Sugar Ray Leonard, one of the greatest boxers in the sport’s history, made a special appearance in Middlesbrough at the weekend
View gallery Sugar Ray Leonard in Middlesbrough
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Boxing fans had a ringside seat when a sporting legend came to Teesside.
Sugar Ray Leonard, one of the greatest boxers in the sport’s history, made a special appearance in Middlesbrough at the weekend.
He was in town for an event organised by local boxing promoter Tony “Robbo” Robinson and held at TFM Soundworks on Linthorpe Road.
Sugar Ray was one of the best boxers in the world in his day, winning Olympic gold and world titles and beating such fellow greats as Thomas Hearns, Roberto Durán and Marvin Hagler.
He brought fans flocking to yesterday’s event, which included big screen footage of his fights and a question and answer session.
The boxing legend was also photographed wearing a Boro shirt.
Organiser Tony said hundreds of fight fans packed the venue.
He said Sugar Ray was in great form, saying: “You could not have asked for a better event.”
Tony said they were planning to bring more boxing greats to the town in the future.
Before attending that event, Sugar Ray popped in to the Dickens Inn round the corner on Southfield Road to catch up with some old friends.
He may be a sporting superstar but Sugar Ray wore his celebrity status lightly as he warmly greeted members of the Spensley family.
Tony Spensley, who runs the Dickens Inn, said: “What can you say. It is just a pleasure and an honour.”
Tony’s brother Gerard added: “I just find it amazing. It just shows you what a true champ he is, the people’s champ.
“He is a lovely guy. He has no airs or graces.”
Sugar Ray sipped tea as he regaled his audience with stories about his life, family, boxing achievements and Muhammad Ali.
Before he was whisked off to his next destination, he happily posed for photos and donated some boxing gloves which he signed.
Sugar Ray told the Gazette it had been great to be in Boro and promised a return visit.
“Fantastic,” was his verdict, adding: “I will hopefully be back in May.”
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