Sugar Ray Leonard Discusses Boxing and Manny Pacquiao’s Potential Return
Embracing his role as a boxing icon, Sugar Ray Leonard was spotted this week near his Los Angeles residence, engaging in a lighthearted conversation that quickly turned to the topic of Manny Pacquiao’s potential return to the ring. At 69 years old, Leonard approached the discussion with his signature charm, though he remained guarded about revealing any insights that fans would consider groundbreaking.
Insights on Pacquiao’s Comeback
In an interview conducted by a representative from FightHype.com, Leonard was asked about Pacquiao’s comeback at the age of 46. He expressed optimism, saying,
“It’s beautiful; I haven’t seen training clips, but I can guarantee he will be prepared.”
When pressed about how well Pacquiao might fare against younger opponents, Leonard emphasized the importance of mental readiness:
“It’s essential for the mind to be there. He needs to feel it from within.”
Reflecting on his own experiences, Leonard remarked,
“After the first punch, he will know what to expect, much like I did with Tommy Harris. It’s all about that first punch; age is just a number in the ring.”
Thoughts on Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford
The conversation also shifted towards the much-anticipated matchup between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. When asked for his thoughts, Leonard succinctly stated,
“I will watch it.”
When questioned about Canelo’s assertion that Crawford is superior to Floyd Mayweather, Leonard was pragmatically cautious, saying,
“They have to prove that.”
Though the exchange was brief, it was heartening to see Leonard in good spirits and maintaining a vibrant connection to the boxing world. Known for his invaluable insight into the sport, Leonard continues to be regarded as one of boxing’s legendary figures, having left an indelible mark from his prime in the late 1970s through the 1980s.
