According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2021, nearly 11.6 percent of the population in the United States was afflicted with diabetes. Out of that, nearly 2 million people were living with type 1 diabetes. It included over three hundred thousand children. ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard saw his father, Cicero Leonard, living with the chronic medical condition for a long time. Seeing how diabetes brings about drastic changes in a person’s way of life, especially how it affects children, pained the former world champion a lot.

So to create awareness and raise funds for research to find a cure for juvenile diabetes, Leonard, along with his wife, established a foundation. He was speaking with the media as he celebrated the 13th anniversary of his ‘Big Fighters, Big Cause’ event. The former five-division champion revealed how the battle against diabetes had been going and the dream he had nourished.

‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard: Step-by-Step Towards the Final Goal 

First, he spoke about what the journey meant for him. He also expressed his gratitude for all the support he has been receiving. “I’m getting older, but I’m feeling better because we’ve been doing extremely well. Um this is this means so much to me about people, but this is about kids’ diabetes, and uh, I’m so happy to be a part. I’m so thrilled that my friends and my supporters come,” said the 1976 Olympic gold winner.

Subsequent conversations touched on recent issues surrounding boxing. He shared his views on the Ryan Garcia doping controversy. Then he also revealed his thoughts on the upcoming Jake Paul and Mike Tyson fight. When asked about the coolest gift he received this year, the former champion replied that it was an ‘8-hour sleep’.

ES News‘ Eli Seckbach asked, “For 13 years, Sugar Ray Leonard has been battling sugar. You’re fighting diabetes, and you’re winning. Tell me about this, the change you are making.” The former world champion promptly replied, “Well, you know it’s been, so it’s been tough but it’s so beautiful that one day we’ll be able to say no more diabetes, and, uh, you know what I’m doing what I love doing, helping kids, especially.”

When vision and mission are in harmony

Last Friday, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard turned 68. It’s been nearly 27 years since the boxing great hung his gloves. However, Leonard, one of the ‘Four Kings’ of the 1980s, stays as active as ever. As one of the most well-recognized faces in the sport, he attends most major boxing events around the world. But aside from his role as one of boxing’s elders, there’s a passion that keeps the 1976 Montreal Olympic gold medalist enthusiastically engaged. In his prime, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard used to pummel his foes into absolute submission.

So over the years, he decided why not channel his legendary fighting spirit to tackle a menace that has been spreading its deadly tentacles everywhere? More so, his concerns became serious when tragedy struck home. It was in 2009 that ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard and his wife Bernadette established the ‘Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation’. The charity’s website states, “The Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation is committed to funding research and creating awareness for childhood type 1 & 2 diabetes and to help children lead healthier lives through diet and exercise.”

Every year, the ‘Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation’ supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation‘s ‘Walk for a Cure’ event. The organization has reportedly expanded its presence across ten cities in the United States. Aside from healthcare services, it also provides people with facilities such as accessible housing and educational support.

You may wish a belated birthday to ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard. You can also congratulate him on the great work he has been doing to address a serious disease.