Grew up in a poverty stricken neighborhood, Palmer Park in Maryland. The Palmer Park Recreation Center is where he first started boxing. He lived in a small house with 6 other siblings and his parents, Gertha and Cicero Leonard. The people he grew up around got wrapped around drugs, and were jailed often for crimes, he on the other hand stood firm and stayed out of trouble in order to be successful in life and in boxing, his new found skill. Which he was introduced to by his brother, Roger.He was born on May 17th, 1956 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Ray Charles Leonard, also known as Sugar Ray, is a noteworthy professional because of his profound style of boxing, large success after a difficult upbringing, and philanthropy through his Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation.
Boxed in a style different then most boxers due to quickness and smartness that other boxers had an extremely difficult time defending. Didn’t strike with power like most boxers but hit quick jabs to slowly wear down opponents.
He got his nickname Sugar…show more content… Started the sugar ray leonard foundation which helps people with both diabete types live healthier Has an online website that will help give advice on workouts and diets to help with living with diabetes.
Cause for starting the foundation
All his life he grew up watching his dad struggle with type 1 diabetes and now that he had the money and fame he decide to make a change.With publicity after his successful career he created a foundation that could help people’s lives, instead of being selfish with his money like most
