First published 2011
Sugar Ray Leonard opens his life to readers in this candid autobiography. The Olympic gold medalist and multiple championship winner grew up in poverty on the dangerous outskirts of Washington, D.C. in the 1970s. He climbed through amateur boxing ranks with skill and speed, turning professional when his sick father needed financial support and endorsement deals remained elusive. Leonard takes readers inside the corrupt world of professional boxing as he prepares for legendary bouts against Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, and Wilfred Benitez. But his toughest opponent was himself. The beloved athlete battled depression, rage, addiction, and greed throughout his career. He reveals his struggles with infidelity, alcohol abuse, and cocaine addiction with brutal honesty. Leonard examines his contradictions and compulsions without flinching, showing how he found the strength to overcome personal demons. The memoir balances triumph with struggle, presenting both his victories in the ring and his resilience outside it.
Genres: autobiography, sports, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: overcoming-adversity, redemption
Setting: Washington, D.C.
Period: 1970s
320 pages · Hardcover · Viking
Content warnings: addiction, depression, substance-abuse