13 Facts About Terry Spinks

Terence George Spinks MBE was an English boxer, who won the gold medal in the flyweight division at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.

Terry Spinks was British featherweight champion from 1960 to 1961.

Terry Spinks had 200 amateur fights, and was the 1956 ABA flyweight champion.

Terry Spinks had 49 professional bouts of which he won 41.

Terry Spinks 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, Terry Spinks fought for the British featherweight title, against the holder Bobby Neill.

Terry Spinks retained his new title by knocking Neill down three times in the fourteenth, with him finally being counted out.

In May 1961, Terry Spinks defended his title for the second time, against the Welshman, Howard Winstone.

Terry Spinks had his last fight in December 1962 against Johnny Mantle, winning by a technical knockout in the eighth.

Terry Spinks became seriously ill, became a heavy drinker and, in his own words, was living "like a tramp".

Terry Spinks was taken in by his cousin in Chadwell Heath where he lived for 19 years until his death.

Terry Spinks was awarded the MBE in the 2002 New Years Honours List.

Terry Spinks died at his home in Essex on 26 April 2012, after a long illness.