Peabody-Darst-Webbe Housing Complex

Leon and Michael Spinks, two of boxing’s most celebrated champions, grew up in St. Louis, initially living in the Pruitt-Igoe housing project and later at Darst-Webbe. In 1976, both brothers achieved Olympic glory by winning gold medals at the Montreal Games, marking the start of their remarkable professional careers.

In February 1978, Leon Spinks shocked the boxing world by defeating Muhammad Ali to claim the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight championship. Though he lost the title in a rematch, Leon continued his career and went on to win the North American Boxing Federation cruiserweight title in 1983.

Michael Spinks also rose to prominence, winning the world light heavyweight title in 1981 after defeating Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. He made history by twice defending the light heavyweight crown before moving up to heavyweight, where he scored a notable victory against former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes to capture the International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title. Michael’s career ended after a first-round knockout loss to Mike Tyson in 1988, finishing with an impressive professional record of 31 wins and only 1 loss.

Together, the Spinks brothers left an indelible mark on boxing, with their roots firmly planted in the St. Louis community. Sadly, Leon passed away on February 5, 2021.