Roger Leonard

Roger Leonard (born July 21, 1953) is a retired professional boxer from Palmer Park, Maryland. He is the older brother of boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, who he introduced to boxing.[1]

Career

Amateur career

Nicknamed "The Dodger," Leonard had over 100 amateur bouts.[2] He won four United States Air Force Championships and the 1978 National AAU Welterweight Championship, beating rival Clint Jackson.[3] While in the Air Force, he was teammates with another Palmer Park native, Henry Bunch.[4]

Professional career

Leonard turned professional in 1978. He regularly fought on the undercards of his famous younger brother, including when Sugar Ray fought Wilfred Benítez and Roberto Durán.

Leonard was 15-0 and ranked second in the world as a junior middleweight when he was stopped in ten rounds by Mario Maldonado in February 1981.[5] He retired after winning an eight-round decision against Herbie Wilens in March 1982. His professional record was 16-1 with 7 knockouts.[6]

References

  1. ^ "Sugar Ray was ring artist"
  2. ^ The Milwaukee Sentinel 7 May 1977
  3. ^ "Roger Leonard Bio at BoxRec"
  4. ^ "Henry Bunch Bey - BoxRec". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2017-04-20.
  5. ^ The Day New London, Connecticut 9 February 1981
  6. ^ "Roger Leonard's professional record at BoxRec"