Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation Raises Over $375,000 as Jennifer Raymond, MD, Receives 2026 Golden Glove Award

In a world where championship belts often capture headlines, some of the most important victories happen far from the bright lights of the boxing ring. At the 15th Annual Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation “Big Fighters, Big Cause” Charity Boxing Night, the focus was not only on athletic excellence but also on the fight against pediatric diabetes, a battle affecting thousands of families across America.

Held at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey and presented by B. Riley Securities, the event raised more than $375,000 to support research, treatment, and awareness initiatives for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The evening brought together champions from sports, medicine, business, and entertainment, all united by a common cause.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious 2026 Golden Glove Award to Dr. Jennifer Raymond, Division Chief of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Professor of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Dr. Raymond has dedicated her career to advancing pediatric diabetes care and improving outcomes for young patients facing lifelong health challenges.

Standing before a crowd of supporters, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard reaffirmed the mission that inspired the foundation he established with his wife Bernadette in 2009.

“The Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation is proud to support pediatric diabetes research and care. Together we can knock out diabetes,” Leonard told attendees.

The evening delivered excitement inside the ring as well. Presented by Golden Boy Promotions, the boxing card showcased some of the sport’s most promising young talent. In the main event, undefeated Mexican Olympian Gael Cabrera improved his record to 11-0 with a unanimous decision victory over Uruguay’s Ruben Casero. Meanwhile, Leonardo Sanchez scored a dramatic stoppage victory over Luis Porozo, and Federico Pacheco Jr. remained undefeated with an impressive knockout performance.

Hosted by writer, producer, and comedian Chris Spencer, the event also featured a stirring national anthem performance by Johnny Gill, live and silent auctions, and appearances from notable supporters including Anthony Anderson, Tommy Chong, Jimmy Jam, Rodney Peete, Craig Robinson, Dave Winfield, Kym Whitley, and NBA legend Magic Johnson alongside Cookie Johnson.

For Leonard, a six-time world champion, the fight against diabetes remains deeply personal. Through his foundation, he continues to channel the discipline and determination that defined his Hall of Fame career into helping children and families facing the daily realities of diabetes. The foundation’s work supports groundbreaking research while promoting healthier lifestyles through nutrition and exercise.

As the final bell rang on another successful charity night, the biggest winners were not the fighters whose hands were raised in victory. They were the children, families, physicians, and researchers working every day toward a future where diabetes no longer controls lives.

In boxing, champions are measured by what they overcome. At “Big Fighters, Big Cause,” that definition extended far beyond the ropes.