# Sugar Ray Robinson > American boxer (1921–1989) **Wikidata**: [Q316706](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q316706) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar_Ray_Robinson) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sugar-ray-robinson ## Summary Sugar Ray Robinson (1921–1989) was an American professional boxer widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in boxing history. He held world championships in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions and was known for his exceptional speed, skill, and innovation in the ring. Robinson's career spanned from 1940 to 1965, and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. ## Biography - **Born**: May 3, 1921 - **Died**: April 12, 1989 - **Nationality**: American (United States) - **Education**: DeWitt Clinton High School (public secondary school in New York City, established 1897) - **Known for**: Professional boxing career as a welterweight and middleweight champion; considered by many as the greatest boxer of all time - **Employer(s)**: Professional boxing (fighting career) - **Field(s)**: Sports (boxing), entertainment (film acting) - **Aliases**: Walker Smith Jr. - **Work Period**: October 4, 1940 – November 10, 1965 ## Contributions Sugar Ray Robinson made significant contributions to the sport of boxing through his exceptional career: - **Championship Achievements**: Held world championships in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished fighters in boxing history. - **Career Span**: Competed professionally for 25 years (1940–1965), demonstrating remarkable longevity in a demanding sport. - **International Recognition**: Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, the sport's highest honor for boxers, trainers, and contributors worldwide. - **Award Recognition**: The Sugar Ray Robinson Award was established in 1938 as an American boxing award, recognizing excellence in the sport. - **Fighter of the Year**: Named The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year (an award established in 1928), further cementing his legacy as an elite competitor. - **Film Appearance**: Worked as a film actor, appearing in films and expanding his influence beyond the boxing ring. ## FAQs **What made Sugar Ray Robinson one of the greatest boxers in history?** Sugar Ray Robinson is widely considered one of the greatest boxers due to his exceptional skill, speed, and innovation in the ring. He held world championships in both welterweight and middleweight divisions and competed professionally for 25 years, demonstrating remarkable longevity and consistency at the highest level of the sport. **What awards and honors did Sugar Ray Robinson receive?** Sugar Ray Robinson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, the premier institution honoring contributors to boxing worldwide. He also received The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year award, and the Sugar Ray Robinson Award was established in his honor in 1938 as a recognition of excellence in American boxing. **What was Sugar Ray Robinson's educational background?** Robinson attended DeWitt Clinton High School, a public secondary school in New York City that was established in 1897. This is the only educational institution listed in the available source material. **When did Sugar Ray Robinson live and compete?** Sugar Ray Robinson was born on May 3, 1921, and died on April 12, 1989. His professional boxing career spanned from October 4, 1940, to November 10, 1965—a period of 25 years. **Was Sugar Ray Robinson involved in any other professions besides boxing?** Yes, in addition to his boxing career, Sugar Ray Robinson worked as a film actor, appearing in films and expanding his presence in the entertainment industry. ## Why They Matter Sugar Ray Robinson matters in the history of sports for several profound reasons. First, he set the standard for excellence in boxing, with his technical skill, speed, and strategic fighting style influencing generations of boxers who came after him. His success in multiple weight classes—welterweight and middleweight—demonstrated his versatility and adaptability, qualities that defined his legacy. Second, Robinson's career provided a blueprint for longevity in professional sports. Competing from 1940 to 1965, he maintained his competitive edge at the highest levels of his sport for a quarter of a century, an achievement that remains remarkable in the physically demanding world of boxing. Third, his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 solidified his status as not just a great fighter but a foundational figure in the sport itself. The establishment of the Sugar Ray Robinson Award in 1938 further cemented his legacy, creating a lasting mechanism for recognizing excellence in American boxing that continues to honor his memory. Finally, Robinson's transition to film acting demonstrated his ability to transcend his sport and influence broader popular culture, expanding his impact beyond the boxing ring and helping to popularize boxing among mainstream audiences. ## Notable For - **International Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee** (1990) — the sport's highest honor - **World Championships** — held titles in both welterweight and middleweight divisions - **Sugar Ray Robinson Award** — namesake of an American boxing award established in 1938 - **The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year** — recipient of this prestigious boxing award - **25-Year Career** — competed professionally from 1940 to 1965 - **Film Actor** — appeared in films, expanding his influence beyond boxing - **DeWitt Clinton High School Alumnus** — attended this New York City public secondary school ## Body ### Early Life and Education Sugar Ray Robinson was born on May 3, 1921. His birth name was Walker Smith Jr., which later became one of his recognized aliases. He received his education at DeWitt Clinton High School, a public secondary school located in New York City that was established in 1897. This Bronx-based institution provided the foundation for his early development before he embarked on his legendary boxing career. ### Professional Boxing Career Robinson's professional boxing career began on October 4, 1940, and concluded on November 10, 1965, spanning exactly 25 years and one month. During this remarkable period, he established himself as one of the most skilled and accomplished fighters in boxing history. His career took place during a significant era in American history, including the period of World War II (1939–1945), which affected many aspects of professional sports. Robinson competed through this global conflict and continued his career in the post-war years, becoming a dominant force in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. ### Championship Achievements Robinson's primary claim to fame rests on his extraordinary success in the ring. He held world championships in two weight classes—welterweight and middleweight—demonstrating his ability to compete and succeed at different weight levels. This versatility was a hallmark of his career and set him apart from many of his contemporaries who specialized in a single division. His fighting style was characterized by exceptional speed, technical precision, and strategic acumen. These qualities made him a formidable opponent and earned him the respect of fans, fellow fighters, and boxing analysts alike. Robinson's approach to boxing influenced generations of fighters who followed, with many citing him as a major influence on their own techniques and careers. ### Recognition and Awards The recognition Robinson received throughout and after his career reflects his stature in the sport. His induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 represented the ultimate acknowledgment of his contributions to boxing. The International Boxing Hall of Fame, located in Canastota, New York, honors boxers, trainers, and other contributors to the sport worldwide, and Robinson's inclusion placed him among the most elite figures in boxing history. Additionally, The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year award, which was established in 1928, recognized Robinson's exceptional performances. This publication, known as "The Bible of Boxing," awarded this honor to fighters who demonstrated outstanding achievement during any given year. Perhaps most significantly, the Sugar Ray Robinson Award was established in 1938 as an American boxing award. This award, bearing his name, recognizes excellence in the sport and serves as a lasting testament to his legacy. The award is specifically associated with the United States, reflecting Robinson's status as an American boxing icon. ### Film and Entertainment Career Beyond his achievements in the ring, Robinson expanded his influence into the entertainment industry by working as a film actor. This aspect of his career demonstrated his ability to leverage his athletic fame into other domains, helping to raise boxing's profile in popular culture and introducing his persona to audiences who might not have followed the sport directly. ### Later Years and Legacy Sugar Ray Robinson passed away on April 12, 1989, ending a life that had fundamentally shaped the sport of boxing. His career provided a template for excellence that continues to influence fighters today. The various honors bestowed upon him—from Hall of Fame induction to the naming of awards in his honor—ensure that his contributions remain recognized and celebrated. His legacy extends through the fighters he influenced, the standards he set for technical excellence, and the lasting institutions that bear his name. The combination of his in-ring achievements, his cultural impact through film, and his enduring recognition through awards and honors makes Sugar Ray Robinson one of the most significant figures in the history of American sports. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. BoxRec 3. list of WBA world champions 4. list of The Ring world champions 5. [Source](https://www.bwaa.org/past-winners) 6. International Standard Name Identifier 7. CiNii Research 8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 9. Find a Grave 10. Croatian Encyclopedia 11. Munzinger Personen 12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 13. IdRef 14. Quora