Ray Charles Leonard, born May 17, 1956, and known as Sugar Ray Leonard, is an American former professional boxer, motivational speaker, and occasional actor. Considered one of the greatest boxers ever, Leonard competed from 1977 to 1997, winning world titles in five weight classes and the undisputed welterweight championship.
He was a key member of the “Four Kings” alongside Roberto Durán, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler. Leonard was the first boxer to earn over $100 million and was named “Boxer of the Decade” in the 1980s.
RELATED: Toby Keith Net Worth: Strumming through the Country Icon’s Earnings
Table of Contents
Sugar Ray Leonard Net Worth
Sugar Ray Leonard has a net worth of $120 million. In June 1993, he bought a Pacific Palisades home for $7 million (about $14 million today). He listed it for $52 million in July 2019.
The estate spans two acres with a 17,000-square-foot main house, a two-story guesthouse, a tennis court, putting green, and swimming pool. By October 2022, the price was reduced to $45 million and later to $39.995 million in December 2023. The property is marketed as “The Leonard Estate.”
Early life
Ray Leonard, born in Wilmington was the fifth of seven children of Cicero and Getha Leonard. Named after his mother’s favorite singer, Ray Charles, the family moved to Washington, D.C., when Leonard was three and settled in Palmer Park, Maryland, by the time he was ten.
His father was a supermarket night manager and his mother a nurse. Shy as a child, Leonard enjoyed reading comic books and playing with his dog, with few notable events except nearly drowning during a flood in Seat Pleasant.
Career
Leonard began boxing at Palmer Park Recreation Center in 1969, inspired by his older brother Roger. By 1972, Leonard had faced his first defeat in the National AAU Tournament and lied about his age to compete in the Eastern Olympic Trials.
In 1976, he won the U.S. Olympic light welterweight gold medal, defeating Andrés Aldama. Leonard, known as “Sugar Ray” after Sugar Ray Robinson, ended his amateur career with a 165–5 record and 75 KOs. He announced his retirement after the Olympics, opting to pursue a scholarship at the University of Maryland.
Personal life
Leonard married his high school sweetheart, Juanita Wilkinson, in January 1980, with their son serving as ring bearer. They had another son in 1984 but divorced in 1990. During the divorce, Juanita accused Leonard of abuse and drug use, claims he later confirmed.
Leonard admitted to using cocaine after retiring in 1982 but quit in early 1986. In 2011, he revealed he had been sober from alcohol since 2006. Leonard married Bernadette Robi in 1993, and they have a daughter, Camille. He is also Khloé Kardashian‘s godfather.
Which boxer has the highest net worth?
Floyd Mayweather is the richest boxer in the world, with a net worth of $400 million. The retired American boxing champion ranks as the fifth highest-paid athlete of all time.
Conclusion
Sugar Ray Leonard, with his unmatched skills and spirit, has crafted an inspiring tale of success, both as a boxer and an entrepreneur. As a testament to his legendary status, Leonard remains a guiding star for aspiring boxers and individuals across various walks of life.
RELATED: Bill Burr Net Worth: Comedy’s Cash Kingpin
FAQs about Sugar Ray Leonard’s Net Worth
- What is Sugar Ray Leonard’s net worth?
- Estimated at $120 million.
- How did Sugar Ray Leonard earn his money?
- Primarily from his boxing career, but also from motivational speaking and other ventures.
- Who trained Sugar Ray Leonard?
- Angelo Dundee.
- How many losses did Leonard have in his boxing career?
- He had 3 losses.
- Why did Leonard retire from boxing?
- Due to a detached retina and subsequent surgery.
