‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard has faced some tough challenges throughout his career.
From Leonard’s haunting loss to Roberto Duran to his fight of the year with Thomas Hearns, ‘Sugar’ was truly tested in his boxing career.
Retiring with a professional record of 36-3, Leonard’s career is considered one of the most impressive in the sport’s history. His 20-year career would see him pick up world titles in four different weight classes, from welterweight to light heavyweight.
Among his 25 career knockouts, Leonard has some truly impressive finishes. This even includes ‘Sugar’s’ late stoppage over one of his toughest opponents.
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Sugar Ray Leonard recalls fight with the youngest-ever world champion
In 1979, Leonard would get his first opportunity at a world title. Winning his first 25 fights, and aged 23, Leonard would come up against a fellow undefeated fighter for the WBC World Welterweight title.
Looking to make his second title defense, Wilfred Benitez (38-0-1) was aiming to fend off Leonard in Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas.
Benitez had won the title a year prior, however, won his first title aged just 17 in 1976.
Speaking to GQ Sports about the bout with Benitez, Leonard described the fight as one of his most difficult.
Describing the skillset of Benitez, Leonard said, “I never missed so many punches in my life… Out of 12 punches, maybe three would land.”
“He was so illusive, he was never a stationary target… That fight was so tough, that I went to the hospital that night because of dehydration.”
Leonard said that the reason he was able to dethrone Benitez was due to his output and determination, which led to his dehydration. “I never gave up; I never stopped throwing punches.”
The fight would end in the 15th round, with Leonard getting a TKO victory with just six seconds left on the clock.
Wilfred Benitez is still the youngest-ever world champion
Benitez set the record for becoming the youngest world champion when he won his title at 17 years of age, a feat yet to be topped.
The Puerto Rican fighter accomplished this in March 1976. Benitez defeated Antonio Cervantes (50-9-1) in Puerto Rico aged 17 years and 176 days.
‘El Radar’ won the bout via split decision as he claimed the WBA World Super Lightweight title, setting the record as the youngest world champion ever.
Benitez retired in 1990 with a professional record of 53-8-1.