THE SIDELINES : Indecisive Leonard Sheds Title

Sugar Ray Leonard is giving up his World Boxing Council super middleweight title because he is uncertain whether he wants to defend it, his lawyer announced today.

Leonard, 33, who successfully defended his title last month in an easy bout against one of his great rivals, Roberto Duran, made the decision after coming under pressure from the WBC to defend his title again, the office of lawyer Mike Trainer said.

Trainer’s office said word of the decision was sent to WBC President Jose Sulaiman in a letter dated Jan. 17.

“Ray and I have had a chance to discuss his future, and he has indicated to me that he has not made a final decision (about his career),” Trainer said in the letter.

“However, he is aware that you are under pressure by fighters in his division that want to fight for the title. Accordingly, he has authorized me to relinquish, on his behalf, said title so that you can afford two worthy fighters the opportunity to fight for his title.”