Sugar Ray Leonard was just eight fights removed from his amateur days when controversy struck.
Sugar Ray Leonard built a reputation for himself as one of the ‘Four Kings’ – besting the likes of Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, and Thomas Hearns.
The Olympian turned pro in 1977 and seemed destined for great things. One year later, though, Leonard faced controversy for the first time.
Sugar Ray Leonard was criticized after premature stoppage win over Art McKnight
In 1978, in what was Leonard’s eighth fight as a professional, he faced 10-1 Art McKnight.
McKnight had only lost once, by split decision, and was scheduled to fight Leonard in an eight round contest.
The fight never made it eight rounds, and that’s where the controversy lies.
Leonard, who was retired by Hector Camacho, was awarded a TKO victory over McKnight in the seventh round, though fans and viewers seemed to unanimously believe the stoppage was premature, and that McKnight was robbed of his chance of victory.
The Baltimore Afro-American news stated: “Six thousand fans jeered referee Pete Rademacher’s action in stopping the bout in the 7th round, claiming it was premature.”
It adds: “The contestants left the ring to a shower of debris.”
Leonard’s 10th fight was also controversial, as he was accused of striking his opponent after the bell.
Sugar Ray Leonard believes he should have one more loss on his record
In an interview with Seconds Out many years ago, Leonard revealed that he believes his record of 36-3-1 should in fact be 36-4.
Leonard said Hearns won their fight: “When I fought Tommy Hearns the second time he knocked me down twice, and it was a draw. Tommy won the fight.”
Leonard had beaten Hearns in 1981, but their rematch in 1989 ended in a split decision draw.