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Ray Charles Leonard, better known as Sugar Ray Leonard, is an American former professional boxer, motivational speaker, and occasional actor. Widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, Leonard competed professionally from 1977 to 1997, achieving world titles in five weight classes and the undisputed welterweight championship. He also held the lineal championship in three weight classes. Leonard was a pivotal figure in the "Four Kings," a legendary group of boxers including Roberto Durán, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler, who all faced each other throughout the 1980s.

As an amateur, Leonard won a gold medal in the light welterweight division at the 1976 Summer Olympics. His victories over fellow International Boxing Hall of Fame inductees Hearns, Durán, Hagler, and Wilfred Benítez bolstered the popularity of lower weight classes in boxing during the post-Muhammad Ali era. Leonard was the first boxer to exceed $100 million in career earnings and earned accolades such as "Boxer of the Decade" in the 1980s. The Ring magazine named him Fighter of the Year in 1979 and 1981, while the Boxing Writers Association of America honored him as Fighter of the Year in 1976, 1979, and 1981. Recognized for his achievements, Leonard was ranked the ninth greatest fighter of the last 80 years by The Ring in 2002 and was voted the greatest living fighter by the same publication in 2016. BoxRec ranks him as the 14th greatest boxer of all time, pound for pound.

Ray Charles Leonard was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, but grew up in Palmer Park, Maryland. From a young age, Leonard showed promise in athletics, excelling in baseball and football before discovering his talent for boxing. Inspired by his older brother's success in amateur boxing, Leonard began training seriously under the guidance of Janks Morton. He attended Parkdale High School, where he continued to hone his skills, eventually becoming a National Golden Gloves champion.

Leonard's professional career began shortly after his Olympic triumph, and he quickly rose through the ranks with victories over seasoned fighters. His first world title came in 1979 when he defeated Wilfred Benítez to claim the WBC welterweight championship. Throughout the 1980s, Leonard engaged in legendary bouts that cemented his status as a boxing icon, including his famous victories over Durán, Hearns, and Hagler. His career was marked by periods of retirement and comebacks, each time demonstrating his enduring skill and determination.

Sugar Ray Leonard's legacy extends beyond his achievements in the ring. He was not only a skilled athlete but also a charismatic figure who transcended boxing, becoming a cultural icon. His impact on the sport influenced generations of boxers who followed, and his business acumen led to successful ventures outside of boxing. Leonard continues to be involved in charitable work and mentorship programs, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams.

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3. "Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard lead the way". SkySports.com. August 18, 2005. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
4. "Mark Grossinger Etess Award". Boxrec.com. Retrieved November 4, 2011.
5. Eisele, Andrew. "Ring Magazine's 80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years". About.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.