LOS ANGELES (AP) — Talk about a TKO.
Legendary boxer Sugar Ray Leonard was knocked out of the “Dancing With the Stars” ballroom Tuesday — one night after earning his highest scores on the hit ABC show.
Leonard and his professional partner, Anna Trebunskaya, collected 21 points out of 30 for their Viennese waltz on Monday’s episode, but viewers failed to keep them as contenders in the competition.
Judges’ scores are combined with viewer votes to determine which celebrity is ousted each week.
“That’s life, and I put up a good fight,” Leonard said. “I will cherish this moment: great friends, great people, great show.”
Host Tom Bergeron called the 54-year-old Olympian “the heart of the show this season.”
Trebunskaya said she and Leonard had fun together.
“The boxer became a ballet dancer!” she said.
Tuesday’s episode also included a performance by Jennifer Hudson, who sang “Don’t Look Down” and “Feeling Good” from her latest album, “I Remember Me.”
Returning to dance on next week’s Patriots’ Day-themed show with songs about loving America will be actors Kirstie Alley, Ralph Macchio and Chelsea Kane; athletes Hines Ward and Chris Jericho; model Petra Nemcova; singer Romeo; and reality star Kendra Wilkinson.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.