On May 1, 1957, Sugar Ray Robinson faced off in a rematch against middleweight champion Gene Fulmer at Chicago Stadium. At 36 years old, Robinson, who had been dominating the boxing scene since the 1940s, was experiencing a decline in his illustrious career.
Regarded by many boxing writers and historians as the greatest fighter of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson was known for his exceptional boxing skills and ability to outclass his opponents both in technique and power.
Looking back at Robinson’s early career, he had an impressive record of winning all 85 of his amateur fights, with 69 of them ending in knockouts, 40 of which were in the first round.
Starting his professional career in 1940, Robinson won his first 40 fights but suffered a loss to Jake LaMotta. He quickly bounced back, embarking on a 90-fight winning streak and fighting 16 times a year.
In 1946, Robinson claimed the welterweight title and later moved up to the middleweight class by defeating LaMotta in the famous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1951. However, after some ups and downs in his career, Robinson lost the middleweight title to Gene Fulmer in January 1957.
In their rematch, Robinson strategically waited for an opportunity to strike Fulmer with a decisive left hook or combination. Observing Fulmer’s defense, Robinson noticed a vulnerability in Fulmer’s guard which he exploited in the fifth round with what boxing enthusiasts now call “the perfect punch.”
The well-timed blow sent Fulmer to the canvas, resulting in a knockout victory for Robinson. Fulmer, disoriented upon regaining consciousness, was unaware of what had transpired in the ring.
Despite his subsequent decline in the sport, Robinson’s momentous victory on May 1, 1957, reignited the awe and admiration of viewers witnessing the brilliance of Sugar Ray Robinson.
