Wednesday, while flying US Airways from Phoenix to Los Angeles, I noticed the great Sugar Ray Leonard sitting in the first class cabin, during our one hour flight.

The legendary boxer was returning home to LA, where he has been a longtime resident of the tony Westside neighborhood of Pacific Palisades. In fact, Leonard was recently named Honorary Mayor of the Palisades, replacing former “Love Boat” star Gavin MacLeod.

After arriving at LAX, Sugar Ray stayed in the gate area for several minutes, shaking hands, posing for photos and signing autographs. I was really impressed with the extended time he appeared to provide his fans. No wonder he was “elected” Honorary Mayor.