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Sugar Ray Leonard is one of the best boxers of all-time in any weight class and was known for his style, grace, showmanship, and punching power in the ring. Now he is going to try and knock out the competition on the dance floor. The newest season of Dancing with the Stars begins tonight on ABC. While there are some head-scratching participants in this year’s season like Kirstie Alley (it’s a good thing that lifts are illegal because otherwise her and her partner would be at a severe disadvanatge), you’ve got to like Sugar Ray Leonard’s chances. Former and current athletes have had a lot of success on the show and his background as a boxer gives him an edge over a number of the other contestants. Sugar Ray Leonard joined WQAM in Miami with Sid Rosenberg to talk about some of his fights from the past, whether or not he ducked anyone during his time in the sport, how much he would like to see Manny Pacquiao take on Floyd Mayweather Jr, and talks about how his boxing could help him on Dancing With the Stars this season.
On the hardest punch he has ever received:
“Tommy Hearns. Tommy was an amazing puncher and a potent puncher. Tommy Hearns.”
How frustrated he is that Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. can’t come to an agreement:
“Not really frustrated. I’m sad by the fact that this fight has to take place. It’s highly anticipated and it’s one of those fights that will generate so much energy and excitement. Will one fight save boxing? No, but it’s a fight that fight fans deserve and it’s a fight that needs to happen for ones legacy, for ones bragging rights, and a boatload of money.”
The thought that he might’ve ducked Aaron Pryor:
“Oh come on. I never ducked anyone. I don’t know why that fight never came to fruition. I do recall there was some discussion about the fight that would’ve been at a catch weight because I was 147 and Aaron was much lighter. I don’t know why it never took place. In fact I asked Aaron and he really doesn’t know so that’s what it is.”
If it is true that he wouldn’t give Marvin Hagler a rematch:
“Stop, stop. That’s bull. Why wouldn’t I fight him again? That drives me crazy to say I didn’t want a rematch. Why wouldn’t I want a rematch? If I figured him out the first time I could figure him out the second time. No. That’s not true.”
Who would win between Pacquiao and Mayweather:
“That’s one of those fights, especially now because I have seen both guys hurt and recover professionally, it depends on who comes to the ring with their ‘A game.’ He will win the fight.”
On his appearance on Dancing With the Stars:
“I can put things together. You keep saying boxing, boxing, boxing, but that was 30 years ago. I’m gonna be 55 in May, but I’m going to make it work.”
What his best dance will be:
“Probably. Let’s say Cha-Cha.”
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