‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard will go down in the history books as one of the finest competitors to ever step inside a boxing ring.
As a former five-division world champion, Leonard picked up belts from welterweight to light heavyweight in an incredible career. Some of the legendary moments in his career include Leonard getting revenge on Roberto Duran and earning an incredible knockout over Thomas Hearns.
Retiring in 1997 after a comeback fight, Leonard left boxing fans with plenty of memorable moments.
However, even outside of his highest-profile outings, Leonard was still showing his class. To set up his first world title opportunity, a young Leonard had a breakout stoppage.
Sugar Ray Leonard had a devastating first-round knockout over Andy Price
Following his 24th professional win, aged just 23, Leonard would be paired up with Andy Price (29-5-3).
Meeting in a welterweight clash, the two competed on a card that also consisted of Duran and Larry Holmes. The bout took place in September 1979 at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas.
Despite being the slightly older and more experienced fighter, Price would not get an opportunity to show these advantages. The two would not fight a second round, as Leonard stopped his opponent in the opening minutes.
As Leonard began to find the mark with his punches, Price retreated with his back to the ropes. ‘Sugar’ would then throw various combinations that would find the mark in an impressive onslaught.
The punches continued to land from the 23-year-old until Price eventually crumbled to the canvas. A right hand from Leonard would be the final of over a dozen punches in the sequence.
Unable to return to his feet, Price lost the bout via first-round knockout. As for Leonard, he would compete for a world title in his next bout.
Sugar Ray Leonard faced Wilfred Benitez in his first world title fight
Just two months after his demolition of Price, Leonard would return to Caesar’s Palace for a world title opportunity. He would face the youngest-ever world champion, Wilfred Benitez.
The Puerto Rican was undefeated as he held the WBC World Welterweight title. Against Leonard, Benitez was looking to make his second defense of the title.
However, it was not to be for the champion. Despite Leonard saying Benitez made him miss a lot of punches, he was able to score a final-round knockout.
Leading on the scorecards after 14 rounds, Leonard finished the title bout in the final seconds, becoming a world champion.