This Day in Black History: May 3, 1921
On May 3, 1921, boxing legend Sugar Ray Robinson was born in Ailey, Georgia.
Born Walker Smith Jr., Robinson is often regarded as the greatest boxer in history. Robinson began his boxing career after moving to New York City with his family as a teenager. Using the borrowed Amateur Athletic Union boxing card of a friend named Ray Robinson, he began to practice regularly at a Harlem gym where his talent was recognized. Robinson earned the moniker "Sugar" from his coach George Gainford, who characterized the boxer's style as being "sweet as sugar."
At 19, Robinson began his professional boxing career and in just six years, he became the world welterweight champion, boasting an 91 fight winning-streak. He held the title from 1946 to 1951. At the height of his career, Robinson's record was 128-1-2 with 84 knockouts.
Robinson died on April 12, 1989.
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(Photo: PA Photos /Landov)