Juanita Wilkinson may not be a household name today, but her story is one that deserves attention. She was once married to one of the most famous boxers in the world—Sugar Ray Leonard. But there’s much more to Juanita than just being “Sugar Ray Leonard’s ex-wife.”
She was there from the very beginning, long before the fame, the championship belts, and the bright lights. She was the young woman who stood by Ray when he was still a quiet teen with big dreams. In this article, we’ll walk through Juanita Wilkinson’s real life—from young love and motherhood to heartbreak, strength, and her quiet life today. Let’s begin her story where it truly started.
Juanita Wilkinson Quick Bio
| Full Name | Juanita Wilkinson |
| Known As | Sugar Ray Leonard’s ex-wife |
| Birthplace | Prince George’s County, Maryland, USA |
| Age | Not publicly known |
| Birthday | Not publicly shared |
| Natinality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| First Husband | Sugar Ray Leonard |
| Second Husband | Otis Nixon |
| Children | Ray Leonard Jr., Jarrel Leonard |
| Famous Partner | Peabo Bryson (former fiancé) |
| Marriage Years | 1980–1990 (with Sugar Ray Leonard) |
| Net Worth | Not public; received large divorce settlement |
| Current Status | Private life |
| Current Residence | United States (likely Maryland) |
Who Is Juanita Wilkinson?
Juanita Wilkinson is best known as Sugar Ray Leonard’s first wife, but her story began long before she entered the spotlight.
She was born and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, a quiet suburb where life was simple. Juanita was not a celebrity. She didn’t seek attention. She was a regular girl from a regular neighborhood, and she lived a modest life before the cameras ever found her.
What made her famous was her deep connection with Sugar Ray Leonard. But being married to a star wasn’t her goal—she just fell in love with someone she knew before the world did.
How Juanita Wilkinson Met Sugar Ray Leonard
Juanita met Ray Leonard when they were teenagers. They both lived in the same neighborhood in Maryland and went to the same high school. It wasn’t love at first sight for the media—it was real, young love between two kids growing up side by side.
They started dating in the early 1970s. Ray was a quiet boy, focused on boxing. Juanita was the calm one, always supportive, always steady. While many people saw Ray as a future star, Juanita saw him simply as Ray—the boy she loved.
Their bond grew stronger, even though life wasn’t always easy. They didn’t have money or fame back then, but they had each other.
Life Before the Fame
Before Sugar Ray Leonard became a boxing legend, life for Juanita and Ray was very different. They lived in a lower-middle-class neighborhood and had very little. When Juanita was just 16 years old, she found out she was pregnant. That moment changed everything.
While Ray was chasing his boxing dream, Juanita stayed home to raise their son, Ray Leonard Jr. She didn’t have nannies or assistants. It was just her, doing her best as a teenage mom while Ray trained hard to become a champion.
Ray went on to win a gold medal at the 1976 Olympics, which made him an instant national hero. But while fans celebrated, Juanita was in the background, holding everything together. She was raising a child, managing a home, and watching the boy she loved become a star almost overnight.
Juanita Wilkinson and Sugar Ray Leonard’s Wedding
In 1980, Juanita and Sugar Ray Leonard finally got married. The wedding was big and beautiful. There were lots of guests, media coverage, and excitement. On the outside, it looked like a fairy tale.
But Juanita later shared something surprising. She said the wedding was not just about love—it was also about Ray’s image. People loved the story of a champion marrying his high school sweetheart. It made Ray look like the perfect husband, the clean-cut hero everyone admired.
Juanita said it clearly: “We got married more so for his image and career than for anything else.” That one sentence says a lot. She wasn’t lying or being harsh—she was simply telling the truth about how fame can change even the most personal moments.
Life as Sugar Ray Leonard’s Wife
Once they were married, Juanita stepped into a new world. She was no longer just a local girl—she was now the wife of a world-famous boxer. The spotlight followed her everywhere.
Ray was winning big fights, making millions, and becoming one of the most loved athletes in America. Juanita had to play the role of the “perfect wife,” always smiling at events and sitting ringside during his biggest matches.
But this life wasn’t easy. Behind the glamour were long nights alone, public pressure, and a lot of emotional stress. While Ray traveled and trained, Juanita stayed home and cared for their children. She didn’t complain. She supported him. But it wasn’t the life most people thought it was.
The Problems Inside Their Marriage
As the 1980s went on, things in their marriage started to fall apart. On the outside, they looked like a happy couple. But behind closed doors, Juanita was dealing with very real pain.
She later revealed that Sugar Ray had started drinking and using drugs. Worse, she testified in court that he had physically abused her during their marriage. These were serious and heartbreaking truths that the public didn’t see for many years.
Juanita said she stayed silent for a long time to protect his image and their family. But the hurt became too much. The marriage, which once felt like a dream, had turned into a quiet struggle. And eventually, she knew something had to change.
Why Juanita Wilkinson Filed for Divorce
In 1990, Juanita Wilkinson filed for divorce from Sugar Ray Leonard. It wasn’t a small story—it made headlines across the country.
During the divorce case, Juanita spoke openly in court. She talked about the abuse, the alcohol, and the drugs. Her honesty shocked many people who had only seen Ray’s public image as a kind, clean-cut star.
Even after all the pain, the couple tried to part peacefully. They were seen leaving the courtroom with their arms around each other. They shared a kiss goodbye. Why? Because they didn’t want their children to be hurt by the media storm.
The divorce was final, but the respect between them—especially for their children—never went away.
The Divorce Settlement and What Came After
After the court case, Juanita Wilkinson and Sugar Ray Leonard reached a divorce settlement. They didn’t want a long, painful battle. Both wanted to protect their two sons and avoid more media attention.
Reports say the settlement included multi-million-dollar properties and money. But Juanita didn’t walk away bitter. She stayed calm, strong, and respectful. That says a lot about who she is. She had just opened up about years of pain, yet she still chose peace over revenge.
She didn’t go on talk shows. She didn’t write a tell-all book. She simply walked away with dignity and focused on starting a new life for herself and her children.
Juanita Wilkinson’s Life After the Divorce
After her divorce, Juanita began a new chapter. In 1991, she started dating famous R&B singer Peabo Bryson. He even said in an interview that they planned to get married soon.
But out of nowhere, Juanita ended their engagement. She didn’t say much publicly. And Peabo Bryson, being a gentleman, didn’t speak badly about her either. He said staying quiet was the hardest part of the breakup.
Soon after, in 1993, Juanita secretly married Otis Nixon, a baseball player from the Atlanta Braves. The wedding happened in Jamaica, and many people didn’t even know about it—including Sugar Ray Leonard. The surprise marriage became big news at the time.
Is Juanita Wilkinson Married Now?
Today, it looks like Juanita Wilkinson is single. Her marriage to Otis Nixon didn’t last, and there have been no public reports of her remarrying since.
Over the years, she has chosen to stay private. She doesn’t post on social media. She doesn’t give interviews. She seems to prefer a quiet, peaceful life.
Even though she was once married to one of the biggest stars in sports, she never tried to become famous herself. She walked away from the spotlight and never looked back.
Juanita Wilkinson’s Children and Family Life
Juanita’s proudest role has always been being a mother. She has two sons with Sugar Ray Leonard—Ray Leonard Jr. and Jarrel Leonard.
Her older son, Ray Jr., is now a successful businessman, motivational speaker, and podcast host. He also runs his own company called Leonard Sports & Entertainment. He often talks about his mother with deep respect and love.
Juanita is also a grandmother, and her quiet presence at family events shows she’s still close to her kids. Her son even posted a special Mother’s Day message in 2020, showing how much she means to him.
Where Is Juanita Wilkinson Today?
So, where is Juanita Wilkinson now?
She still lives in the United States, most likely in Maryland, close to her family. She keeps a low profile and doesn’t appear much in public. But once in a while, she’s mentioned—like in 2016, when Sugar Ray himself gave her a kind shoutout on Facebook.
That quiet life says a lot. After everything she went through—early motherhood, fame, abuse, heartbreak—she chose peace. No cameras, no gossip, just a life she controls.
Final Thoughts
Juanita Wilkinson is more than just Sugar Ray Leonard’s ex-wife. She’s a woman who lived through some of the highest highs and lowest lows—and she did it with heart, grace, and strength.
She was there before the fame. She raised a family in the middle of chaos. And when it all got too painful, she stood up for herself and walked away. That takes courage.
Today, she lives quietly, but her story still matters. She reminds us that not every strong woman needs the spotlight. Some do their most powerful work behind the scenes—loving, protecting, and surviving.
Juanita Wilkinson didn’t just survive the storm. She chose a better life, and that is her real victory.
(FAQs)
How old is Juanita Wilkinson and when is her birthday?
Juanita Wilkinson’s age and birthday are not shared publicly. She has always kept this part of her life private, even when she was in the spotlight.
Who is Juanita Wilkinson married to now?
Juanita Wilkinson is not married now. She was married to Sugar Ray Leonard first and later to Otis Nixon, but both marriages ended.
What is Juanita Wilkinson’s net worth?
Juanita Wilkinson’s exact net worth is not known. However, she received a large settlement after her divorce from Sugar Ray Leonard, which helped her live a stable life.
What is Juanita Wilkinson’s ethnicity?
Juanita Wilkinson is African American. She grew up in Maryland and comes from a simple background.
Did Juanita Wilkinson date Peabo Bryson, and where does she live today?
Juanita Wilkinson was engaged to singer Peabo Bryson, but she later ended the engagement. Today, she lives a quiet and private life in the United States, likely in Maryland.
You may also read: Rishia Haas: The Untold Story of Andrew Zimmern’s Ex-Wife
