Aaron Pryor wants to get into the ring with me. He wants to be able to retire, and he will. For health reasons.
Sugar Ray Leonard

Ali's belief in himself was something I picked up on, and it's become my own philosophy.
Sugar Ray Leonard

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.
Sugar Ray Leonard

Before I fight, I always pray that no one gets hurt.
Sugar Ray Leonard

Before the start of the '76 Olympics, I'd had 160 amateur fights. I won 155 and lost five.
Sugar Ray Leonard

Boxing brings out my aggressive instinct, not necessarily a killer instinct.
Sugar Ray Leonard

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.
Sugar Ray Leonard

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.
Sugar Ray Leonard

Boxing was the only career where I wouldn't have to start out at the bottom. I had a good resume.
Sugar Ray Leonard

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.
Sugar Ray Leonard


Duran always disturbs me. The guy is just weird. Before our first fight, both Duran and his wife gave my wife the finger.
Sugar Ray Leonard

Except for Ali, fighters had never been marketable.
Sugar Ray Leonard

Generally, the more weight you put on, the less effective you are.
Sugar Ray Leonard

Holyfield is nothing but class, and I think he's a breath of fresh air for the sport.
Sugar Ray Leonard

I fought tall fighters, short fighters, strong fighters, slow fighters, sluggers and boxers. It was either learn or get knocked off.
Sugar Ray Leonard

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.
Sugar Ray Leonard

I think I've become one of the best finishers in boxing; if I hurt a guy, I normally take him out.
Sugar Ray Leonard

I want my fights to be seen as plays that have a beginning, a middle and an end.
Sugar Ray Leonard

I was painfully initiated into boxing, because the guys I fought were a lot bigger than me.
Sugar Ray Leonard

I'll think, If this is his first punch, how are the others gonna feel? That's the only fear I have for myself.
Sugar Ray Leonard