Leonard’s memoir is brutally honest, revealing in detail the man behind the boxer. He tells stories of his personal battles with depression, rage, greed, alcohol and cocaine addiction and sexual abuse.
During his hall of fame career, Leonard went 36-3-1 (25 KOs) as he won titles in five weight classes. He went 10-1-1 during the 1980s, earning him the title of “Boxer of the Decade†for the ’80s.
Send your questions now and join Leonard Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. ET!
Buzzmaster
  (2:30 PM)
Sugar Ray is here!
Shawn (Barre,Vermont)
Now that you’ve told your story in length(great read by the way,very well put together,captivating) does it feel like the weight of the world is off your shoulders?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:30 PM)
Without question. It’s been something that I’ve wanted to get rid of or release for many years.
Darin (Silver Spring, MD)
Do you think you and Floyd would have been a good matchup? How do you see that fight playing out in your mind?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:31 PM)
Maybe. I knocked his father out. So why not knock his son out?
Cheesehead Sports Nut (Chicago, IL)
Thank you for being so open in your memoir, what caused you to open up so much?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:31 PM)
What most people who have experienced what I have is I was tired of the inner pain.
Edgar Vancouver wa [via mobile]
Ray if you had to choose between maywhether or manny in a fight who will you choose and why?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:32 PM)
Whoever has their “A†game. Don’t bet your house.
Clay Defayette (New York)
Is it sad to see some former greats like Roy Jones Jr. keep fighting for financial reasons when they can’t throw around the same quality punches as before?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:33 PM)
I don’t want to say sad, because I’m a fighter too. I’ve had my versions of comebacks which were not successful. I just pray that no one gets hurt.
courtney j (lindenwold. NJ)
hi sugar ray, out of all the fighters that you faced against, who hits the hardest?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:33 PM)
Tommy Hearns.
Janice (DC)
As an avid boxing fan, I think an amateur boxer from the 70s or 80s ranked 5th â€" 10th would decision an amateur ranked #1 today. Why do you think the recent US Olympic boxing teams are not performing as well as the teams of the past?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:34 PM)
Wow, you know your boxing! What you’re saying is factual. It’s all about experience. It’s all about fighting in tournaments and international competition.
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:34 PM)
You’re very smart.
Amaan (Jersey)
What was your take on the Sugar Shane and Manny Paquioa fight?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:35 PM)
It went as expected. If it was anyone except Pacquiao, Shane probably would have won.
Josh (MO)
Hey Sugar Ray- more nerve wracking, being in the ring or on the dance floor
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:35 PM)
Well, on the dance floor and my feet still hurt.
ryan (melrose,ma)
What’s your go to meal while watching a boxing fight?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:36 PM)
Pizza.
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:36 PM)
Pepporoni.
Duke (Washington, DC)
What’s the outcome of fight between you and sweet Pea Whitaker in your prime?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:36 PM)
Me. Just me.
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:36 PM)
Ask Whitaker.
Osmond (Vegas)
Hey Sugar Ray,I saw the movie “The Fighter†how much of your part in it was accurate?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:37 PM)
Everything was accurate, except the knock down. It was a slip.
Kevin (boston)
how long did it take you?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:37 PM)
Nearly two years.
Chris (DE)
Hello Champ â€" Will you be attending the Boxing hall of Fame this weekend?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:37 PM)
Unfortunately, I can’t. My schedule is crazy.
Duke (Washington, DC)
Ray what is your assesment of the state boxing right now as it stands and do you think it can ever reach the heights of where it was when there was a high intrest fighters like Ali, and yourself? Personally, I miss the old fight days!
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:38 PM)
I’m an optimist. I’m a boxing fan. I say yes.
Cheesehead Sports Nut (Chicago, IL)
I am going to assume that we both acknowledge that there are only four Rocky movies. I think Rocky III is my favorite, which is your favorite Rocky movie?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:39 PM)
My favorite is the first one. And The Champ is also a good boxing movie.
courtney j (lindenwold. NJ)
hi sugar ray, are there going to be any more contender series ever? I love that show.
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:39 PM)
Me too. I hope so.
Matt H (Phx, AZ)
Hello Mr. Leonard! What was a day of training like for you? Did you focus on roadwork, mitts, in-ring training? Just wondering what you thought was MOST beneficial?Thanks champ!!
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:40 PM)
Five miles at 5 a.m. A lot of sparring. Hitting a heavy bag. Speed bag. Lot of sit ups. Jumping rope. Six days a week. Three months before the fight.
Darin (Silver Spring, MD)
What fight are you most looking forward to? Haye/Wladmir, Khan/Judah, Pacquiao/Marquez III, or Mayweather/Ortiz? Why?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:41 PM)
All of the ones you named.
Dean (Los Angeles)
Please tell the current day boxing fan the truth about Manny and Floyd. Enlighten them by telling them the cold truth that they would have ZERO chance against you, Duran or Hearns at the welterweight division!
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:42 PM)
Dean, you are my publicist. You do it.
Dave (Los Angeles)
What has happen to the sport of boxing? This sport needs another Leonard, Hearns, Hagler or Duran! Please tell me one is on the way Ray???!!! Your Fan, Thanks.
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:42 PM)
Less competitive fights. Personalities, characters. Champions not willing to fight champions.
Marvin (Oakland)
Sugar Ray, have you had the chance to watch Andre Ward Olympian Gold Medal winner fight yet? I think he’s the next superstar and is still undefeated.
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:43 PM)
I’ve watched Andre. I’m impressed. A lot of potential.
Doc (Newark, DE)
SRL, if you could change one decision that you made in the ring, what would it be (e.g., not fighting Camacho, fighting Hagler sooner, etc.)? Thanks Champ!
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:44 PM)
Well, my ego tells me that it would be my first loss to Duran. And Camacho. But my heart says those were the fights that made me a better person.
nade (san antonio)
how do u think u would of done with the likes of the welterweights today? easier then or now?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:45 PM)
A fight is a fight. No matter what style it is, it would be something I would have to adjust to.
David (Ventura, CA)
In your opinion, do you think the belt has any value anymore. Or is it more of a trinket?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:46 PM)
The belts will always carry value, specifically to the fighter.
Micah (Ladd, IL)
Sugar Ray, two questions: 1) how do you respond to people who claim that you should not have been awarded the win against Hagler? 2) which fight would you say was our toughest?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:47 PM)
I’m crying as we speak.
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:47 PM)
Duke (Washington, DC)
Ray thanks for once again reaching deep down to summon up the courage as did in the ring on countless times, to share your life story with us in your new book “The Big Fight â€" My Life in and Out of the Ring; I’m sure it’ll bless a lot of people! Also, thanks for being a class act for the Washington Metropolitan Area (Palmer Park in the house!)
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:47 PM)
I am happy that this story is out and done. Thanks Duke.
Dean (Los Angeles)
Who was your most intimidating opponent?
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:48 PM)
Roberto Duran.
Sugar Ray Leonard
  (2:48 PM)
Love you and thanks for your support.
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