Sugar Ray Leonard: The Power of Believing in Yourself

Step into the ring for an inspiring one-on-one conversation with boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard.

Known for his legendary career, Sugar Ray is just as much a champion outside the ring, dedicating his time to giving back to the community. In this exclusive interview recorded live from the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s Inspiration Breakfast, Sugar Ray shares with me simple yet powerful lessons on resilience, self-belief, determination and the importance of lifting up those around us.

And you know how they say ‘Sometimes just a little complement can make someone’s entire day’....? Watch or listen ‘til the very end to hear why Sugar Ray certainly made mine. 

Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard delivered a knockout performance at the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s annual Inspiration Breakfast March 5, energizing the crowd with his powerful message of perseverance, resilience and giving back. 

“When I give back, reciprocate, it’s a wonderful feeling,” Leonard said. 

Sugar Ray Leonard

“Life is what you make it. You can’t give up, you can’t give in.”

Leonard explained that his motivation to succeed was rooted in his desire to help his family. 

“The only reason I became a professional fighter was because I wanted to help my mom and dad. My father had spinal meningitis, tuberculosis. I used boxing to take care of my parents, and I now use boxing to take care of children….children’s hospitals, and hoping to knock out diabetes eventually,” he added.

Co-chaired by community powerhouses Brad Winstead and Linda Gunn Paton and energized by ‘ring announcer’ Mickey Zitzmann, the YMCA Inspiration Breakfast presented by JM Family Enterprises honored Kenneth Kaleel with the prestigious Inspirational Leader Award. Kaleel not only served as the first Chair of the DeVos-Blum YMCA Branch Board and Chair of the YMCA of South Palm Beach County Board of Trustees, but he also started the annual Prayer Breakfast (now called the Inspiration Breakfast), helped start the annual Golf Classic and rallied for the Champion’s Ball and Healthy Kids Day.

No surprise that Leonard’s boxing career has shaped his philosophy on life. As he reflected on some of the life lessons that still guide him today, Leonard spoke about the importance of resilience. 

“Life is what you make it. You can’t give up, you can’t give in,” Leonard said. 

Sugar Ray Leonard at the YMCA of South Palm Beach County | Photos by Carlos Aristizabal

“Always get back up when you’re knocked down. It’s a place that I know…. to get back up, to respect and come back. It’s not as hard as you may believe. It's just believing in yourself. Because, if anything, when I was in that ring, I believed I could win and it happened” Leonard added.

Leonard spoke about the importance of programs like the YMCA of South Palm Beach County that empower young people and foster growth. “I want to be remembered not just as a fighter or a champion but as a person who cared,” Leonard shared, his voice emotional. “I care about people, and I care especially about kids, no question about that.”

Visit www.ymcaspbc.org to learn more about the YMCA of South Palm Beach County.