Sep 11, 2026 12:51pm IST
Legendary Boxer Ray Charles Leonard Meets Namesake BTS’ SUGA at LA Show: ‘Sweeter Than Sugar’
Ray Charles Leonard, better known as Sugar Ray Leonard, the American professional boxer, has been the inspiration for K-Pop group BTS' member SUGA’s name. When the mystery was finally solved for the fans earlier this year, who had always believed it was a derivative of the shooting guard position in basketball, it left them surprised.
Now, the two stars have finally crossed paths in real life, making for a memorable happening with the backdrop of the septet’s concert in Los Angeles. “Still smiling from this unforgettable night in Los Angeles. Getting to meet SUGA of BTS was such a special moment. Every bit as kind, humble, and down-to-earth as you could hope for. Sharing this experience with my family and watching their incredible show at SoFi Stadium made it a night we’ll never forget. Some memories really are sweeter than sugar,” the boxer wrote alongside a photo of himself with the rapper on his Instagram.
He seems to have been invited to attend the group’s tour stop in LA this past week on September 1, 2, 5 and 6.
While posing for the update, the South Korean star seems to have gifted a signed copy of his album, “D-DAY” to the athlete while receiving an autographed boxing glove reading, “Love your name! Only legends can carry the name “Suga”.”
The BTS members, sans SUGA, recently returned to South Korea after wrapping up the North American leg of their ARIRANG World Tour and will resume the South American portion in October with concerts across Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Before this, the team will make a brief stop as the headliners for the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival which will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on September 18 and 19.
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