He defeated some of the greatest fighters in history to be named Boxer of the Decade, but now sporting legend Sugar Ray Leonard is preparing to take on one of his toughest battles yet – with Scotland’s national game.
Last night the star told the Press and Journal he was “really looking forward” to his upcoming visit to Aberdeen- and even hopes to fit in time for a quick round of golf.
Mr Leonard will be giving a talk at the Hilton Treetops on March 14 as part of a short tour of Britain.
The fighter, whose real name is Ray Charles Leonard, was the first boxer to earn more than $100 million in purses and was named Boxer of the Decade for the 1980s.
During his extraordinary career, he won belts in the welterweight, light middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions and ended with just three losses out of 40 professional bouts.
Now the 58-year-old will tell fight fans of the highs and lows of his life both inside and outside the ring.
Aberdeen entertainment and events company Elite Promotions is handling table sales and sponsorship for the event.
Mr Leonard told the Press and Journal: “I am really looking forward to my visit to Aberdeen in March and excited to be meeting some of the fabulous Scottish boxing fans.
“As I am currently in Los Angeles I imagine your weather is slightly different from mine but I am sure it will not be so different come March.
“We fly into Aberdeen on the morning of the event and John Anderson from Elite Promotions, has hinted we may have time for a round of golf. That I am certainly looking forward to.
“Good wishes to the wonderful people of Aberdeen and I hope to see many of you at The Treetops Hotel on March 14.”
John Anderson, a partner in Elite Promotions, said “We are delighted to be involved in such a unique dinner and looking forward to it immensely.
“The event was only launched this week but already about half of the 30 available tables have been reserved.
“Most of them have been booked as business tables but we have had a lot of interest from boxing fans too.”
Tickets are £75 each or £700 for a table of 10.
Guests are expected to wear evening dress and photo opportunities with Mr Leonard will be available.
For more details or to book contact John Anderson on 01224 636363 or john@elitepromotions.net.