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 boxed professionally from 1977 to 1997. He won world titles in five different weight classes. He also won the undisputed welterweight championship.

Sugar Ray Leonard was part of a special group of boxers called the "Four Kings." These four boxers fought each other a lot in the 1980s. The group included Leonard, Roberto Durán, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler. Leonard was the only one who beat all three of the others. Before turning professional, Leonard won a gold medal in light welterweight boxing at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

The "Four Kings" made boxing very popular, especially in the lighter weight classes. This helped boxing stay exciting after the time of Muhammad Ali. Leonard defeated other famous boxers like Hearns, Durán, Hagler, and Wilfred Benítez. Leonard was also the first boxer to earn more than $100 million from his fights. He was named "Boxer of the Decade" for the 1980s. The Ring magazine named him "Fighter of the Year" in 1979 and 1981. The Boxing Writers Association of America also named him "Fighter of the Year" in 1976, 1979, and 1981.

Outside of boxing, Leonard has worked as a boxing expert on TV and as an actor. He has appeared in many TV shows and movies.

Growing Up: Sugar Ray Leonard's Early Life

Leonard was born in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was the fifth of seven children. His parents named him after Ray Charles, his mother's favorite singer. 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 as a supermarket manager, and his mother was a nurse. Leonard went to Parkdale High School. He was a quiet child who enjoyed reading comic books and playing with his dog.

Amateur Boxing: How Sugar Ray Leonard Started

Leonard began boxing at the Palmer Park Recreation Center in 1969. His older brother, Roger, started boxing first and encouraged Ray to join. Dave Jacobs and Janks Morton, who were former boxers, became their coaches.

In 1972, Leonard had his first loss in the National AAU Tournament. He was only sixteen but lied about his age to compete in the Eastern Olympic Trials. He reached the semifinals but lost a close fight.

An assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, Sarge Johnson, once told Dave Jacobs that Leonard was "sweet as sugar." This is how he got his famous nickname, "Sugar Ray," like the legendary boxer Sugar Ray Robinson.

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 was a disputed decision in Moscow, where his opponent even gave him the winner's trophy.

Leonard continued to win, taking the National Golden Gloves and National AAU Light Welterweight Championships in 1974. In 1975, he won the National AAU Light Welterweight Championship again, as well as the Light Welterweight Championship at the Pan American Games.

Olympic Gold: Sugar Ray Leonard's 1976 Victory

In 1976, Leonard joined the U.S. Olympic Team as the light welterweight boxer. 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 against Kazimierz Szczerba.

In the final match, Leonard faced Andrés Aldama, a strong Cuban boxer. Leonard fought well, dropping Aldama in the second round. He hurt Aldama again late in the final round, leading to a standing eight count. With seconds left, another combination from Leonard forced another standing eight count. Leonard won the Olympic gold medal.

After his win, Leonard announced he was done with boxing and planned to go to college. He received a scholarship to the University of Maryland. He finished his amateur career with an amazing 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

Turning Professional: Sugar Ray Leonard's Career Begins

After the Olympics, Leonard faced some challenges. He decided to become a professional boxer to support his family. He teamed up with Mike Trainer, an attorney, who helped him get financial support from investors. Angelo Dundee, who trained Muhammad Ali, became Leonard's trainer and manager.

Leonard had his first professional fight on February 5, 1977, in Baltimore. He won by a unanimous decision against Luis "The Bull" Vega. He earned $40,044 for this fight and used it to pay back his investors.

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

On August 12, 1979, Leonard knocked out Pete Ranzany to win the NABF Welterweight Championship. He defended this title a month later against Andy Price, knocking him out in the first round. This brought his record to 25 wins and no losses.

World Champion: Sugar Ray Leonard's First Title

Leonard vs. Benítez: Becoming a Champion

On November 30, 1979, Leonard fought Wilfred Benítez for the WBC Welterweight Championship in Las Vegas. Benítez was a two-division champion with an undefeated record. Leonard earned $1 million for this fight.

It was a close and strategic fight. Leonard knocked Benítez down in the third round. Benítez was very skilled at avoiding punches. Leonard landed stronger punches and hurt Benítez several times late in the fight. In the final round, Leonard knocked Benítez down again. The referee stopped the fight with only seconds left in the fifteenth round, making Sugar Ray Leonard the new WBC Welterweight Champion.

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

Leonard vs. Green: A Strong Defense

Leonard defended his title for the first time on March 31, 1980, against Dave Boy Green. In the fourth round, Leonard knocked Green out with a powerful left hook. Leonard later called it "the hardest single punch I ever threw."

The Brawl in Montreal: Leonard vs. Durán I

On June 20, 1980, Leonard defended his title against Roberto Durán in Montreal. Durán was a former world champion and considered one of the best boxers. Leonard earned over $9 million for this fight.

Durán was very aggressive, constantly attacking Leonard and not giving him much space. Leonard fought back hard, but Durán controlled the fight. Durán won the fight by a unanimous decision, meaning Leonard lost his WBC Welterweight title.

No Más: Leonard vs. Durán II

The rematch, called "Stone vs. Sugar... Once Again," happened on November 25, 1980, in New Orleans. Leonard earned $7 million, and Durán earned $8 million.

This time, Leonard used his speed and movement to outbox Durán. He moved constantly, hitting Durán with quick jabs. In the seventh round, Leonard began to taunt Durán, even sticking out his chin to invite a punch.

In the eighth round, Durán suddenly turned his back to Leonard and quit, saying "No Más" (which means "No more" in Spanish). Leonard won by technical knockout, regaining the WBC Welterweight Championship. Durán later said he quit because of stomach cramps, but many believed he was simply frustrated by Leonard's style. Leonard said, "To make a man quit, to make Roberto Durán quit, was better than knocking him out."

More World Titles: Sugar Ray Leonard's Journey Continues

Leonard vs. Bonds: Another Title Defense

On March 28, 1981, Leonard defended his welterweight title against Larry Bonds. Leonard was aggressive throughout the fight. He knocked Bonds down twice, once in the fourth round and again in the tenth. The referee stopped the fight in the tenth round, with Leonard winning by technical knockout.

Leonard vs. Kalule: Moving Up in Weight

Leonard then moved up to a higher weight class, 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 and then knocked him down. Kalule got up, but the referee stopped the fight, making Leonard a two-division world champion. Leonard celebrated with a cool no-hands flip!

The Showdown: Leonard vs. Hearns I

On September 16, 1981, Leonard fought Thomas Hearns in Las Vegas to unify the World Welterweight Championship. This fight was called "The Showdown." Hearns was undefeated with 30 knockouts. Leonard earned over $11 million for this fight.

Hearns started strong, using his long reach and jab. Leonard's left eye began to swell. In the sixth round, Leonard hurt Hearns with a left hook and attacked him in rounds six and seven. Hearns recovered and started to score 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, and the referee stopped the fight, giving Leonard the Unified World Welterweight Championship.

This fight was named "Fight of the Year" by The Ring. Leonard was also named "Fighter of the Year" and "Sportsman of the Year."

Retirement and Comebacks: Sugar Ray Leonard's Later Career

First Retirement and Return

In February 1982, Leonard defended his unified title against Bruce Finch, winning by knockout in the third round. However, while training for his next fight, Leonard discovered he had a detached retina in his eye. He had surgery and announced his retirement from boxing in November 1982. He said he didn't want to box anymore, even though his eye was healed.

Missing the excitement, Leonard announced in December 1983 that he would return to the ring. Many people worried about his eye. His comeback fight against Kevin Howard in May 1984 was delayed due to another minor eye surgery. In this fight, Howard knocked Leonard down for the first time in his professional career. Leonard still won by knockout in the ninth round, but after the fight, he announced his retirement again, saying he no longer had "it."

Leonard vs. Hagler: The Super Fight

On March 10, 1986, Marvin Hagler won a big fight, and Leonard, watching from ringside, decided he could beat Hagler. He announced his return to fight Hagler, which caused a lot of excitement.

The fight, called "The Super Fight", took place on April 6, 1987, in Las Vegas. Leonard was guaranteed $11 million, and Hagler $12 million. Hagler was expected to win easily. Leonard changed his plan just before the fight, deciding to box Hagler instead of fighting him head-on.

Leonard used his speed and boxing skills to control the early rounds. Hagler, who usually fought aggressively, seemed slower. The ninth round was very exciting, with both boxers landing punches. Leonard, though tired, continued to box well. In the final round, they exchanged punches along the ropes.

Leonard won by a controversial split decision. Two judges scored it for Leonard, and one for Hagler. Many people debated who truly won. The fight was named "Fight of the Year" and "Upset of the Year" by The Ring. Despite requests for a rematch, Leonard retired again in May 1987.

Second Comeback: More Titles

Leonard vs. Lalonde: Two Titles at Once

On November 7, 1988, Leonard made another comeback. He fought Donny Lalonde for Lalonde's WBC Light Heavyweight Championship and a new WBC Super Middleweight Championship. This meant Leonard could win two titles in one night! Leonard earned over $10 million.

Lalonde was bigger and tougher. In the fourth round, Lalonde knocked Leonard down for only the second time in his career. In the ninth round, Leonard hurt Lalonde and then knocked him down twice, winning the fight. Leonard became a champion in five different weight classes.

Leonard vs. Hearns II: The Rematch

On June 12, 1989, Leonard defended his WBC Super Middleweight Championship in a rematch with Thomas Hearns. This fight was called "The War." Leonard earned $14 million.

Hearns knocked Leonard down in the third round and again in the eleventh. Leonard fought back hard, especially in the fifth and final rounds. 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 for a third time. Leonard earned over $13 million.

Leonard used constant movement and won by a clear decision. The fight was not as exciting as their previous matches, and some fans booed. Leonard dominated the fight but received several cuts that needed many stitches. In August 1990, Leonard gave up his super-middleweight title.

Leonard vs. Norris: A Tough Loss

On February 9, 1991, Leonard fought Terry Norris for the WBC Light Middleweight Championship. Norris was younger and faster. He knocked Leonard down twice and won by a clear decision. After this fight, Leonard announced his retirement again, saying, "It took this fight to show me it is no longer my time."

Final Comeback: Leonard vs. Camacho

In October 1996, the 40-year-old Leonard announced he would return to fight 34-year-old Héctor Camacho. Leonard had been voted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in January 1997, even though he had a fight scheduled.

The fight with Camacho took place on March 1, 1997. Camacho was aggressive and opened a cut above Leonard's eye. In the fifth round, Camacho knocked Leonard down. Leonard got up, but Camacho continued to hit him, and 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 professional career with 36 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, with 25 knockouts.

Life Outside the Ring: Sugar Ray Leonard's Media and Charity Work

Leonard in 2007

After boxing, Leonard became a boxing expert for many TV channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and HBO. He also appeared in commercials for big companies like Coca-Cola and Ford. One famous commercial featured him, his son, Roberto Durán, and Durán's son.

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 and movies, including Half & Half, Married... with Children, and The Fighter (2010). He was also a host and mentor on the TV show The Contender, which helped aspiring boxers.

In 2011, Leonard competed on Dancing with the Stars. He also appeared on Good Mythical Morning in 2019 to help decide the best breakfast cereal.

Family Life

Leonard married his high school sweetheart, Juanita Wilkinson, in 1980. They had two sons. They later divorced in 1990. In 1989, Leonard met Bernadette Robi, and they married in 1993. They have a daughter named Camille. Leonard is also the godfather of Khloé Kardashian.

Helping Others: Sugar Ray Leonard's Charity Work

For many years, Leonard has been a leader for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walk for a Cure. He works to raise awareness and money for diabetes research.

In 2009, Leonard and his wife, Bernadette, started the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation. This foundation supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and also helps communities across the United States. They support programs for housing, healthcare, education, and job training. In 2007, he received an award for his community involvement.

Titles and Achievements: Sugar Ray Leonard's Boxing Legacy

Sugar Ray Leonard won many important titles during his boxing career.

Major World Titles

• WBA welterweight champion
• WBC welterweight champion (twice)
• WBA light middleweight champion
• WBC middleweight champion
• WBC super middleweight champion
• WBC light heavyweight champion

The Ring Magazine Titles

• The Ring welterweight champion (twice)
• The Ring light middleweight champion
• The Ring middleweight champion

Other Important Titles

• NABF welterweight champion
• Undisputed welterweight champion

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