His real name was Walker Smith Jr., but he adopted “Sugar Ray Robinson” as his ring name. Here’s a brief overview of his career and impact:
Early Life and Career:
- Born: Sugar Ray Robinson was born on May 3, 1921, in Ailey, Georgia, but moved to Harlem, New York, where he grew up.
- Amateur Career: He began boxing at a young age, and his talent was evident early on. He had an outstanding amateur career, boasting an 85-0 record with 69 of those wins coming by way of knockout, 40 in the first round.
Professional Career:
- Debut: Robinson turned professional in 1940 at the age of 19 and quickly rose through the ranks with his exceptional skills.
- Middleweight and Welterweight Titles: He won the world welterweight title in 1946 and went on to win the middleweight title multiple times throughout the 1950s. His style, speed, agility, and power set him apart from his competitors.
- Record: His professional record includes 173 wins, 19 losses, 6 draws, and 2 no contests, with 109 victories coming by knockout.
Legacy:
- Influence: Robinson’s influence extended beyond the ring. He was known for his charismatic personality, sharp dressing, and business acumen, owning several businesses in Harlem.
- Retirement: He retired from boxing in 1965 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
- Recognition: Robinson was named “Fighter of the Year” twice: once in 1942 and again in 1951. He was also hailed by many boxing historians as the greatest pound-for-pound boxer of all time.
Sugar Ray Robinson’s dominance in the ring during the 1940s and 1950s left a lasting legacy in the world of boxing, setting high standards for technique and sportsmanship in the sport.
