Considered to be one of the finest combat sports athletes to ever compete, ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard has a decorated and lengthy career.

Leonard’s ‘No Mas’ fight with Roberto Duran will be remembered in history as one of the most impressive revenge stories in boxing.

Handing Leonard his first-ever loss, Duran etched his name into sports folklore.

Despite being defeated that night in 1980, Leonard did not hit the canvas, as Duran won via unanimous decision.

However, Leonard would be put to the canvas for the first time in his career four years later.

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Sugar Ray Leonard recalls getting knocked down for the first time in his career versus Kevin Howard

Returning to action after over two years, Leonard would have a tough welcoming back to the ring in the shape of Kevin Howard.

Fighting in May 1984, Leonard’s knockout over Thomas Hearns was almost three years old at this stage, as he faced the 20-4-1 fighter.

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In the fourth round of the fight, it appeared as if Leonard would not be getting the dream return to the ring he would have envisioned.

A counter right hand from Howard would put Leonard down for the first time in his career, in 33 fights.

Reflecting on the fight to GQ Sports, Leonard said, “I wasn’t hurt, at all” regarding the knockdown.

He went on to describe the moment as a ‘flash knockdown.’

Despite it being the first time Leonard was knocked down in his career, he said he didn’t feel in danger of being stopped in the fight. “I was more embarrassed, than anything.”

Sugar Ray Leonard recovered in Kevin Howard fight to deliver his own knockout blow

Despite being stunned by Howard in round four, Leonard would be able to make a recovery to claim victory.

In the eighth round of the fight, Leonard’s pressure and punishment following the knockdown were enough to earn a TKO victory.

The referee waved off the bout as Leonard returned to the win column.

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Leonard retired after the bout against Howard, before making a comeback against Marvin Hagler in 1987.

‘Sugar’ told GQ Sports that after watching Hagler knock out John Mugabi, it encouraged him to fight ‘Marvelous’. Leonard would win the fight via controversial split decision, in what was Hagler’s last appearance as a professional.