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Sugar Ray Leonard"Thank you. Thank you so much. Before I receive this award and praise, I'd like to ask two special gentlemen to join me up here who happen to be my heart, my son, Ray Jr. and my Godson, Carlos."This is what boxing is all about. I've had just a few days to absorb the hospitality here in Canastota. The love the support. And it's truly wonderful. I'm gonna make this very brief and sweet because Don King is a very tough and class act to follow. Yes, Don, you made me a lot of it. You put me in a higher tax bracket too Don. I want to say that the days that I have been here. The brief time that I've spent here, I've been able to witness and experience what this is all about. The look in people's eyes. The fan support. The way the former and present champions gaze out and give their love. The camaraderie. The interacting, to socialize with everyone. This is what it's all about. What you people don't understand or realize is the fact that all the former champions, including myself, you don't know how much love we feel, because now, we have a second home. Here. And that's what it's all about. I have received numerous awards, but I can honestly say, that this is the most prestigious award in my entire life. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the great champions of the past, because without them, there would not be me. I want to take this opportunity to thank Ed Brophy and all of the wonderful volunteers who made this day a huge success. I want to tell you that this is my first time here, but it won't be my last. Thank you so much and God Bless."
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