Boxing legend says he’s interested in casino deals

Friday, Oct. 19, 2001 | 10:06 a.m.

Former boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard said Thursday he's interested in pursuing a casino project in Las Vegas, should the right opportunity present itself.

Leonard denied rumors that he was near a deal to acquire a Las Vegas property, but said he has been approached with proposals on several occasions.

"It's definitely something I'd consider, without question," Leonard said after an appearance at the World Gaming Congress and Expo. "I've talked with a couple of people for years. (But) there's nothing on the table right now, nothing concrete."

Leonard didn't say what kind of project he was looking for. "I would do it the same way I did my boxing career ... (with) the best in the business," Leonard said.

Leonard launched Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Inc., a Los Angeles-based boxing promotions company, in June. Since that time, the company has been actively seeking out possible partnerships with Las Vegas casinos, said Bjorn Rebney, president and chief executive of Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing.

"All of my most significant fights were here (in Las Vegas) ... Caesars Palace, the Mirage," Leonard said. "I pretty much feel at home here."