Clarion Gaming’s inaugural edition of ICE North America will feature a keynote presentation from iconic boxer and Olympic champion Sugar Ray Leonard.
The sportsman, the first boxer to win world titles in five different weight classes, will deliver a speech at the exhibition and conference, which takes place in Boston from May 13 to 15.
ICE North America event director Rory Credland said he was delighted to confirm Leonard’s attendance: “His professionalism and athletic prowess combined with his charismatic personality and first-hand experience of life in the ring is sure to be a knockout for all our attendees in Boston this May.
“For anyone interested in sports, the chance to see someone as legendary as Sugar Ray Leonard is something rather special and testament to ICE North America’s ability to deliver intel direct from the mouths of MVPs,” Credland explained.
“His participation at this year’s ICE North America will be one of the many highlights of what is promising to be one of the most influential gatherings of the international gaming business community interested in this exciting North American market.”
Leonard competed between 1977 and 1997, and is credited with boosting the popularity of lower weight classes as a result of his wins in five weight divisions. He was named fighter of the decade for the 1980s by US journalists, and became the first fighter to win more than $100m (£76.9m/€88.8m) in prize purses.
Since retiring he has moved into philanthropy, establishing the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation, which funds research for paediatric types 1 and 2 diabetes and helps children lead healthy lives.
An accomplished broadcaster, he has worked for the likes of NBC, ABC, Fox, HBO and ESPN, and now serves as part of the DAZN team for streaming of boxing bouts, and provides ringside analysis for Matchroom Boxing.
Sugar Ray Leonard’s motivational address will take place on Tuesday 14 May at 12:30pm (EDT) on the show floor at ICE North America. For more information and to register for free, visit icenorthamerica.com