Teddy Atlas, a boxing legend with a career spanning four decades, has named Sugar Ray Leonard as his favorite fighter of all time. Atlas shared this revelation during a recent YouTube interview, citing Leonard's exceptional skills and the positive emotions he evoked.
Atlas's journey in boxing began as an amateur, winning a Golden Gloves title before a back injury forced him to hang up his gloves. He pivoted to training in the early 1980s and later became a broadcaster. His commentary career included a long stint with ESPN from 1998 to 2017 and Olympic coverage for the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games.
As a trainer, Atlas guided several fighters to world titles. Michael Moorer, under Atlas's tutelage, shocked the boxing world by dethroning Evander Holyfield for the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles in 1994. Atlas also worked with other champions like Barry McGuigan, Timothy Bradley, and Alexander Povetkin.
In the interview with YouTube channel THE FIGHT, Atlas explained his choice:
"It's a real tough one. I'm gonna say Sugar Ray Leonard, he was so good and he made me feel good. When he won the Gold Medal in the '76 Olympics with the other five guys from the team, the greatest Olympic team ever I think, the Spinks brothers, Leon, Randolph, Howard Davis Jr."
Leonard's career got off to a flying start with Olympic gold in 1976. He was part of a legendary U.S. boxing team that many consider the best in Olympic history.
In the 1980s, Leonard became one of the "Four Kings" of boxing alongside Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, and Roberto Duran. These four fighters dominated boxing's middle weight classes, creating some of the sport's most memorable rivalries.
Leonard's career boasts world titles across five weight divisions, including an undisputed championship at welterweight. One of his most iconic moments came in 1980 when he forced Roberto Duran to quit in the eighth round of their rematch, a fight that became known as the "No Mas" fight.
Atlas's admiration for Leonard stems not just from his in-ring achievements but also from the positive feelings he inspired. This combination of skill and charisma has cemented Leonard's place as Atlas's all-time favorite fighter.
You can watch the full interview with Teddy Atlas on THE FIGHT YouTube channel.
