- Godfather of Khloé Kardashian.
- Inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, 1996.
- Attended boxing matches with friend Michael J. Fox.
- Had to take a long sabbatical from boxing in 1982, as he needed surgery on his left eye.
- Olympic Light Welterweight boxing gold-medalist, 1976. Held various world boxing championships, Welterweight through Light Heavyweight, 1979-1990. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, 1997.
- Inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, 1985.
- Parted company with long time trainer Angelo Dundee, following a disagreement over money.
- Was the first boxer to defeat fellow great, Thomas Hearns. This occurred in 1981.
- Originally, Ray Leonard wasn't planning on a professional boxing career, once he had finished in the 1976 Olympics.
- Prior to his 1987 title match against Marvin Hagler, Leonard hadn't boxed since 1984. Taking a title bout without having a "tune-up" first was almost unheard of in the sport.
- Admitted to being openly critical of some of his opponents, owing to their not being top contenders.
- Had an intense rivalry with Roberto Duran during the 1980s. Since that time, the two men have come to respect one another.
- His split decision victory over Marvin Hagler for the middleweight title, is regarded as one of the most controversial in boxing history.
- Was heavily influenced by Muhammad Ali during Leonard's early boxing days.
- Won the WBC light heavyweight title from Donny Lalonde in 1988.
- Defeated Wilfred Benitez for the WBC welterweight title in 1979.
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