Sugar Ray Robinson: A Boxing Legend
Sugar Ray Robinson, often celebrated as the finest boxer to ever step into the ring, has an origin story shaped by hardship, determination, and a small fib. His remarkable boxing career boasts over 200 fights, with an impressive tally of 174 victories, among which more than 100 were by knockout. Despite facing nearly 20 defeats, his impact on the sport is unmatched.
Early Life and Struggles
In a nostalgic television interview, Robinson reminisced about his early life during the Great Depression, where financial struggles were a constant battle. His mother worked tirelessly in a laundry to support him and his two sisters. Robinson reflected on his childhood, saying,
“I can remember eggs a penny apiece, three cents for a quarter of milk; those were tough times.”
Finding His Path
As a teenager, he discovered that winning boxing matches could earn him a valuable prize—a 17-jeweled Waltham watch, which he could resell for $12. This prospect was enticing for the cash-strapped youth, yet there was a significant hurdle: Robinson was not old enough to compete.
“I went in ready to fight, and when asked my age, I lied. I was just 15, but I said I was 16, hoping it would work,”
he explained.
He was disheartened when told that the age requirement was 18 and he needed an AAU card. After returning to his neighborhood in Harlem, a serendipitous moment awaited him that would shape his destiny. It came when he stumbled upon a bartender named Ray Robinson, and he decided to borrow the man’s name.
“I let the bartender know that I was going to take his name and make it mine,”
he laughed.
The Birth of “Sugar Ray”
However, the name “Sugar” was still missing. During a bout in Watertown, New York, a sportswriter named Max Kase noticed Robinson as he exited the ring after delivering one of his few knockouts. Kase remarked to Robinson’s manager,
“That’s a sweet-looking kid you got,”
while a spectator quipped,
“He is sweet as sugar,”
thus coining the moniker that would become legendary.
Legacy
From that moment on, the name “Sugar Ray Robinson” became synonymous with greatness in boxing, defining the legacy of a six-time world champion who set the standard for future fighters.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a highly respected boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the sport. As the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, he has interviewed numerous champions and has been ringside for major boxing events, furthering his expertise in combat sports journalism.
