"Sugar Ray" Leonard
Consider this another two-fer: A happy birthday wish, and a salute. Efficiency is key. "Sugar" Ray Leonard was born Ray Charles Leonard on May 17 1956, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Ray started boxing at the recreation center in Palmer Park in 1969 in a boxing program his older brother helped launch.
It didn't take long for Ray's talent to shine. In 1973, Ray won the National Golden Gloves Lightweight Championship, but lost to Randy Shields in the lightweight final of the National AAU Tournament. The following year, Leonard won the National Golden Gloves and National AAU Lightweight Championships.
During his career, Ray defeated such men as Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, Donnie Lalonde, Wilfred Benitez, Floyd Mayweather, Ayub Kalule, Dave Green, Armando Muniz, Tony Chiaverini and Pete Ranzany.
Check out footage of his bout against Davey Green.
More footage of Leonard in action (Leonard is in the white shorts)!
Leonard v. Hagler:
Leonard v. Hearns:
More info when you read more.