Sugar Ray Leonard is one of boxing’s greatest talents, but he was not invincible from defeat, and certainly not invincible from embarrassment.
Sugar Ray Leonard retired with a record of 36-3-1, and was bested by just three men, one of whom, Roberto Duran, he defeated twice after to avenge his defeat.
Leonard had legendary wins over Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler, and was a five-weight world champion and icon of the sport.
It was, however, in one 1981 world title contest, when Leonard would humiliate himself, despite getting the victory and the world title.
Sugar Ray Leonard falls after attempting a flip in front of 30,000 fans
In 1981, 29-1 Leonard faced 36-0 WBA super-welterweight world champion Ayub Kalule in Houston’s Astrodome, in front of 25,000-30,000 fans.
Leonard put on a masterclass, and stopped Kalule in the ninth round, claiming the title for himself.
Many had expected Leonard to lose to Kalule, including Top Rank promoter, Bob Arum, who, according to BoxRec, said: “I don’t want to take the blame when Leonard loses this fight.”
Embarrassment struck not in the fight, though, but after, when Leonard attempted a 360-degree flip and landed flat on his bottom in front of a packed-out Astrodome.
Leonard, who once beat up a waiter, had reportedly perfected the move in training, but hadn’t accounted for his protective cup.
Sugar Ray Leonard had an unsuccessful comeback six years after retirement
Leonard retired multiple times in his career, but seemed firm in his decision in 1991, after losing by unanimous decision to Terry Norris.
The legend decided to return, though, six years later, when, in 1997, he faced 62-3-1 Hector Camacho, who retired Roberto Duran.
Camacho proved successful, and retired Leonard too, stopping him via fifth-round KO.