All you need to know about Sugar Ray Robinson

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Sugar Ray Robinson is an American professional boxer, had a net worth of $500,000 when he died. Sugar Ray Robinson’s boxing career earned him the equivalent of $30 million in today’s money.

The original “Sugar Ray” is now regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. After a great amateur career, he became a professional at age 19. Between 1943 and 1951, Sugar Ray had a 91-fight unbeaten streak, the third-longest in history.

Who was Sugar Ray Robinson?

Sugar Ray Robinson was born Walker Smith Jr. on May 3, 1921, in Ailey, Georgia. A corn farmer reared him along with two other siblings. The family subsequently moved to Detroit. When he arrived, his father got a job as a construction worker, and Walker started working as a cement mixer and sewer worker. Walker Jr. moved to Harlem, New York, to live with his mother when his parents separated.

Walker’s boxing career began in Harlem. After dropping out of high school in grade nine to pursue boxing, he borrowed his friend’s birth certificate to compete in a boxing event (despite being under the age of 18). His friend’s name was Ray Robinson. When a female audience member exclaimed loudly, “Ray Robinson” was “sweet as sugar,” Walker’s boxing nickname became “Sugar Ray” Robinson.

How old was Sugar Ray Robinson?

He was 67 years old when he died.

What was Sugar Ray Robinson’s net worth?

He was estimated to be worth $500 Million.

What was Sugar Ray Robinson’s career?

By 1940, Robinson had turned professional. He won early battles over legends such as Jake LaMotta and Sammy Angott. By 1943, Robinson had joined the United States Army. He continued to box while in the military and was honorably discharged after tumbling down a flight of stairs and developing amnesia. In 1946, he defeated Tommy Bell to become the new welterweight champion. Following his welterweight title defense against Charley Fusari in 1950, he gave his full purse to cancer research.

In 1947, he declined to fight Jimmy Doyle. Sugar Ray had a dream in which he murdered Doyle in the ring, and he was frightened it would come true. After speaking with a priest, Robinson decided to take the battle. Sugar Ray’s predictions came true, and Doyle was murdered with a knockout punch from Sugar Ray. Ray eventually bought a house for Doyle’s mother.

Robinson later fought LaMotta again in a fight dubbed the “Valentine’s Day Massacre.” The battle was eventually replicated in Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull,” which starred Robert De Niro as LaMotta. Robinson resigned in 1952 and returned in 1955. Although the next few years went well, Robinson began to struggle in 1959. By 1965, he was getting knocked out by fighters who were well-known for having no knockout power. That year, he chose to retire.

Sugar Ray Robinson was a technically proficient and incredibly flexible boxer. He was known for using a variety of boxing methods in a single battle, making it difficult for his opponents to predict his movements. In turn, he exposed, targeted, and exploited his opponents’ flaws. His speed and precision were enhanced by what he referred to as “instinct” and “rhythm,” allowing him to strike quickly and without hesitation.

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