Sugar Ray Seales

Great amateur, won the USA's only gold in the 1972 Olympics.

First mistake was signing with a local Seattle manager who was clueless.

Feasted on weak competition then after less than a year as a pro fought Hagler.

Claimed after the fight that his manager told him it was going to be an exhibition.

Lost the decision but drew with Hagler in a rematch.

Stayed busy after that, but never really was guided properly.

Lost some fights to contenders, like Alan Minter and Ronny Harris.

Drifted at the fringes of the top 10.

Fought Hagler a third time, but was past his best and Hagler had greatly improved. He was destroyed in less than one round.

Developed eye trouble, including two detached retinas.

Cheated on eye tests in a desperate attempt to keep fighting - which worked.

While basically legally blind, went the full 12 round distance with prospect James Shuler in late 1982 - in a state, NJ, which was supposed to have a good commission.

Finally, after one or two wins post Shuler, somebody figured out he was blind and he was not allowed to fight anymore.

Howard Cosell did a nice piece on the whole affair in 1983.

 

Talented fighter, but his eyes and his management let him down

 

That is a great summation.

Only thing to add is that they restored his vision later on. He taught autistic students for a while and now apparently does some boxing coaching. Pretty good outcome.

 

Last time I heard he was here on the east side training amateurs at IBG.

 

Great stuff as always, John! Thank you

 

Leo Randolph was a similar Olympic grade fighter that kinda fell by the wayside.

 

You're a top man Clinton.

 

I'm delighted you came back to ESB. You're an elite poster