He is widely regarded as one of, if not the, greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time. Born Walker Smith Jr he was a six-time world champion, and it is on this day, back in 1946, that he won his first ever title, beating Tommy Bell via a unanimous points decision over 15 rounds.
We’re talking, of course, about the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson, who won the vacant World Welterweight title on 20 December 1946.
Let's revisit the fight and the career of this fantastic fighting machine.
Who was Sugar Ray Robinson?
Born Walker Smith Jr. on 3 May 1921, Sugar Ray Robinson grew up in Detroit, Michigan, before moving to Harlem, New York. He adopted the name Sugar Ray Robinson by borrowing a friend’s amateur boxing card to enter a fight at a young age.
The nickname ‘Sugar’ came from a sportswriter who described his style as "sweet as sugar," and it stuck throughout his legendary career. Known for his grace, speed, and devastating punching power, Robinson is often cited as the epitome of what a boxer should be, setting the gold standard for pound-for-pound greatness.
Incredible amateur record
Robinson’s amateur career was nothing short of extraordinary. He compiled an astonishing record of 85-0 with 69 knockouts, 40 of which came in the first round.
His dominance in the amateur ranks foreshadowed his professional success, as he displayed a rare combination of skill, athleticism, and intelligence that made him unbeatable.
Turning pro
Robinson turned professional in 1940 at the age of 19, and his impact was immediate. Within two years, he had built an impressive record, defeating future champions like Fritzie Zivic and Jake LaMotta.
His early performances highlighted his unique ability to adapt to any style, whether facing brawlers, technicians, or counterpunchers. By the mid-1940s, Robinson was already considered one of the best fighters in the world, even before capturing his first world title.
The fight against Bell
On 20 December 1946, Robinson faced Tommy Bell for the vacant World Welterweight title at Madison Square Garden. It was a hard-fought battle, with Bell proving to be a worthy adversary over the gruelling 15 rounds encounter.
Despite being knocked down in the second round, Robinson’s superior conditioning, precise combinations, and defensive mastery allowed him to take control of the fight.
He ultimately won via unanimous decision, earning his first world championship and beginning his reign of dominance in the sport.
Marquee fights
Robinson’s career is filled with legendary bouts against some of the greatest fighters of his era. His six-fight series with Jake LaMotta was one of the standout features.
La Motta is reported to have quipped: "I fought Sugar Ray so often I almost got diabetes…" The bloodiest of the encounters between the two, dubbed the ‘St. Valentine’s Day Massacre,’ saw Robinson claim the World Middleweight title in 1951 with a brutal 13th-round TKO. He also defeated Hall-of-Famers like Kid Gavilan, Carmen Basilio, and Gene Fullmer, showcasing his ability to consistently defeat elite opposition.
His iconic 1952 bout against Joey Maxim for the World Light Heavyweight title remains a testament to his courage and skill. Fighting in the searing heat and humidity of New York in June, Robinson was ahead on the scorecards before being forced to retire after the 13th round due to heat exhaustion - a rare display of vulnerability in an otherwise dominant career.
Life after boxing
Robinson retired with an incredible record of 174 wins, 19 losses, 6 draws, and 109 knockouts. His influence extended beyond the ring, as he became a cultural icon and one of the first fighters to demand fair pay and better treatment for boxers.
After his retirement, Robinson pursued acting and ran several business ventures, although financial struggles and health issues later overshadowed his post-boxing life.
Despite these challenges, his legacy remains unparalleled. Sugar Ray Robinson is remembered not just for his accomplishments but for revolutionising the sport, setting a standard for greatness which fighters continue to chase today.
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