Legendary Boxing Icon, Olympic Gold Medalist, Hall of Famer, Bestselling Author, and Founder of the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation
Sugar Ray Leonard: Biography at a Glance
- Sugar Ray Leonard is an Olympic athlete and world champion boxer, Sugar Ray Leonard shows us how to set our fears of the unknown aside with preparation, focus, discipline, determination and attitude.
- Leonard took home Olympic gold and fought his way to world championships in five weight classes, a record still standing today.
- Voted “one of the top 25 athletes of the last 25 years” by ESPN, he is a successful entrepreneur who started his own sports promotion firm.
- In 2009, Leonard and his wife founded the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation to raise funds for research and awareness for a cure for Type 1 Diabetes and to help children live healthier lives through diet and exercise.
- Leonard’s raw and uplifting memoir, The Big Fight, reveals in intimate detail for the first time the complex human who waged his own personal battle with depression, rage, addiction, and greed, that lay behind the champion.
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Biography
Legendary sports icon, Olympic champion and Hall of Famer, philanthropist, bestselling author, television personality, ringside analyst, and longtime face of Skechers’ popular Relaxed Fit collections, Sugar Ray Leonard has established a legacy that epitomizes boxing and invokes the reverence of a champion. Leonard’s illustrious career outside of the ring merits admiration, as a vanguard in the cultural movement that has brought the sport of boxing front and center today; Leonard also helms the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation which celebrated its 13th anniversary this past May, committed to funding life-changing research for pediatric type 1 & type 2 diabetes and helping children build early healthy habits.
Having learned to box at the young age of 14, Leonard’s celebrated career includes three National Golden Gloves titles, two Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championships, and the 1975 Pan-American Games crown. After winning a gold medal in boxing at the 1976 Olympic games, he turned professional as a last-ditch effort to help his family defer mounting medical bills incurred from his father’s illness. Blinding speed, tremendous power, and palpable charm quickly made Leonard a media favorite, dubbed early on by the late Howard Cosell as the “new Muhammed Ali.”
At the age of 20 (1977), Leonard won his first professional fight, only setting the stage for a collection of the most memorable fights in all of boxing history. He went on to defeat some of the greatest boxers of the modern era, from Wilfred Benetiz to Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns, and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, from whom Leonard won the world middleweight title. During his 20-year professional career, Leonard also won world titles in the welterweight, junior middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight divisions— the first boxer to win world titles in five different weight classes.
In 2011, Leonard published his first autobiography (Viking Books) THE BIG FIGHT: My Life In and Out of the Ring. In the inspiring autobiography, the boxing legend vulnerably confronts his greatest competitor: himself. Sugar Ray Leonard’s raw and uplifting memoir reveals in intimate detail for the first time the complex human who waged his own personal battle with depression, rage, addiction, and greed, that lay behind the champion.
Leonard’s charismatic personality and expert ring knowledge led to a successful career as a television broadcaster for NBC, ABC, FOX, HBO and ESPN, also featured as the international commentator for the record-breaking Mayweather vs. McGregor fight. Other television credits include three consecutive seasons as host and mentor in the Emmy-nominated “The Contender,” and a fan-favorite contestant on ABC’s still reigning competition series, “Dancing with the Stars.” Previously, Leonard also joined the DAZN broadcast team, the live and on-demand sports streaming platform, providing ringside analysis for Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Boxing.
On the silver screen, Leonard appeared in the critically-acclaimed Paramount Pictures film The Fighter, also expertly consulting for DreamWorks and Walt Disney Pictures’ on Hugh Jackman’s Real Steel.
Perhaps most importantly, some of Leonard’s most impactful work is yet to be done. With a deep calling towards and passion for humanity, Leonard has always been devoted to his community and to helping those in need. In establishing The Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation in 2009, Leonard and his wife, Bernadette took changing the world into their own capable hands. Since its inception 14 years ago, the foundation has funded countless research projects and offered life-changing patient care for children living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, the foundation is also committed to helping children lead healthier lives through diet and exercise, equipping them with the tools to be successful in health later on. Leonard raises money for Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) and other children's charities through his annual "Big Fighters, Big Cause" Charity Boxing Night. He sits on the Board of Trustees of CHLA and remains an active member of the Los Angeles philanthropic community.
Topics
The Power to Win!
Whether achieving greatness as an athlete or in the business arena—the same qualities that drive success apply: discipline, focus, determination, preparation, the right attitude and setting fear of the unknown aside. Sugar Ray Leonard makes a powerful case for his principles of success with a sense of humor and a smile that lights up the room. An enormously charismatic figure, Leonard walks the stage telling stories that paint strong pictures for his audience—stories of what it took to reach his dream of Olympic gold, of what it took to get to the top in his professional career—and stay there, and stories of his journey to make the challenging transition from life as an athlete to that of an entrepreneur. Making your dreams come true, staying at the top and dealing with change—all themes that people in every audience will relate to. Sugar Ray Leonard is a masterful speaker whose audiences come away with a renewed enthusiasm and commitment to being the best.
Fitness and Philanthropy
Sugar Ray Leonard has a passion to help fund research and awareness for diabetes and obesity prevention. In 2009, Leonard and his wife Bernadette started the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation to benefit this cause. The Leonard’s have always been devoted to the community and to helping those in need. In 2012, the Foundation was able to help develop and sustain Children's Hospital Los Angeles Kids N Fitness program, a community outreach program focused on reducing the rate of weight gain in overweight youth by promoting sustainable lifestyle changes that encourage healthier eating habits and more frequent physical activity. Leonard also participates in and speaks on a variety of national and international causes benefiting children's charities. He connects with audiences through the sport of boxing, fitness and philanthropy.
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FAQs
How do I book Sugar Ray Leonard for my event?
Contact CAA Speakers at (424) 288-2898 or speakers@caa.com to book Sugar Ray Leonard to speak at corporate or private events, keynote speeches, speaking engagements, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances.
Quick booking process- Email CAA Speakers with event details
- Get availability confirmation within 24 hours
- Review speaking fee and contract terms
- Sign agreement and finalize logistics
As one of the most influential talent agencies in the world, CAA handles all speaking engagements from contract to event day coordination.
Who is Sugar Ray Leonard's booking agent?
CAA Speakers is the preferred booking agency to contact for Sugar Ray Leonard’s speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com for all Sugar Ray Leonard in-person appearances and keynote speaking requests.
Contact Sugar Ray Leonard's agent- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: caa.com/caaspeakers
- Response: Within 24 hours
CAA Speakers can check Sugar Ray Leonard's speaking calendar with direct access to availability and official pricing. While many websites may list Sugar Ray Leonard, CAA Speakers is the direct source for authentic information about availability and pricing.
What is Sugar Ray Leonard's speaking fee?
Sugar Ray Leonard's speaking fee varies by event type, location, and requirements. As a top keynote speaker, Sugar Ray Leonard's fee reflects their expertise and market demand.
Speaking fee factors:- Event type and audience size
- Travel distance and logistics
- Presentation length and customization
- Virtual vs. in-person delivery
Additional costs: Travel, accommodation, A/V requirements, and optional meet-and-greets.
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for Sugar Ray Leonard's current speaking fee and detailed cost breakdown.
How much does it cost to book Sugar Ray Leonard as a keynote speaker?
The cost to book Sugar Ray Leonard as keynote speaker includes their speaking fee plus travel and logistics expenses.
Total booking cost includes:- Sugar Ray Leonard's keynote speaking fee
- Travel and accommodation
- Technical requirements and A/V setup
- Optional add-ons like book signing and meet & greets
- Virtual presentations
- Local/regional events
- Off-peak booking periods
- Flexible event dates
Email speakers@caa.com for Sugar Ray Leonard's exact booking cost and customized pricing proposal.
How to contact Sugar Ray Leonard for speaking engagements?
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for all Sugar Ray Leonard speaking engagements.
Official contact for Sugar Ray Leonard bookings:- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/sugar-ray-leonard
- Response time: 24 hours
Include your event date, location, audience size, and budget when contacting CAA about booking Sugar Ray Leonard.
Is Sugar Ray Leonard available for virtual speaking events?
Yes, Sugar Ray Leonard speaks at virtual events with professional-grade equipment and interactive presentation style.
Sugar Ray Leonard's virtual event options:- Live virtual keynotes with Q&A
- Interactive workshops and breakouts
- Hybrid events (in-person + virtual)
- Pre-recorded presentations
Virtual events offer global reach, flexible scheduling, and reduced travel costs while maintaining Sugar Ray Leonard's engaging presentation quality.
Contact CAA Speakers for Sugar Ray Leonard's virtual event availability and technical specifications.
What events can I book Sugar Ray Leonard for?
Book Sugar Ray Leonard for corporate conferences, industry events, private functions, and virtual presentations. Sugar Ray Leonard customizes content for any audience size or event type.
Event types:- Corporate meetings and conferences
- Industry summits and trade shows
- Private executive retreats
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- Virtual and hybrid conferences
Sugar Ray Leonard engages audiences from private executive meetings to large conferences with thousands of attendees.
Contact CAA Speakers to discuss how Sugar Ray Leonard can customize their presentation for your specific event.
Sugar Ray Leonard booking information and availability
Check Sugar Ray Leonard's speaking availability through CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com. Book 3-6 months in advance for best date selection during peak seasons (September-November, March-May).
Availability factors:- Event date and location
- Speaking fee and budget
- Lead time for booking
- Peak conference seasons
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Contact CAA early in your planning process to secure Sugar Ray Leonard for your preferred event date.
Book Sugar Ray Leonard keynote speaker through CAA
Book Sugar Ray Leonard through CAA Speakers for guaranteed authentic representation and professional event coordination. CAA is the preferred booking agent for Sugar Ray Leonard, with direct access to their speaking availability and decades of experience representing the world’s top keynote speakers.
CAA booking advantages:- Direct access to Sugar Ray Leonard's calendar
- 24-hour availability confirmations
- Professional contract negotiation
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Trusted by Fortune 500 companies for their most important speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com to book Sugar Ray Leonard for your next event.
Will Sugar Ray Leonard speak at private events?
Yes, Sugar Ray Leonard speaks at private corporate events, executive retreats, board meetings, and exclusive functions.
Private event types:- Executive retreats and board presentations
- Client entertainment and VIP gatherings
- Corporate celebrations and award ceremonies
- Private dinners and exclusive functions
Private event benefits: Customized content, enhanced interaction, complete confidentiality, and flexible scheduling.
Contact CAA Speakers for Sugar Ray Leonard's private event availability and confidential pricing proposals.
How quickly will I get a response about booking Sugar Ray Leonard?
CAA Speakers responds to Sugar Ray Leonard booking inquiries within 24 hours during business days. Complex requests or international events may take up to 48 hours for detailed proposals.
Response timeline:- Initial acknowledgment: Within 24 hours
- Availability confirmation: 24-48 hours
- Detailed pricing proposal: 48-72 hours
- Urgent requests: Same-day priority response
Include complete event details (date, location, audience size, budget) for fastest response times.
How far in advance should I book Sugar Ray Leonard?
Book Sugar Ray Leonard 3-6 months in advance for best availability, especially during peak speaking seasons. Early booking ensures better date selection and rate negotiations.
Recommended booking timeline:- 3-6 months: Optimal availability and pricing
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Peak seasons: September-November and March-May book fastest. Contact CAA Speakers early for priority consideration.
How do I get Sugar Ray Leonard pricing information?
Get Sugar Ray Leonard pricing information by contacting CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com with your event details. Receive detailed cost breakdown within 24-48 hours with no obligation to book.
For accurate pricing, include:- Event date and location
- Audience size and type
- Event format and duration
- Budget parameters
CAA provides transparent pricing with all costs included - speaking fee, travel, accommodation, and technical requirements.