Top quotes by Sugar Ray Leonard

I run with music all the time. I cannot run without my iPod. I have everything. Teddy Pendergrass. Luther Van Dross. Michael Jackson. Outkast. If an Usher song comes on and it's fast, I go fast. Votes: 36

Boxing is the ultimate challenge. There's nothing that can compare to testing yourself the way you do every time you step in the ring. Votes: 23

Boxing is individual, although there's a team concept because you need a great corner, you need a great trainer, you need a great prep man, you need all of these things, but it's more of a Mano a Mano; it's more you versus me. I miss that time in training camp and Dad and Mom cooking meals. It was one big family. Votes: 22

When I was fighting, I would look to excite the crowds with a bolo punch or something taunting. Looking back, they were legal - but not sportsmanlike. I don't recommend another boxer try them. But we looked more to make the robot fights dramatic first and realistic second. Votes: 22

I was not athletically inclined. I was very quiet, introverted, non-confrontational. My three older brothers were athletes - basketball, football - but I was kind of a momma's boy. Then one day, my brother Roger encouraged me to go to the boxing gym with him. I tried the gloves on, and it just felt so natural. Votes: 21

I am excited to share my archive pictures and footage. I'll also share announcements about current events and success stories from the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation to help fight diabetes and child obesity. Votes: 20

I made the decision to turn pro, and I remember what Ali said to me: 'Get Angelo Dundee. He's the right complexion with the right connection.' He knew boxing. Our relationship was so genuine, so sincere. Votes: 16

Boxing should focus on pitting champion versus champion - those are the fights that everyone wants to see. The sports also needs to work on developing new heroes and personalities. I'd like to see more vignettes on fighters, focusing on their lives, goals and stories. Boxers need to be larger than life. Votes: 15

People try to live vicariously through fighters, but it's one-on-one; it's primal. There's no other feeling like it. The problem for me was accepting it - that nothing compares to being champ. Votes: 15

I run three to four times a week. I go down to Orange County in California and I run all the time... all the time. You see the oceans, the trees. I like running in hot weather. I like to sweat and get all those toxins out of my system. I thoroughly enjoy it. Votes: 14

Joe Frazier was the epitome of a champion. I mean, here is a guy who was total old school, blue collar, who would fight anybody. You know, he didn't tell you he was the best fighter pound for pound. Votes: 14

I went through real darkness, but the ring was my light. That was the one place I felt safe. I could control what happened in the ring. My heart turned icy. Votes: 13

Success is attaining your dream while helping others to benefit from that dream materializing. Votes: 13

Without boxing, because of my neighborhoods, who knows what would have happened to me. It was always about following the leader. And I definitely was not a leader. Boxing gave me discipline; a sense of self. It made me more outspoken. It gave me more confidence. Votes: 12

I was not from a middle-class family at all. I did not have middle-class possessions and what have you. But I had middle-class parents who gave me what was needed to survive in society. Votes: 12

In Italy, I had an Afro, and a lot of the kids came up and felt my hair. It really was funny. I wish I had understood Italian. Votes: 11

At 14, I was the most disciplined guy around. I would get up at 5 o'clock in the morning and run five miles, and then go to school. Sometimes I would run behind the school bus, and the kids thought I was just crazy. I knew what I wanted. Votes: 11

Boxing is the ultimate challenge. There's nothing that can compare to testing yourself the way you do every time you step in the ring. On the downside, you meet a lot of really bad people in boxing, at all stages of your career. Votes: 11

Holyfield is nothing but class, and I think he's a breath of fresh air for the sport. Votes: 8

Ray Leonard is more the family man, kind of quiet. He's not as outgoing as Sugar Ray Leonard. Sugar Ray Leonard was very determined, very focused, very outgoing and very selfish, if you will. There are two different individuals there. Votes: 8

I never met a person as determined as my mother. From working hard for six kids to just trying to keep the household down or maintain my father's discipline, my dad, I'm so much like my father too. My father was so introverted, quiet, shy, nice. I got attributes from my father and mother. Votes: 7

Boxing was the only career where I wouldn't have to start out at the bottom. I had a good resume. Votes: 7

I made mistakes, but I'm luckier than most. I've got a successful business, lots of fans who think a lot of me and a family who loves me. Votes: 6

Normally, I would run with a group of guys in my camps. A couple of days before the fight, I would run by myself. That was my time to choreograph the fight in my head, so I needed to be myself. Votes: 5

I enjoy the school run and being a dad. Boxing will always be with me. I like that. Votes: 5

Although it was a great accomplishment to win a gold medal, as soon as they put it on you, that's it; your career is over. Votes: 4

I wanted to win the gold medal and then go home and further my education in college. I had no intentions whatsoever to become a professional fighter because I had heard horror stories about former boxers who made money but, in the end, ended up with nothing. I didn't want to be one of those guys. Votes: 3

It's hard to talk about yourself. Votes: 2

I wouldn't change anything because the mistakes and the hurt are as important as all the great fights. They made me who I am today. Votes: 1

I don't hold any regrets whatsoever about my life besides hurting people I loved. Votes: 1

Before I fight, I always pray that no one gets hurt. Votes: 0

I've never believed in tying myself up in a long-range contract, and I've been very outspoken on that subject. Votes: 0

When we got back to the U.S., I wanted to kiss the ground after seeing what people in other countries are denied or don't have. Votes: 0

We're all given some sort of skill in life. Mine just happens to be beating up on people. Votes: 0

I want my fights to be seen as plays that have a beginning, a middle and an end. Votes: 0

I came from nothing and achieved humungous fame and fortune. But I worked hard. I had discipline and determination. I had that ice in me. Votes: 0

I'm a free agent. I haven't allowed any promoters to have exclusive options on my fight. I don't need a promoter. Votes: 0

When I'm not in training. I'll walk around the streets at 153, but it's not solid; it's my socializing weight. Votes: 0

Within our dreams and aspirations we find our opportunities. Votes: 0

There will always be something about two men in the ring - a mystique because it's pure man-to-man competition. Because of the history boxing has and the tradition it holds, boxing will always have a that mystique. Votes: 0

To be the best, you need to spend hours and hours and hours running, hitting the speed bag, lifting weights and focusing on training. Votes: 0

To be the best, you need to spend hours and hours and hours running, hitting the speed bag, lifting weights and just focusing on training. Votes: 0

You don't appreciate things until they're gone. For me, I miss my friends; I don't miss boxing, I miss the camaraderie. Votes: 0

In Italy, I had an Afro, and a lot of the kids came up and felt my hair. It really was funny. I wish I had understood Italian Votes: 0

Boxing brings out my aggressive instinct, not necessarily a killer instinct. Votes: 0

I lay around and wonder why you were always there for me. Votes: 0

My very best memory of Montreal was the moment inside the Olympic arena when I was waiting under the stadium and those majestic gates opened up. It was a whole other world. Votes: 0

Tommy Hearns seemed like an indestructible machine, so to beat him, I think that was my defining moment, the pinnacle. Votes: 0

The Ricky Hatton that beat Kostya Tszyu in 2005 can beat Floyd Mayweather, he was so focused and in such amazing physical shape that he would have given anybody at that level a tough time. Votes: 0

Boxing was not something I truly enjoyed. Like a lot of things in life, when you put the gloves on, it's better to give than to receive. Votes: 0

My ambition is not to be just a good fighter. I want to be great, something special. Votes: 0

Bruce Lee was an artist and, like him, I try to go beyond the fundamentals of my sport. I want the public to see a knockout in the making. Votes: 0

When the trainer talks to the fighter, there's a connection. You don't always have to say much. Votes: 0

I was just such a quiet kid. I found boxing when I was 14 years old. I went down to the gym because my brother, who used to beat me up all the time, introduced me to boxing. I found boxing to be a sport that I felt safe in because I controlled what was in those four squares. Votes: 0

I always designed my robes and how I would present myself at every fight. Votes: 0

Someone once said there was a comparison between Sugar Ray Leonard and Sugar Ray Robinson. Believe me, there's no comparison. Sugar Ray Robinson was the greatest. Votes: 0

Aaron Pryor wants to get into the ring with me. He wants to be able to retire, and he will. For health reasons. Votes: 0

I'm a competitor and a very proud man. If a guy beats me once, he'll have to do it again to make me believe him. Votes: 0

People can do more than they ever believe they can do. Physically, mentally, academically. You have to be pushed. It hurts. But it's worth it, and it's a great thing. Votes: 0

You have to know you can win. You have to think you can win. You have to feel you can win. Votes: 0

To say what I would have been if I wasn't boxing, I don't know why, but I always wanted to be an x-ray technician or a substitute teacher. Those two occupations always stuck with me, maybe because my substitute teacher didn't give us homework, or because I've always had x-rays of my hands. Votes: 0

Looking back, yes, I made too many comebacks. But each comeback I was 100 percent sure that I would win. I never came back for the money, because I didn't need it. The adulation I was getting anyway in other spheres. But I'm a guy who likes to see how close he can get to the edge of the mountain - that's what makes me tick. Votes: 0

I watched Ali, studied Ali, and I studied Sugar Ray Robinson. I watched them display showmanship. I watched them use pizzazz, personality, and charisma. I took things from them and borrowed things from them because boxing is entertainment. Votes: 0

When you're a boxer, there is a lot of downtime and long periods of inactivity. Votes: 0

I asked my kids, 'Do you know what Papa used to do.' They said, 'You were a boxer, you won the Olympics!' And that's what they know. Votes: 0

I fought tall fighters, short fighters, strong fighters, slow fighters, sluggers and boxers. It was either learn or get knocked off. Votes: 0

The thing about boxers is that there's respect there. You beat me, and I may not like it, but you know what, deep down inside, I respect you. And that's the code of honor. Votes: 0

For the most part, I think video games do a good job of capturing the essence of boxing. However, I'd like to continue to see them push the realism, emphasizing the skill involved. Votes: 0

I was painfully initiated into boxing, because the guys I fought were a lot bigger than me. Votes: 0

Boxing's a poor man's sport. We can't afford to play golf or tennis. It is what it is. It's kept so many kids off the street. It kept me off the street. Votes: 0

Muhammad Ali was a god, an idol and an icon. He was boxing. Any kid that had the opportunity to talk to Ali, to get advice from Muhammad Ali, was privileged. He's always given me time to ask questions, although I was so in awe that I didn't ask questions. Votes: 0

You get these moments in the ring that live forever. That's what Muhammad Ali accomplished, and I hope that I have, too. Votes: 0

I watched Muhammad Ali, how when he would speak, how it was such a thing of beauty. It sounded so wonderful. And I wanted to be like him. Votes: 0

I learned to run backwards from Muhammad Ali. He told me about running backwards because you try to imitate everything you do in the ring, so sometimes you back up. So you have to train your legs to go backwards. Votes: 0

I used to walk to the Washington Monument from North L Street Northwest. And I was so hungry at times, I would stop and look into the trash cans, and if there was a half a sandwich, I would take that sandwich and eat it. It was just a matter of survival. I didn't think much of it, but it was just the way things were. Votes: 0

If I hadn't had the talent, the networks wouldn't have televised my fights. No one has made me; I made myself. I paid my dues. Votes: 0

No one but myself thought I could beat guys like Tommy Hearns or Roberto Duran. Votes: 0

Duran always disturbs me. The guy is just weird. Before our first fight, both Duran and his wife gave my wife the finger. Votes: 0

I think I've become one of the best finishers in boxing; if I hurt a guy, I normally take him out. Votes: 0

I'm not religious, but I believe that what I have is a gift, and I respect it and live up to it. Votes: 0

The Olympics meant everything to me. Going through them is like nothing else you will ever experience. For those few weeks, you are in another world. At that point, I couldn't see how there could ever be anything better. Votes: 0

I think an athlete should be honest. I know it's difficult, but if a guy knocked me on my can, I couldn't very well say, I slipped. Votes: 0

I've done a lot of things in my life that I'm not proud of. Votes: 0

Boxing is a sport, but it's also entertainment. I wanted to transcend the sport and be considered just not as a fighter, or a champion, but someone very special. Votes: 0

A fighter never knows when it's the last bell. He doesn't want to face that. Votes: 0

Aaron Pryor wants to get into the ring with me. He wants to be able to retire, and he will. For health reasons Votes: 0

Ali's belief in himself was something I picked up on, and it's become my own philosophy Votes: 0

Before the start of the '76 Olympics, I'd had 160 amateur fights. I won 155 and lost five Votes: 0

Boxing's a poor man's sport. We can't afford to play golf or tennis. It is what it is. It's kept so many kids off the street. It kept me off the street Votes: 0

Everything you want to know about a fighter is in his eyes. The look in his eyes tells the truth. Votes: 0

Except for Ali, fighters had never been marketable Votes: 0

Generally, the more weight you put on, the less effective you are Votes: 0

I always expect unexpected challenges. Votes: 0

I consider myself blessed. I consider you blessed. We've all been blessed with God-given talents. Mine just happens to be beating people up. Votes: 0

I enjoyed [Celebrity Ghost Stories]. I never thought in a million years that I would tell people that I saw a ghost. And I've seen a lot of ghosts. Votes: 0

I found boxing when I was 14 years old. I went down to the gym because my brother, who used to beat me up all the time, introduced me to boxing. I found boxing to be a sport that I felt safe in because I controlled what was in those four squares. Votes: 0

I had a drug problem. I'd go to parties, take a leak, and there was cocaine right there. I was 25 when it started, rich, famous, and retired. Votes: 0

I learned how to sumon, from somewhere deep within, the extra will I didn't know I possessed. Knowing it was there, and could be tapped again, gave me the boost of confidence I would rely on for years to come. Votes: 0

I learned that I had character defects, that I was allergic to alcohol and drugs, and that I had an obsession with all the bad stuff. But thank God that I woke and that I had good people around me to support me. There's not much more I can say about it. You have to want to be a better person. Votes: 0

I only wish that I had had the courage and the knowledge to have gotten that out of my system, out of my mind or my heart years earlier. But there is no book, there is no manual to tell you how to deal with sexual abuse. Votes: 0

I remember all the important fights. Vividly. In detail. Votes: 0

I retired and came back in '97. Woo! I mean, come on! I don't know, man. A six-year layoff? That was crazy! My career was relatively short, whether you look at either its length in years or the number of fights I had. But it was brutal. Votes: 0

I saw Todd Bridges talk about being abused on Oprah. Something that he said, or an expression that he made that gave me that little boost I needed to be open about it and to talk about it as transparently as I did. When I told my wife, she couldn't believe it. She was petrified, because it's such a no-no, taboo, a hands-off subject. But I'd have to say hearing Todd Bridges on Oprah was my watershed moment. Votes: 0

I tried the gloves on, and it just felt so natural. From that moment I became so embedded in boxing. I found a friend in boxing. Votes: 0

I want my fights to be seen as plays that have a beginning, a middle and an end Votes: 0

I want to be great, something special. Votes: 0

I wanted to be like Bruce Jenner. Votes: 0

I wouldnt change anything because the mistakes and the hurt are as important as all the great fights. They made me who I am today. Votes: 0

If I hadn't had the talent, the networks wouldn't have televised my fights. No one has made me; I made myself. I paid my dues Votes: 0

I'll think, If this is his first punch, how are the others gonna feel? That's the only fear I have for myself Votes: 0

I'm not in favor of that [mandating protective headgear ] because we learn as amateurs how to protect ourselves. And that's why there's a third man in the ring, the referee. And that's why there has to be a very strong boxing commission that doesn't allow guys in the ring who don't belong there. Votes: 0

I'm not religious, but I believe that what I have is a gift, and I respect it and live up to it Votes: 0

I'm so opposite of my profession. No one - particularly my mother and father - ever thought I was going to be a boxer because I always felt that football and baseball were too dangerous. I was just such a quiet kid. Votes: 0

Inactivity is the biggest sin in boxing. Votes: 0

It is wonderful. It truly is. It is the only thing that is real! It's you against me, it's challenging another guy's manhood. With gloves. Words cannot describe that feeling of being a man, of being a gladiator, of being a warrior. It's irreplaceable. Votes: 0

It was a whole different world, and Montreal was an absolutely beautiful setting unlike anywhere I'd ever been before. So, Montreal in '76 was an encompassing experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. Votes: 0

It's different when you become a professional, because you also have to become a businessman, and that takes something away from it Votes: 0

It's hard to talk about yourself Votes: 0

I've always been quiet and kind of shy. I'm sociable, but I would probably migrate to a corner. Votes: 0

I've always believed that you can be whatever you want to be if you are willing to sacrifice and dedicate yourself. Votes: 0

Look at football, where you still have injuries no matter how much they improve the helmets and other equipment. Votes: 0

My intention was to fight Durán ASAP because I knew Durán's habits. I knew he would indulge himself, he'd gain 40"“50 lbs and then sweat it off to make 147. Votes: 0

My toughest fight was myself. For me to disclose and let things out was not easy because we don't want to seem weak or like we are different, but I learned that it's okay. Votes: 0

No one but myself thought I could beat guys like Tommy Hearns or Roberto Duran Votes: 0

Spread your love and fly. Votes: 0

Sugar Ray Robinson was probably the greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time. Votes: 0

The only way for a fighter to get back in shape is to fight his way back. Votes: 0

They say that I'm stubborn, and my wife says that, too, but it's paid off so far. Votes: 0

This kid [Janks Morton, Jr.] was so special, although he's not a kid anymore, obviously, but he was there from day one of my rise through boxing. You know how the years go by and then, when you stop to reflect, you realize that someone was a part of your whole evolution as an individual? That's what I share with Junior. Votes: 0

To be honest, I don't know. I started one [book] back in 1982 or '83 when I first retired. But I was only 25 or 26 and not ready to write my memoirs. Votes: 0

We're all endowed with God-given talents. Mine happens to be hitting people in the head. Votes: 0

Were all given some sort of skill in life. Mine just happens to be beating up on people. Votes: 0

When I turned pro, Muhammad Ali was laying back, and I was able to fill up an area that was empty. Votes: 0

When I was 15 or 16 and I started climbing up the ladder of success in amateur boxing, a reporter asked me, "What do you want to be?" I think he was expecting me to say, "A champion." I said, "I want to be special." I don't know why I said that, but I didn't just want to be a fighter. I wanted to have an impact with people, particularly kids. Votes: 0

While each of us faces enormous challenges every day, it's not the sins we commit that will define us, its how we respond to them. Votes: 0

You don't play boxing. You really don't. You play golf, you play tennis, but you don't play boxing. Votes: 0

You just don't heal that easy unless you're young Votes: 0