Sugar Ray Leonard was badly hurt right before one of the defining nights of his boxing career.
At the peak of his powers, the American was a truly brilliant practitioner of the sweet science, mesmerizing fans with his slick skills and remarkable fight IQ.
Leonard famously made Roberto Duran quit and emerged victorious over the legendary Marvin Hagler.
However, just days before his clash with the icon, the gifted athlete was on the receiving end of a massive punch inside the gym.
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Sugar Ray Leonard got knocked out by Quincy Taylor before his win against Marvin Hagler
On a night he’ll never forget, Sugar Ray Leonard defeated Marvin Hagler via split decision in front of a raucous crowd at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
The victory is one of the most famous in boxing history, but it may never have occurred had the legend not changed his tactics at the last minute after taking a massive blow from future WBC middleweight champion Quincy Taylor in sparring.
As per BOXRAW, Leonard said: “I was really dominating all of my sparring partners. But [that punch] woke me up.
“He hit me so hard, I was out cold. I played it off so no one would know. But I was out.
“The thing about it was I was going to slug with Hagler. I knew my hands were faster, and he had a lot of scar tissue.
“After sparring with Quincy, I changed my strategy for my fight with Hagler. Thanks, Quincy. Love you, buddy.”
Sugar Ray Leonard fought the father of one of the greatest American heavyweights of the 21st century
With victories over the likes of Hagler and Duran, Leonard cemented his status as one of the greatest boxers of all time beyond doubt.
However, his rise to success started long before his famous world title wins.
Prior to his time in the professionals, he put together an impressive run in the amateurs.
In a tremendous display, Leonard defeated the father of a talented heavyweight star.