Sugar Ray Leonard

About

Sugar Ray Leonard, born Ray Charles Leonard on May 17, 1956, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, is one of the most celebrated boxers in history. He adopted the nickname "Sugar Ray" in honor of Sugar Ray Robinson, a boxing legend. Leonard's early life was marked by challenges, but he found solace in boxing. He began boxing in his teens and quickly excelled, winning numerous amateur titles, including two National Golden Gloves championships and an Olympic gold medal in 1976. Leonard turned professional in 1977 and achieved immense success, winning world titles in five different weight classes. Known for his speed, agility, and charisma, he became a global boxing icon. His notable fights against Roberto Durán, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler are etched in boxing history. Leonard retired multiple times but returned to the ring, eventually retiring for good in 1997 with a record of 36-3-1. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame that same year and has since worked as a boxing commentator.