Sugar Ray Robinson

Sugar Ray Robinson was an American professional boxer who is widely considered to be one of the greatest boxers of all time. Born Walker Smith Jr. in 1921 in Detroit, Michigan, Robinson began boxing at a young age and quickly developed a reputation as a skilled and charismatic fighter.

Robinson’s professional career spanned more than 25 years, during which he won multiple world championships in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. He had a record of 173 wins, 19 losses, and 6 draws, and was known for his lightning-fast hand speed, precise footwork, and powerful punches.

Robinson’s legacy extends beyond his accomplishments in the ring. He was one of the first African American athletes to achieve widespread popularity and financial success, and his style and charisma helped to popularize boxing as a mainstream sport. He was also a trailblazer for racial integration in the sport, paving the way for future generations of Black boxers.

In 2006, the United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp honoring Robinson’s achievements in boxing. The stamp features a portrait of Robinson in the ring, with the text “Sugar Ray Robinson, Boxing Champion” in the corner. The stamp serves as a tribute to Robinson’s legacy as a pioneering athlete and cultural icon.