A former boxing champion visited Texarkana to inspire; here’s what he said

Marlo Lacen and Hunter Trombetta

6 mins ago

TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) – An American boxing legend was a special guest at a fundraising event for college students in Texarkana.

Farmer’s Bank and Trust Texarkana hosted its annual Distinguished Speaker Fundraiser on Thursday. The event benefits community college students who seek to further their education.

“This event funds scholarships for local students who transfer from Texarkana College to Texas A&M University Texarkana,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, President and CEO of Texas A&M University Texarkana.

This year’s speaker was former boxing champion turned motivational speaker “Sugar” Ray Leonard.

Farmer’s Bank and Trust President James Bramlett said, “What makes this such a great event and getting guest speakers like “Sugar” Ray Leonard here are just phenomenal. To be motivational and inspirational, not just for the community but for the students at the university, and to inspire them to continue on with their journey.”

In addition to hearing Leonard speak, donors had the opportunity to meet and greet with the former champ as he shared lessons learned throughout his extraordinary career inside and out of the ring.

“That’s it. You can do it. If you, if you put your mind to it, you put your heart to it, you can do it. And this is what I speak about. I speak about being optimistic and believing in yourself because if you don’t, no one else will,” Leonard said. “It’s like being a fighter. You get knocked down, get back up, you know. Believe in yourself. People tell you who you can’t be – no, you tell yourself you can be.”

Last year’s event raised $73,000 in scholarship funds. Organizers are hoping this year’s speaker helps them break $100,000.