Sweet Day for Sugar Ray

Boxer Receives Ambassador of Excellence Award at Riviera CC

It’s been over a decade since Sugar Ray Leonard fought his last professional fight and yet the Hall of Fame boxer is as recognizable now as he was during his prime in the 1980s when he traded punches with fellow greats Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler. Yes, even in retirement Leonard draws a crowd. The charismatic personality that helped make him one of the most popular champions ever is still there and perhaps that is why so many people flocked to Riviera Country Club on Monday to participate in the LA Sports & Entertainment Commission’s 8th annual Golf Classic and honor Leonard with the Ambassador Award of Excellence. “I had a great career but now I enjoy spending time with my family,” said Leonard, who celebrates his 51st birthday on Thursday. “I truly believe that a champion is defined by what he does outside the ring.” Leonard lives a short walk from Riviera with his wife Bernadette and their children Daniel and Camille, who were there to share the honor with him. He was recognized not only for his 20-year pro career, which included titles in five different weight classes, but also for his subsequent work as a boxing analyst with HBO and as host of “The Contender,” a reality boxing show now in its third season. “It’s great to be a part of this celebration in Ray’s honor,” said fellow Palisadian Sam Lagana, a member of the LASEC Advisory Board. “He is not only one of the best fighters of all time, he’s also a great spokesman for boxing. He’s all about giving back to his sport and to the community.” The day began with a round of golf, followed by a silent auction and an autograph session at which Leonard, donning a St. Matthew’s cap to promote the school’s Town Fair, signed boxing gloves and chatted with invited guests and sponsors. That evening, a reception was held in the clubhouse dining room, where Leonard was presented with his award by LASEC president Kathy Schloessman after a 10-minute highlight video of Leonard’s boxing career that drew oohs and aahs from the audience whenever one of his flashy knockouts was shown. Past winners include UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, TV play-by-play broadcasters Al Michaels and Dick Enberg, Grand Slam tennis champion Pam Shriver and longtime Los Angeles Times Sports Editor Bill Dwyre. After thanking the LA Sports and Entertainment Commission, Leonard began his acceptance speech by saying he had tried to convince some of his peers to participate in the golf tournament. “I called Tommy Hearns and he said he wouldn’t come unless I gave him a rematch,” Leonard joked. “I called Roberto Duran but he had a stomach ache.” Leonard went on to explain that the reason he became a boxer is because his older brother Roger used to beat him up “just because I was there.” He also revealed that he used to sing in church as a young boy and is named after singer Ray Charles. “A lot of people like to size me up, some of you may be doing it now,” Leonard said. “But the reason I was able to prevail over fighters who were bigger and stronger is because I was able to psyche them out. I beat guys with my mind as well as with talent.” Leonard has no regrets about his career, but admits that like so many great fighters before him, he did not know when to quit. “I came back too many times,” he said. “The fights I lost were because the other guy didn’t follow the script. By the way, I own the rights to those fights so you’ll never see them.” Asked what he thought of the Oscar de la Hoya-Floyd Mayweather megafight on May 5, Leonard claimed there was something missing. “It lacked any moments. A big fight has to have memorable moments.”