Sugar Ray Leonard Movies

Ray "Sugar Ray" Leonard reveals his championship moves in this 1993 release. Co-hosted by model Jill Goodacre, the exercise video blends aerobics and boxing into an intermediate level workout. The first part of the lesson deals with shadow-boxing and combinations. Punches, jump rope, and shuffling patterns are all utilized in this 40-minute section. The next portion is a 20-minute toning section focusing on the abs and lower body. Exercises like lunges and squats make up this part of the workout. For those seeking a greater challenge, arm weights can be added. ~ Sarah Ing, Rovi

This made-for-cable documentary traces the intimate relationship between professional athletics and sexuality over the past century. From the use of sex appeal in the marketing of sports to the private lives of athletes both straight (legendary womanizer Wilt Chamberlain) and gay (Billie Jean King, whose career was derailed by a lesbian palimony suit), the film looks at sexuality as both a commercial aspect of sports in general and a personal issue for the athletes themselves. Former Laker Girl and pop star Paula Abdul discusses the ascension of cheerleading to a national passion after the advent of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, while tennis legend Martina Navratilova gives a feminist perspective on the success of young sexpot Anna Kournikova. Archival footage and new interviews with everyone from boxer Sugar Ray Leonard to Sports magazine editor Dick Schaap are interspersed with commentary and actor Liev Schreiber's narration. Playing the Field: Sports and Sex in America premiered December 20, 2000, on HBO as part of the network's "Sports of the 20th Century" series. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

This documentary pays tribute to the great African-American Olympians who have brought honor to themselves, their race, and their country throughout the years. Several notable athletes of the 20th century are profiled here, including Carl Lewis, Cassius Clay, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Jesse Owens, whose victory in 1932 humiliated the Nazi Olympic hosts in Munich. ~ Karla Baker, Rovi

Two of the greatest names in boxing come together to offer a workout designed to build endurance and tone the body while thankfully forgoing the pain of brutal body blows and sharp jabs. Simple cardio and strength-training exercises combine in an easily customizable workout for beginning level viewers. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Mark Wahlberg stars in Paramount Pictures' inspirational docudrama exploring the remarkable rise of Massachusetts-born, junior welterweight title winner "Irish" Micky Ward. A determined pugilist whose career in the ring was shepherded by his loyal half-brother, Dicky (Christian Bale) -- a hard-living boxer-turned-trainer whose own career in the ring was nearly sent down for the count due to drugs and crime -- perennial underdog Irish Micky rebounded from a disheartening series of defeats to win both the WBU Intercontinental Lightweight title and the WBU Light Welterweight title thanks to a fierce combination of determination and hard work. David O. Russell directs from a script by 8 Mile's Scott Silver and Paul Attanasio (The Bourne Ultimatum). ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Two of the most memorable boxing matches of the 1980s are replayed in this Caesar's Palace release The Leonard/Hearns Saga. The first of the epic battles took place on September 16, 1981. Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas "Hit Man" Hearns went head to head for 14 rounds that night. In the end, Leonard showed his true grit by overcoming a match disadvantage to knock down Hearns in the 13th round. His last-minute rebound makes for exciting television and bragging rights. The next time the two pair up, it is June 12, 1989. The meeting of the gloves was dubbed "The War." Much to Hearns' chagrin, Leonard was declared Super Middleweight Champion after defeating his opponent in 12 rounds. Boxing fans consider this rivalry one of the greatest. ~ Sarah Ing, Rovi