Leonard a hit in Oklahoma City…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
(photo by Sarah Phipps)
I’ve been to the Azteca Boxing Club a couple of times. It’s hot, it’s sweaty, you know, everything you would expect from a boxing gym.
But today the air conditioning was on, and there were a lot more people than your normal young future hopefuls.
All this for the Boneman? Ha, you wish.
No, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard visited the Club today and left an indelible impression on the young boys.
Leonard is in town for OKC Charity Fight Night at the Coca-Cola Bricktown Events Center on Thursday night.
Leonard sat with the boys in the ring and asked them individually how old they were, their style, their record, etc.
He also played the role of trainer, too, as he let the boys throw one-twos into his hand.
But once a fighter, always a fighter. Or at least competitor. As he did on The Contender TV show, Leonard picked up a jump rope and did his thing. At 52, he’s still got the ability to make jaws hit the ground.
Judging from the kids’ reactions, as much as it was great for him to box with them a little, they were listening to Leonard’s words more than anything.
Leonard preached about staying in school and getting a good education and always believing in your dreams. He told them how he didn’t even start boxing until he was 14. And how in boxing and life, you’re going to fall down, but the key is to always get back up.
It’s one thing to relay those type of messages, but what made it work was how he applied it to his own life. That made it a lot more real to the kids.
Leonard has said time and time again that all the fame means nothing if you don’t give back to the community.
On a personal note, I think the fact he came to the gym is a testament to that. He could have shown up at a better-known place and the kids would have flocked there. But he went to the gym (and not the easiest place in the world to find).
It wasn’t just the kids who were left a little awe-struck. There were plenty of adults and police officers who were just as giddy about getting items signed by Leonard.
The event Thursday is all about helping the Police Athletic League. The PAL does everything that it can to keep kids off the streets and lead them into a productive life.
Be back late Thursday with some Charity Fight Night thoughts. And then, oh yeah, there happens to be a Shane Mosley and Antonio Margarito fight coming up, right? You’ll get the “exclusive” Boneman preview this weekend.
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YEHA!! it rocks..we go to that boxing club
and is great..all the people are nice