Boxing legend Howard Davis Jr. dies

Olympic gold medalist and professional boxing legend Howard Davis Jr. has died after battling cancer, FOX 5 News has learned. The Long Island native was 59 years old.

Earlier this month, in his last television interview, Davis told FOX 5 News that he could barely walk.

"I've never smoked in my entire life. I've never had a drink; not one sip, my entire life. I've lost about 70 pounds," said Davis.

Cancer quickly spread to Davis's liver, lower left back, bones, right shoulder and lungs. Doctors, at the time, gave him four months to live.

"I don't get angry I fight. That's the first thing that came to mind. I'm going to beat this," said Davis. 

The boxer took home the gold medal for Team USA at the 1976 Games in Montreal.

The champ leaves behind a wife and a 5-year-old daughter.