Sugar Ray Robinson

Sugar Ray Robinson won six world titles across two divisions and compiled a legendary 91-fight unbeaten streak.

Sugar Ray Robinson, born Walker Smith Jr. on May 3, 1921, in Ailey, Georgia, is universally regarded by boxing historians as the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in boxing history. Robinson adopted his ring name from a borrowed amateur boxing license and went on to revolutionize the sport with his unprecedented combination of speed, power, defensive reflexes, and ring intelligence. His early career saw him compile an astonishing 91-fight unbeaten streak from 1940 to 1951, a record that may never be equaled in professional boxing. Robinson's championship record includes winning the world welterweight title in 1946 by defeating Tommy Bell, then moving up to middleweight where he captured the world middleweight championship five separate times between 1951 and 1958. His notable victories include six epic battles with Jake LaMotta (winning five), with the final 1951 fight known as the 'St. Valentine's Day Massacre' where Robinson stopped LaMotta in the 13th round to win the middleweight title. Robinson's professional record spanned 25 years (1940-1965) with an estimated 174-19-6 record and 108 knockouts, though exact records from the 1940s era vary. Muhammad Ali famously called him 'the king, my master, my idol' and said he was 'the greatest fighter who ever lived.' The phrase 'pound for pound' was coined specifically to describe Robinson's dominance across weight classes. After retiring from boxing in 1965, Robinson became a nightclub owner and entertainer, cementing his legacy as not just boxing's greatest technician but also one of sports' most influential figures.

Master boxer with devastating punching power and fluid movement

Considered the greatest boxer ever with exceptional skills and longevity

• International Boxing Hall of Fame charter member 1990
• Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year 1942, 1958