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My Generation

Sugar Ray Leonard Goes the Distance

World champion boxer's biggest fight of his life

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Winning numerous titles, beloved boxer Sugar Ray Leonard reached the pinnacle of one of the toughest sports on the planet. Today, at 55, he is a fit, active motivational speaker, husband and father.

See also: Former boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter shares his story.

But his success has hidden a dark past of poverty, a dysfunctional family and even molestation. Shame strained his marriage, and a staggering bank account enabled heavy drinking and cocaine use. Penning his 2011 autobiography, The Big Fight, led to healing for himself and others like him. He seized the "second chance to do life right." For Leonard, doing it right means giving back to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and helping struggling youths.

My Generation's Val Zavala got a firsthand look at the legendary boxer's rocky past and booming present.

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