Thursday, June 21, 2012

Roger Leonard, Older Brother of Sugar Ray, Writes New Book!

When you think of the name Leonard in boxing, naturally the first name you think of is "Sugar Ray."  However, there was another fighting Leonard at the same time -- Ray's older brother Roger "The Dodger" Leonard -- who was a pretty good junior middleweight at the same time.  Roger Leonard was 16-1, seven KO's and fought on many of his younger brother's big cards including both of Ray Leonard's bouts with Roberto Duran.

However, Roger Leonard says in his new book "In the Shadow of a Champ," that he was fighting two opponents -- one in the ring and another opponent, drugs.  Roger Leonard is having two book signings in the area -- On Friday, June 22, Leonard will be at Prince George's Community College's Rennie Forum in the Largo Student Center, 301 Largo Road, Largo, MD  from 6:30 PM to 9 PM.  Then on Saturday, June 23, Leonard will be at the Stoney River Steaks restaurant in Annapolis Mall from 12:30 to 3 PM.  Yes, Roger's younger brother, Ray, will be at both events!

In the interest of full disclosure,  I've gotten to know Roger well over the years as we go to the same church. Roger has been sober for almost three decades and his story is one you will definitely want to read.  It is truly inspiring!

Here is an interview with WJLA-TV about the book:

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/06/roger-leonard-brother-of-sugar-ray-releases-new-book-77169.html

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do you know where I can get a copy of the book, outside of the book signing. I will be unable to attend but really want to support Roger and add this book to my collection

Anonymous said...

How Dont Ray Leonard Come And Show Our Local Upcoming Fighters Love Or Support ? Think he Should show his face more

Anonymous said...

How Bout Ray Leonard Come And Show Our Local Fighters Some Love Or Support ? Think he should show his face more

Gary Digital Williams said...

I know it's available on Amazon.com and I think it would be available at most book stores.

EC said...

Went to PG last night. Both Roger and Ray were entertaining during show. And both were very gracious in signing autographs and taking pictures w/ all. I don't have an addiction problem or am I associated w/ anyone that does, thanks to God. But I purchased Roger's book and look forward to reading it. In hopes that it will allow me to help others whom I may come across w/ a drug or alcohol addiction.

Sharon Colbert said...

Congratulations to you Roger! Keep up the wonderful work that you have been doing for so many years, Amen! Your sister-in-law forever.

Unknown said...

Hey my brother Congratulation to u this Al Duncan used to work with u at the reed Center government building 1986 to 1987 best wishes to u & God's bless u used to box at hill crest gym in maryland.