Stars Step Into the Ring for a Cause at Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation’s “Big Fighters, Big Cause” Charity Boxing Night
Sugar Ray Leonard. Photo Credit: Jon Kopaloff Getty Images.
The red carpet was packed with legends, champions, entertainers, and philanthropists earlier this week as the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation hosted its 15th Annual “Big Fighters, Big Cause” Charity Boxing Night at the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. The high-profile evening combined the excitement of championship-caliber boxing with a deeply personal mission: raising critical funds to combat pediatric Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Presented by B. Riley Securities, the event generated more than $375,000 in support of diabetes research, awareness, and patient care through the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation.
Among the celebrity guests in attendance were boxing icon Sugar Ray Leonard and Bernadette Leonard, alongside entertainment and sports heavyweights including Magic Johnson and Cookie Johnson, Anthony Anderson, Craig Robinson, Kym Whitley, Tommy Chong, Jimmy Jam, Rodney Peete, and Dave Winfield. The evening’s atmosphere blended Hollywood glamour with heartfelt purpose as guests gathered to champion a cause impacting millions of families worldwide. Hosted by writer, producer, and comedian Chris Spencer, the event delivered nonstop entertainment throughout the evening. R&B legend Johnny Gill performed the National Anthem before guests enjoyed live and silent auctions featuring luxury experiences, rare memorabilia, and exclusive collectibles.
One of the evening’s most emotional moments came when Jennifer Raymond, MD, MCR, Division Chief of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, received the prestigious 2026 Golden Glove Award for her groundbreaking contributions to pediatric diabetes care and research. “The Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation is proud to support pediatric diabetes research and care. Together we can knock out diabetes,” Leonard told the crowd during his remarks, earning a standing ovation from supporters and attendees. Of course, the night also delivered inside the ring. Presented by Golden Boy Promotions, founded by boxing superstar Oscar De La Hoya, the card featured several rising stars in professional boxing.
In the evening’s main event, undefeated Mexican Olympian Gael Cabrera improved his record to 11-0 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Uruguay’s Ruben Casero in an eight-round featherweight battle. The crowd erupted throughout the co-main event as Leonardo Sanchez secured a stoppage victory over Ecuador’s Luis Porozo, while Los Angeles fighter Federico Pacheco Jr. delivered one of the night’s most thrilling knockouts in a brutal showdown against Mario Lopez. The annual event was held in conjunction with the 26th Annual B. Riley Securities Institutional Investor Conference, bringing together leading executives, investors, and philanthropists for a powerful evening centered on giving back.
Founded in 2009 by Sugar Ray Leonard and Bernadette Leonard, the Foundation continues its mission to fund life-changing research and treatment programs while encouraging healthier lifestyles for children through diet and exercise. Leonard’s own experiences have fueled his passionate advocacy in the fight against diabetes, transforming the annual event into one of Los Angeles’ most impactful charity evenings.
With championship boxing, unforgettable celebrity appearances, and a mission rooted in saving lives, the 15th Annual “Big Fighters, Big Cause” Charity Boxing Night once again proved that some of the most important victories happen far beyond the ropes.