A Boxing Memory: Terry Norris vs Sugar Ray Leonard

A Boxing Memory: Terry Norris vs Sugar Ray Leonard

In many ways, Sugar Ray Leonard didn’t need to fight anymore. He certainly didn’t need Terry Norris in 1991.

Norris (26-3) was different from the recent opponents Leonard had faced on his latest comeback which was akin to a seniors tour. Norris, the WBC light-middleweight champion, didn’t have the resume of Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, or Roberto Duran. But he was younger and quicker. At 34, it was the last thing Leonard needed. In truth, he didn’t need boxing period.

Leonard was excited by finally fighting in the iconic Madison Square Garden. The legends had fought there, and Leonard wanted to add his name to the wall of history. But there was more than a hint of underestimating a fighter who was far more dangerous than he appeared. Norris would become something of a legend killer. Leonard was the first. He wouldn’t be the last.

Having not fought for 14 months since a lackluster third fight with Duran, but probably on name alone, Leonard was still installed as a strong betting favourite. Even Boxing News said an upset was unlikely. But Emanuel Steward, who was linked to training Leonard for the fight, said Leonard had made a mistake in picking Norris. Many agreed. It was always a far more dangerous fight than some would let you believe.

Training camp was a warning that shouldn’t have been ignored. Dropped in sparring by Michael Ward a young welterweight and a body shot did further damage cracking Leonard’s ribs. Leonard should have postponed at the very least. He should have retired. And permanently. But Leonard had been fooling himself for many a year. He thought Norris would fold. And quickly. He was wrong.

Leonard said he knew he would lose on the ring walk. At least he was right on that score. Leonard was dropped twice and battered for much of the 36 minutes of action. Leonard was 34, and while his once magical ring skills had now diminished beyond repair, he still showed immense heart and bravery in seeing the fight out. Leonard always had guts in abundance that few gave him credit for. Behind all the razzamatazz was a pure fighting man. It had saved him before, notably against Hearns in 1981. Against Norris, even that wasn’t enough. Norris at 23, was just too quick and powerful for the ageing champion. Scores of 120-104, 119-103, and 116-110 reflected the one-sided nature of the contest.

Norris said: “It was a sad fight. He’s my idol and I beat him badly.” He shouldn’t have had to.

“This is my last fight. It took this fight to show me it is no longer my time.” Leonard said before he had even left the ring. He knew, but six years later he forgot. An even sadder night with Hector Camacho was his final dance. Camacho stopped him. And the Leonard career once and for all.