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Sugar Ray Robinson

Statistics
Real name Walker Smith Jr.
Nickname(s) Sugar
Rated at Lightweight,
Welterweight,
Middleweight,
Light heavyweight
Nationality American
Birth date May 3, 1921(1921-05-03)
Birth place Ailey, Georgia
Death date April 12, 1989 (aged 67)
Death place Culver City, California
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 202
Wins 175
Wins by KO 108
Losses 19
Draws 6
No contests 2

Sugar Ray Robinson (born Walker Smith Jr. LightWeight is a developer of Video games with Samurai themes such as the Bushido Blade series and the Kengo Welterweight is a Weight class division in combat sports Originally the term "welterweight" was used only in Boxing, but other combat sports like Kickboxing Middleweight is a division or weight class, in Boxing. Early boxing history is less than exact but the middleweight designation seems to have begun in the 1840s In boxing the light heavyweight (above 168 pounds up to 175 pounds division is the weight division between Cruiserweight and Super middleweight. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João Year 1921 ( MCMXXI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1921 calendar of the Gregorian calendar Ailey is a city in Montgomery County, Georgia, United States. Events 467 - Anthemius is elevated to Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) Culver City is a city in western Los Angeles County California. , May 3, 1921 – April 12, 1989) was a professional boxer. Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João Year 1921 ( MCMXXI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1921 calendar of the Gregorian calendar Events 467 - Anthemius is elevated to Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) Frequently cited as the greatest boxer of all time, Robinson's performances at the welterweight and middleweight divisions prompted sportswriters to create "pound for pound" rankings, where they compared fighters regardless of weight. Welterweight is a Weight class division in combat sports Originally the term "welterweight" was used only in Boxing, but other combat sports like Kickboxing Middleweight is a division or weight class, in Boxing. Early boxing history is less than exact but the middleweight designation seems to have begun in the 1840s Pound-for-pound is the term used in Boxing, Mixed martial arts and other Combat sports to describe a fighter's value in relation to fighters of different He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. The modern International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF is located in Canastota, New York, United States, within driving distance from the Baseball Hall

Robinson was 85-0 as an amateur with 69 of those victories coming by way of knockout, 40 in the first round. He turned professional in 1940 at the age of 19 and by 1951 had a professional record of 128-1-2 with 84 knockouts. Robinson held the world welterweight title from 1946 to 1951, and won the world middleweight title in the latter year. He retired in 1952, only to come back two and a half years later and regain the middleweight title in 1955. He then became the first boxer in history to win a divisional world championship five times, a feat he accomplished by defeating Carmen Basilio in 1958 to regain the middleweight championship. Carmine Basilio, born April 2 1927 in Canastota New York, better known in the Boxing World as Carmen Basilio, is a former Robinson was named "fighter of the year" twice: first for his performances in 1942, then nine years and over 90 fights later, for his efforts in 1951. He engaged in several multi-fight rivalries with other Hall of Fame fighters such as Jake LaMotta, Carmen Basilio, Gene Fullmer, and Carl 'Bobo' Olson. Giacobe LaMotta (born July 10, 1921) better known as Jake LaMotta, nicknamed " The Bronx Bull " and " The Raging Bull Carmine Basilio, born April 2 1927 in Canastota New York, better known in the Boxing World as Carmen Basilio, is a former Gene Fullmer (born July 21, 1931) is a former American Middleweight boxer. Carl Olson ( July 11 1928 &ndash January 16 2002) was an American boxer. Robinson engaged in 200 pro bouts, and his professional career lasted nearly 26 years.

Robinson was named the greatest fighter of the 20th century by the Associated Press, and the greatest boxer in history by ESPN. The Associated Press ( AP) is an American News agency. The AP is a Cooperative owned by its contributing Newspapers radio com in 2007. The Ring magazine rated him the best pound for pound boxer of all-time in 1997, and its "Fighter of the Decade" for the 1950s. The Ring (often called Ring Magazine) is an American Boxing Magazine that was first published in 1922 as a boxing Muhammad Ali, who repeatedly called himself "The Greatest" throughout his career, ranked Robinson as the greatest pound for pound boxer of all time. Biography Early life Cassius Clay Jr was born on January 17 1942 Other Hall of Fame boxers such as Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Leonard have said the same. Joseph Louis Barrow ( May 13, 1914 – April 12, 1981) better known as Joe Louis, was a heavyweight boxing champion. Ray Charles Leonard (born May 17, 1956) is a retired American professional boxer.

Renowned for his flamboyant lifestyle outside the ring, Robinson is credited with being the originator of the modern sports "entourage". After his boxing career ended, Robinson attempted a career as an entertainer, but struggled, and lived in poverty until his death in 1989. In 2006, he was featured on a commemorative stamp by the United States Postal Service.

Contents

Early life

Robinson was born Walker Smith Jr. in either Ailey, Georgia, (according to his birth certificate) — or Detroit, Michigan, (according to his autobiography),[1] to Walker Smith Sr. Ailey is a city in Montgomery County, Georgia, United States. and Leila Hurst. [2] Robinson was the youngest of three children; his older sister Marie was born in 1917 and his older sister Evelyn was born in 1919. His father was a cotton, peanut, and corn farmer in Georgia, who moved the family to Detroit where he initially found work as a construction worker. [2] According to Robinson, Smith Sr. later worked two jobs to support his family—cement mixer and sewer worker. "He had to get up at six in the morning and he'd get home close to midnight. Six days a week. The only day I really saw him was Sunday. . . I always wanted to be with him more. "[3]

His parents separated and he moved with his mother to Harlem, a neighborhood section of Manhattan in New York City, at the age of twelve. Harlem is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Manhattan, long known as a major African American cultural and business center Manhattan Island, in New York Harbor, is much the largest part of the Borough of Manhattan, one of the Five Boroughs which form the City of New York The City of New York Robinson originally aspired to be a doctor, but after dropping out of De WItt Clinton High school in ninth grade he switched his goal to boxing. Ninth grade (called Grade 9 or Senior 1 or' Year 9 in some regions also known as freshman year in the U [4] When he was 14, he attempted to enter his first boxing tournament but was told he needed to first obtain an AAU membership card. However, he could not procure one until he was sixteen years old. He received his name when he circumvented the AAU's age restriction by borrowing a card from his friend Ray Robinson. [1] Subsequently told that his style was "sweet as sugar" by future manager George Gainford, Smith Jr. became known as "Sugar" Ray Robinson. [5][6]

Robinson idolized Henry Armstrong and Joe Louis as a youth, and actually lived on the same block as Louis in Detroit when Robinson was 11 and Louis was 17. Henry Jackson Jr ( December 12, 1912 - October 22, 1988) was a world Boxing champion who fought under the name Henry Armstrong Joseph Louis Barrow ( May 13, 1914 – April 12, 1981) better known as Joe Louis, was a heavyweight boxing champion. [6] Robinson stated in his autobiography that he was devastated when Louis lost to Max Schmeling in 1936—he even briefly contemplated quitting boxing. Maximillian Adolph Otto Siegfried Schmeling ( September 28, 1905 – February 2, 2005) was a German boxer who was heavyweight [7] Outside of the ring, Robinson got into trouble frequently as a youth, and was involved with a violent street gang. [6] He also married when he was 16. He had one child with his wife before divorcing her at the age of 19. [6] He finished his amateur career with an 85–0 record with 69 knockouts—40 coming in the first round. He won the Golden Gloves featherweight championship in 1939, and the organization's lightweight championship in 1940. For the honor in Major League Baseball, see Gold Glove. The Golden Gloves is the name given to annual competitions for Amateur Featherweight is a weight class division in the sport of Boxing and Wrestling (Greco-Roman LightWeight is a developer of Video games with Samurai themes such as the Bushido Blade series and the Kengo [1]

Boxing career

Early career

Robinson made his professional debut on October 4, 1940, winning via second-round knockout over Joe Echevarria. Events 610 - Heraclius arrives by ship from Africa at Constantinople, overthrows Byzantine Emperor Phocas Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Joe Echevarria (born in Maravelous Battan Philippines was Lightweight/Featherweight champion of the American Army, American Navy and of the Philippine Islands [8] Robinson fought five more times in 1940, winning each time, with four wins coming by way of knockout. [8] In 1941, he defeated world champion Sammy Angott, future champion Marty Servo and former champion Fritzie Zivic. Sammy Angott (born January 17, 1915 &ndash died October 22, 1980) was born Samuel Engotti in Pennsylvania. Mario Severino "Marty Servo" (born in Schenectady New York November 3, 1919, died in Pueblo Colorado February 9, Fritzie Zivic ( May 8, 1913, Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania &mdash May 16, 1984) born as Ferdinand The Robinson-Angott fight was held above the lightweight limit, since Angott did not want to risk losing his lightweight title. Robinson defeated Zivic in front of 20,551 at Madison Square Garden—one of the largest crowds in the arena to that date. Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG, and known colloquially as The Garden, has been the name of four Arenas in New York City. [9] Robinson won the first five rounds according to The New York Times Joseph C. Nichols, before Zivic came back to land several punches to Robinson's head in the sixth and seventh rounds. [9] Robinson controlled the next two rounds, and had Zivic wobbly in the ninth. After a close tenth round, Robinson was announced as the winner on all three scorecards. [9]

In 1942, Robinson knocked out Zivic in the tenth round in a January rematch. [8] The knockout loss was only the second of Zivic's career in more than 150 fights. [10] Robinson knocked him down in the ninth and tenth rounds before the referee stopped the fight. Zivic and his corner protested the stoppage; James P. Dawson of The New York Times stated, however, that "[t]hey were criticizing a humane act. The battle had been a slaughter, for want of a more delicate word. "[10] Robinson then won four consecutive bouts by knockout, before defeating Servo in a controversial split decision in their May rematch. [8] After winning three more fights, Robinson faced Jake LaMotta, who would become one of his more prominent rivals, for the first time in October. [8] He defeated LaMotta via unanimous decision. Robinson weighed 145 lb (66 kg) compared to 157. 5 for LaMotta, but he was able to control the fight from the outside the entire bout, and actually landed the harder punches during the fight. [11] Robinson then won four more fights, including two against Izzy Jannazzo, from October 19 to December 14. Izzy Jannazzo ( January 31, 1915 - June 18, 1995) was an American professional boxer who fought in the Welterweight Division Events 202 BCE - The Battle of Zama results in the defeat of Carthage and Hannibal. Events 1287 - St Lucia's flood: The Zuider Zee sea wall in the Netherlands collapses killing over 50000 people [8] For his performances, Robinson was named "Fighter of the Year". He finished 1942 with a total of 14 wins and no losses. [8]

Robinson built a record of 40–0 before losing for the first time to LaMotta in a 10 round re-match. [12][8] LaMotta, who had a 16 lb (7. 3 kg) weight advantage over Robinson, knocked Robinson out of the ring in the eighth round, and won the fight by decision. [8] The fight took place in Robinson's former home town of Detroit, and attracted a record crowd. [12] After being controlled by Robinson in the early portions of the fight, LaMotta came back to take control in the later rounds. [12] After winning the third LaMotta fight less than three weeks later,[8] Robinson then defeated his childhood idol former champion Henry Armstrong. Henry Jackson Jr ( December 12, 1912 - October 22, 1988) was a world Boxing champion who fought under the name Henry Armstrong Robinson only fought Armstrong because Armstrong was in need of finances. By now Armstrong was an old fighter, and Robinson later stated that he carried Armstrong.

On February 27, 1943, Robinson was inducted into the United States Army, where he was again referred to as Walker Smith. Events 1560 - The Treaty of Berwick, which would expel the French from Scotland, is signed by England and the Congregation Year 1943 ( MCMXLIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The United States Army is a military organization whose primary mission is to "provide necessary forces and capabilities. [13] Robinson had a short 15 month military career. Robinson served with Joe Louis, and the pair went on tours where they performed exhibition bouts in front of US troops. Robinson got into trouble several times while in the military. He argued with superiors who he felt were discriminatory against him, and refused to fight exhibitions when he was told African American soldiers were not allowed to watch them. [6][14] In 1944, Robinson was examined by Military authorities who claimed he had a mental deficiency. [15] Robinson received his honorable discharge on June 3, 1944. A military discharge is given when a member of the Armed forces is released from his or her obligation to serve Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [16] Robinson did develop a close friendship with Louis while in the military however, and the two went into business together after returning from service. They planned to start a liquor distribution business in New York City, but were denied a license due to their race. [17]

Besides the loss in the LaMotta rematch, the only other mark on Robinson's record during this period was a 10 round draw against Jose Basora in 1945. José Basora (born February 8, 1918) was a former boxer. Basora was born in Lajas Puerto Rico. [8]

Welterweight Champion

By 1946, Robinson had fought 75 fights to a 73–1–1 record,[8] and beaten every top contender in the welterweight division. However, he refused to cooperate with the Mafia, which controlled much of boxing at the time, and was denied a chance to fight for the welterweight championship. The Mafia (also known as Cosa Nostra) is a Sicilian Criminal Secret society which is believed to have first developed in the mid-19th century [18] Robinson was finally given a chance to win a title against Tommy Bell on December 20, 1946. Tommy Bell ( March 13, 1923 &ndash July 14, 1994) was an African-American boxer. Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 1946 ( MCMXLVI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [8] Robinson had already beaten Bell once via decision in 1945. The two fought for the title vacated by Servo, who had himself lost twice to Robinson in non-title bouts. In the fight, Robinson, who only a month before had been involved in a 10 round brawl with Artie Levine, was knocked down by Bell. Artie Levine (born January 25, 1925) is a former American boxer in the Middleweight and Light heavyweight divisions in [8] The fight was called a "war," but Robinson was able to pull out a close 15 round decision, winning the vacant welterweight title.

The following year, after four non-title bouts, Robinson defended his title for the first time by knocking out Jimmy Doyle, in the eighth round. Jimmy Doyle was an American Welterweight boxer. Pro career Doyle made his debut as a professional boxer in 1941 and in 1946 lost to [8] Before that fight, Robinson had a dream that he was going to accidentally kill Doyle in the ring. [19] As a result, he decided to pull out of the fight. However, a priest and a minister convinced him to go ahead with the bout. His foe, however, died from the injuries he sustained. [19] Robinson said that the impact of Doyle's death was "very trying. "

In 1948, Robinson fought five times, but only one bout was a title defense. Among the fighters he defeated in those non-title bouts, was future world champion Kid Gavilan in a close, controversial 10 round fight. Gerardo González ( January 6, 1926 - February 13, 2003) better known in the Boxing world as Kid Gavilan, was a former Gavilan hurt Robinson several times in the fight, but Robinson controlled the final rounds with a series of jabs and left hooks. [20] In 1949, he boxed 16 times, but again only defended his title once. In that title fight, a rematch with Gavilan, Robinson again won via decision. The first half of the bout was very close, but Robinson took control in the second half. Gavilan would have to wait two more years to begin his own historic reign as welterweight champion. The only boxer to match Robinson that year was Henry Brimm, who fought him to a 10-round draw in Buffalo. Henry Brimm ( January 1, 1922 — February 21, 1994) was an American boxer Buffalo (ˈbʌfəloʊ is the second largest city in New York State.

Robinson fought 19 times in 1950. [8] He successfully defended his welterweight title for the last time against Charley Fusari. Charley Fusari( August 20, 1924 — November 4, 1985) was an American boxer born in Italy. Robinson won a lopsided 15 round decision, knocking Fusari down once. [8] Robinson donated all but $1 of his purse for the Fusari fight to cancer research. [21] In 1950, Robinson fought George Costner, who had also taken to calling himself "Sugar" and stated in the weeks leading up to the fight that he was the rightful deserver of the name. George "Sugar" Costner ( July 22, 1923 — October 29, 2002) was a professional boxer. "We better touch gloves, because this is the only round," Robinson said as the fighters were introduced at the center of the ring. "Your name ain't Sugar, mine is. "[22] Robinson then knocked Costner out in 2 minutes and 49 seconds. [8]

Middleweight Champion

Robinson stated in his autobiography that one of the main considerations for his move up to middleweight was the increasing difficulty he was having in making the 147 lb (67 kg) welterweight weight limit. [23] However, the move would also prove beneficial financially as the division then contained some of the biggest names in boxing. Vying for the Pennsylvania state middleweight title in 1950, Robinson defeated Robert Villemain. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ( often colloquially referred to as PA (its abbreviation by natives and Northeasterners is a state located in the Northeastern Robert Villemain (born January 10, 1924 in Paris France - Dead September 4, 1984 in Montfermeil France) was a French [8] Later that year, in defense of that crown, he defeated Jose Basora, who had previously drawn with Robinson, and defeated Carl Olson, a future title holder at that weight whom Robinson would meet and beat four times. Carl Olson ( July 11 1928 &ndash January 16 2002) was an American boxer. Robinson's 50-second knock-out of Basora in the rematch set a record that would stand for 38 years.

On February 14, 1951, Robinson and LaMotta met for the sixth time. Events 842 - Charles the Bald and Louis the German swear the Oaths of Strasbourg in the French and German Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January The fight would become known as The St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Robinson won the undisputed world middleweight title with a 13th round technical knockout. Middleweight is a division or weight class, in Boxing. Early boxing history is less than exact but the middleweight designation seems to have begun in the 1840s [8] Robinson out boxed LaMotta for the first 10 rounds, then unleashed a series of savage combinations on LaMotta for three rounds[6], finally stopping the champion for the first time in their legendary six bout series—and giving LaMotta his first legitimate knockout loss in 95 professional bouts. [24] This bout, and some of the other bouts in the six-fight Robinson-LaMotta rivalry, was depicted in the Martin Scorsese film Raging Bull. Raging Bull is a 1980 Biographical film directed by Martin Scorsese, adapted by Paul Schrader and Mardik Martin from the memoir "I fought Sugar Ray so often, I almost got diabetes," LaMotta later said. [5]

After winning his second world title, he embarked on a European tour which took him all over the Continent. Robinson travelled with his flamingo-pink Cadillac, which caused quite a stir in Paris,[25] and an entourage of 13 people, some included "just for laughs". Cadillac is a Brand of Luxury vehicles owned by General Motors. Paris (ˈpærɨs in English; in French) is the Capital of France and the country's largest city [26] He was a hero in France due to his recent defeat of LaMotta—the French hated LaMotta for defeating Marcel Cerdan in 1949 and taking his championship belt (Cerdan died in a plane ride en route to his rematch with LaMotta). Marcellin "Marcel" Cerdan ( July 22, 1916 &ndash October 27, 1949) was a French Pied noir world [6] Robinson even met the President of France and made an impromptu decision to kiss his wife four times—twice on each cheek—in front of a ceremony attended by France's upper crust. [27] During his fight in Berlin against Gerhard Hecht, Robinson was disqualified when he knocked his opponent with a punch to the kidney: a punch legal in the US, but not Europe. Gerhard Hecht (born March 16, 1923 in Berlin, Germany) is a former boxer [19] The fight was later declared a no-contest. [8] In London, he lost the world middleweight title to Englishman Randy Turpin in a sensational bout. Randolph Adolphus ('Randy' Turpin ( June 7, 1928 – May 17, 1966) known as The Leamington Licker, was an English boxer [28] Three months later in front of 60,000 fans at the Polo Grounds,[19] he knocked Turpin out in ten rounds to recover the title. The Polo Grounds was the name given to four different Stadiums in Upper Manhattan, New York City used by Baseball 's New York Giants In that bout Robinson was leading on the cards but was cut by Turpin. With the fight in jeopardy, Robinson let loose on Turpin, knocking him down, then getting him to the ropes and unleashing a series of punches, causing the referee to stop the bout. [29] Following the victory, residents of Harlem danced in the streets. [30] Robinson won the "Fighter of the Year" award again for his performances in 1951.

In 1952, he fought a rematch with Olson which he won by decision. [8] He then defeated former champion, Rocky Graziano, in a 3 round fight, before challenging world light heavyweight champion Joey Maxim at Yankee Stadium. Rocky Graziano, born Thomas Rocco Barbella in New York City ( 1 January, 1919 – May 22, 1990) was an American In boxing the light heavyweight (above 168 pounds up to 175 pounds division is the weight division between Cruiserweight and Super middleweight. Giuseppe Antonio Berardinelli, ( March 28 1922 &ndash June 2 2001) was an American boxer. The original Yankee Stadium is a Stadium located in The Bronx in New York City. Robinson built a lead on all three judges scorecards, but the 103 degree temperature inside the ring took its toll. [5] The referee, Ruby Goldstein, was the first victim of the heat, and had to be replaced by referee Ray Miller. "Ruby" Goldstein (Reuven Goldstein October 10, 1907 &ndash April 23, 1984) was an American boxer and Prize The fast-moving Robinson was next, and at the end of round 13, Robinson collapsed from the heat and failed to answer the bell for the next round,[5] and suffered the only knock-out of his career. [8]

After that bout, Robinson retired with a record of 131-3-1-1 and dedicated his time to show business; singing and tap dancing. After about three years, the decline of his businesses, lack of success in his performance career, Robinson decided to make his return to boxing.

Comeback

In 1955, Robinson returned to the ring. Although he had been inactive for two and a half years, his work as a dancer kept him in peak physical condition: in his autobiography, Robinson states that in the weeks leading up to his debut for a dancing engagement in France, he ran five miles (8 km) every morning, and then danced for five hours each night. Robinson even stated that the training he did in his attempts to establish a career as a dancer were harder than any he undertook during his boxing career. [31] He won five fights in 1955, before losing a decision to Ralph 'Tiger' Jones. Ralph "Tiger" Jones ( March 14, 1928 - July 17, 1994) was a boxer during the 1950s He bounced back, however, and defeated Rocky Castellani by a split decision, then challenged Bobo Olson for the world middleweight title. Attilio N "Rocky" Castellani ( May 26, 1926 - August 31, 2008) was an American boxer. He won the middleweight championship for the third time via a second round knockout—his third victory over Olson. After his comeback performance in 1955, Robinson expected to be named fighter of the year. However, the title went to welterweight Carmen Basilio. Carmine Basilio, born April 2 1927 in Canastota New York, better known in the Boxing World as Carmen Basilio, is a former Basilio's handlers had lobbied heavily for it on the basis that he had never won the award, and Robinson later described this as the biggest disappointment of his professional career. "I haven't forgotten it to this day, and I never will" Robinson wrote in his autobiography. [32] Robinson and Olson fought for the last time in 1956, and Robinson closed the four fight series with a fourth round knockout. [8]

In 1957, Robinson lost his title to Gene Fullmer. Gene Fullmer (born July 21, 1931) is a former American Middleweight boxer. [8] Fullmer used his aggressive, forward moving style to control Robinson, and knocked him down in the fight. [33] Robinson, however, noticed that Fullmer was vulnerable to the left hook. Fullmer headed into their May rematch as a 3–1 favorite. In Probability theory and Statistics the odds in favour of an event or a Proposition are the quantity p  / (1 &minus  [34] In the first two rounds Robinson followed Fullmer around the ring, however in the third round he changed tactics and made Fullmer come to him. [34] At the start of the fourth round Robinson came out on the attack and stunned Fullmer, and when Fullmer returned with his own punches, Robinson traded with him, as opposed to clinching as he had done in their earlier fight. The fight was fairly even after four rounds. [34] But in the fifth, Robinson was able to win the title back for a fourth time by knocking out Fullmer with a lightning fast, powerful left hook. [34] Boxing critics have referred to the left-hook which knocked out Fullmer as "the perfect punch". [35] It marked the first time in 44 career fights that Fullmer had been knocked out, and when someone asked Robinson after the fight how far the left hook had travelled, Robinson replied: "I can't say. But he got the message. "[34]

Later that year, he lost his title to Basilio in a rugged 15 round fight in front of 38,000 at Yankee Stadium,[36] but regained it for a record fifth time when he beat Basilio in the rematch. The original Yankee Stadium is a Stadium located in The Bronx in New York City. Robinson struggled to make weight, and had to go without food for nearly 20 hours leading up to the bout. He badly damaged Basilio's eye early in the fight, and by the seventh round it was swollen shut. [37] The two judges gave the fight to Robinson by wide margins: 72–64 and 71–64. The referee scored the fight for Basilio 69–64, and was booed loudly by the crowd of 19,000 when his decision was announced. [37] The first fight won the "Fight of the Year" award from The Ring magazine for 1957 and the second fight won the "Fight of the Year" award for 1958. [8]

Decline

Robinson knocked out Bob Young in the second round in Boston in his only fight in 1959. Bob Young is a retired American boxer Born in Providence Rhode Island, Young fought Sugar Ray Robinson in 1959 losing via second round knockout [8] A year later, he defended his title against Paul Pender. Paul Pender ( June 20, 1930 &ndash January 12, 2003) was an American Middleweight boxer. Robinson entered the fight as a 5–1 favorite, but lost a split decision in front of 10,608 at Boston Garden. The Boston Garden was a famous Arena built in 1928 in Boston Massachusetts. [38] The day before the fight Pender commented that he planned to start slowly, before coming on late. He did just that and outlasted the aging Robinson, who, despite opening a cut over Pender's eye in the eighth round, was largely ineffective in the later rounds. [38] An attempt to regain the crown for an unheard of sixth time proved beyond Robinson. Despite Robinson's efforts, Pender won by decision in that rematch. On December 3 of that year, Robinson and Fullmer fought a 15-round draw for the NBA middleweight title, which Fullmer retained. Events 1800 - War of the Second Coalition: Battle of Hohenlinden, French The World Boxing Association (WBA is a Boxing organization that sanctions official matches and awards the WBA world championship title at the professional level [8] In 1961, Robinson and Fullmer fought for a fourth time, with Fullmer retaining the NBA middleweight title by a unanimous decision. The World Boxing Association (WBA is a Boxing organization that sanctions official matches and awards the WBA world championship title at the professional level [8] The fight would be Robinson's last title bout.

Robinson spent the rest of the 1960s fighting 10-round contests. In October 1961, Robinson defeated future world champion Denny Moyer via unanimous decision. Denny Moyer (born August 8, 1939 in Portland Oregon) is a retired American boxer who held the World Light middleweight title between 1962 and A 12–5 favorite, the 41 year old Robinson defeated the 22 year old Moyer by staying on the outside, rather than engaging him. [39] In their rematch four months later, Moyer defeated Robinson on points, as he pressed the action and made Robinson back up throughout the fight. Moyer won 7–3 on all three judges scorecards. [40] Robinson lost twice more in 1962, before winning six consecutive fights against mostly lesser opposition. [8] In February 1963, Robinson lost via unanimous decision to former world champion and fellow Hall of Famer Joey Giardello. Carmine Orlando Tilelli ( July 16, 1930 - September 4, 2008) was an American boxer who was the middleweight champion Giardello knocked Robinson down in the fourth round, and the 43 year old took until the count of nine to rise to his feet. [41] Robinson was also nearly knocked down in the sixth round, but was saved by the bell. He rallied in the seventh and eight rounds, before struggling in the final two. [41] Robinson also embarked on another tour of Europe.

Robinson fought for the final time in 1965. He lost via unanimous decision to Joey Archer. Joey Archer (born February 11, 1938 in New York City New York) is a retired American boxer [42] Famed sports author Pete Hamill mentioned that one of the saddest experiences of his life was watching Robinson lose to Archer. He was even knocked down and Hamill pointed out that Archer had no knockout punch at all; Archer admitted afterward that it was only the second time he had knocked an opponent down in his career. [8] The crowd of 9,023 at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh gave Robinson several standing ovations, even while he was being thoroughly outperformed by Archer. The Mellon Arena (known as Pittsburgh Civic Arena from 1961–1999 and informally known as " The Igloo " is an indoor arena in Pittsburgh [42]

On November 11, 1965, Robinson announced his retirement from boxing, saying: "I hate to go too long campaigning for another chance. Events 308 - The Congress of Carnuntum: Attempting to keep peace within the Roman Empire, the leaders of the Tetrarchy declare Year 1965 ( MCMLXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1965 Gregorian calendar. "[43] Robinson retired from boxing with a record of 175-19-6 with 110 knockouts in 200 professional bouts,[8] ranking him among the all-time leaders in knockouts.

After retiring as a boxer

In his autobiography Robinson states that by 1965 he was broke, having spent all of the $4 million in earnings he made inside and out of the ring in his career. [44] A month after his last fight, Robinson was honored with a Sugar Ray Robinson Night on December 10, 1965 in New York's Madison Square Garden. Events 1041 - Empress Zoe of Byzantium elevates her adoptive son to the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire as Michael V Year 1965 ( MCMLXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1965 Gregorian calendar. Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG, and known colloquially as The Garden, has been the name of four Arenas in New York City. During the ceremony, he was honored with a massive trophy. However, there was not a piece of furniture in his small Manhattan apartment with legs strong enough to support it. Manhattan Island, in New York Harbor, is much the largest part of the Borough of Manhattan, one of the Five Boroughs which form the City of New York Robinson was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1967, two years after he retired. The modern International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF is located in Canastota, New York, United States, within driving distance from the Baseball Hall In 1969 he founded the Sugar Ray Robinson Youth Foundation for inner-city Los Angeles area. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West The foundation does not sponsor a boxing program. [45] He was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus that was treated with insulin. Diabetes mellitus (ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz or /ˌdaɪəˈbiːtəs/ /məˈlaɪtəs/ or /ˈmɛlətəs/ often referred to simply as diabetes ( Ancient Greek: grc Insulin is a Hormone with intensive effects on both metabolism and several other body systems (eg vascular compliance [46] In Robinson's last years, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease ( AD) also called Alzheimer disease or simply Alzheimer's, is the most common form of Dementia. [46] He died in Los Angeles at the age of 67 and was interred in the Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California. Inglewood Park Cemetery founded in 1905 is at 720 E Florence Avenue in Inglewood California. Inglewood is a city in southwestern Los Angeles County California, southwest of downtown Los Angeles.

Personal life

Robinson met his second wife Edna Mae Holly, a noted dancer who performed at the Cotton Club and toured Europe with Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway, in 1940. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29 1899 &ndash May 24 1974 was an American Composer, Pianist, and Bandleader. Cabell "Cab" Calloway III ( December 25, 1907 &ndash November 18, 1994) was a famous American Jazz Singer [47] According to Robinson, he met her at a local pool he frequented after his boxing workouts. In an attempt to get her attention he pushed her into the pool one day, and claimed it was an accident. [48] After this attempt was met with disdain, he appeared at the nightclub she danced at and introduced himself. Soon the couple was dating and they married in 1943. They had one son, Ray Robinson Jr. and divorced in 1960. [47] In April 1959, Robinson's oldest sister Marie died of cancer at the age of 41. [49]

In 1965, Robinson married Millie Wiggins Bruce, who was several years his senior, and the couple settled in Los Angeles. [19] When Robinson was sick with his various ailments, his son accused Robinson's wife of keeping him under the influence of medication to manipulate him. According to Ray Robinson Jr. , when Sugar Ray's mother died, Sugar Ray could not attend his mother's funeral because Millie was drugging and controlling him. [50] However, Robinson had been hospitalized the day before his mother's death due to agitation which caused his blood pressure to rise. Robinson Jr. and Edna Mae also claimed that they were kept away from Robinson by Millie during the last years of his life. [50]

Boxing style

"Rhythm is everything in boxing. Every move you make starts with your heart, and that's in rhythm or you're in trouble. "
—Ray Robinson[51]

Robinson was a fluid boxer who possessed a quick jab and knockout power. He possessed tremendous versatility—according to boxing analyst Bert Sugar, "Robinson could deliver a knockout blow going backward. Bert Randolph Sugar (born June 7 1936, in Washington DC) is a well known Boxing writer "[52] Robinson was efficient with both hands, and he displayed a variety of effective punches—according to a TIME magazine article in 1951, "Robinson's repertoire, thrown with equal speed and power by either hand, includes every standard punch from a bolo to a hook—and a few he makes up on the spur of the moment. Time (trademarked in capitals as TIME) is a weekly American Newsmagazine, similar to Newsweek and "[6] Robinson commented that once a fighter has trained to a certain level, their techniques and responses become almost reflexive. "You don't think. It's all instinct. If you stop to think, you're gone. "[53]

Legacy

"Someone once said there was a comparison between Sugar Ray Leonard and Sugar Ray Robinson. Believe me, there's no comparison. Sugar Ray Robinson was the greatest. "
Sugar Ray Leonard[52]
"Without a doubt the greatest pound for pound fighter that ever lived. "
Jake Lamotta[54]
"The king, the master, my idol. "
Muhammad Ali on Robinson[54]

Robinson is widely considered the greatest boxer in history, and has been ranked as the greatest boxer of all time by sportswriters, fellow boxers, and trainers. [1][54] The phrase "pound for pound", was created by sportswriters for him during his career as a way to compare boxers irrespective of weight,[5][22] and Hall of Fame fighters such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Leonard have ranked Robinson as the greatest pound for pound boxer in history. Pound-for-pound is the term used in Boxing, Mixed martial arts and other Combat sports to describe a fighter's value in relation to fighters of different Biography Early life Cassius Clay Jr was born on January 17 1942 Joseph Louis Barrow ( May 13, 1914 – April 12, 1981) better known as Joe Louis, was a heavyweight boxing champion. Ray Charles Leonard (born May 17, 1956) is a retired American professional boxer. [52][55][56] In 1997, The Ring ranked him as the best pound for pound fighter in history,[5] and in 1999, he was named "welterweight of the century" and "middleweight of the century" by the Associated Press. The Associated Press ( AP) is an American News agency. The AP is a Cooperative owned by its contributing Newspapers radio [57] In 2007, ESPN. com featured the piece "50 Greatest Boxers of All Time", in which it named Robinson the top boxer in history. [58] In 2003, The Ring magazine ranked him number 11 in the list of all-time greatest punchers in history. [59]

Robinson was one of the first African Americans to establish himself as a star outside of sports. He was an intricate part of the New York social scene in the 1940s and 1950s. [5] His glamorous restaurant, Sugar Ray's, hosted stars such as Frank Sinatra, Jackie Gleason, Nat "King" Cole, Joe Louis, and Lena Horne among others. Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra (December 12 1915 &ndash May 14 1998 was an American singer and actor Herbert Walton Gleason Jr, baptized John Herbert "Jackie" Gleason ( February 26, 1916 – June 24, 1987) was an Nathaniel Adams Coles (March 17 1919 &ndash February 15 1965 known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American musician Lena Mary Calhoun Horne (born June 30, 1917) is an iconic American singer and Actress. [60] Robinson was known as a flamboyant personality outside the ring. He combined striking good looks,[61] with charisma, and a flair for the dramatic: He drove a flamingo-pink Cadillac, and was an accomplished singer and dancer, who once pursued a career in the entertainment industry. Cadillac is a Brand of Luxury vehicles owned by General Motors. [62] According to ESPN. com's Ron Flatter: "He was the pioneer of boxing's bigger-than-life entourages, including a secretary, barber, masseur, voice coach, a coterie of trainers, beautiful women, a dwarf mascot and lifelong manager George Gainford. "[5][63] When Robinson later returned to Paris in 1962—where he was still a national hero—to get him to cross the seas the French had to promise to bring over his masseur, his hairdresser, a guy who whistled while he trained, and his trademark Cadillac. [64] This larger than life persona made him the idol of millions of African American youths in the 1950s. Robinson inspired several other fighters who took the nickname "Sugar" in homage to him such as Sugar Ray Leonard and Sugar Shane Mosley. Ray Charles Leonard (born May 17, 1956) is a retired American professional boxer. "Sugar" Shane Mosley (born September 7, 1971) is a boxer from Pomona California. He was also featured on a 2006 United States postage stamp, which reportedly had a circulation of over 100 million. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A postage stamp is an adhesive paper evidence of pre-paying a fee for postal services [65].

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d Sugar Ray Robinson Returns to the Ring to a 'Stamping Ovation' of 100 Million, usps. This table lists the current pound-for-pound rankings of ''The Ring'' magazine (the self-proclaimed "Bible of Boxing" owned by Golden Boy Promotions Inc In 2002, Ring Magazine published a list of the 80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years in Boxing, as voted by the magazine's writers com, April 7, 2006, accessed June 5, 2007. Events 529 - First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis (a fundamental work in Jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 70 - Titus and his Roman Legions breach the middle wall of Jerusalem in the Siege of Jerusalem Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  2. ^ a b Robinson and Anderson. pg. 7
  3. ^ Robinson and Anderson. pgs. 8–9
  4. ^ Robinson and Anderson. pg. 5
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Flatter, Ron. The sugar in the sweet science, espn. com, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h Businessman Boxer, TIME, June 25, 1951, available online via time. Time (trademarked in capitals as TIME) is a weekly American Newsmagazine, similar to Newsweek and Events 524 - Battle of Vézeronce, the Franks defeat the Burgundians Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January com, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  7. ^ Robinson and Anderon. pg. 40
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af Sugar Ray Robinson, boxrec. com, accessed June 4, 2007. Events 781 BC - The first historic Solar eclipse is recorded in China. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  9. ^ a b c Nichols, Joseph C. Harlem Fighter Still Unbeaten, The New York Times, November 1, 1941, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 996 - Emperor Otto III issues a deed to Gottschalk Bishop of Freising which is the oldest known document using the name Ostarrîchi Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  10. ^ a b Dawson, James P. Robinson Knocks Out Zivic in Tenth Round to Score 27th Victory in Row, The New York Times, January 17, 1942, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 38 BC - Octavian marries Livia Drusilla. 1287 - King Alfonso III of Aragon invades Minorca Year 1942 ( MCMXLII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  11. ^ Nichols, Joseph C. Robinson Takes Unanimous Decision Over La Motta in Garden 10-Round Bout,The New York Times, October 3, 1942, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 42 BC - First Battle of Philippi: Triumvirs Mark Antony and Octavian fight an indecisive battle with Caesar's Year 1942 ( MCMXLII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  12. ^ a b c Associated Press. Robinson's Streak Ended by LaMotta, The New York Times, February 6, 1943, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar defeats the combined army of Pompeian followers and Numidians under Metellus Scipio Year 1943 ( MCMXLIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  13. ^ Robinson and Anderson. pg. 110
  14. ^ Robinson also discusses this at length in: Robinson and Anderson. Chapter nine
  15. ^ Ray Robinson, fbi. gov, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  16. ^ Robinson and Anderson. pg. 130
  17. ^ Boyd and Robinson II. pg. 94
  18. ^ Sugar: Too sweet for Raging Bull, bbc. co. uk, July 13, 2001, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1174 - William I of Scotland, a key rebel in the Revolt of 1173-1174, is captured at Alnwick by forces loyal to Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  19. ^ a b c d e Sugar Ray Robinson, Contemporary Black Biography, The Gale Group, 2006 ISBN 0787679275, available online via Answers.com, accessed June 6, 2007. Answerscom is a Website that presents reference content in over four million entries collected from multiple sources Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  20. ^ Boyd and Robinson II. pg. 93
  21. ^ Boyd and Robinson II. pgs. 105–06
  22. ^ a b Anderson, Dave. Sports of the Times; The Original Sugar Ray 'Never Lost', The New York Times, April 13, 1989, accessed April 10, 2008. Events 1111 - Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1204 - The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) Events 879 - Louis III becomes King of the Western Franks. 1407 - the lama 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common
  23. ^ Robinson and Anderson. pg. 165
  24. ^ Jake LaMotta, boxrec. com, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
    * LaMotta had lost by knockout to Billy Fox earlier in his career. However, that fight was later ruled to have been fixed and LaMotta was sanctioned for letting Fox win.
  25. ^ Robinson and Anderson. pgs. 187–88
  26. ^ Dethroned in London, The New York Times, July 15, 1951, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1099 - First Crusade: Christian soldiers take the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem after the final Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  27. ^ Sugar Ray Gives Mme. Auriol Kiss; Boxer as Cancer Fund 'Envoy,' Busses French Chief's Wife Twice on Each Cheek, The New York Times, May 17, 1951, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1521 - Edward Stafford 3rd Duke of Buckingham, is executed for Treason. Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  28. ^ Sugar's Lumps, TIME, July 23, 1951, available online at time. Time (trademarked in capitals as TIME) is a weekly American Newsmagazine, similar to Newsweek and Events 1632 - Three hundred colonists bound for New France depart from Dieppe France. Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January com, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  29. ^ Daley, Arthur. Sports of The Times; For the Championship, The New York Times, September 12, 1951, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1213 - Albigensian Crusade: Simon de Montfort 5th Earl of Leicester, defeats Peter II of Aragon at the Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  30. ^ Harlem Hails Robinson; More Than 10,000 Cheer Verdict, Sing and Dance in Street, The New York Times, September 13, 1951, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 509 BC - The Temple of Jupiter on Rome 's Capitoline Hill is dedicated on the ides of September Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  31. ^ Robinson and Anderson. pg. 227
  32. ^ Robinson and Anderson. pg. 266
  33. ^ Nichols, Joseph C. Utah 160-Pounder to Defend Crown, The New York Times, May 1, 1957, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 305 - Diocletian and Maximian retire from the office of Roman Emperor. Year 1957 ( MCMLVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1957 Gregorian calendar) Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  34. ^ a b c d e Nichols, Joseph C. Robinson Knocks Out Fullmer in Fifth Round to Regain Middleweight Crown, The New York Times, May 2, 1957 accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1194 - King Richard I of England gives Portsmouth its first Royal Charter. Year 1957 ( MCMLVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1957 Gregorian calendar) Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year
  35. ^ Fitzgerald and Hudson. pg. 40
    *Gene Fullmer, ibhof. com, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  36. ^ Basilio Takes Title By Beating Robinson, The New York Times, September 24, 1957, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 622 - Prophet Muhammad completes his hegira from Mecca to Medina. Year 1957 ( MCMLVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1957 Gregorian calendar) Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  37. ^ a b Nichols, Joseph C. Robinson Outpoints Basilio and Wins World Middleweight Title Fifth Time. The New York Times, March 26, 1958, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1026 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor. Year 1958 ( MCMLVIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  38. ^ a b nichols, Joseph C. 5-1 Choice Loses A Split Decision, The New York Times, January 23, 1960, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 393 - Roman Emperor Theodosius I proclaims his nine year old son Honorius co-emperor Year 1960 ( MCMLX) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  39. ^ Conkilin, William R. Robinson Beats Moyer in Ten-Rounder Here, The New York Times, October 22, 1961, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 202 BC - Hannibal Barca, leader of the Carthaginians, is defeated by the Roman legions under Scipio Africanus Year 1961 ( MCMLXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  40. ^ Teague, Robert L. Denny Moyer Defeats Robinson, The New York Times, February 18, 1962, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy Year 1962 ( MCMLXII) was a Common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  41. ^ a b Left Hook Floors Sugar Ray in 4th, The New York Times, June 25, 1963, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 524 - Battle of Vézeronce, the Franks defeat the Burgundians Year 1963 ( MCMLXIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  42. ^ a b Associated Press. Robinson Beaten in Archer Fight, The New York Times, November 11, 1965, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 308 - The Congress of Carnuntum: Attempting to keep peace within the Roman Empire, the leaders of the Tetrarchy declare Year 1965 ( MCMLXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1965 Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  43. ^ Associated Press. Robinson Declares Bout With Archer Was His Last Fight, The New York Times, November 12, 1965, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 764 - Tibetan troops occupy Chang'an, the capital of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, for fifteen days Year 1965 ( MCMLXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1965 Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  44. ^ Robinson and Anderson. pg. 4
  45. ^ Wiley. pg. 223
  46. ^ a b Pace, Frank. Keeping Pace with Sugar Ray Robinson, LA Sports Magazine, August 1976, available online via hofmag. com, accessed June 5, 2007. Events 70 - Titus and his Roman Legions breach the middle wall of Jerusalem in the Siege of Jerusalem Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  47. ^ a b Edna Mae Robinson, ex-wife of boxing champ Sugar Ray Robinson, dies, JET, May 27, 2002, available online via findarticles. Jet is a popular African-American Publication founded in Chicago Illinois in 1951 by John H Events 927 - Simeon the Great, Tsar of Bulgaria, dies 1120 - Richard III of Capua is anointed See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. com, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  48. ^ Robinson and Anderson. pgs. 90–1
  49. ^ Ray Robinson's' Sister Dies, The New York Times, April 21, 1959, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 753 BC - Romulus and Remus found Rome ( traditional date) The year 1959 ( MCMLIX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  50. ^ a b Wiley. pg. 221
  51. ^ Robinson and Anderson. pg. 75
  52. ^ a b c Sugar Ray Robinson quotes, cgmworldwide. com, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  53. ^ Hauser. pg. 29
  54. ^ a b c Sugar Ray Bio, cgmworldwide. com, accessed June 4, 2007. Events 781 BC - The first historic Solar eclipse is recorded in China. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
    *Review Joe and Teddy Pick Their Top Fighters, espn. com, accessed June 4, 2007. Events 781 BC - The first historic Solar eclipse is recorded in China. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
    * Smith, Michael David. ESPN Greatest Boxers List: Sugar Ray Robinson No. 1, aolsports. com, May 13, 2007, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
    * Wiley. pg. 226
    *Anderson, Dave. Sugar Ray Robinson, Boxing's 'Best,' Is Dead, The New York Times, April 13, 1989, accessed April 10, 2008. Events 1111 - Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1204 - The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) Events 879 - Louis III becomes King of the Western Franks. 1407 - the lama 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common
    * Trickett, Alex, and Dirs, Ben. Who is the greatest of them all?, bbc. co. uk, June 13, 2005, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1525 - Martin Luther marries Katharina von Bora, against the Celibacy rule decreed by the Roman Catholic Church for Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  55. ^ Kehoe, Patrick. Ray Robinson: The champions’ champion. secondsout. com, accessed June 4, 2007. Events 781 BC - The first historic Solar eclipse is recorded in China. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  56. ^ Hauser. pg. 212
  57. ^ Associated Press. The Associated Press ( AP) is an American News agency. The AP is a Cooperative owned by its contributing Newspapers radio Sugar Ray named century's best, espn. com, December 8, 1999, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1609 - Biblioteca Ambrosiana opens its reading room the second public library of Europe. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  58. ^ 50 Greatest Boxers of All Time, espn. com, accessed June 4, 2007. Events 781 BC - The first historic Solar eclipse is recorded in China. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  59. ^ Ring Magazine's 100 Greatest Punchers, The Ring, (2003), available online at about.com, accessed June 6, 2007. The Ring (often called Ring Magazine) is an American Boxing Magazine that was first published in 1922 as a boxing Aboutcom is an online source for original information and advice and is among the top 15 US Websites ( Nielsen Online Spring 2008 Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  60. ^ Boyd and Robinson II. pg. 105
  61. ^ Goldman, Albert. Sugar Ray: Is He a Black Gable?, The New York Times, October 8, 1968, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 314 - Roman Emperor Licinius is defeated by his colleague Constantine I at the Battle of Cibalae, and loses Year 1968 ( MCMLXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
    * Sammons. pg. xii
    *The Man Who Comes Back, TIME, April 7, 1958, available via time. Events 529 - First draft of Corpus Juris Civilis (a fundamental work in Jurisprudence) is issued by Eastern Roman Emperor Year 1958 ( MCMLVIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. com accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  62. ^ Fitzgerald and Hudson. pgs. 205–06
  63. ^ Robinson talks in length about his decision to travel with such a large group of people in: Robinson and Anderson. Chapter 13—When he travelled to Paris, a steward referred to his companions as his "entourage" though Robinson states he did not like the literal definition (attendants) as he felt they were his friends, he liked the word and began to use it in regular conservation when referring to them. ibid. pg. 169
  64. ^ Daley, Robert. Sugar Ray Is Still Young in Paris; Age Hasn't Dimmed Robinson's Skills in Frenchmen's Eyes, The New York Times, May 13, 1962, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola. Year 1962 ( MCMLXII) was a Common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  65. ^ The 2006 Commemorative Stamp Program, usps. com, November 30, 2005, accessed June 6, 2007. Events 1700 - Battle of Narva — A Swedish army of 8500 men under Charles XII defeats Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.

References

  • Boyd, Herb, and Robinson, Ray II. Pound for Pound: A Biography of Sugar Ray Robinson, New York: HarperCollins, 2005 ISBN 0060188766
  • Donelson, Thomas, and Lotierzo, Frank. HarperCollins is a Publishing company owned by News Corporation. Viewing Boxing from Ringside, Lincoln: iUniverse, 2002 ISBN 0595237487
  • Fitzgerald, Mike H. , and Hudson, Dabid L. Boxing's Most Wanted: The Top Ten Book of Champs, Chumps and Punch-drunk Palookas, Virginia: Brassey's, 2004 ISBN 1574887149
  • Hauser, Thomas. The Black Lights: Inside the World of Professional Boxing, Fayetteville: University of Arkansas Press, 2000 ISBN 1557285977
  • Robinson, Sugar Ray, and Anderson, Dave. Dave Anderson (born May 6, 1929 in Troy New York) is an American sportswriter based in New York City. Sugar Ray, London: De Capo Press, 1994 ISBN 030680574X
  • Sammons, Jeffrey Thomas. Beyond the Ring: The Role of Boxing in American Society, Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1998 ISBN 0252061454
  • Wiley, Ralph. The University of Illinois Press ( UIP) is a major American University press and part of the University of Illinois. Serenity: A Boxing Memoir, Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2000 ISBN 0803298161

External links

Preceded by
Marty Servo
Vacated		 World Welterweight Champion
20 Dec 1946– 14 Feb 1951
Vacated		 Succeeded by
Johnny Bratton
Recognized by NBA
Preceded by
Jake LaMotta		 World Middleweight Champion
14 Feb 1951– 10 Jul 1951		 Succeeded by
Randy Turpin
Preceded by
Randy Turpin		 World Middleweight Champion
12 Sep 1951– Dec 1952
Retired		 Succeeded by
Carl (Bobo) Olson
Preceded by
Carl (Bobo) Olson		 World Middleweight Champion
9 Dec 1955– 2 Jan 1957		 Succeeded by
Gene Fullmer
Preceded by
Gene Fullmer		 World Middleweight Champion
1 May 1957– 23 Sep 1957		 Succeeded by
Carmen Basilio
Preceded by
Carmen Basilio		 World Middleweight Champion
25 Mar 1958– 22 Jan 1960
Only recognized by New York and Massachusetts at time of title loss		 Succeeded by
Paul Pender
Persondata
NAME Sugar Ray Robinson
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Walter Smith Jr. The University of Nebraska Press, founded in 1941 is a Publisher of Scholarly and popular-press books BoxReccom is a website dedicated to keep updated records of professional boxers, both male and female. Mario Severino "Marty Servo" (born in Schenectady New York November 3, 1919, died in Pueblo Colorado February 9, This is a chronological List of World Welterweight Boxing Champions, as recognized by four of the better-known sanctioning organizations The World Boxing Association Johnny Bratton, also known as Honey Boy Bratton, (born 1927-09-09 in Little Rock AR and died 1993-08-15) was a professional The World Boxing Association (WBA is a Boxing organization that sanctions official matches and awards the WBA world championship title at the professional level Giacobe LaMotta (born July 10, 1921) better known as Jake LaMotta, nicknamed " The Bronx Bull " and " The Raging Bull This is a chronological List of World Middleweight Boxing Champions, as recognized by four of the better-known sanctioning organizations The World Boxing Association Randolph Adolphus ('Randy' Turpin ( June 7, 1928 – May 17, 1966) known as The Leamington Licker, was an English boxer Randolph Adolphus ('Randy' Turpin ( June 7, 1928 – May 17, 1966) known as The Leamington Licker, was an English boxer This is a chronological List of World Middleweight Boxing Champions, as recognized by four of the better-known sanctioning organizations The World Boxing Association Carl Olson ( July 11 1928 &ndash January 16 2002) was an American boxer. Carl Olson ( July 11 1928 &ndash January 16 2002) was an American boxer. This is a chronological List of World Middleweight Boxing Champions, as recognized by four of the better-known sanctioning organizations The World Boxing Association Gene Fullmer (born July 21, 1931) is a former American Middleweight boxer. Gene Fullmer (born July 21, 1931) is a former American Middleweight boxer. This is a chronological List of World Middleweight Boxing Champions, as recognized by four of the better-known sanctioning organizations The World Boxing Association Carmine Basilio, born April 2 1927 in Canastota New York, better known in the Boxing World as Carmen Basilio, is a former Carmine Basilio, born April 2 1927 in Canastota New York, better known in the Boxing World as Carmen Basilio, is a former This is a chronological List of World Middleweight Boxing Champions, as recognized by four of the better-known sanctioning organizations The World Boxing Association Paul Pender ( June 20, 1930 &ndash January 12, 2003) was an American Middleweight boxer.
SHORT DESCRIPTION Hall of Fame American pugilist
DATE OF BIRTH May 3, 1921
PLACE OF BIRTH Ailey, Georgia
DATE OF DEATH April 12, 1989
PLACE OF DEATH Los Angeles, California
Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João Year 1921 ( MCMXXI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1921 calendar of the Gregorian calendar Ailey is a city in Montgomery County, Georgia, United States. Events 467 - Anthemius is elevated to Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West
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