Former Champ Leon Spinks Says 'Muhammad Ali is Still Ugly ... But I Love Him'

It's been 38 years since Leon Spinks upset Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight title ... but that didn't stop the former champ from taking one last jab at his old opponent.

Neon Leon, and his brother Michael, attended the Pat Cairo cancer outing in Lido Beach, NY on Tuesday when Leon was asked if he wanted to lay a hit on a cardboard cutout of the GOAT.

"I'm gonna give him a little rest today," he joked before adding, "he's still ugly, too."

Leon went on about his relationship with Ali, saying, "he always talked s***, but we loved him anyway."

Proceeds from the event -- which included a tribute to Ali -- were donated to a local hospital for the terminally ill and for cancer research efforts.