Formative years

Leonard, the fifth of seven kids of Cicero and Getha Leonard, was born in Wilmington, North Carolina.^[1] He was named after Ray Charles, his mom’s favourite singer.^[13] The household moved to Washington, D.C., when he was three, and so they settled completely in Palmer Park, Maryland when he was ten. His father labored as a grocery store evening supervisor and his mom was a nurse. He attended Parkdale Excessive College. Leonard was a shy youngster, and except for the time he almost drowned in a creek throughout a flood in Seat Nice, Maryland, his childhood was uneventful. He stayed residence quite a bit, studying comedian books and enjoying along with his canine. His mom mentioned: “He by no means did discuss an excessive amount of. We by no means might inform what he was considering. However I by no means had any issues with him. I by no means needed to go to high school as soon as due to him.”^[14]

Beginner profession

Leonard began boxing on the Palmer Park Recreation Heart in 1969. His older brother, Roger, began boxing first. Roger helped begin the boxing program, urging the middle’s director, Ollie Dunlap, to kind a group. Dave Jacobs, a former boxer, and Janks Morton volunteered as boxing coaches. Roger gained some trophies and confirmed them off in entrance of Ray, goading him to begin boxing.

In 1972, Leonard boxed within the featherweight quarterfinals of the Nationwide AAU Match, shedding by resolution to Jerome Artis. It was his first defeat. Later that 12 months, he boxed within the Jap Olympic Trials. The principles said {that a} boxer needed to be seventeen to field in worldwide competitors, so Leonard, solely sixteen, lied about his age.^[15]: 1 He made it to the light-weight semifinals, shedding a disputed resolution to Greg Whaley, who took such a beating that he wasn’t allowed to proceed within the trials and by no means boxed once more.^[16]

Sarge Johnson, assistant coach of the US Olympic Boxing Crew, mentioned to Dave Jacobs, “That child you bought is nice as sugar”. The nickname caught. Nevertheless, given his fashion and first title, it was most likely solely a matter of time earlier than folks began calling him Sugar Ray, after the person many take into account to be the perfect boxer of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson.^{[15]: 7–8}

In 1973, Leonard gained the Nationwide Golden Gloves Light-weight Championship, however misplaced to Randy Shields within the light-weight last of the Nationwide AAU Match. The next 12 months, Leonard gained the Nationwide Golden Gloves and Nationwide AAU Light-weight Championships. Leonard suffered his final two losses as an newbie in 1974. He misplaced a disputed resolution to Anatoli Kamnev in Moscow, after which, Kamnev gave the winner’s trophy to Leonard. In Poland, native fighter Jan Kwacz was given a disqualification victory over Leonard after being knocked down 3 times within the first spherical however the referee dominated that Leonard had punched after the bell.^[17]

Leonard gained the Nationwide Golden Gloves and Nationwide AAU Gentle Welterweight Championships in 1974. The next 12 months, he once more gained the Nationwide AAU Gentle Welterweight Championship, in addition to the Gentle Welterweight Championship on the Pan American Video games.

In 1976, Leonard made the U.S. Olympic Crew as the sunshine welterweight consultant. The group additionally included Leon and Michael Spinks, Howard Davis Jr., Leo Randolph, Charles Mooney, and John Tate. Many take into account the 1976 U.S. group to be the best boxing group within the historical past of the Olympics.^[18] Leonard gained his first 4 Olympic bouts by 5–0 selections. Within the semifinals, he confronted Kazimierz Szczerba and gained a 5–0 resolution.

Within the last, Leonard boxed the nice Cuban knockout artist Andrés Aldama, who scored 5 straight knockouts to achieve the ultimate. Leonard landed a number of good left hooks within the first spherical. Within the second, he dropped Aldama with a left to the chin. Late within the last spherical, he once more damage Aldama, which introduced a standing eight rely from the referee.

With just a few seconds left within the combat, a Leonard mixture compelled one other standing eight rely. Leonard was awarded a 5–0 resolution and the Olympic gold medal. Afterward, Leonard introduced, “I am completed…I’ve fought my final combat. My journey has ended, my dream is fulfilled. Now I wish to go to high school.” He was given a scholarship to the College of Maryland, a present from the residents of Glenarden, Maryland.^[19] He deliberate to review enterprise administration and communications.^{[15]: 42–43} He completed his newbie profession with a document of 165–5 and 75 KOs.^[20]

Achievements

• 1973 Nationwide Golden Gloves Light-weight Champion, defeating Hilmer Kenty
• 1973 Nationwide AAU Gentle Welterweight Championship runner-up, shedding to Randy Shields
• 1974 Nationwide Golden Gloves Gentle Welterweight Champion, defeating Jeff Lemeir
• 1974 Nationwide AAU Gentle Welterweight Champion, defeating Paul Sherry
• 1974 North American Championships Gold Medalist, defeating Robert Proulx
• 1975 Nationwide AAU Gentle Welterweight Champion, defeating Milton Seward
• 1975 North American Championships Gold Medalist, defeating Michel Briere
• 1975 Pan American Video games Gentle Welterweight Gold Medalist, defeating Victor Corona
• 1976 Olympic Gentle Welterweight Gold Medalist, defeating Andrés Aldama

Olympic outcomes

• 1/32: Defeated Ulf Carlsson (Sweden) by unanimous resolution, 5–0
• 1/16: Defeated Valery Limasov (Soviet Union) by unanimous resolution, 5–0
• 1/8: Defeated Clinton McKenzie (Nice Britain) by unanimous resolution, 5–0
• 1/4: Defeated Ulrich Beyer (East Germany) by unanimous resolution, 5–0
• 1/2: Defeated Kazimierz Szczerba (Poland) by unanimous resolution, 5–0
• Finals: Defeated Andrés Aldama (Cuba) by unanimous resolution, 5–0^[21]

Change of plans

Juanita Wilkinson, Leonard’s highschool girlfriend, instructed him she was pregnant in the summertime of 1973. They determined to have the child however marriage can be delay till after the Olympics in 1976. Leonard would proceed to pursue his Olympic dream whereas she and the child, Ray Charles Leonard Jr., lived along with her dad and mom. When Leonard boxed within the Olympics, he had an image of Wilkinson taped to his sock.

Shortly earlier than the Olympics, Wilkinson had filed an software to obtain $156 a month in youngster help funds from Prince George’s County, Maryland. She named Leonard as the daddy and the county’s state legal professional’s workplace filed a civil swimsuit towards Leonard to determine paternity and get help funds for the kid. Leonard realized of the swimsuit a number of days after returning residence from the Olympics. The headline within the Washington Star learn, “Sugar Ray Leonard Named in Welfare Dept. Paternity Swimsuit”.^{[15]: 33–34, 43}

Wilkinson went to the Olympics to look at Leonard field, however she didn’t inform him concerning the swimsuit and by no means requested him for any cash. “I did not really feel like being bothered by all these problems by asking him for any cash for help”, she mentioned. Leonard pledged he would help his son, even when he needed to scrap plans to attend school.^[22]

Leonard had hoped to get profitable endorsements following his gold medal win, however the unfavorable publicity from the paternity swimsuit chased off any huge industrial potentialities. To make issues worse, his father was hospitalized with meningitis and his mom suffered a coronary heart assault. With neither dad or mum capable of work, along with his youngster and the mom of his youngster to help, and with none endorsement alternatives, Leonard determined to turn out to be an expert boxer.^[15]: 63

Skilled profession

Early skilled profession

When Leonard determined to show skilled, Janks Morton launched him to Mike Coach, a pal of his who was an legal professional. Coach talked 24 of his buddies and purchasers into underwriting Leonard’s profession with an funding of $21,000 to be repaid inside 4 years at 8{ae90547d17d4d74b17007ee836a04674fd006933c139011dc78eb03c100070a7} curiosity. Coach then made Leonard the only real stockholder in Sugar Ray Leonard, Inc. Angelo Dundee, Muhammad Ali’s coach, was introduced in to be Leonard’s coach and supervisor. Lots of the folks being thought-about wished absolute management and a reduce someplace close to the supervisor’s conventional 33{ae90547d17d4d74b17007ee836a04674fd006933c139011dc78eb03c100070a7}. Dundee had a distinct proposition. Though he would prescribe the coaching procedures, he would go away the day-to-day work to Dave Jacobs and Janks Morton. He would additionally select Leonard’s opponents. For his providers, Dundee would get 15{ae90547d17d4d74b17007ee836a04674fd006933c139011dc78eb03c100070a7} of Leonard’s purse.^{[15]: 65–68}

Leonard made his skilled debut on February 5, 1977, earlier than a crowd of 10,270 on the Civic Heart in Baltimore. He was paid $40,044 for the combat. His opponent was Luis “The Bull” Vega, whom he defeated by a six-round unanimous resolution.^[23] After the combat, Leonard paid again his $21,000 mortgage to the traders.^[15]: 75

In his fourteenth skilled combat, Leonard fought his first world-ranked opponent, Floyd Mayweather, who was ranked seventeenth. The combat came about on September 9, 1978.^{[citation needed]} Leonard gained by a tenth-round knockout.^[15]: 93 A month later, Leonard defeated his previous newbie nemesis Randy Shields by a ten-round unanimous resolution.^[24][25]

On August 12, 1979, Leonard knocked out Pete Ranzany in 4 rounds to win the NABF Welterweight Championship.^[26]
The next month, he made his first title protection towards Andy Worth.^[27] Worth, an up-and-coming contender who was sponsored by Marvin Gaye, had a status for extended bouts in earlier fights and was believed by sports activities reporters to defeat or give an extended combat to Leonard. Though Worth landed a number of good blows, Leonard knocked him out within the first spherical, advancing his document to 25–0 with 16 knockouts.^[28]

First world title

Leonard vs. Benitez

Leonard fought Wilfred Benítez for the WBC Welterweight Championship on November 30, 1979, at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. There was a capability crowd of about 4,600. Leonard obtained $1 million and Benitez, a two-division champion with a document of 38–0–1, obtained $1.2 million.

It was a extremely aggressive and tactical battle. Within the first spherical, Leonard rocked Benitez with a left hook that got here off a jab and proper cross. Late within the third, Leonard dropped Benitez on the seat of his pants with a stiff left jab. Extra embarrassed than damage, Benitez bought up rapidly. Benitez began bettering within the fourth, slipping quite a few punches and discovering the vary along with his proper hand. “I wasn’t conscious I used to be in a championship early as a result of I hit him really easy”, Leonard mentioned. “However then he adjusted to my fashion. It was like trying in a mirror”.

Within the sixth, there was an unintentional conflict of heads, which opened a reduce on the brow of Benitez. Blood flowed down his brow and the bridge of his nostril however stayed out of his eyes.

Leonard landed the more durable punches and had Benitez damage a number of occasions late within the combat, however Leonard could not put him away. Benitez was very slick. “Nobody, I imply nobody, could make me miss punches like that”, Leonard mentioned.

Going into the ultimate spherical, Leonard led by scores of 137–130, 137–133, and 136–134. The 2 went toe-to-toe within the fifteenth. Late within the spherical, Leonard dropped Benitez with a left. He bought up, however after a number of extra punches, the referee stopped the combat. The time was 2:54 of spherical fifteen.^[29]

The Boxing Writers Affiliation of America and The Ring named Leonard “Fighter of the 12 months” for 1979.

Leonard vs. Inexperienced

Leonard made his first title protection in Landover, Maryland, on March 31, 1980. His opponent was Dave “Boy” Inexperienced. The British challenger had a document of 33–2. Within the fourth spherical, Leonard knocked Inexperienced out with a devastating left hook. Leonard referred to as it “the toughest single punch I ever threw.”^[30]

The Brawl in Montreal

On June 20, 1980, Leonard returned to the Olympic Stadium in Montreal to defend his title towards Roberto Durán earlier than a crowd of 46,317. Durán, the previous Undisputed World Light-weight Champion for 6+1⁄2 years, had a document of 71–1 and was the #1 welterweight contender and regarded the perfect “Pound for Pound” fighter on the planet. Durán obtained $1.5 million and Leonard, working for a proportion of the closed-circuit gate in addition to a assure, obtained over $9 million.

Angelo Dundee recommended Leonard to field, to maneuver aspect to aspect and to not get caught on the ropes. Nevertheless, Leonard determined to combat Durán’s means. “Flat-footed”, he mentioned. “I cannot run.”^[31]

Durán compelled the difficulty and took the combat to Leonard, chopping off the ring and denying Leonard area to combat his combat. Durán attacked at virtually each flip. Leonard battled again time and again, however he needed to work simply to search out room to breathe and swing, at occasions merely to outlive. Within the second, Durán rocked Leonard with a left hook, sending him into the ropes. Leonard began to do higher by the fifth spherical, discovering some punching room and throwing quite a few multi-punch mixtures. The 2 fought with nice depth all through the combat. In response to Invoice Nack:

It was, from virtually the opening salvo, a combat that belonged to Durán. The Panamanian seized the night and gave it what form and momentum it had. He took management, attacking and driving Leonard towards the ropes, bulling him again, hitting him with lefts and rights to the physique as he maneuvered the champion towards the ropes from nook to nook. At all times shifting ahead, he mauled and wrestled Leonard, scoring inside with hooks and rights. For 3 rounds Durán drove at Sugar Ray with a fury, and there have been moments when it appeared the combat couldn’t final 5. Unable to get away, unable to counter and unable to slip away to open up the ring, Leonard appeared virtually helpless beneath the assault. From time to time he bought unfastened and countered—left-right-left to Durán’s bobbing head—however he missed punches and couldn’t work inside, couldn’t jab, couldn’t mount an offense to maintain Durán at bay.^[31]

Durán was awarded a unanimous resolution, though it was mistakenly learn as a majority resolution within the ring. The scorecard of decide Angelo Poletti was incorrectly added and introduced as 147–147. He truly scored it 148–147. In rounds, he had it three for Durán, two for Leonard, and ten even. Sports activities Illustrated referred to as his scorecard “a monument to indecision.” Judges Raymond Baldeyrou and Harry Gibbs scored the combat 146–144 and 145–144, respectively. Related Press had it 144–141 for Durán, whereas The New York Occasions had Leonard forward 144–142.

“I did the perfect I might”, Leonard mentioned. “I believe I just about fought from the guts.” Requested if Leonard was the perfect he ever fought, Durán thought for a second after which answered, “Si, si.” Durán mentioned. “He does have a coronary heart. That is why he is dwelling.”^[32][33]

“No Más” in New Orleans

The rematch, billed as “Stone vs. Sugar.. As soon as Once more”, came about November 25, 1980 on the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans in entrance of 25,038 followers. Leonard obtained $7 million and Durán obtained $8 million.

Dave Jacobs disagreed with the choice to have a direct rematch with Durán and terminated his relationship with Leonard when the rematch was made. “My thought is that he ought to have a tuneup combat earlier than he fights with Roberto once more”, Jacobs mentioned. “I believe he gained the combat with Durán, however I do not assume it’s wholesome for him to be combating Durán instantly”.^[34]

After the Montreal combat Durán went on a partying binge and ballooned in weight. Leonard was conscious of this, and in an interview for Past the Glory he mentioned: “My intention was to combat Durán ASAP as a result of I knew Durán’s habits. I knew he would indulge himself, he’d acquire 40–50 lbs after which sweat it off to make 147.” Not like the combat in Montreal, Leonard used his superior pace and motion to outbox and befuddle Durán. “The entire combat, I used to be shifting, I used to be shifting”, Leonard mentioned. “And Voom! I snapped his head again with a jab. Voom! I snapped it again once more. He tried to get me towards the ropes, I might pivot, spin off and Pow! Come beneath with a punch.”

In spherical seven, Leonard began to taunt Durán. Leonard’s most memorable punch got here late within the spherical. Winding up his proper hand, as if to throw a bolo punch, Leonard snapped out a left jab and caught Durán flush within the face. “It made his eyes water”, Leonard mentioned. He continued to taunt Durán mercilessly. He caught out his chin, inviting Durán to hit it. Durán hesitated. Leonard saved it up, persevering with to maneuver, cease, and mug.

Within the closing seconds of the eighth spherical, Durán turned his again to Leonard and stop, saying to referee Octavio Meyran, “No Más” (English: “No extra”). Leonard was the winner by a technical knockout at 2:44 of spherical eight, regaining the WBC Welterweight Championship. Leonard led by scores of 68–66, 68–66 and 67–66.^[35]

Durán mentioned he stop due to abdomen cramps, brought on by overeating after the weigh-in. “On the finish of the fifth spherical, I bought cramps in my abdomen and it saved getting worse and worse”, Duran later mentioned. “I felt weaker and weaker in my physique and arms.” He then introduced, “I’m retiring from boxing proper now.” In the course of the evening Durán was admitted to a hospital with abdomen pains, and discharged the next day.

Everybody was stunned by Durán’s actions, none extra so than his veteran trainers, Freddie Brown and Ray Arcel. “I used to be shocked”, Brown mentioned. “There was no indication that he was in ache or getting weak.”^[36] Arcel was indignant. “That is it”, he mentioned. “I’ve had it. That is horrible. I’ve dealt with hundreds of fighters and by no means had anybody stop on me. I believe he wants a psychiatrist greater than he wants the rest.” Durán’s supervisor, Carlos Eleta, mentioned, “Durán did not stop due to abdomen cramps. He stop as a result of he was embarrassed. I know this.”^[37] In response to Randy Gordon, who witnessed Durán’s antics beforehand and was in his dressing room instantly afterwards, Durán stop due to his big consuming binge previous to the combat.^[38]

“I made him stop”, Leonard mentioned. “To make a person stop, to make Roberto Durán stop, was higher than knocking him out.”^[35]

Second world title

Leonard vs. Bonds

On March 28, 1981, Leonard defended his title towards Larry Bonds, the WBC sixth-ranked contender, on the Service Dome in Syracuse, New York. Bonds was a southpaw, which made him a great opponent for Leonard, provided that his subsequent opponent was scheduled to be the WBA Gentle Middleweight Champion Ayub Kalule, a southpaw.

Leonard was the aggressor all through, with Bonds circling the ring. He staggered Bonds with a proper within the fourth spherical and dropped him with a follow-up mixture. Bonds bought up and continued to maneuver, with Leonard in pursuit. Leonard dropped him once more within the tenth. Bonds rose however Leonard did not let him off the hook. The referee stopped the combat with Bonds taking punishment in a nook.^[39]

Leonard vs. Kalule

Leonard moved as much as the junior middleweight division and confronted Kalule on June 25, 1981, on the Astrodome in Houston, Texas. Kalule, who was 36–0, had been the WBA Gentle Middleweight Champion for 2 years.

Kalule and his handlers had anticipated Leonard to make use of lateral motion towards him, however Leonard selected to combat inside as a substitute.^{[citation needed]} After eight robust rounds, Leonard was forward though Kalule gave the impression to be approaching robust within the eight and ninth. Leonard lastly damage him with a proper to the top. Shortly afterward, Leonard dropped him with a flurry of punches. Kalule bought up however the referee waved it off. Leonard celebrated his victory with a full 360-degree, no-hands flip.^[40] Regardless of an official stoppage time of two.59, the combat was truly stopped at 3.06 into the spherical, which means Kalule ought to have been saved by the bell.^[41]

The Showdown

Promoted as “The Showdown”, Leonard fought Thomas Hearns on September 16, 1981, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to unify the World Welterweight Championship in a scheduled fifteen-rounder. They fought earlier than a reside crowd of 23,618. Hearns was paid $5.1 million, and Leonard remodeled $11 million. The combat grossed over $35 million. The reside gate was $5.9 million, and the income from pay-per-view was $7.5 million.

Hearns, 32–0 with 30 knockouts, gained the WBA Welterweight Championship in 1980, scoring a second-round knockout of José “Pipino” Cuevas in Detroit, Michigan. He made three profitable title defenses, stopping Luis Primera, Randy Shields, and Pablo Baez.

The combat started as anticipated, Leonard boxing from a distance and Hearns stalking. Leonard had problem with Hearns’ lengthy attain and sharp jab. By the tip of spherical 5, Leonard had a rising swelling beneath his left eye, and Hearns had constructed a substantial lead on the scorecards. Leonard, changing into extra aggressive, damage Hearns within the sixth with a left hook to the chin. Leonard battered Hearns in rounds six and 7, however Hearns regrouped. Hearns began to stay and transfer, and he began to pile up factors once more. The roles reversed: Leonard grew to become the stalker and Hearns grew to become the boxer. The combat billed as a traditional showdown between a strong knockout artist and the perfect boxer/puncher the welterweight division had seen in many years devolved right into a sluggish, tactical combat.

Hearns gained rounds 9 by means of twelve on all three scorecards. Between rounds twelve and 13, Angelo Dundee instructed Leonard, “You are blowing it, son! You are blowing it!”.

Leonard, with a badly swollen left eye, got here out roaring for the thirteenth spherical. After hurting Hearns with a proper, Leonard exploded with a mix of punches. Hearns’ legs had been clearly gone and after extra strain from Leonard he was bundled by means of the ropes, no knockdown was given because it wasn’t a punch that despatched him there. Hearns managed to rise, however was dropped by a flurry of exhausting punches close to the tip of the spherical.

In spherical fourteen, after staggering Hearns with an overhand proper, Leonard pinned Hearns towards the ropes, the place he unleashed one other livid mixture, prompting referee Davey Pearl to cease the competition and award Sugar Ray Leonard the Unified World Welterweight Championship. Hearns was main by scores of 124–122, 125–122, and 125–121.

After the combat, there was controversy because of the scoring of rounds six and 7. Regardless that Leonard dominated, hurting Hearns and battering him, all three judges gave each rounds to Leonard by a ten–9 margin. Many felt that the ten-point should scoring system was not correctly used and people rounds ought to have been scored 10–8.^[42] Some additionally thought-about the stoppage untimely. Veteran ringside commentator Don Dunphy mentioned “They’re stopping the combat. I do not consider it. Hearns was forward on factors.” Nevertheless, Emanuel Steward, Hearns’ supervisor and coach, mentioned, “I felt that the referee was justified in stopping the combat … Tommy didn’t have sufficient power to make it by means of the combat.”^[43]

The combat was named “Struggle of the 12 months” by The Ring. Leonard was named “Fighter of the 12 months” by The Ring and The Boxing Writers Affiliation of America. He was additionally named “Athlete of the 12 months” by ABC’s Huge World of Sports activities and “Sportsman of the 12 months” by Sports activities Illustrated.^[44]

Retirement and return

On February 15, 1982, Leonard defended the unified title towards Bruce Finch, the WBC fourth-ranked contender, in a bout at Reno, NV. Leonard knocked him out within the third spherical.^[45] Leonard’s subsequent combat was scheduled to be towards Roger Stafford on Might 14, 1982, in Buffalo, New York. Whereas coaching, Leonard began to see floaters. He went to a physician and found that he had a indifferent retina. The combat was cancelled, and Leonard had surgical procedure to restore the retina on Might 9, 1982.^[46]

On November 9, 1982, Leonard invited Marvin Hagler and different boxing dignitaries to a charity occasion in Baltimore, Maryland to listen to him announce whether or not he would proceed his profession. Standing in a boxing ring with Howard Cosell, the grasp of ceremonies, Leonard introduced his retirement, saying a bout with Hagler would sadly by no means occur. Leonard maintained his eye was absolutely healed, however that he simply did not wish to field anymore.^[47]

Lacking the limelight and the competitors, Leonard introduced in December 1983 that he was returning to the ring. Leonard boasted that he would have a few ten-round bouts after which tackle Milton McCrory, Donald Curry, Durán, Hearns and at last Hagler. This resolution was met with a torrent of criticism from followers and the media, who felt Leonard was taking pointless dangers along with his surgically repaired eye.^[48]

A bout with Philadelphia’s Kevin Howard, who was 20–4–1, was scheduled for February 25, 1984. The combat was postponed when Leonard had minor surgical procedure on his proper eye to repair a unfastened retina. This newest eye drawback additional fueled the flames of those that opposed Leonard’s comeback.^[49]

Earlier than the combat with Howard, Dave Jacobs rejoined Leonard’s group in a restricted function. Jacobs had stop in 1980, disagreeing with Leonard’s resolution to have a direct rematch with Durán.^[50]

Leonard and Howard fought on Might 11, 1984, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Howard knocked Leonard flat on his again within the fourth spherical. It was the primary knockdown of Leonard’s skilled profession. Leonard got here again to cease Howard within the ninth spherical, however the stoppage was disputed, with some feeling that the referee stopped the combat prematurely. Leonard was forward on all three scorecards on the time of the stoppage. On the post-fight press convention, Leonard stunned everybody by saying his retirement once more, saying he simply did not have it anymore.^[51]

Leonard vs. Hagler

On March 10, 1986, Marvin Hagler knocked out John Mugabi in eleven rounds to retain the Undisputed World Middleweight Championship for the twelfth time and advance his document to 62–2–2. After the bout Hagler said it might be his final combat. “I used to be ringside”, Leonard mentioned. “I am watching John ‘The Beast’ Mugabi outbox Hagler. Of all folks, John ‘The Beast’ Mugabi.” It was then that Leonard determined to return again and combat Hagler. He referred to as Mike Coach and mentioned, “I can beat Hagler”.

On Might 1, 1986, Leonard introduced on a Washington, D.C. discuss present that he would return to the ring to combat Hagler. The announcement generated a whole lot of controversy due to Leonard’s inactivity and eye accidents, but it additionally excited many sports activities followers who had hoped to see them combat years earlier. Hagler took a number of months to resolve, then agreed to the match.^[52]

The combat, promoted as “The Tremendous Struggle” and “The King of the Ring”, was scheduled for April 6, 1987, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Leonard was assured $11 million, and Hagler was assured $12 million. Hagler was a heavy favourite. The percentages began at 4–1, then settled at 3–1. A paying crowd of 12,379 generated a reside gate of $6.2 million. In response to Bob Arum, the combat grossed $78 million (which equates to round $179 million in 2020).

The unique combat plan for Leonard was to go toe-to-toe with Hagler and attempt to reduce him, however the plan modified about 5 days earlier than the combat. Leonard bought hit by sparring accomplice Quincy Taylor and was badly buckled. “He virtually knocked me out”, Leonard mentioned. After that, Leonard determined to field Hagler.^[53]

Many had been stunned that Hagler, a pure southpaw, opened the combat boxing out of an orthodox stance. After the short and slick Leonard gained the primary two rounds on all three scorecards, Hagler began the third spherical as a southpaw. Hagler did higher, however Leonard’s superior pace and boxing ability nonetheless allowed him to manage the combat. Hagler appeared stiff and mechanical and missed the speedy Leonard repeatedly prompting CBS ringside commentator Gil Clancy to comment “…and is he ever lacking…Leonard is not doing something to make him miss, he is simply lacking!”

By the fifth, Leonard, who was shifting quite a bit, started to tire and Hagler began to get nearer. Hagler buckled Leonard’s knees with a proper uppercut close to the tip of the spherical, which completed with Leonard on the ropes. Hagler continued to attain considerably successfully in spherical six. Leonard, having slowed down, was obliged to combat extra and transfer much less. Nevertheless, he was capable of outpunch Hagler alongside the ropes and bought the higher of a number of bristling exchanges. Hagler by no means seized complete management of the combat as he had towards Thomas Hearns two years earlier, when he brutalized Hearns and scored a third-round knockout. Hagler’s punches lacked snap and, though he was scoring solidly to the physique, he appeared nothing just like the highly effective fighter who had dominated the middleweight division for the earlier 5 years. Leonard’s remark that the Hagler who beat John Mugabi was older and slower proved to be spot on. In rounds seven and eight, Hagler’s southpaw jab was touchdown solidly and Leonard’s counter flurries had been much less frequent.

Spherical 9 was probably the most thrilling spherical of the combat. Hagler damage Leonard with a left cross and pinned him in a nook. Leonard appeared to be in hassle, however he furiously fought his means out of the nook. The motion see-sawed forwards and backwards for the remainder of the spherical, with every man having his moments. Nevertheless, Hagler’s moments had been extra spectacular and certainly one of Hagler’s cornermen: Roger Perron (in an interview that came about on an episode of HBO’s Legendary Nights episode segments in 2003) later said that: “the ninth spherical was most likely Marvin (Hagler)’s, greatest spherical”.

Spherical ten was tame by comparability, because the tempo slowed after the livid motion of the earlier spherical however with Hagler having extra spectacular moments. Regardless of Leonard’s apparent fatigue, he boxed properly within the eleventh. Each time Hagler scored, Leonard got here again with one thing flashier and extra eye-catching, if not as efficient. However at that time within the combat, Hagler gave the impression to be barely extra ring-general and clearly extra aggressive. Between rounds eleven and twelve, Leonard’s coach: Angelo Dundee, implored Sugar Ray to stand up off his stool yelling “We bought three minutes…new champ…new champ!” Leonard yelled “Yeah!” and performed to the screaming crowd. Hagler’s nook was far more reserved prompting Clancy to remark: “They’re speaking to him prefer it’s an IBM assembly or one thing…no emotion.” Within the last spherical, Hagler continued to chase Leonard. He hit Leonard with a giant left hand and backed him right into a nook. Leonard responded with a livid flurry, touchdown few punches however whipping the upset-hoping crowd right into a frenzy. Hagler backed off, and Leonard danced away with Hagler in pursuit. The combat ended with Hagler and Leonard exchanging alongside the ropes. On the last bell, even uniformed ringside safety rushed into the ring applauding and lauding Leonard’s effort.^[54]

Leonard threw 629 punches and landed 306, whereas Hagler threw 792 and landed 291.^[55]

Leonard was awarded a controversial split-decision. Decide Dave Moretti scored it 115–113 for Leonard, whereas decide Lou Filippo had it 115–113 for Hagler. Decide José Guerra scored the combat 118–110 for Leonard. Many felt that Hagler deserved the choice as a result of he was the aggressor and landed the more durable punches. Scottish boxing journalist Hugh McIlvanney wrote that Leonard’s plan was to “steal rounds with a number of flashy and punctiliously timed flurries…he was completely happy to magnify hand pace on the expense of energy, and neither he nor two of the scorers appeared bothered by the truth that most of the punches landed on the champion’s gloves and arms.”^[56]

Many others felt that Leonard deservedly bought the choice, arguing that Leonard landed extra punches and confirmed higher protection and ring generalship. Jim Murray, long-time sports activities columnist for the Los Angeles Occasions, wrote, “It wasn’t even shut…He did not simply outpoint Hagler, he uncovered him. He made him appear to be a man chasing a bus. In snowshoes…Leonard repeatedly beat Hagler to the punch. When he did, he hit more durable. He hit extra usually…He made Hagler into what he perceived him to be all through his profession—a brawler, a swarmer, a person who might membership you to loss of life provided that you stood there and let him. In the event you moved, he was misplaced.”^[57]

The scorecards from the ringside press and broadcast media attest to the polarizing views and opinions of the combat.

ABC (Howard Cosell): 117–112 Leonard Related Press: 117–112 Hagler Baltimore Solar: 7–5 Leonard (115–113 Leonard) Boston Globe (Ron Borges): 115–113 Hagler Boston Globe (Steve Marantz): 117–111 Leonard Boston Herald: 116–113 Leonard CBS (Gil Clancy): 115–113 Leonard CBS (Tim Ryan): 115–114 Hagler Chicago Solar-Occasions: 115–114 Hagler Chicago Tribune (1 – Bob Verdi): 115–113 Hagler Chicago Tribune (2 – Bernie Lincicome): 115–113 Hagler Chicago Tribune (3 – Sam Smith): 115–113 Hagler ESPN (Al Bernstein): 115–113 Hagler ESPN (Dave Bontempo): 114–114 HBO (Harold Lederman): 115–113 Leonard HBO (Larry Service provider): 114–114 Houston Chronicle: 115–114 Leonard Newark Star-Ledger (Jerry Izenberg): 115–113 Hagler KO Journal: 118–111 Leonard Miami Herald: 116–112 Hagler Miami Information: 116–112 Hagler

Los Angeles Occasions: 117–111 Leonard Newsday: 115–114 Hagler New York Every day Information (1): 117–111 Leonard New York Every day Information (2 – Michael Katz): 117–112 Leonard New York Put up (1): 114–114 New York Put up (2 – Jerry Lisker): 115–113 Hagler New York Occasions (Dave Anderson): 114–114 Oakland Tribune: 117–112 Leonard Philadelphia Every day Information (1): 116–112 Leonard Philadelphia Every day Information (2): 115–113 Hagler Ring Journal (Nigel Collins): 115–113 Leonard Ring Journal (Phill Marder): 114–114 San Jose Mercury-Information: 116–115 Hagler Seattle Occasions: 115–113 Hagler Sports activities Illustrated (Hugh McIlvanney): 116–112 Hagler Sports activities Illustrated (William Nack): 116–114 Leonard Sports activities Illustrated (Pat Putnam): 115–113 Hagler United Press Worldwide: 116–112 Leonard USA Right now: 115–113 Leonard Washington Put up: 114–114

The combat was named “Struggle of the 12 months” and “Upset of the 12 months” by The Ring.

Regardless of requests from the Hagler camp, Leonard was tired of a rematch and retired on Might 27, 1987. “I am going to attempt, I am going to give it a shot”, Leonard mentioned of his newest retirement. “However you guys know me.”^[58] A month after Hagler’s formal retirement in June 1988, Leonard would announce one other comeback.

Second comeback

Leonard vs. Lalonde

On November 7, 1988, Leonard made one other comeback, dealing with Donny Lalonde at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. They fought for Lalonde’s WBC Gentle Heavyweight Championship and the newly created WBC Tremendous Middleweight Championship, which meant that Lalonde needed to make 168 lbs. Many had been important of the truth that Lalonde’s mild heavyweight title was on the road when the burden restrict of the combat with Leonard was at 168 kilos, and significant of Leonard for stipulating that his opponent—a pure 175-pounder—ought to weigh lower than his normal combating weight, which might probably weaken him. Nevertheless, Lalonde later instructed HBO’s Larry Service provider that he did not have any hassle making weight.^[59]

Lalonde, 31–2 with 26 knockouts, was assured not less than $6 million and Leonard was assured over $10 million.

This is able to be Leonard’s first skilled combat with out Angelo Dundee. For Leonard’s combat with Hagler, Dundee labored with no contract and obtained $175,000, which was lower than 2{ae90547d17d4d74b17007ee836a04674fd006933c139011dc78eb03c100070a7} of Leonard’s purse. Dundee was sad with that quantity. He requested a contract for the Lalonde combat and Leonard refused. “I haven’t got contracts. My phrase is my bond”, Leonard mentioned. Janks Morton and Dave Jacobs educated Leonard for the Lalonde combat.^[60][61]

Lalonde’s dimension and awkwardness troubled Leonard. Within the fourth spherical, a proper hand to the highest of Leonard’s head dropped him for simply the second time in his profession. Early within the ninth, Lalonde damage Leonard with a proper to the chin. Leonard fired again and damage Lalonde with a proper. He drove him to the ropes and unleashed a livid assault. Lalonde tried to tie up Leonard, however bought dropped with a strong left hook. He rose however was quickly down once more, and the combat was stopped. Judges Chuck Giampa and Franz Marti had Leonard forward by scores of 77–74 and 77–75, respectively. Decide Stuart Kirshenbaum had Lalonde forward 76–75.^[62]

After the combat, Leonard vacated the sunshine heavyweight title, however saved the tremendous middleweight title. Additionally, Leonard and Janks Morton break up due to private variations. Morton was changed as co-trainer by Pepe Correa, who had labored with Leonard for many of the earlier fifteen years.^[63]

Leonard vs. Hearns

On June 12, 1989, Leonard defended the WBC Tremendous Middleweight Championship in a rematch with Thomas Hearns at Caesar’s Palace. It was promoted as “The Battle”.^[64] Hearns was assured $11 million and Leonard was assured $14 million.

Hearns dropped Leonard with a proper cross within the third spherical, however Leonard got here again and battered Hearns across the ring within the fifth. Early within the seventh spherical, Hearns damage Leonard however punched himself out going for the knockout. With Hearns fatigued, Leonard got here again and had a robust end to the spherical. Rounds 9 and ten had been good rounds for Leonard, however he bumped into hassle within the eleventh spherical. Three booming rights from Hearns despatched Leonard down for the second time within the combat. Understanding he wanted a giant end, Leonard fought furiously and had a giant last spherical.

The judges scored the combat a draw and Leonard retained the title. Decide Jerry Roth scored the combat 113–112 for Hearns, Decide Tom Kazmarek scored it 113–112 for Leonard, and Decide Dalby Shirley scored it 112–112. Shirley was the one decide to present Leonard a ten–8 margin within the twelfth. If he had scored it 10–9, as his two colleagues did, Hearns would have gained by a break up resolution. Ultimately, Leonard admitted that Hearns deserved the choice^{[citation needed]}.

Leonard vs. Durán III – Uno Más

On December 7, 1989, Leonard defended the title towards Roberto Durán, who was the reigning WBC Middleweight Champion. Durán was assured $7.6 million and Leonard’s association assured him over $13 million.^[65]

For the Durán combat, Leonard reduce his entourage from twenty-one to 6. Dave Jacobs was one of many folks let go, leaving Correa as the only real coach. Correa was instructed to not spare the whip. “For the primary time in a very long time, I allowed somebody to push me”, Leonard mentioned.

The combat came about on the new Mirage Resort in Las Vegas. Leonard used fixed lateral motion and gained by a lopsided twelve-round unanimous resolution over a listless Durán. The scores had been 120–110, 119–109, and 116–111. In a combat that many thought-about to be very boring, each fighters had been booed usually by the followers and plenty of left the sector earlier than the choice was introduced. Pat Putnam of Sports activities Illustrated wrote, “Leonard gave them creative perfection once they wished heated battle, and so they booed lustily. Most combat followers wouldn’t spend a dime to look at Van Gogh paint Sunflowers, however they’d fill Yankee Stadium to see him reduce off his ear.”^[66] Though Leonard dominated the combat, he suffered a number of cuts. His decrease lip was reduce from a headbutt within the fourth spherical, his left eye was reduce within the eleventh spherical, and his proper eye was reduce within the twelfth spherical. The cuts required a complete of 60 stitches.^[67]

In August 1990, Leonard relinquished the WBC tremendous middleweight title, saying that he was beneath the burden for the division.^[68] He then supplied Hearns a 3rd combat, however Hearns mentioned he might not make the burden and moved as much as the sunshine heavyweight division.^[69]

Leonard vs. Norris

On February 9, 1991, Leonard went right down to 154 lbs and fought WBC Gentle Middleweight Champion Terry Norris at Madison Sq. Backyard. Leonard entered the bout as a 3-1 favourite however Norris dominated the combat, giving Leonard a heavy beating. He knocked Leonard down with a left hook within the second spherical, and within the seventh, he dropped Leonard once more with a brief proper. Leonard had no reply for the skillful, youthful, quicker man. Leonard went the gap however misplaced by a lopsided resolution. The scores had been 120–104, 119–103, and 116–110. After the decision was introduced, Leonard introduced his retirement. “It took this combat to point out me it’s not my time”, Leonard mentioned. “Tonight was my final combat. I understand how Hagler felt now.”^[70]

Closing comeback

In October 1996, the 40-year-old Leonard introduced that he was popping out of retirement to combat 34-year-old Héctor Camacho for the flippantly regarded Worldwide Boxing Council (IBC) Middleweight Championship. Camacho, a light-hitting southpaw, was a three-time world champion with a document of 62–3–1. Nevertheless, Camacho was additionally thought-about to be previous his prime. Leonard determined to combat Camacho after commentating on Camacho’s combat with the 45-year-old Roberto Durán the earlier 12 months, describing the disputed unanimous resolution as “an early Christmas reward”.

Leonard blamed his poor efficiency towards Norris on lack of motivation, a rib harm, shifting down in weight, and divorce, which was being litigated whereas he was in coaching. “It was silly for me to combat Norris at 154 lbs”, Leonard mentioned. “That is totally different. I am in the perfect form attainable.”^[71]
For the Camacho combat, Leonard had a brand new coach, Adrian Davis. “He is a terrific coach, a throwback”, Leonard mentioned. “He has actually helped me prepare.”^[72]

In January 1997, it was introduced that Leonard had been voted into the Worldwide Boxing Corridor Of Fame in Canastota, New York. The principles state {that a} boxer have to be retired for 5 years earlier than being eligible for induction. When the vote came about, Leonard had been retired for greater than 5 years, subsequently, he was eligible, although he had a combat scheduled. The induction ceremony was on June 15, 1997.^[73]

The combat with Camacho came about on March 1, 1997, in Atlantic Metropolis, New Jersey. Camacho utilized strain from the opening bell and began to attain properly within the third. He continued to attain properly within the fourth and opened a reduce above Leonard’s proper eye. Within the fifth, Camacho dropped Leonard with a proper adopted by two left uppercuts. Leonard bought up, however was unable to chase away Camacho. The referee stopped the combat with Camacho teeing off on a defenseless Leonard on the ropes. It was the one time in Leonard’s profession that he was knocked out.

Afterward, Leonard retired once more, saying, “For certain, my profession is unquestionably over for me within the ring.” Nevertheless, lower than every week after the combat, Leonard mentioned he deliberate to combat once more. He blamed his loss on a torn proper calf muscle. His physician instructed that he cancel the combat, however Leonard wished to undergo with it. Earlier than the combat, he was given a shot of novocaine.^[74]

Leonard mentioned he deliberate to have a collection of tuneup fights earlier than combating a champion.^[75] He was scheduled to combat Tony Menefee on February 15, 1998, in Australia, however he pulled out of the combat, saying that he did not have the motivation. The Camacho combat was Leonard’s final. He completed his profession with a document of 36–3–1 with 25 knockouts.^[76]

Media appearances

Leonard has labored as a boxing analyst for ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, HBO and EPIX. His relationship with HBO lasted for greater than a decade. It resulted in 1990, after HBO was not supplied a possibility to bid on the telecast rights to Leonard’s combat with Terry Norris. HBO believed it could be inappropriate for Leonard to proceed with them in the event that they could not bid on his fights. Leonard’s legal professional, Mike Coach, mentioned, “There by no means has been a linkage between his broadcasting and his combating.”^[77]

Leonard has supplied industrial endorsements for firms together with Coca-Cola, EA Sports activities, Ford, Nabisco, Revlon and seven Up. His most well-known industrial was a 7 Up advert he did along with his son, Ray Jr., Roberto Durán and Durán’s son Roberto Jr. within the early Nineteen Eighties.^[78][79] Leonard is among the many most sought-after motivational/inspirational audio system on the planet right this moment. His speech, entitled “Energy” (Put together, Overcome and Win Each Spherical), is persistently booked with main Fortune 500 firms all through the USA and overseas.^[80]

Leonard has additionally labored as an actor. He has appeared in quite a few tv reveals, together with Half & Half, L.A. Warmth, Married… with Youngsters, Renegade and Tales From The Crypt. He has additionally appeared in a number of motion pictures, together with I Spy and most lately The Fighter (2010), starring Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg. This film introduced again reminiscences of his combat with Dicky Eklund. He additionally labored as an adviser within the 2011 robotic boxing movie Actual Metal. Leonard served as host and mentor to the aspiring fighters on The Contender. Sylvester Stallone, who co-hosted through the first season, was one of many govt producers, together with Mark Burnett. When Leonard left the present, he was changed as host by Tony Danza for the ultimate season.^[81]

In 2001, Leonard launched Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Inc., a boxing promotional firm, and introduced the corporate’s strategic partnership with ESPN. Collectively, Leonard and ESPN would produce and promote “Sugar Ray Leonard and ESPN II Presents Friday Night time Fights”, which might air the primary Friday of each month for twelve months.^[82] Leonard’s boxing promotional firm was dissolved in 2004. He had a falling out with accomplice Bjorn Rebney, whom he referred to as “a most cancers in my firm.”^[83] Talking of his promotional firm, Leonard mentioned, “We did some nice reveals with evenly matched fights. I took nice pleasure in it. However the TV present took place and made my resolution quite a bit simpler. I already had it behind my thoughts to dissolve the corporate. The working atmosphere was not wholesome.”^[84]

Leonard competed on season 12 of Dancing with the Stars, which premiered on Monday, March 21, 2011, on ABC. His accomplice was Anna Trebunskaya. He was voted off in Week 4 of the present.^[85] Throughout his look on The Colbert Report in 2011, Leonard was defeated by host Stephen Colbert in a thumb wrestling contest.^[86] He appeared as a visitor on the chef’s desk, together with Tito Ortiz, through the tenth season of Hell’s Kitchen. He’s the movie star spokesperson for the Atlanta regulation agency John Foy and Associates, PC.

Leonard was additionally the topic of a Seinfeld episode (season 6, episode 22) the place George tries to flatter his boss by saying he appears like Sugar Ray Leonard. The true Leonard (a Seinfeld fan) talked about that he was instructed concerning the episode by family and friends, however had by no means seen it for himself till a pal gave him the DVD set for a present.

In March 2019, Leonard made a visitor look on the favored each day morning present on YouTube, Good Legendary Morning, hosted by Rhett McLaughlin and Hyperlink Neal. On this episode ^[87] of the “March Milkness” collection (the place Rhett and Hyperlink created a March Insanity fashion bracket to find out the perfect breakfast cereal), Leonard was introduced in to interrupt a tie between the Fruity Area Champion, Froot Loops, and the Chocolatey Area Champion, Oreo O’s. His resolution was to push Froot Loops onto the Finals, the place they had been taken out by Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Private life

Household

Leonard married his highschool sweetheart, Juanita Wilkinson, in January 1980. Their six-year-old son, Ray Jr., served because the ring bearer.^[88] In 1984, they’d one other son, Jarrell.^[89] They had been divorced in 1990. Throughout divorce proceedings, Juanita Leonard testified that her husband bodily abused her whereas inebriated. She additionally mentioned he was an occasional cocaine consumer. In his testimony, Leonard confirmed his spouse’s claims and went on to disclose that the issues of their marriage weren’t on account of drug and alcohol use.^[90]

After the Los Angeles Occasions broke the story, Leonard held a press convention and publicly acknowledged that the accusations had been true. He mentioned he began utilizing treatment after he retired in 1982, following surgical procedure to restore a indifferent retina. “I wished extra”, Leonard mentioned. “I wished that enviornment. I did not need anybody to inform me my profession needed to finish.” “I made a decision to seek for a substitute…I resorted to cocaine. I used after I felt unhealthy, I used after I missed competing at that degree”, he mentioned. “It was a crutch, one thing that enabled me to overlook.” He mentioned he stop utilizing medication in early 1986, when he wakened one morning and “what I noticed within the mirror was scary.” “I can by no means erase the ache or the scars I’ve made by means of my stupidity, my selfishness”, Leonard mentioned. “All I can do is say I am sorry, however that’s not sufficient.”^[91] In 2011, Leonard revealed in an NPR interview that he had been freed from alcohol since July 2006.

In 1989, Leonard was launched to Bernadette Robi by Kenny G at a Luther Vandross live performance. Robi is the daughter of Paul Robi, one of many authentic Platters, and she or he is the ex-wife of Lynn Swann. Leonard and Robi had been married at Leonard’s $8.7 million property in Pacific Palisades, California in August 1993. On the wedding ceremony ceremony, the grounds had been transformed right into a backyard with 10,000 roses and blossoms of different flowers flown in from the Netherlands.^[92]

Leonard can also be the godfather of Khloé Kardashian and has appeared on many episodes of Preserving Up With The Kardashians.

Charity work

For a few years, Leonard has been the Worldwide Chairman of the Juvenile Diabetes Analysis Basis’s Stroll for a Remedy and is actively concerned in elevating each consciousness and funds.

Leonard testified earlier than the Senate Committee on Homeland Safety and Authorities Affairs in 2009. The Senate listening to was titled “Sort 1 Diabetes Analysis: Actual Progress and Actual Hope for a Remedy”. He testified concerning the burden of diabetes and the necessity for continued analysis funding to discover a remedy.^[93]

Leonard and his spouse, Bernadette, based the Sugar Ray Leonard Basis to help the Juvenile Diabetes Analysis Basis and its annual Stroll for a Remedy. In 2009, the inspiration expanded to help packages that assist folks rebuild their communities in ten cities throughout the USA. It helps accessible housing, healthcare providers, and academic providers and job coaching.

In 2007 he was awarded The Ambassador Award of Excellence by the LA Sports activities & Leisure Fee on the Riviera Nation Membership for his continued group involvement.^[94]

Advocacy towards youngster molestation

In his autobiography The Large Struggle: My Life out and in of the Ring, printed in June 2011, Leonard reveals that as a younger boxer he was the sufferer of sexual abuse from an Olympic coach in addition to one other man, a benefactor.^[95] He has since made public appearances to carry consideration to the difficulty of kid intercourse abuse, declaring himself a “poster youngster” for the trigger and inspiring victims to report their abuse.^[96]

Skilled boxing document

Skilled document abstract

40 fights	36 wins	3 losses
By knockout	25	1
By resolution	11	2
Attracts	1

No.	Consequence	Report	Opponent	Sort	Spherical, time	Date	Location	Notes
40	Loss	36–3–1	Héctor Camacho	TKO	5 (12), 1:08	Mar 1, 1997	Conference Corridor, Atlantic Metropolis, New Jersey, U.S.	For IBC middleweight title
39	Loss	36–2–1	Terry Norris	UD	12	Feb 9, 1991	Madison Sq. Backyard, New York Metropolis, New York, U.S.	For WBC mild middleweight title
38	Win	36–1–1	Roberto Durán	UD	12	Dec 7, 1989	The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Retained WBC tremendous middleweight title
37	Draw	35–1–1	Thomas Hearns	SD	12	Jun 12, 1989	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Retained WBC tremendous middleweight title; For WBO tremendous middleweight title
36	Win	35–1	Donny Lalonde	TKO	9 (12), 2:30	Nov 7, 1988	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Received WBC mild heavyweight and inaugural WBC tremendous middleweight titles
35	Win	34–1	Marvin Hagler	SD	12	Apr 6, 1987	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Received WBC and The Ring middleweight titles
34	Win	33–1	Kevin Howard	TKO	9 (10), 2:27	Might 11, 1984	Centrum, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
33	Win	32–1	Bruce Finch	TKO	3 (15), 1:50	Feb 15, 1982	Centennial Coliseum, Reno, Nevada, U.S.	Retained WBA, WBC, and The Ring welterweight titles
32	Win	31–1	Thomas Hearns	TKO	14 (15), 1:45	Sep 16, 1981	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Retained WBC and The Ring welterweight titles; Received WBA welterweight title
31	Win	30–1	Ayub Kalule	TKO	9 (15), 3:06	Jun 25, 1981	Astrodome, Houston, Texas, U.S.	Received WBA and The Ring mild middleweight titles
30	Win	29–1	Larry Bonds	TKO	10 (15), 2:22	Mar 28, 1981	Service Dome, Syracuse, New York, U.S.	Retained WBC and The Ring welterweight titles
29	Win	28–1	Roberto Durán	TKO	8 (15), 2:44	Nov 25, 1980	Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.	Received WBC and The Ring welterweight titles
28	Loss	27–1	Roberto Durán	UD	15	Jun 20, 1980	Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Quebec, Canada	Misplaced WBC and The Ring welterweight titles
27	Win	27–0	Dave Boy Inexperienced	KO	4 (15), 2:27	Mar 31, 1980	Capital Centre, Landover, Maryland, U.S.	Retained WBC and The Ring welterweight titles
26	Win	26–0	Wilfred Benítez	TKO	15 (15), 2:54	Nov 30, 1979	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Received WBC and The Ring welterweight titles
25	Win	25–0	Andy Worth	KO	1 (12), 2:52	Sep 28, 1979	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Retained NABF welterweight title
24	Win	24–0	Pete Ranzany	TKO	4 (12), 2:41	Aug 12, 1979	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.	Received NABF welterweight title
23	Win	23–0	Tony Chiaverini	RTD	4 (10)	Jun 24, 1979	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
22	Win	22–0	Marcos Geraldo	UD	10	Might 20, 1979	Riverside Centroplex, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
21	Win	21–0	Adolfo Viruet	UD	10	Apr 21, 1979	Dunes, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
20	Win	20–0	Daniel Aldo Gonzalez	TKO	1 (10), 2:03	Mar 24, 1979	Neighborhood Heart, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
19	Win	19–0	Fernand Marcotte	TKO	8 (10), 2:33	Feb 11, 1979	Conference Heart, Miami Seashore, Florida, U.S.
18	Win	18–0	Johnny Gant	TKO	8 (12), 2:57	Jan 11, 1979	Capital Centre, Landover, Maryland, U.S.
17	Win	17–0	Armando Muniz	RTD	6 (10), 3:00	Dec 9, 1978	Civic Heart, Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
16	Win	16–0	Bernardo Prada	UD	10	Nov 3, 1978	Cumberland County Civic Heart, Portland, Maine, U.S.
15	Win	15–0	Randy Shields	UD	10	Oct 6, 1978	Civic Heart, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
14	Win	14–0	Floyd Mayweather Sr.	TKO	10 (10), 2:16	Sep 9, 1978	Civic Heart, Windfall, Rhode Island, U.S.
13	Win	13–0	Dicky Eklund	UD	10	Jul 18, 1978	John B. Hynes Memorial Auditorium, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
12	Win	12–0	Rafael Rodriguez	UD	10	Jun 3, 1978	Civic Heart, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
11	Win	11–0	Randy Milton	TKO	8 (10), 2:55	Might 13, 1978	Memorial Auditorium, Utica, New York, U.S.
10	Win	10–0	Bobby Haymon	RTD	3 (10)	Apr 13, 1978	Capital Centre, Landover, Maryland, U.S.
9	Win	9–0	Javier Muniz	KO	1 (8), 2:45	Mar 19, 1978	Veterans Memorial Coliseum, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
8	Win	8–0	Artwork McKnight	TKO	7 (8), 1:52	Mar 1, 1978	Hara Enviornment, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
7	Win	7–0	Rocky Ramon	UD	8	Feb 4, 1978	Civic Heart, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
6	Win	6–0	Hector Diaz	KO	2 (8), 2:20	Dec 17, 1977	D.C. Armory, Washington, D.C., U.S.
5	Win	5–0	Augustin Estrada	KO	6 (8), 1:54	Nov 5, 1977	Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
4	Win	4–0	Frank Santore	KO	5 (8), 2:55	Sep 24, 1977	Civic Heart, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
3	Win	3–0	Vinnie DeBarros	TKO	3 (6), 1:59	Jun 10, 1977	Civic Heart, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
2	Win	2–0	Willie Rodriguez	UD	6	Might 14, 1977	Civic Heart, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
1	Win	1–0	Luis Vega	UD	6	Feb 5, 1977	Civic Heart, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.

See additionally