The first boxer from Africa to fight for, and win, a world heavyweight title. He was WBA Heavyweight champion from 1983 to 1984.
He started his professional career with a staggering 22 consecutive victories.
His nickname was The Bionic Hand because of the trouble he always had with his right hand, which underwent several surgeries.
He has children named Gerald and Lana.
He beat Leon Spinks via TKO on June 24, 1979, a fight which the referee stopped just two minutes in.
