Born Walker Smith Jr. in Ailey, Georgia, in 1921, the man who became Sugar Ray Robinson emerged as a defining figure in twentieth-century boxing. Competing professionally from 1940 to 1965, he bypassed restrictive age requirements for youth tournaments by adopting the identification of a fighter named Ray Robinson, eventually adopting the moniker that became his professional identity.
Early Development and Amateur Success
Before his professional debut, Robinson attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx. His amateur career was marked by significant success, including winning the 1939 New York Golden Gloves featherweight championship and the 1940 lightweight championship. He idolized fighters Henry Armstrong and Joe Louis, the latter of whom lived on his street during his time in Detroit.
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Robinson entered the professional ranks in 1940 with a second-round stoppage of Joe Echevarria. By 1951, he had accumulated a professional record of 129 wins, one loss, and two draws, with 85 knockouts. Between 1943 and 1951, he maintained an unbeaten streak of 91 consecutive fights. His professional rivalry with Jake LaMotta, which began in 1942, remains a notable component of his early career accomplishments.
Championship Titles and Awards
Robinson’s career was defined by multiple title reigns, including his tenure as WBA World Middleweight Champion during the years 1951, 1955-1957, 1957, and 1958-1959. He was named The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year in 1942 and 1951. Following his retirement from boxing, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
Post-Boxing Years
After ending his boxing career in 1965, Robinson transitioned into film acting and performance. These subsequent professional efforts did not yield the same success as his athletic career, and he experienced financial instability during his later years. Robinson died in 1989 in Culver City and is buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1921, Ailey
- Died: 1989, Culver City
- Citizenship: United States
- Professional debut: October 4, 1940
- Education: DeWitt Clinton High School
- Burial site: Inglewood Park Cemetery
- International Boxing Hall of Fame induction: 1990
Questions readers ask
How did Walker Smith Jr. acquire the name Sugar Ray Robinson?
He first used the name to bypass age requirements for an amateur boxing tournament. The 'Sugar' moniker was added later after a spectator described his boxing style as sweet.
Did Robinson hold the middleweight championship multiple times?
Yes, he won the WBA World Middleweight title on four distinct occasions between 1951 and 1959.
Achievements
- International Boxing Hall of Fame
- WBA World Middleweight Champion
- WBA World Welterweight Champion
- The Ring World Middleweight Champion
- The Ring World Welterweight Champion
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