A legendary sports icon is about to be in our corner.
Boxing champion, philanthropist, bestselling author, television personality and ringside analyst Sugar Ray Leonard will headline the 23rd annual YMCA Inspiration Breakfast. Leonard is a Five-Division World Boxing Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist and Hall of Famer.
“We are beyond excited to announce that the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard will be joining us as the keynote speaker for our YMCA’s Annual Inspiration Breakfast on March 5, 2025.” said YMCA of South Palm Beach County CEO Jason Hagensick. “Known for his grit, grace, and champion spirit, Sugar Ray embodies the determination and resilience we strive to inspire within our community.
“His story—both in and out of the ring—will pack a powerful punch of motivation, and we’re ready for an unforgettable morning full of inspiration and a few jabs of humor along the way. Don’t miss this championship event!”
Leonard won his first professional fight in 1977 at the age of 20, setting the stage for a collection of the most memorable fights in all of boxing history. He went on to defeat some of the greatest boxers of the modern era, from Wilfred Benetiz to Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, from whom Leonard won the world middleweight title. He also won world titles in the welterweight, junior middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight divisions— the first boxer to win world titles in five different weight classes.
Leonard’s work out of the ring has included Hollywood roles in “The Fighter” and “Real Steel,” TV broadcasting roles for NBC, ABC, FOX, HBO and ESPN, host and mentor in the Emmy-nominated “The Contender” and a fan-favorite contestant on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”
Similar to the youth and family programs the YMCA Inspiration Breakfast supports, Leonard’s community outreach work encourages healthy living, pediatric care, community and helping those in need.
“We are so excited to have a legend in the ring with us at this year’s YMCA Inspiration Breakfast. He’s a true champion in life and for children,” said event co-chair Brad Winstead.
Winstead and Linda Gunn Paton will co-chair the 2025 event, held outdoors at the Peter Blum YMCA in Boca Raton. Past years’ events have featured sports legends and leaders including Erin Andrews, Mark Richt, Desmond Howard, Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Joe Theismann, Dara Torres, Jim Kelly and Bill Walton.
“As the co-chair of the Inspiration Breakfast at the YMCA, I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Sugar Ray Leonard as our guest speaker,” said Paton. “His incredible journey, both in and out of the ring, embodies the spirit of perseverance and community that we strive to inspire in others. I am excited for everyone to hear his story and to feel the motivation that comes from such an iconic champion.”
Boca magazine is the proud exclusive magazine sponsor of the 2025 YMCA Inspiration Breakfast.
Visit ymcaspbc.org/inspirationbreakfast to purchase a table or view the YMCA’s 2025 Inspiration Breakfast Sponsorship Packet.
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