Sugar Ray Leonard

Birthday: 17 May 1956, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA

Birth Name: Ray Charles Leonard

Height: 175 cm

Considered one of the best fighters of all time, Ray Leonard burst onto the international scene by winning the light-welterweight gold medal at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. He turned professional with a lawyer, Mike Trainer, handling the business side of his career whilst hiring the legendary trainer Angelo Dundee to guide him towards the top. Dundee's success with Muhammad Ali and Trainer's business savvy ensured that three years later, Sugar Ray Leonard was not only a millionaire, but ready for his first world title.Puerto Rican Wilfredo Benitez, himself a world champion since the age of 17, surrendered the WBC welterweight title in 1979, and Sugar Ray was on his way. The next seven years saw Leonard engage in some of the most famous battles in ring history with his three most famous rivals; Thomas Hearns (aka Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns), Roberto Durán (aka Roberto "Hands of Stone" Duran) and Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Duran was the victor in early 1980, taking the WBC crown after a brutal contest. However, honor was restored later that same year, with the famous "No Mas" victory. Duran was out-boxed, out-sped and humiliated and, in the eighth round, surrendered with the words "No Mas - No More".1981 saw the WBA/WBC welterweight unification bout with Hearns. Victory came in the fourteenth round after a see-saw fight that saw both fighters hurt before Sugar Ray prevailed. Retirement followed but, in 1984, returned at light-middleweight, although he retired again soon after. Clearly, he wasn't the same fighter as in his hey-day. However, the pull of the limelight was too much and, in 1987, returned to the ring with an audacious challenge for the WBC world middleweight crown against the fearsome champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler in Las Vegas. Despite being a heavy underdog, Leonard confounded the critics by beating Hagler for the first time since 1980, and taking his beloved world title. Hagler retired, claiming he was robbed.Many dispute Leonard's victory, and opinion is divided, even to this day. Although he won the WBC super-middleweight & light-heavyweight titles, it was clear that Sugar Ray's best days were behind him. A hollow rubber match victory against Duran and a draw with Hearns carried little weight, and he took a beating in a WBC light-middleweight title against "Terrible" Terry Norris in 1991, getting knocked down twice and sustaining a nasty beating. Six years later, a non-title contest against Hector Camacho (aka Hector "Macho" Camacho) finally persuaded Sugar Ray Leonard that his time was up. After some years establishing himself as a top promoter, he joined forces with ex-British paratrooper & reality TV mogul Mark Burnett to create The Contender (2005). With movie star Sylvester Stallone also on board, "The Contender" gives an insight to the hopes & fears of young professional prize-fighters as they compete for a $1 million prize and a headline-grabbing main event in Las Vegas. It was of particular importance to Leonard, as he wanted the public to see that although he had all the trappings of success, such as wealth & glory, the road to the top was filled with setbacks and problems, both physically & emotionally, which he himself had to overcome in his boxing days. Ray Leonard still remains in the public eye to this day, and his legacy as one of the sport's greatest exponents means that his place in boxing history is forever secure. Hide

I wanted to win the gold medal and then go home and further my education in college. I had no intent Show more I wanted to win the gold medal and then go home and further my education in college. I had no intentions whatsoever to become a professional fighter because I had heard horror stories about former boxers who made money but, in the end, ended up with nothing. I didn't want to be one of those guys. Hide

Although it was a great accomplishment to win a gold medal, as soon as they put it on you, that's it Show more Although it was a great accomplishment to win a gold medal, as soon as they put it on you, that's it; your career is over. Hide

Ali's belief in himself was something I picked up on, and it's become my own philosophy. Ali's belief in himself was something I picked up on, and it's become my own philosophy.

I was just such a quiet kid. I found boxing when I was 14 years old. I went down to the gym because Show more I was just such a quiet kid. I found boxing when I was 14 years old. I went down to the gym because my brother, who used to beat me up all the time, introduced me to boxing. I found boxing to be a sport that I felt safe in because I controlled what was in those four squares. Hide

Success is attaining your dream while helping others to benefit from that dream materializing. Success is attaining your dream while helping others to benefit from that dream materializing.

I always designed my robes and how I would present myself at every fight. I always designed my robes and how I would present myself at every fight.

The thing about boxers is that there's respect there. You beat me, and I may not like it, but you kn Show more The thing about boxers is that there's respect there. You beat me, and I may not like it, but you know what, deep down inside, I respect you. And that's the code of honor. Hide

In Italy, I had an Afro, and a lot of the kids came up and felt my hair. It really was funny. I wish Show more In Italy, I had an Afro, and a lot of the kids came up and felt my hair. It really was funny. I wish I had understood Italian. Hide

I enjoy the school run and being a dad. Boxing will always be with me. I like that. I enjoy the school run and being a dad. Boxing will always be with me. I like that.

I fought tall fighters, short fighters, strong fighters, slow fighters, sluggers and boxers. It was Show more I fought tall fighters, short fighters, strong fighters, slow fighters, sluggers and boxers. It was either learn or get knocked off. Hide

The time to stop is when the other guy hits you more than you hit him. The time to stop is when the other guy hits you more than you hit him.

I didn't excel too highly in school, but I felt that I was moving ahead - and not just in boxing - b Show more I didn't excel too highly in school, but I felt that I was moving ahead - and not just in boxing - but in life. Hide

Bruce Lee was an artist and, like him, I try to go beyond the fundamentals of my sport. I want the p Show more Bruce Lee was an artist and, like him, I try to go beyond the fundamentals of my sport. I want the public to see a knockout in the making. Hide

I was painfully initiated into boxing, because the guys I fought were a lot bigger than me. I was painfully initiated into boxing, because the guys I fought were a lot bigger than me.

I asked my kids, 'Do you know what Papa used to do.' They said, 'You were a boxer, you won the Olymp Show more I asked my kids, 'Do you know what Papa used to do.' They said, 'You were a boxer, you won the Olympics!' And that's what they know. Hide

It's different when you become a professional, because you also have to become a businessman, and th Show more It's different when you become a professional, because you also have to become a businessman, and that takes something away from it. Hide

No one but myself thought I could beat guys like Tommy Hearns or Roberto Duran. No one but myself thought I could beat guys like Tommy Hearns or Roberto Duran.

They say that I'm stubborn, and my wife says that, too, but it's paid off so far. They say that I'm stubborn, and my wife says that, too, but it's paid off so far.

Looking back, yes, I made too many comebacks. But each comeback I was 100 percent sure that I would Show more Looking back, yes, I made too many comebacks. But each comeback I was 100 percent sure that I would win. I never came back for the money, because I didn't need it. The adulation I was getting anyway in other spheres. But I'm a guy who likes to see how close he can get to the edge of the mountain - that's what makes me tick. Hide

I was not athletically inclined. I was very quiet, introverted, non-confrontational. My three older Show more I was not athletically inclined. I was very quiet, introverted, non-confrontational. My three older brothers were athletes - basketball, football - but I was kind of a momma's boy. Then one day, my brother Roger encouraged me to go to the boxing gym with him. I tried the gloves on, and it just felt so natural. Hide

Boxing will always be in my life. Boxing will always be in my life.

Aaron Pryor wants to get into the ring with me. He wants to be able to retire, and he will. For heal Show more Aaron Pryor wants to get into the ring with me. He wants to be able to retire, and he will. For health reasons. Hide

To say what I would have been if I wasn't boxing, I don't know why, but I always wanted to be an x-r Show more To say what I would have been if I wasn't boxing, I don't know why, but I always wanted to be an x-ray technician or a substitute teacher. Those two occupations always stuck with me, maybe because my substitute teacher didn't give us homework, or because I've always had x-rays of my hands. Hide

My very best memory of Montreal was the moment inside the Olympic arena when I was waiting under the Show more My very best memory of Montreal was the moment inside the Olympic arena when I was waiting under the stadium and those majestic gates opened up. It was a whole other world. Hide

I was not from a middle-class family at all. I did not have middle-class possessions and what have y Show more I was not from a middle-class family at all. I did not have middle-class possessions and what have you. But I had middle-class parents who gave me what was needed to survive in society. Hide

Except for Ali, fighters had never been marketable. Except for Ali, fighters had never been marketable.

Boxing was the only career where I wouldn't have to start out at the bottom. I had a good resume. Boxing was the only career where I wouldn't have to start out at the bottom. I had a good resume.

When I turned pro, Muhammad Ali was laying back, and I was able to fill up an area that was empty. When I turned pro, Muhammad Ali was laying back, and I was able to fill up an area that was empty.

When we got back to the U.S., I wanted to kiss the ground after seeing what people in other countrie Show more When we got back to the U.S., I wanted to kiss the ground after seeing what people in other countries are denied or don't have. Hide

Boxing was not something I truly enjoyed. Like a lot of things in life, when you put the gloves on, Show more Boxing was not something I truly enjoyed. Like a lot of things in life, when you put the gloves on, it's better to give than to receive. Hide

I went through real darkness, but the ring was my light. That was the one place I felt safe. I could Show more I went through real darkness, but the ring was my light. That was the one place I felt safe. I could control what happened in the ring. My heart turned icy. Hide

To be the best, you need to spend hours and hours and hours running, hitting the speed bag, lifting Show more To be the best, you need to spend hours and hours and hours running, hitting the speed bag, lifting weights and just focusing on training. Hide

When the trainer talks to the fighter, there's a connection. You don't always have to say much. When the trainer talks to the fighter, there's a connection. You don't always have to say much.

Fighters display two things. They display confidence, or they display a look that says, 'I'm not sur Show more Fighters display two things. They display confidence, or they display a look that says, 'I'm not sure.' Hide

Muhammad Ali was a god, an idol and an icon. He was boxing. Any kid that had the opportunity to talk Show more Muhammad Ali was a god, an idol and an icon. He was boxing. Any kid that had the opportunity to talk to Ali, to get advice from Muhammad Ali, was privileged. He's always given me time to ask questions, although I was so in awe that I didn't ask questions. Hide

You get these moments in the ring that live forever. That's what Muhammad Ali accomplished, and I ho Show more You get these moments in the ring that live forever. That's what Muhammad Ali accomplished, and I hope that I have, too. Hide

At 14, I was the most disciplined guy around. I would get up at 5 o'clock in the morning and run fiv Show more At 14, I was the most disciplined guy around. I would get up at 5 o'clock in the morning and run five miles, and then go to school. Sometimes I would run behind the school bus, and the kids thought I was just crazy. I knew what I wanted. Hide

I wanted to be like Bruce Jenner. I wanted to be like Bruce Jenner.

Within our dreams and aspirations we find our opportunities. Within our dreams and aspirations we find our opportunities.

I came from nothing and achieved humungous fame and fortune. But I worked hard. I had discipline and Show more I came from nothing and achieved humungous fame and fortune. But I worked hard. I had discipline and determination. I had that ice in me. Hide

Ray Leonard is more the family man, kind of quiet. He's not as outgoing as Sugar Ray Leonard. Sugar Show more Ray Leonard is more the family man, kind of quiet. He's not as outgoing as Sugar Ray Leonard. Sugar Ray Leonard was very determined, very focused, very outgoing and very selfish, if you will. There are two different individuals there. Hide

I made an instant connection with boxing right away. Boxing became such a part of me. I ate boxing, Show more I made an instant connection with boxing right away. Boxing became such a part of me. I ate boxing, I slept boxing, I lived boxing. Boxing was a way of expressing myself because I was not that outspoken. Hide

I think an athlete should be honest. I know it's difficult, but if a guy knocked me on my can, I cou Show more I think an athlete should be honest. I know it's difficult, but if a guy knocked me on my can, I couldn't very well say, I slipped. Hide

Normally, I would run with a group of guys in my camps. A couple of days before the fight, I would r Show more Normally, I would run with a group of guys in my camps. A couple of days before the fight, I would run by myself. That was my time to choreograph the fight in my head, so I needed to be myself. Hide

There will always be something about two men in the ring - a mystique because it's pure man-to-man c Show more There will always be something about two men in the ring - a mystique because it's pure man-to-man competition. Because of the history boxing has and the tradition it holds, boxing will always have a that mystique. Hide

Duran always disturbs me. The guy is just weird. Before our first fight, both Duran and his wife gav Show more Duran always disturbs me. The guy is just weird. Before our first fight, both Duran and his wife gave my wife the finger. Hide

I'm a competitor and a very proud man. If a guy beats me once, he'll have to do it again to make me Show more I'm a competitor and a very proud man. If a guy beats me once, he'll have to do it again to make me believe him. Hide

The Olympics meant everything to me. Going through them is like nothing else you will ever experienc Show more The Olympics meant everything to me. Going through them is like nothing else you will ever experience. For those few weeks, you are in another world. At that point, I couldn't see how there could ever be anything better. Hide

I don't hold any regrets whatsoever about my life besides hurting people I loved. I don't hold any regrets whatsoever about my life besides hurting people I loved.

I'm one of the most optimistic persons in the world. I always believed that - there's another shot, Show more I'm one of the most optimistic persons in the world. I always believed that - there's another shot, another chance. In boxing, I never gave up. I kept trying, kept trying. Even when things seemed so dim, I continued to push forward to make something happen in my favor. Hide

When I was fighting, I would look to excite the crowds with a bolo punch or something taunting. Look Show more When I was fighting, I would look to excite the crowds with a bolo punch or something taunting. Looking back, they were legal - but not sportsmanlike. I don't recommend another boxer try them. But we looked more to make the robot fights dramatic first and realistic second. Hide

Generally, the more weight you put on, the less effective you are. Generally, the more weight you put on, the less effective you are.

I used to walk to the Washington Monument from North L Street Northwest. And I was so hungry at time Show more I used to walk to the Washington Monument from North L Street Northwest. And I was so hungry at times, I would stop and look into the trash cans, and if there was a half a sandwich, I would take that sandwich and eat it. It was just a matter of survival. I didn't think much of it, but it was just the way things were. Hide

It's hard to talk about yourself. It's hard to talk about yourself.

People try to live vicariously through fighters, but it's one-on-one; it's primal. There's no other Show more People try to live vicariously through fighters, but it's one-on-one; it's primal. There's no other feeling like it. The problem for me was accepting it - that nothing compares to being champ. Hide

Boxing's a poor man's sport. We can't afford to play golf or tennis. It is what it is. It's kept so Show more Boxing's a poor man's sport. We can't afford to play golf or tennis. It is what it is. It's kept so many kids off the street. It kept me off the street. Hide

I wouldn't change anything because the mistakes and the hurt are as important as all the great fight Show more I wouldn't change anything because the mistakes and the hurt are as important as all the great fights. They made me who I am today. Hide

Boxing is a sport, but it's also entertainment. I wanted to transcend the sport and be considered ju Show more Boxing is a sport, but it's also entertainment. I wanted to transcend the sport and be considered just not as a fighter, or a champion, but someone very special. Hide

I think I've become one of the best finishers in boxing; if I hurt a guy, I normally take him out. I think I've become one of the best finishers in boxing; if I hurt a guy, I normally take him out.

I want my fights to be seen as plays that have a beginning, a middle and an end. I want my fights to be seen as plays that have a beginning, a middle and an end.

I'll think, If this is his first punch, how are the others gonna feel? That's the only fear I have f Show more I'll think, If this is his first punch, how are the others gonna feel? That's the only fear I have for myself. Hide

Without boxing, because of my neighborhoods, who knows what would have happened to me. It was always Show more Without boxing, because of my neighborhoods, who knows what would have happened to me. It was always about following the leader. And I definitely was not a leader. Boxing gave me discipline; a sense of self. It made me more outspoken. It gave me more confidence. Hide

I made mistakes, but I'm luckier than most. I've got a successful business, lots of fans who think a Show more I made mistakes, but I'm luckier than most. I've got a successful business, lots of fans who think a lot of me and a family who loves me. Hide

When you're a boxer, there is a lot of downtime and long periods of inactivity. When you're a boxer, there is a lot of downtime and long periods of inactivity.

Before the start of the '76 Olympics, I'd had 160 amateur fights. I won 155 and lost five. Before the start of the '76 Olympics, I'd had 160 amateur fights. I won 155 and lost five.

We're all given some sort of skill in life. Mine just happens to be beating up on people. We're all given some sort of skill in life. Mine just happens to be beating up on people.

I run three to four times a week. I go down to Orange County in California and I run all the time... Show more I run three to four times a week. I go down to Orange County in California and I run all the time... all the time. You see the oceans, the trees. I like running in hot weather. I like to sweat and get all those toxins out of my system. I thoroughly enjoy it. Hide

Sugar Ray Robinson was probably the greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time. Sugar Ray Robinson was probably the greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time.

For the most part, I think video games do a good job of capturing the essence of boxing. However, I' Show more For the most part, I think video games do a good job of capturing the essence of boxing. However, I'd like to continue to see them push the realism, emphasizing the skill involved. Hide

Boxing is the ultimate challenge. There's nothing that can compare to testing yourself the way you d Show more Boxing is the ultimate challenge. There's nothing that can compare to testing yourself the way you do every time you step in the ring. On the downside, you meet a lot of really bad people in boxing, at all stages of your career. Hide

Holyfield is nothing but class, and I think he's a breath of fresh air for the sport. Holyfield is nothing but class, and I think he's a breath of fresh air for the sport.

Boxing should focus on pitting champion versus champion - those are the fights that everyone wants t Show more Boxing should focus on pitting champion versus champion - those are the fights that everyone wants to see. The sports also needs to work on developing new heroes and personalities. I'd like to see more vignettes on fighters, focusing on their lives, goals and stories. Boxers need to be larger than life. Hide

Before I fight, I always pray that no one gets hurt. Before I fight, I always pray that no one gets hurt.

Boxing brings out my aggressive instinct, not necessarily a killer instinct. Boxing brings out my aggressive instinct, not necessarily a killer instinct.

If I hadn't had the talent, the networks wouldn't have televised my fights. No one has made me; I ma Show more If I hadn't had the talent, the networks wouldn't have televised my fights. No one has made me; I made myself. I paid my dues. Hide

I made the decision to turn pro, and I remember what Ali said to me: 'Get Angelo Dundee. He's the ri Show more I made the decision to turn pro, and I remember what Ali said to me: 'Get Angelo Dundee. He's the right complexion with the right connection.' He knew boxing. Our relationship was so genuine, so sincere. Hide

I am excited to share my archive pictures and footage. I'll also share announcements about current e Show more I am excited to share my archive pictures and footage. I'll also share announcements about current events and success stories from the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation to help fight diabetes and child obesity. Hide

For some reason, I was drawn towards boxing. Or maybe boxing drew me towards it - because once I put Show more For some reason, I was drawn towards boxing. Or maybe boxing drew me towards it - because once I put those gloves on, after about six months, boxing was my life. Hide

I'm a free agent. I haven't allowed any promoters to have exclusive options on my fight. I don't nee Show more I'm a free agent. I haven't allowed any promoters to have exclusive options on my fight. I don't need a promoter. Hide

I watched Muhammad Ali, how when he would speak, how it was such a thing of beauty. It sounded so wo Show more I watched Muhammad Ali, how when he would speak, how it was such a thing of beauty. It sounded so wonderful. And I wanted to be like him. Hide

People can do more than they ever believe they can do. Physically, mentally, academically. You have Show more People can do more than they ever believe they can do. Physically, mentally, academically. You have to be pushed. It hurts. But it's worth it, and it's a great thing. Hide

I never met a person as determined as my mother. From working hard for six kids to just trying to ke Show more I never met a person as determined as my mother. From working hard for six kids to just trying to keep the household down or maintain my father's discipline, my dad, I'm so much like my father too. My father was so introverted, quiet, shy, nice. I got attributes from my father and mother. Hide

I remember all the important fights. Vividly. In detail. I remember all the important fights. Vividly. In detail.

I've never believed in tying myself up in a long-range contract, and I've been very outspoken on tha Show more I've never believed in tying myself up in a long-range contract, and I've been very outspoken on that subject. Hide

I've done a lot of things in my life that I'm not proud of. I've done a lot of things in my life that I'm not proud of.

I always expect unexpected challenges. Boxing is not an easy sport. I always expect unexpected challenges. Boxing is not an easy sport.

Joe Frazier was the epitome of a champion. I mean, here is a guy who was total old school, blue coll Show more Joe Frazier was the epitome of a champion. I mean, here is a guy who was total old school, blue collar, who would fight anybody. You know, he didn't tell you he was the best fighter pound for pound. Hide

You don't appreciate things until they're gone. For me, I miss my friends; I don't miss boxing, I mi Show more You don't appreciate things until they're gone. For me, I miss my friends; I don't miss boxing, I miss the camaraderie. Hide

When I'm not in training. I'll walk around the streets at 153, but it's not solid; it's my socializi Show more When I'm not in training. I'll walk around the streets at 153, but it's not solid; it's my socializing weight. Hide

I run with music all the time. I cannot run without my iPod. I have everything. Teddy Pendergrass. L Show more I run with music all the time. I cannot run without my iPod. I have everything. Teddy Pendergrass. Luther Van Dross. Michael Jackson. Outkast. If an Usher song comes on and it's fast, I go fast. Hide

I'm not religious, but I believe that what I have is a gift, and I respect it and live up to it. I'm not religious, but I believe that what I have is a gift, and I respect it and live up to it.

You just don't heal that easy unless you're young. You just don't heal that easy unless you're young.

I learned to run backwards from Muhammad Ali. He told me about running backwards because you try to Show more I learned to run backwards from Muhammad Ali. He told me about running backwards because you try to imitate everything you do in the ring, so sometimes you back up. So you have to train your legs to go backwards. Hide

I watched Ali, studied Ali, and I studied Sugar Ray Robinson. I watched them display showmanship. I Show more I watched Ali, studied Ali, and I studied Sugar Ray Robinson. I watched them display showmanship. I watched them use pizzazz, personality, and charisma. I took things from them and borrowed things from them because boxing is entertainment. Hide

Boxing is individual, although there's a team concept because you need a great corner, you need a gr Show more Boxing is individual, although there's a team concept because you need a great corner, you need a great trainer, you need a great prep man, you need all of these things, but it's more of a Mano a Mano; it's more you versus me. I miss that time in training camp and Dad and Mom cooking meals. It was one big family. Hide

Sugar Ray Leonard's FILMOGRAPHY

as Actor (167)

Half And Half - Season 1

Tales From The Crypt - Season 5

Tales From The Crypt - Season 7

The Apprentice - Season 2 (US)

The Larry Sanders Show - Season 1

The Daily Show - Season 22

Deal or No Deal - Season 5

Match Game - Season 3

I Am Ali

The Larry Sanders Show - Season 6