Sugar Ray Leonard facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sugar Ray Leonard
Leonard in 1998
Statistics
Real name	Ray Charles Leonard
Nickname(s)	Sugar
Rated at	Welterweight Light middleweight Middleweight Super middleweight Light heavyweight
Height	5 ft 10 in
Reach	74 in
Born	(1956-05-17) May 17, 1956 (age 69) Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S.
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	40
Wins	36
Wins by KO	25
Losses	3
Draws	1
Medal record Men's amateur boxing Representing  United States Olympic Games Gold 1976 Montreal Light welterweight Pan American Games Gold 1975 Mexico City Light welterweight

Ray Charles Leonard (born May 17, 1956), known as Sugar Ray Leonard, is a famous American former professional boxer. Many people think he is one of the greatest boxers ever. He also works as a motivational speaker and sometimes acts.

Sugar Ray Leonard boxed professionally from 1977 to 1997. He won world titles in five different weight classes. He was also the undisputed welterweight champion. Leonard was part of a famous group of boxers called the "Four Kings." This group included Leonard, Roberto Durán, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler. They all fought each other in the 1980s. As an amateur, Leonard won a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

The "Four Kings" made boxing very popular after Muhammad Ali retired. Leonard defeated other famous boxers like Hearns, Durán, Hagler, and Wilfred Benítez. He was also the first boxer to earn over $100 million in prize money. He was named "Boxer of the Decade" in the 1980s. The Ring magazine called him "Fighter of the Year" in 1979 and 1981. The Boxing Writers Association of America also gave him this award in 1976, 1979, and 1981.

Early Life and Boxing Start

Growing Up in Maryland

Ray Charles Leonard was born in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was the fifth of seven children. His parents were Cicero and Getha Leonard. He was named after his mother's favorite singer, Ray Charles. When he was three, his family moved to Washington, D.C. They later settled in Palmer Park, Maryland, when he was ten. His father worked at a supermarket, and his mother was a nurse. Ray was a shy child. He spent a lot of time reading comic books and playing with his dog.

Starting His Amateur Boxing Career

Leonard began boxing in 1969 at the Palmer Park Recreation Center. His older brother, Roger, started boxing first. Roger helped create the boxing program at the center. Dave Jacobs and Janks Morton became their boxing coaches. Roger won some trophies, which made Ray want to try boxing too.

In 1972, Leonard had his first defeat. He lost a fight in the National AAU Tournament. Later that year, he tried out for the Eastern Olympic Trials. He was only sixteen, so he lied about his age to compete. He made it to the semifinals but lost a close fight.

The "Sugar" Nickname

An assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, Sarge Johnson, noticed Leonard's talent. He told Dave Jacobs, "That kid you got is sweet as sugar." The nickname stuck. People also started calling him "Sugar Ray" because of Sugar Ray Robinson. Many consider Robinson to be the best boxer of all time.

Amateur Achievements and the Olympics

In 1973, Leonard won the National Golden Gloves Lightweight Championship. The next year, he won both the National Golden Gloves and National AAU Lightweight Championships. He had his last two amateur losses in 1974. One loss was in Moscow, where his opponent even gave him the winner's trophy.

In 1975, he won the National AAU Light Welterweight Championship again. He also won the Light Welterweight Championship at the Pan American Games.

Winning Olympic Gold in 1976

In 1976, Leonard joined the U.S. Olympic Team as a light welterweight. This team is often called the greatest boxing team in Olympic history. Leonard won his first four Olympic fights easily. In the semifinals, he won another fight by a 5–0 decision.

In the final, Leonard faced Andrés Aldama from Cuba. Aldama was known for knocking out his opponents. Leonard fought well, landing strong punches. He even knocked Aldama down in the second round. Leonard won the fight by a 5–0 decision and took home the Olympic gold medal.

After winning, Leonard said he was done with boxing. He planned to go to the University of Maryland to study business. He had a great amateur record of 165 wins and only 5 losses, with 75 knockouts.

Key Amateur Achievements

• 1973 National Golden Gloves Lightweight Champion
• 1974 National Golden Gloves Light Welterweight Champion
• 1974 National AAU Light Welterweight Champion
• 1975 Pan American Games Light Welterweight Gold Medalist
• 1976 Olympic Light Welterweight Gold Medalist

Becoming a Professional Boxer

A Change of Plans

In 1973, Leonard's high school girlfriend, Juanita Wilkinson, became pregnant. They decided to have the baby, Ray Charles Leonard Jr. Marriage was planned for after the 1976 Olympics.

After the Olympics, Leonard faced some challenges. Juanita had applied for child support, which led to negative news. This made it hard for Leonard to get big endorsement deals. Also, his father was sick, and his mother had a heart attack. With his parents unable to work and no endorsement money, Leonard decided to become a professional boxer to support his family.

Starting His Professional Career

Leonard's friend, Janks Morton, introduced him to Mike Trainer, an attorney. Trainer helped Leonard get $21,000 from investors. This money would be repaid later. Leonard became the sole owner of "Sugar Ray Leonard, Inc."

Angelo Dundee, who trained Muhammad Ali, became Leonard's trainer and manager. Dundee would get 15% of Leonard's earnings. He let Dave Jacobs and Janks Morton handle the daily training.

Leonard's first professional fight was on February 5, 1977, in Baltimore. He earned $40,044 for this fight. He beat Luis "The Bull" Vega by a unanimous decision. After the fight, he paid back his investors.

In his fourteenth fight, Leonard faced Floyd Mayweather Sr.. Mayweather was a world-ranked opponent. Leonard won by a knockout in the tenth round. A month later, he beat Randy Shields, an old amateur rival.

On August 12, 1979, Leonard knocked out Pete Ranzany. This win earned him the NABF Welterweight Championship. He defended this title against Andy Price. Price was a rising boxer, but Leonard knocked him out in the first round. This brought Leonard's record to 25 wins and no losses.

Winning His First World Title

Leonard vs. Benítez: A Tough Fight

On November 30, 1979, Leonard fought Wilfred Benítez for the WBC Welterweight Championship. The fight was in Las Vegas. Leonard earned $1 million, and Benítez, who was undefeated, earned $1.2 million.

It was a very close and smart fight. Leonard knocked Benítez down in the third round. Benítez was slick and hard to hit. Leonard said, "It was like looking in a mirror." In the sixth round, Benítez got a cut on his forehead from an accidental head clash.

Leonard landed stronger punches and hurt Benítez several times. But Benítez was tough and kept fighting. In the final round, Leonard knocked Benítez down again. The referee stopped the fight after Benítez got up but took more punches. Leonard won the WBC Welterweight Championship.

Both the Boxing Writers Association of America and The Ring named Leonard "Fighter of the Year" for 1979.

First Title Defense

Leonard defended his title against Dave Boy Green on March 31, 1980. Green was a British boxer with a good record. In the fourth round, Leonard knocked Green out with a powerful left hook. Leonard called it "the hardest single punch I ever threw."

Famous Fights: The "Four Kings" Era

The Brawl in Montreal vs. Roberto Durán

On June 20, 1980, Leonard fought Roberto Durán in Montreal. Durán was a former world champion and considered one of the best boxers. Durán earned $1.5 million, and Leonard earned over $9 million.

Durán fought very aggressively. He kept Leonard against the ropes and landed many body shots. Leonard fought back hard, but Durán controlled the fight. Durán won by a unanimous decision. It was a very intense fight. Leonard said, "I did the best I could. I think I pretty much fought from the heart."

The "No Más" Rematch

The rematch happened on November 25, 1980, in New Orleans. Leonard earned $7 million, and Durán earned $8 million. Before this fight, Durán had gained a lot of weight. Leonard knew this and wanted the rematch quickly.

Leonard used his speed and movement to outbox Durán. He moved constantly, snapping Durán's head back with jabs. Leonard even started to taunt Durán in the seventh round. He stuck out his chin, inviting Durán to hit him.

In the eighth round, Durán suddenly turned his back and quit. He told the referee, "No Más" (Spanish for "No more"). Leonard won by a technical knockout, regaining his WBC Welterweight Championship. Durán later said he had stomach cramps. But many people, including his own trainers, were surprised and thought he quit because he was embarrassed. Leonard said, "To make Roberto Durán quit, was better than knocking him out."

Winning More World Titles

Moving Up in Weight

On March 28, 1981, Leonard defended his welterweight title against Larry Bonds. Leonard won by a technical knockout in the tenth round. This fight helped him prepare for his next challenge.

Leonard then moved up to the junior middleweight division. On June 25, 1981, he fought Ayub Kalule for the WBA Light Middleweight Championship. Kalule was undefeated. Leonard chose to fight close to Kalule. After eight tough rounds, Leonard hurt Kalule with a right punch. He then knocked him down with a flurry of punches. The referee stopped the fight, and Leonard won his second world title.

The Showdown vs. Thomas Hearns

On September 16, 1981, Leonard fought Thomas Hearns in Las Vegas. This fight was called "The Showdown." It was to unify the World Welterweight Championship. Hearns was paid $5.1 million, and Leonard made over $11 million.

Hearns, who had 30 knockouts in 32 wins, started strong. He used his long reach and sharp jab. Leonard had swelling under his left eye. In the sixth round, Leonard hurt Hearns with a left hook. Leonard then attacked Hearns in rounds six and seven. Hearns recovered and started scoring points again.

Between rounds twelve and thirteen, Leonard's trainer, Angelo Dundee, told him, "You're blowing it, son! You're blowing it!" Leonard, with a swollen eye, came out strong in the thirteenth round. He hurt Hearns and knocked him down. In the fourteenth round, Leonard continued his attack. The referee stopped the fight, and Sugar Ray Leonard won the Unified World Welterweight Championship.

This fight was named "Fight of the Year" by The Ring. Leonard was also named "Fighter of the Year" by The Ring and the Boxing Writers Association of America.

Retirement and Comebacks

First Retirement and Return

On February 15, 1982, Leonard defended his unified title against Bruce Finch. He knocked Finch out in the third round. While training for his next fight, Leonard found he had a detached retina in his eye. He had surgery to fix it.

On November 9, 1982, Leonard announced his retirement from boxing. He said he didn't want to box anymore, even though his eye was healed.

However, in December 1983, Leonard announced he was coming back. Many people worried about his eye. His comeback fight was against Kevin Howard on May 11, 1984. Howard knocked Leonard down in the fourth round. It was the first time Leonard had been knocked down in his professional career. Leonard came back to stop Howard in the ninth round. After the fight, Leonard surprised everyone by retiring again. He said he didn't have it anymore.

Leonard vs. Hagler: A Legendary Fight

On March 10, 1986, Marvin Hagler knocked out John Mugabi. Leonard was watching and decided he could beat Hagler. He called his attorney and said, "I can beat Hagler."

On May 1, 1986, Leonard announced he would fight Hagler. This caused a lot of excitement because fans had wanted to see them fight for years. The fight was set for April 6, 1987, in Las Vegas. Leonard was guaranteed $11 million, and Hagler was guaranteed $12 million. Hagler was expected to win.

Leonard's original plan was to fight Hagler aggressively. But after a tough sparring session, he decided to box Hagler instead. Hagler started the fight in an unusual stance. Leonard's speed and boxing skills helped him control the early rounds. Hagler looked stiff and missed many punches.

As the fight went on, Leonard started to tire. Hagler began to land more punches. Round nine was very exciting. Hagler hurt Leonard and pinned him in a corner. But Leonard fought his way out. The fight continued with both boxers having strong moments. Leonard used flashy combinations, while Hagler was more aggressive.

Leonard won by a split decision. This decision was very controversial. Some thought Hagler won because he was more aggressive. Others believed Leonard won because he landed more punches and showed better defense.

The fight was named "Fight of the Year" and "Upset of the Year" by The Ring. Despite requests for a rematch, Leonard retired again on May 27, 1987.

Second Comeback and More Titles

Leonard vs. Lalonde

On November 7, 1988, Leonard made another comeback. He fought Donny Lalonde for Lalonde's WBC Light Heavyweight Championship. They also fought for a new WBC Super Middleweight Championship. Lalonde had to weigh less than usual, which some people criticized. Leonard was guaranteed over $10 million.

This was Leonard's first professional fight without Angelo Dundee as his main trainer. Lalonde was big and awkward. In the fourth round, Lalonde knocked Leonard down. Leonard was hurt again in the ninth round. But Leonard fought back, hurting Lalonde and knocking him down twice. The fight was stopped, and Leonard won two more world titles.

After the fight, Leonard gave up the light heavyweight title. He kept the super middleweight title.

Leonard vs. Hearns II

On June 12, 1989, Leonard defended his WBC Super Middleweight Championship in a rematch with Thomas Hearns. Hearns knocked Leonard down in the third round. Leonard fought back strong in the fifth. Hearns hurt Leonard again in the seventh, but then got tired. Leonard finished the round strong.

In the eleventh round, Hearns knocked Leonard down twice. Leonard knew he needed a big finish. He fought very hard in the final round. The judges scored the fight a draw, so Leonard kept his title. Leonard later admitted that Hearns probably deserved to win.

Leonard vs. Durán III: Uno Más

On December 7, 1989, Leonard defended his title against Roberto Durán again. Durán was the WBC Middleweight Champion. Leonard earned over $13 million.

Leonard used constant movement in this fight. He won by a clear unanimous decision over Durán. The fight was considered boring by many fans. Leonard dominated, but he suffered several cuts that needed 60 stitches.

In August 1990, Leonard gave up his super-middleweight title. He said he was too light for the division. He offered Hearns a third fight, but Hearns had moved up in weight.

Leonard vs. Norris: A Tough Loss

On February 9, 1991, Leonard fought WBC Light Middleweight Champion Terry Norris. Leonard was expected to win, but Norris dominated the fight. Norris knocked Leonard down in the second and seventh rounds. Leonard went the full twelve rounds but lost by a wide decision.

After this fight, Leonard announced his retirement again. He said, "It took this fight to show me it is no longer my time."

Final Comeback and Retirement

Leonard vs. Camacho

In October 1996, the 40-year-old Leonard announced another comeback. He would fight 34-year-old Héctor Camacho for a less important title. Camacho was a former world champion but also past his best. Leonard felt he could win this fight.

Leonard blamed his loss to Norris on a lack of motivation and other issues. He said he was in the best shape for the Camacho fight. In January 1997, Leonard was voted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame.

The fight with Camacho happened on March 1, 1997. Camacho started strong. He opened a cut above Leonard's eye. In the fifth round, Camacho knocked Leonard down. Leonard got up, but Camacho continued to hit him. The referee stopped the fight. This was the only time Leonard was knocked out in his career.

Afterward, Leonard retired for good. He finished his career with 36 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, with 25 knockouts.

Media Appearances and Other Work

Leonard in 2007

Sugar Ray Leonard has worked as a boxing analyst for many TV channels. These include ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, HBO, and EPIX. He was with HBO for over ten years.

Leonard has also appeared in commercials for big companies like Coca-Cola and Ford. His most famous commercial was for 7 Up. He appeared in it with his son, Ray Jr., and Roberto Durán and his son. Today, Leonard is a very popular motivational speaker. He gives speeches about how to "Prepare, Overcome and Win Every Round."

Sugar Ray Leonard (background, second from right) at the Mike Tyson Tyrell Biggs fight in Atlantic City in 1987

Leonard has also acted in TV shows like Married... with Children and movies like The Fighter. He was an adviser for the robot boxing movie Real Steel. He also hosted and mentored aspiring fighters on the TV show The Contender.

In 2001, Leonard started his own boxing promotion company. He worked with ESPN to promote fights. However, he closed the company in 2004.

Leonard also competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2011. He was voted off in Week 4. He has appeared on other TV shows and is a spokesperson for a law firm. He was also mentioned in an episode of the TV show Seinfeld. In 2019, he appeared on the YouTube show Good Mythical Morning to help decide the best breakfast cereal.

Personal Life

Family Life

Leonard in 2014

Leonard married his high school girlfriend, Juanita Wilkinson, in 1980. They had two sons together. They divorced in 1990.

In 1989, Leonard met Bernadette Robi. They got married in August 1993 at Leonard's home in Pacific Palisades, California. They have a daughter named Camille. Leonard is also the godfather of Khloé Kardashian. He has appeared on her family's TV show.

Charity Work

For many years, Leonard has been involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He helps raise money and awareness for diabetes research. He even spoke to the Senate in 2009 about the need for more research funding.

Leonard and his wife, Bernadette, started the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation. This foundation supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. It also helps communities across the United States. They support housing, healthcare, education, and job training programs. In 2007, he received an award for his community involvement.

Professional Boxing Record

Images for kids

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  Leonard in 1998

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  Leonard in 2007

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  Sugar Ray Leonard (background, second from right) at the Mike Tyson Tyrell Biggs fight in Atlantic City in 1987

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  Leonard in 2014

See also

In Spanish: Sugar Ray Leonard para niños