What does it take to rise from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest fighters in boxing history? How does someone navigate fame, family, addiction, and legacy in a high-stakes world?

In The Big Fight: My Life In and Out of the Ring, Sugar Ray Leonard shares his extraordinary journey—from his father’s relentless work ethic to his rise as a boxing legend, and the battles he faced both inside and outside the ring.

Join Dr. Duncan Simpson and Dr. Greg Young as they explore the untold stories and hard-hitting lessons from Leonard’s autobiography. Discover how resilience, reinvention, and a refusal to surrender defined a career that transcended the sport.

How Sugar Ray Leonard’s early struggles shaped his tenacity and hunger for success.

Why vulnerability and self-reflection were key to overcoming personal demons.

The strategic brilliance and mental toughness that carried Leonard to iconic victories.

How Leonard turned early setbacks into pivotal learning moments, setting the stage for redemption.

The fine balance between chasing greatness and preserving one’s health and relationships.

From his infamous battles with Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns to his personal struggles with addiction and fame, Leonard’s story is one of inspiration, hard truths, and the ultimate pursuit of legacy.

Whether you’re a boxing fan, an athlete, or someone striving for personal growth, this episode will leave you inspired to fight for your own dreams.

Listen on Spotify:⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠⁠

Listen on Apple:⁠ ⁠Apple⁠⁠

Watch & Listen on YouTube:⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Buy the Book: The Big Fight 

Extra Links

Sugar Ray vs Tommy Hitman Hearns I: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ-7SIpdgfI 

Sugar Ray vs Marvellous Marvin Hagler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XEHR8XoFXs 

Sugar Ray vs Duran II https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7aChC6U3Ks 

Socials:

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⁠⁠Instagram⁠ - @Performerspod⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/performerspod/⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠Linkedin - Duncan⁠ Simpson⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-simpson-ph-d-cmpc-76244b1a/⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠Linkedin - Greg Young⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-young-ph-d-cmpc-64765a35/⁠⁠ 

Chapters

00:00 The Duality of Sugar Ray Leonard

02:34 Introduction to Sugar Ray Leonard's Life

04:45 The Impact of Upbringing on Leonard

07:01 The Complexity of Family Dynamics

10:30 Finding Control in the Ring

13:38 Boxing as a Refuge

14:28 The Importance of Communication Skills

17:25 The Pressure of the Olympics

19:30 The Emotional Complexity of Victory

21:24 Transitioning to Professional Boxing

22:53 Strategic Planning in a Boxer's Career

24:08 Sliding Doors Moments in Boxing

24:38 The Mental Resilience of a Fighter

28:04 The Burden of Fame and Success

30:09 The Emotional Toll of Success

32:47 The Pressure of Championship Fights

36:07 The Paradox of Competition

38:33 The Cost of Success

40:15 Legacy and Its Impact on Performance

41:40 The Psychological Warfare of Boxing

45:43 The Importance of Focus in High-Stakes Situations

49:43 Emotional Control in the Ring

51:23 Self-Reflection and Growth After Defeat

53:11 Translating Reflection into Action

53:46 The Fall of a Champion: Duran's 'No Mas' Moment

57:13 The Weight of Quitting: A Fighter's Dilemma

58:53 The Duality of Sugar Ray: The Man vs. The Legend

01:00:27 Mind Games: The Psychology of Boxing

01:04:37 The Highs and Lows: Fame, Addiction, and Identity

01:09:27 The Comeback: Facing Hagler

01:13:55 The Final Round: Legacy and Reflection

In this episode, you’ll learn: