Sugar Ray Leonard: 10 Reasons He'll Succeed on Dancing with the Stars

Former boxing champ Sugar Ray Leonard has been tabbed for the crop of celebrities on the next season of Dancing With The Stars. Athletes have done well in the show’s history, and Leonard seems poised to continue that success.

Read on for ten reasons Sugar Ray should get a sweet reception in his latest venture.

10. He Had to Deal with Don King

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ST. LOUIS - JULY 8: Promoter Don King looks on before the IBF junior middleweight title bout between Roman Karmazin and Cory Spinks on July 8, 2006 at the Savvis Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Spinks won the title by getting a majority decision over Karm

Even reality television has few egos to match Don King, the blowhard boxing promoter who spent years trying unsuccessfully to add Leonard to his stable. Leonard, who had famed trainer Angelo Dundee arranging his fights, had little need of King’s services.

Having stood up to King’s arrogance, Leonard has little to fear from the world of reality TV.

9. He Knows How to Handle Adversity

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 28: Sugar Ray Leonard addresses the audience during a Q&A session at the Sugar Ray Leonard 'A Little Bit of Sugar' event at the Westin Hotel on August 28, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Though Leonard’s success in the ring got him his DWTS gig, his backstory outside it will help endear him to viewers. After winning Olympic gold, he started fighting professionally partly in the hopes of helping his ailing parents buy a home of their own.

He also battled back from a series of eye injuries that threatened his sight, a problem that contributed to Leonard’s first retirement.

8. TV Cameras Love Him

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Sugar Ray Leonard poses for photo before the Sugar Ray Leonard 'A Little Bit Of Sugar' dinner in aid of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal at the Sofitel Melbourne on August 27, 2009 in Melbourne, A

Leonard’s time as a fighter, an announcer and a TV host have all given him lots of experience in putting his best foot forward for the viewers. Sugar Ray, who also ran his own boxing promotion company for three years, knows a thing or two about getting the most out of a TV camera.

When it comes to getting the audience on his side, Leonard should be all set.

7. He Knows a Thing or Two About Footwork

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5 Jan 1991: Sugar Ray Leonard in training. Mandatory Credit: Scott Halleran /Allsport

Like any boxer, Leonard spent years learning how to move his feet in the ring. As a fighter who relied more on technique than punching power, he was especially adept at outmaneuvering opponents.

Those quick feet will have to learn some new steps, but Leonard’s prior training can’t hurt him in picking up his new moves.

6. He Gives a Great Interview

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HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Sugar Ray Leonard addresses the audience during a Q&A session at SKYCITY on September 3, 2009 in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images)

During his boxing career, Leonard commanded the spotlight, and wasn’t shy about what he said while he had it. Comparing his own fighting style to that of upcoming opponent Tommy Hearns, Leonard declared, “I use my mind. Maybe Tommy would use his, too, if he had one.”

Even if he doesn’t stay on DWTS long, he’s sure to produce a great sound bite or two.

5. It's Just Another Comeback for Him

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1990: Sugar Ray Leonard looks on during training. Mandatory Credit: Ken Levine /Allsport

Leonard hasn’t had to get in game shape since a 1997 fight with Hector Camacho. However, he has plenty of experience in shaking off rust to get ready for a challenge, having retired and unretired half a dozen times during his boxing career.

He should have no trouble preparing for his latest return to the spotlight.

4. He's a Reality TV Veteran

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NEW YORK - MAY 17: (L-R) Boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, actor Sylvester Stallone, Frank Stallone and producer Mark Burnett pose for a photo during a casting call for the new NBC unscripted drama 'The Contender' at the Trinity boxing club on May 17, 2004 in New

Leonard has plenty of experience on the other side of a reality TV microphone, having hosted Sylvester Stallone’s boxing series The Contender. Leonard also trained fighters for the show, so he has a decent idea of how training schedules and TV schedules interact.

We’ll find out whether his time as a host helps him stay on as a contestant.

3. He Looks the Part

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HOLLYWOOD - JULY 12: Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard arrives at the 2006 ESPY Awards at the Kodak Theatre on July 12, 2006 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)

Even in his fighting days, Leonard was no cauliflower-eared palooka. His TV-friendly smile helped make him one of the most popular boxers ever.

Appearances go a long way in a dance competition, and Leonard’s still-handsome features certainly don’t hurt his chances.

2. He's Got the Competitive Edge

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12 Jun 1989: Sugar Ray Leonard (left) and Thomas Hearns trade blows during a bout at Caesar''s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bout was called a draw after twelve rounds. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Allsport

Part of the reason athletes have done so well on DWTS may be that they have plenty of experience in having to go out and prove that they’re the best, night in and night out.

Leonard is no exception. The man who made Roberto Duran say “No mas” is unlikely to wilt before the challenges he’ll face on DWTS.

1. He Could Make Boxing Look Graceful

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LAS VEGAS - APRIL 6: Sugar Ray Leonard (L) defends against Marvin Hagler(R) in the title for the Middleweight Champion at Caesars Palace on April 6, 1987 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Leonard would win by Split decision. (Photo by Mike Powell/Getty Images)

Boxing isn’t always a pretty sport to watch, but Leonard could make it one. One of history’s great finesse fighters in any weight class, Leonard’s agility and fluidity were his hallmarks in the ring.

They should serve him just as well on the dance floor.