) points Defeated Mircea Dobrescu (Romania) points He had his first professional bout in April 1957, against Jim Loughrey, at Harringay Arena, winning on a stoppage for a cut eye.
In September 1960, Spinks fought for the British featherweight title, against the holder Bobby Neill.
In November 1960, the two men had a re-match at the Empire Pool, Wembley. Spinks retained his new title by knocking Neill down three times in the fourteenth, with him finally being counted out.
After losing his title, Spinks continued fighting, but never challenged for a title again. He had his last fight in December 1962 against Johnny Mantle, winning by a technical knockout in the eighth.
After his boxing career ended Spinks became a trainer, coaching the South Korean team at the 1972 Olympics in Munich.
He witnessed the Black September terrorists approaching the Israeli quarters before the Munich massacre and raised the alarm. Spinks died at his home in Essex on 26 April 2012, after a long illness.