Sugar Ray Leonard

Sugar Ray Leonard (born 1956) is an American former boxer. He was one of the leading boxers in the world in the 1970s and 1980s, winning world titles at multiple weights and triumphing in contests with such celebrated opponents as Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran and Marvin Hagler. Born Ray Charles Leonard, named for the singing legend Ray Charles, Leonard later adopted the nickname used by Sugar Ray Robinson.

Early Career

Leonard won gold at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada. Sugar Ray wanted to go to Harvard and become a lawyer, but he was convinced to do otherwise by boxing promoters, being offered $40,000 for his first professional fight against tough Puerto Rican Luis Vega. The fight was televised nationally, and Leonard could display his talents, winning a 6 round decision.

Related Topics:
1976 Summer Olympics - Montreal - Canada - Harvard - Puerto Rican - Luis Vega

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Leonard built a string of wins until he was able to challenge world welterweight champion Wilfredo Benitez. Among his first opponents were top contenders Andy Price and Marcos Gerardo. He and Benitez met in the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on November 3, 1979 and after a brilliantly fought battle, Leonard was declared world champion for the first time with a technical knockout in round 15, with 6 seconds left in the fight.

Related Topics:
Wilfredo Benitez - Andy Price - Marcos Gerardo - Caesars Palace - Las Vegas - November 3 - 1979 - Technical knockout

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