The Breakdown, Special Edition: Sugar Ray Robinson

Written by Lee Wylie

Thursday, 08 November 2012 22:28

The general feeling among the boxing fraternity is that nobody's ever quite ascended to the
same plateau of greatness, or was as virtuosic along the way, as Sugar Ray Robinson. There
haven't been but a handful of athletes in any sport, whether it be in football, baseball, you name
it, whose ability was deemed so extraordinarily good that comparisons to his/her peers seems
like a pointless exercise; the man born Walker Smith jr., the consensus greatest pound for
pound boxer to have ever lived, is considered to have been one of those rare exceptions.

And yet, despite much having been written chronicling his life and times, I've found there to be a
distinct lack of detail and, I believe, truth when it comes to describing the techniques that
Robinson employed between the ropes.

"He could end a fight any time he chose to, with either hand!"

"He was perfection personified, utterly flawless".

"Defensively, he was masterly".

In terms of technical analysis on Sugar Ray Robinson, the above is about as in-depth as I've
seen on him.

Needless to say, because Sugar Ray Robinson has attained almost God-like status as a fighter
over the years, certain realities regarding his in ring tendencies seem to have been replaced by
mythology; tap the name Sugar Ray Robinson into your search engine and watch the folklore
regarding his style and technique unfold.

There's no debating that Ray Robinson wasn't an exceptional fighter. He most certainly was.
Any all-time pound for pound list that has Robinson's name outside of the top three, quite
frankly, shouldn't be taken very seriously. Worst case scenario? Sugar Ray Robinson is, with
his 175-19-6 {109} record, at the very least, the third greatest fighter who ever lived. What is
open for debate, however, is the misconception that when it comes to how he actually operated

1 / 10

The Breakdown, Special Edition: Sugar Ray Robinson

Written by Lee Wylie
Thursday, 08 November 2012 22:28

in the ring as a fighter, Sugar Ray Robinson's genius is often attributed to his God-given talent,
which, clearly wasn't the case. I believe it does Ray Robinson a major disservice to put his
success in the ring down to nothing else but things he was born into.

And so, rather than simply regurgitate what's already out there regarding Ray Robinson's life
story and accomplishments, I'd like for this to be thought of as a kind of case study detailing
what it was exactly that made him so formidable as a fighter. Robinson's accolades have been
well documented elsewhere so basically, you're not going to find much else apart from Sugar
Ray Robinson's fighting style and techniques mentioned here.

For the purpose of this article then, I've broken Robinson's attributes down into two categories;
physical and technical. Both Robinson's physical and technical attributes aided one another
perfectly, but I feel that it's important to mention them both separately, so that the reader has a
clear understanding of just how important each were to Ray's dominance in the ring.

Physical

Height and reach:

One of the biggest misconceptions about Robinson is that he spent most of his career facing
"larger" men. As I'm sure most of you reading this will be aware, Ray Robinson, who began his
professional career as a lightweight before fighting mostly as a welterweight, eventually went on
to compete at middleweight and even once at light heavyweight. I feel the area that is taken for
granted the most when discussing Robinson's dominance in the ring as a welterweight is the
size advantage he must have enjoyed over almost all of his opponents. At 5'11" and with a 73"
reach big for a welterweight, even by today's standards- Ray Robinson must have possessed
a size advantage over many of his lightweight and welterweight opponents not too unlike that of
Thomas Hearns. What's interesting when you see Ray on film is that he's nearly always the
bigger man in the ring even though most of the footage that exists is of him fighting as a
middleweight against perceived larger men. Take a look at the size of Ray next to Bobo Olson,
Rocky Graziano, Jake Lamotta, Randy Turpin and Gene Fullmer -all middleweights, all of them
shorter than Ray. Even when Robinson fought for the light heavyweight crown against Joey
Maxim, who at 6'1" and with a 71" reach, pretty much shared the same physical dimensions
with Robinson.

2 / 10

The Breakdown, Special Edition: Sugar Ray Robinson

Written by Lee Wylie
Thursday, 08 November 2012 22:28

looking
You
would
at
this
never
would
think
you?
this
was
a
former
lightweight
fighting
a
natural
light
heavyweight
by
It's
Robinson's
of
his
safe
welterweight
to
say
advantages
that
opponents.
even
in
without
size
and
any
length
of
his
would
other
have
attributes
always
of
been
which
tough
I'll
get
to
to
overcome
in
a
momentfor
many
As
so
opponents
his
among
Donaire's
nearly
one
I've
flyweight
time.
as
already
can
the
dominant
opponents
as
most
For
only
opponents;
a
stated,
a
welterweight
imagine
one
modern
these
sided
have
the
some
how
visual,
days
footage
been
and
would
he
of
now
nonchalant
rather
Imay
would
Donaire's
think
we
have
he's
have
negative
the
have
facing
been
physical
that
victories
of
matched
Ray
similar
men
I've
lately,
is
ever
advantages
over
of
mostly
to
up
but
a
those
similar
seen
physically
stellar
you
of
in
have
owned
him
size.
opposition
that
a
boxing
fighting
against
to
Robinson
by
concede
Nonito
ring.
at
as
other
flyweight
aI've
had
Although
middleweight,
that
Donaire
welterweights
over
he
rank
isn't
his
over
Remember,
weight
at
that
time
advantage,
stood
apart
at
from
Ray
110-1-2.
his
Robinson
one
fight
was
with
undefeated
Jake
Lamotta,
before
in
moving
which
the
up
Bronx
middleweight.
Bull
held
a
His
16
pound
record
The
middleweights.
two
draws
on
Robinson's
record
to
Jose
Basora
and
Henry
Brimm
were
also
against
Incidentally,
rematch
and
Robinson
he
had
also
knocked
previously
out
Brimm
won
a
inside
decision
the
over
opening
Basora.
minute
of
the
opening
round
in
the
Size
enough
top.
and
heavyweight
of
attributed
his
I'd
technique
alone
welter/middleweight
argue
and
to
is
his
knows
opponents.
aback
with
that
difficult
sheer
anyone
make
how
size.
obstacle
to
Iand
them
believe
that
opponents,
get
inside
itlay.
nigh
to
is
that
overcome
in
on
fact
some
because
impossible
a
the
taller
of
in
Klitsckho
his
a
Robinson
opponent,
boxing
to
success,
handle
brother's
ring.
was
then
especially
for
Unless
always
size
their
advantages
will
generally
an
so
as
usually
opponent
much
a
welterweight,
in
smaller
size,
bigger
come
is
not
quick
out
than
skill
can
on
most
be
Strength:
If
Robinson,
During
biceps.
he
you
no
opponents.
control
objective
fire
clearly
breeching
you
showed
wonder
combinations.
consider
take
man
knew
the
Eventually,
in
his
he
fight,
a
he
likes
that
At
during
there
look
how
how
could
optimum
was
some
he
of
Robinson
was
at
to
Robinson
Inside
the
Maxim,
able
could
the
never
Robinson's
tie
time
to
clinches.
104
up
fighting
to
separate
fighting
not
or
get
do
and
Fullmer,
showed
degree
another
was
only
the
the
control
distance.
fight
Even
able
same
out
better
himself
his
heat
Basilio,
during
with
slick,
not
though
to
a
strength
with
fighter
of
got
manoeuvre
Joey
have
from
him
but
Lamotta
their
many
the
Maxim
out
Maxim,
on
at
been
his
by
better
numerous
close
the
of
tying
muscle
opponent
and
someone
had
his
inside
of
you'll
quarters
up
welterweight
forte,
Olson
Robinson
a
a
17
Maxim's
fights,
natural
once
see
so
pound
but
weighing
on
that
should
him
Robinson
similarly
the
the
on
light
arms
he
weight
easily
and
distance
inside.
that
could
they
173
heavyweight.
and
middleweight
day,
to
controlling
always
advantage
pounds
be
Muhammad
Remember,
get
in
was
but
successful
controlling
off
not
closed.
managed
around,
his
the
Now,
before
over
rapid
Ray's
Ali,
in
his
ifit's
he
to
Speed:
Despite
Ray
Floyd
even
hands.
Robinson's
at
Kid
Which
every
hands
that
Gavilan
Leonard,
far
opponent
Mayweather
means,
time
However,
what
bigger
ever.
entire
period
and
legend
Meldrick
of
Going
men
he
Charley
course,
ifconsider
professional
or
jr.
we're
ever
like
will
who
and
one
Taylor,
faced.
Muhammad
have
Burley,
narrowing
Ray
Manny
step
fought
would
you
Terry
career,
further,
who
in
Pacquiao
believe,
or
iton
Norris,
have
Ali,
could
down,
around
then
I'd
Floyd
state
always
Ray
compare
all
there
Hector
between
the
had/have
with
Patterson
weren't
same
held
Camacho,
confidence
to
the
an
Ray
weight
faster
many
period
and
advantage
wasn't
in
Mike
Thomas
the
hands.
division,
fighters
that
of
the
hand
1940-1965,
Tyson
from
owner
in
In
Hearns,
who
hand
with
speed
fact,
what
may
of
competed
the
speed
it's
the
department.
which
have
Roy
exception
possible
quickest
seen
over
Jones
had
was
around
on
almost
faster
that
of
pair
jr.,
film,
Something
tried
thrown
terms
Ray's
impressing
those
back
and
exploiting
more
more
gloves,
to
then.
focused
of
were
by
hurt
spite
yesteryear
where
openings
Meldrick
Nowadays,
else
some
more
his
racking
and
on
their
opponents
that
ending
explosive
judge.
precision.
Taylor
was
up
intentions
must
that
fighters
points
When
first
a
be
with
winning
with
fight
with
One
and
accounted
as
seem
one
watching
nearly
within
more
they
of
foremost
a
Yes,
thrown
the
decision
all
go.
emphasis
the
every
biggest
too
Meldrick's
for
Ray,
Back
distance.
on
by
when
happy
punch
seemed
Ray
Ia
feel
when
differences
fighter's
placed
watching
Robinson,
to
combinations
he
take
to
threw.
jeopardized
on
agenda.
be
Robinson
turns
hurting
Ray
between
the
If
you'll
you
in
last
in
were
Back
firing
full
a
some
see
compare
thing
plied
man
fighters
flow
undoubtedly
then,
apples
away
of
as
on
his
is
his
opposed
fighters
these
a
that
trade,
blindly
fighter's
combination
and
speed
days
oranges
faster,
creating
always
were
at
to
in
mind
arms
and
favour
far
but
in
and
It
enjoyed
fought
preferred
was
Roy
However,
opposition.
also
bigger
Donaire
only
formidable
in
Jones
having
size,
and
off
moving
come
a
only
fighting
but
his
Robinson
significant
as
jr.
so
It's
faster
Robinson's
in
a
much
to
around
very
welterweight
hand
mind.
distance.
Manny
hands
foot,
unusual
was
faster
advantage
and
the
The
behind
hands
Pacquiao
foot
ring.
than
lot
Again,
fact
for
and
feet
bigger
speed
In
the
a
their
that
in
fighter
even
my
than
there
foot
jab
were
were
Ray
than
opponents,
too,
view,
where
them
speed
as
are
to
all
Robinson
any
goes
notably
a
be
Ray
quicker
middleweight.
fighters
as
his
over
of
so
a
well.
Leonard,
these
only
foot
much
long
faster
most
held
than
on
Thinking
Muhammad
speed
way
men
film
taller
than
advantages
of
Robinson
Hector
towards
them
in
allowed
and
many
of
correlation
appear
fighters
too.
Camacho,
longer
Ali
in
showing
of
over
him
Most
and
getting
his
to
than
who've
to
with
opponents.
a
be
of
flyweight
maintain
Orlando
why
to
the
opponents
his
quicker
his
their
been
opponent
time,
he
often
was
Canizales,
positions.
his
Nonito
He
than
so
Ray
smaller
in
much
also
Ray
not
while
Power:
For
mean
would
packed
knocked
of
Foreman,
technique.
good
suggesting
believe
opposed
boxing
openings
someone
with
puncher.
excellent
my
little
as
I'm
have
historymoney,
Robinson's
the
Joe
men
in
to
and
pretty
who
who
Robinson's
that
the
natural
"his
you
technique
Louis's
unconscious
take
I'd
was
who
way
Robinson's
Robinson
dynamite
sure
believe.
advantage
wallop
knockouts
ais
wasn't
of
from
he
murderous
and
true
technique,
wasn't
Yes,
what
fists".
couldn't
that
to
timing,
a
punching
with
power
huge
have
Ray
of
came
men
I've
capable
even
Ray
his
puncher
particularly
as
has
punch,
Robinson
puncher
had
seen
like
opponent's
about
was
technique.
opposed
glancing
been
ain
Julian
of
of
ridiculous
more
even
because
ending
more
both
either
slightly
was
in
Jackson
blows.
to
like
though
his
mistakes.
Ray
men.
from
a
as
a
he
Archie
powerful
short
amount
fight
blown
Robinson
he
Robinson's
speed,
Don't
clearly
force.
his
or
relied
anytime
hooks
Thomas
Conversely,
Moore
out
punches
of
get
puncher,
No,
precision,
could.
more
power
was
me
and
proportion
he
-the
Ray
knockouts
Hearns
wrong
most
seemed
on
uppercuts,
All
chose
behind
leading
but
wasn't
Ernie
strategy
I'm
timing
definitely
Iagree
here,
did,
saying
to
don't
over
came
his
to
Shavers
like
like
knockout
and
who
lacked
was
and
punches
I'm
time.
think
George
most
is
on
technique
a
not
often
every
skill
that
thoughtful
the
is
he
By
true
accounts
artist
to
Iso
but
that,
back
bit
find
in
as
I
Chin:
I'llwasn't
throughout
offense
lot
Robinson's
could
keep
more
be
may
this
hittable
considered
his
punch
short
have
career,
and
and
had
resistance
"God-given".
his
sweet.
was
plenty
chin
never
had
is
Ray
probably
do
stopped
to
Robinson,
with
serve
that,
the
in
him
more
only
but
even
well.
as
other
than
though
he
Along
slowed
attribute
200
he
with
fights.
was
as
his
that
he
dropped
size
Yes,
wasn't
got
and
his
older,
numerous
overwhelming
manufactured
athleticism,
Ray
became
times
and
a
Now
at
tremendous
welterweight
against
wouldn't
and
average
onto
the
on
Robinson's
that
film
the
defense
have
we've
that's
outside,
likes
hand
to
been
middleweight
covered
available,
combinations
of
or
Jake
with
able
who
foot
his
Ray
Lamotta,
utilized
to
Robinson's
speed
have
speed,
Robinson's
to
for
overcome.
good
their
would've
Joey
length
long
way
head
advantages
Maxim
physical
as
and
with
been
His
movement
they
punching
and
strength
him
abrute
prowess,
were
in
tough
Carmen
should
height
would
able
on
accuracy,
obstacle
they
the
Iwho
and
Basilio,
to
think
have
stand.
inside,
manage
length
for
we
anyone
found
shows
any
can
on
combined
to
show
themselves
fighter
who
that
close
in
inside
lacked
that
from
the
with
the
by
distance
fights
walking
fighters
his
above
looking
Even
was
length,
an
without
good
excellent
strength,
his
technical
fighter
above
based
expertise,
average
on
physicality's
which
punching
I'll
be
alone;
power
going
excellent
and
over
a
in
world
a
hand
moment,
class
and
foot
Sugar
speed,
Ray
great
Robinson
Technical
Circling
Behind
the
Jab,
Robinson
Style:
Ray
from
unlike
left
Robinson
opponent's
jab
Robinson's
the
Joe,
and
centre
kept
who
right
his
his
left
line
kept
stance
or
right
elbow
left
and
his
handed
glove
was
off
right
tucked
to
very
close
glove
his
attacks.
in
similar
right,
close
to
out
his
which
to
so
chin
front
that
that
made
and
of
of
his
him
Joe
him
jab
aRay
in
Louis,
position
was
tough
a
parrying
coming
in
to
that
where
hit
position
his
with
from
he
head
achin.
chest
could
right
to
was
block
height,
catch
hand.
slightly
against
any
However,
away
of
the
his

Notice
same
time.
how
Lamotta's
Robinson's
jab
right
falls
glove
short
is
whereas
below
his
Robinson's
chin,
catching
finds
the
target.
jab
aswhich
they
jab
at
getting
You
lure
clockwise
counter
his
see,
hit
opponent
intuitive,
whereas
behind
by
an orthodox
but
his
into
Louis
itjab
opening
worked
preferred
and
fighter's
into
well
up,his
power
to
Robinson
for
often
use
Rayhand.
feints
orthodox
because
was
and
more
take
of
opponent's
his
like
small
stance,
AliLamotta's
in
advancing
power
that
which
he
hand,
preferred
was
steps
designed
in an
toseems
circle
attempt
to the
avoid
to

Robinson
remains
by
pivots
his
chin
on
his
and
front
position
foot
and
to
clockwise
parry
as
he's
behind
turning.
his
Again,
notice
how
his
right
glove
uppercuts
Strategically,
biggest
jab,
with
at
and
single
the
right
body,
not
Jake
punch
difference
only
hand
thrown
sometimes
Lamotta
the
in
there
combination
the
punches
from
between
was
book.
fight,
with
his
ainOn
resemblance
you'll
he
waistthe
authority,
the
aimed
threw
that
two,
see
night,
at
after
Ray
though,
other
same
the
between
against
the
repeatedly
head
times
starting
jab,
was
as
aas
what
but
that
he
crouching
point
aback
in
circled
set
Ali
Robinson
the
for
seemed
upjab.
execution
his
left,
pressure
shot,
while
jabwhereas
and
to
followed
mixing
were
rely
Ali
of
fighter
the
did
exclusively
almost
Ray
up
by
jab
with
in
his
just
was
Lamotta,
itself.
jab
the
indefensible.
about
very
on
to
jab.
If
the
you
aversatile
The
every
Ray's
jab,
head
look
3 / 10

The Breakdown, Special Edition: Sugar Ray Robinson

Written by Lee Wylie
Thursday, 08 November 2012 22:28

from
Notice
his
how
Ray's
almost
like
foot
a
golf
is
swing.
raised
as
he
lands
uppercut.
Ray's
power
generated
On other
diagonally
begins
hook
around
tohips,
occasions,
open
behind
Basilio's
up,trailing
his
Robinson
like
jab
guard.
below
and
immediately
onto
against
Carmen's
Carmen
steps
trailing
Basilio,
leftan
and
hand.
you'll
to As
Carmen's
notice
Carmen
Ray
right
parries
back
andwas
the
peddling
throws
jab and
his left

4 / 10

The Breakdown, Special Edition: Sugar Ray Robinson

Written by Lee Wylie
Thursday, 08 November 2012 22:28

.Notice
punch
with
Robinson's
his
back
foot
foot
placement
out
and
almost
here
against
into
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ithow
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and
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OBLfDew8tU&feature=player_detailpage
Throughout
perfectly
Robinson
to
together
off
Ray's
of
his
footwork
which
balanced
back
is
this
"he
foot.
meant
clip,
could
being
and
you'll
he
throw
in
so
always
position
see
good
knockout
Ray
that
remained
to
punch.
despite
blows
in,
well
One
slide
him
balanced,
moving
out
backwards".
the
and
most
away
allowing
circle
famous
so
Basically,
his
quickly,
him
target,
sayings
to
generate
this
all
regarding
the
feet
statement
while
never
good
staying
Ray
came
alludes
power

5 / 10

The Breakdown, Special Edition: Sugar Ray Robinson

Written by Lee Wylie
Thursday, 08 November 2012 22:28

Notice
This
counters
keeps
as
with
Robinson
Ray
aeven
well-timed
in
perfect
is
moving
balance.
short
away,
left
As
hook,
his
Dykes
sending
leads
foot
Dykes
with
slides
aorleft
into
right
back
the
hook,
first,
ropes.
followed
Robinson
slides
hisoffense.
lead
back
foot.
and
Ray
purposeful.
defense,
Robinson's
of
It
which
allowed
multi-dimensional
I'll
him
to
shortly.
hurt
an
footwork,
opponent
despite
in
pursuit
its aesthetics,
inthrees
retreat.
was
It
was
economical
also
his
and
first
line
The
Left
Hook/combinations:
As
surprise
much
you
better
all
you,
know,
elsewhere
is
that
there's
itget
inDam
ato
this
certain
going
article.
to
Ray
get
Robinson
a trailing
mention
left
here.
hook
Well,
that
not
isso
now
yet
anyway.
legendary.
Iby
think
But
itwhat
fits
in
may
the
Robinson's
to
you
double
body
look
at
followed
and
the
go-to
Luc
left
by
Van
triple
hook
aisn't
third
up
was
left
on
fight,
basically
his
hook
you'll
left
upstairs.
hook
the
see
is
one
Ray
what
he
circling
threw
made
in
him
while
unpredictable
throwing
and
fours.
two
Robinson's
on
left
hooks
ability
to
Ifof

Allthe
outside
punches
doubled
his
three
opponents
and
shots
to
line
be
even
couldn't
thrown
are
of
vision
tripled
thrown
inanticipate
a
which
up
in
chain
on
quick
made
his
sequence;
what
succession
shots,
it shot
very
which
was
difficult
and
example,
was
coming
the
topretty
detect.
final
next.
right,
revolutionary
blow
Most
left,
comes
right,
fighters
from
left.
are
his
Because
a the
ridiculous
trained
time,
many
Ray
to angle,
expect
of
My
In
all-time
final
sequence
favourite
Sugar
of
the
Ray
Rocky
Graziano
moment/knockout
fight,
you'll
see
Sugar
illustrates
Ray
Robinson
technique
inkill.
auppercut,
perfectly.
nutshell.
flying
First,
Graziano
ropes.
throws
followed
Robinson
out
With
athe
by
hook
of
attempts
two
Graziano's
the
and
is
ring
quick
typically
to
they
along
land
left
back
fall
hooks
a
with
circling
into
straight
now
his
aRobinson
and
up
clinch.
behind
senses.
left,
finally
against
As
Robinson
the
afor
they
the
right
jab,
ropes,
break
pivoting
cross
slips,
away,
Robinson
which
circles
clockwise
Ray
results
out
moves
lands
and
off
inthis
his
moves
Graziano's
afor
inshort
for
lead
away
right
foot.
mouthpiece
from
Then,
the
as

6 / 10

The Breakdown, Special Edition: Sugar Ray Robinson

Written by Lee Wylie
Thursday, 08 November 2012 22:28

When
ends
that
catches
anticipation
of
favourite
this
it's
the
you
takes
the
Rocky
knockout
fight
first
two
of
place
that's
astraights
look
twice
left
third,
within
from
hooks
at
the
with
leaving
this
focal
possibly
the
the
prior
knockout,
blink
point
left,
himself
to
the
the
you'll
of
here.
greatest
an
you'll
right
open
see
eye
But
hand
probably
for
Rocky
and
when
fighter
adecapitation
that
right
itThe
really
begin
you
think
who
are
hand,
look
is
the
ever
it's
elite
adjust
again,
which
real
all
lived.
level
about
fight
his
Robinson
closely,
stuff.
ending
guard
the
jolting
That's
you'll
slightly
capitalized
blows.
right
soon
why
in
As
hand
it's
realize
Ray
on.
my
that
All
In
the
patterns
his
confusion
course
uppercuts
rhythms.
combinations
knockout
my
opponents.
best
of
combination
of
Robinson's
of
those
every
and
Robinson's
Sugar
Rocky
so
Again,
thirteen
time
effective
Ray
Graziano
punch
Ray
puncher
looking
combinations
Robinson
which
rounds
moves
was
variety
illustrates
at
ever
were
that
were
the
in
is
every
was
seen
right
to
always
Jake
are
scintillating.
attack.
so
of
up
on
what
punch
Lamotta
vividly.
the
thrown
there
film.
Ray's
highest
made
was
Here's
with
He
fight,
incombinations
his
thrown
accuracy,
alternating
order.
Joe
punches
you'll
ato
look
Louis
as
What
see
aat
variety
patterns
and
precursor
so
thrown
the
Lamotta
tripled
also
hard
Julio
sequence
and
made
up
at
and
to
Cesar
in
to
unpredictable
Lamotta
defend
on
a
Robinson's
the
inalmost
state
hooks,
different
Chavez
next,
real
against
over
of
time.
as
Sr.
the
the
for
as
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XtjkDJtdrU&feature=player_detailpage
Ring
intelligence:
fight.
Now,
when
wasn't
No,
the
Iview,
the
was
reason
this
typical
describing
was
why
Ray
something
Ray
Robinson
his
go-to
Robinson's
else.
left
left
hook
hook
left
is
hook
that
because
he
doubled
Idoubled
believe
up
of
or
itand
Gene
was
tripled
lightning
Fullmer
up
on
in
wasn't
in
ain
bottle.
mentioned
every
This

7 / 10

The Breakdown, Special Edition: Sugar Ray Robinson

Written by Lee Wylie
Thursday, 08 November 2012 22:28

greatest
What
Robinson
Fullmer
drawing
hand
level
repeat
of
with
liking,
the
ability
Fullmer's
story
ahimself
and
to
Ito
as
picturesque
this
find
was
Fullmer's
the
knockout
think
here.
was
stepping
a
more
intentions,
right
athird
itthe
not
known
The
up.
rewarding
hand
case
body.
time,
one,
of
left
in
Hence,
bigger
all
with
puncher
hook
out
but
Robinson
in
he
time.
Robinson
ain
picture
set
in
three
I've
than
right
that
order
Rocky
himself
with
chosen
knocked
moves
the
hand
faked
is
then
to
the
that
Graziano
actual
counter
to
to
right
to
repeated
right
ahead
of
throw
the
-the
detail
Robinson's
knockout
hand.
but
body.
it.
never
knockout,
a
isitBacking
instead
right
the
what
under
Robinson
Because
before
action
blow
hand
earned
ability
"Ring
twisted
the
up,
inknockouts,
-back
or
as
actual
Fullmer
was
the
Ray
to
Intelligence".
sincehim
Ray
set
back
Fullmer
aware
stepped
stepping,
what
knockout
would
athought
Gene
across
trap.
has
of
fight
be
in
Robinson's
this
Fullmer
before
Firstly,
been
and
blow
and
Ray
stepping
was
soon
landed
connected
was
he
is
labelled
the
dropping
Gene
out.
only
set
way
in.
going
uncanny
For
aabout
half
Aware
right
the
my
his
toto
Here's
the
full
sequence
inthe
real
time.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-EWPlSHxek&feature=player_detailpage
Defense:
Going
describing
gets
a
However,
remain
shootout
against
defensively
Iset
his
is
believe
into
what
two
the
an
grain
knockouts
results
what
responsible
exchange
once
lands
Olson
of
more,
with
Robinson
while
Carl
being
Robinson.
I'd
"Bobo"
punching.
like
his
sprawled
to
Olson.
knockouts
detail
At
first,
across
In
some
it's
both
-apart
easy
of
the
Robinson's
from
canvas
to
think
his
on
that
which
accuracydefensive
both
Robinson's
are
occasions.
is
traits
his
film,
speed
ability
by
Olson
in

8 / 10

The Breakdown, Special Edition: Sugar Ray Robinson

Written by Lee Wylie
Thursday, 08 November 2012 22:28

Robinson
will
cover his
lands
chin
a left
as he
hook.
followed
Noticethrough
how hiswith
head
theishook.
away from the centre and his left shoulder

Robinson comes over with a right hook. Again, his head is away from the centre.

Lookpunching
him
how Robinson
room. has took a step back before landing the knockout blow. Doing this allows

It may have
Robinson's
ability
seemed
to with
roll
likewith
a wild
hisexchange,
ownthe
punches.
but outcome.
Olson came off second best because of
Here's
another
fight
Olson
with
same

9 / 10

The Breakdown, Special Edition: Sugar Ray Robinson

Written by Lee Wylie
Thursday, 08 November 2012 22:28

As
Robinson
remains
there's
centre
responsible.
both
line.
alooking
men
stationary
central
good
is
Even
almost
are
chance
and
firing
when
as
rolling
in
he's
at
he's
the
Ray
each
with
line
punching.
going
Robinson
of
other,
his
fire.
to
own
connect
contrast
Olson,
was
punches
on
ifby
on
because
Robinson's
Robinson's
the
the
as
offensive,
other
he's
Olson's
letting
eyes
hand,
head
he
head
are
his
movement
is
rooted
closed
hands
hasn't
remained
to
go.
as
moved
with
the
he's
His
spot.
that
head
defensively
unloading,
away
of
His
Olson's.
never
from
head
the
In
shouldn't
canvas
Nicolino
were/are
erode
himself
which
lineal
ring
remained
utilized
always
openings
Robinson,
defensive
Kid
meeting
terms
Gavilan
was
movement.
he
later
plenty
by
numerous
Locche,
and
of
more
far
used
be
-a
in
savant.
rolling
but
defending
on
and
the
fighter
more
considered
was
of
in
despite
reminiscent
to
for
pocket,
as
footwork
his
Wilfred
with
establish
Although
hit
According
proficient
times
the
is
the
career,
regularly
against
punches.
knockout,
what
film
looking
his
among
during
Benitez,
to
to
distance
he
shows,
most
some
Ray
when
avoid
to
that
his
by
was
his
reports,
At
to
the
he
began
Ralph
vulnerable
opponents
Roberto
of
people
itslip
being
his
career.
by
Robinson
elite.
was
comes
between
Roy
far
best
and
Jones.
falling
Robinson
always
hit.
Jones
Robinson
the
may
Duran,
Defensive
counter.
though,
to
in
It
when
better
also
himself
making
back
must
have
the
and
going
James
struggled
struggled
ring
he
Ray's
was
technician,
to
When
be
been
Muhammad
and
masters
wasn't
an
to
the
as
said
tagged
get
opponent
Toney
first
his
told,
he's
ropes
Robinson
though,
with
with
hit
on
opponents
line
like
Ray
punching.
Robinson's
more
often
the
and
where
the
Ali,
Randy
of
Willie
miss.
Robinson
offensive,
because
jab
Floyd
wasn't
defense
in
and
often
that
he
Turpin's
of
Pep,
through
As
This
was
would
both
Mayweather
elusiveness
as
they
attacking,
his
Robinson
was
Pernell
isn't
Robinson
he
sent
legs
seldom
jab
lateral
often
left
his
not
a
to
in
knock
began
more
Whitaker,
footwork,
he
the
a
defend
their
in
was
and
Bell
really
always
the
on
to
first
and
Infighting:
Similarly
he
place
jab
land
proficient
clamping
wasn't
Joe
both
smother
successful
was
before
Frazier,
his
offensively
getting
there.
the
more
mid-range
him,
to
down
once
allowing
best
in
Muhammad
Robinson
James
inside
rounded
closing
he
an
as
on
and
clearly
opponent
far
the
on
hooks.
them
Toney
defensively.
the
as
him,
on
was
back
wasn't
Ali,
inside
distance
to
the
Although
and
and
at
walk
Iof
got
don't
inside
their
the
Julio
fighting
could
inside
onto
best
However,
on
think
fish
neck
than
he
Cesar
him.
more
power
at
on
out
preferred
goes.
infighting
mid/long
or
Ali,
him.
of
Chavez
than
because
shots,
but
water
Fighters
tying
Like
hold
itwas
to
was
range,
was
or
that
Sr
avoid
Ali,
them
Robinson
his
shortening
were
like
one
never
he
Amir
own
keeping
the
up
Henry
knew
ofa
much
and
Khan
his
inside,
Ray
should
knew
how
intentions
Armstrong,
up
controlling
his
more
Robinson's
is
the
Ray
how
anyone
opponent
once
to
formidable
control
distance
was
to
an
to
prevent
their
Roberto
manage
best
more
infighter
on
aTommy
the
allowing
fighter
biceps.
the
assets.
at
than
a
fight
Duran,
this
to
end
fighter
isor
by
Ray
take
range,
of
Sure,
to
Right
hook
to
the
kidney:
Illegal
disqualified
featured
ever
conventional
cross.
where
from
was
weight
almost
captured
most.
or
What
he
was
in
not,
then
As
many
transferred
pointed
for
Ray
punch
this
on
he
threw
using
would
of
film.
stepped
was
to
his
that
wide
itat
one
Firstly,
the
against
on
fights.
sometimes
is
floor
his
in
to
of
usually
and
his
Ray
this
right
In
German
and
front
fact,
to
punch
Robinson's
thrown
hook.
do,
the
his
itEven
foot.
was
right
can
left
fighter,
worked
Ray
immediately
with
be
shoot
arm
signature
threw
seen
Gerhard
it,
for
his
he
Ray
his
in
turned
jab
arced
after
nearly
right
shots.
Hecht,
because
high
away
ithook
every
jab
and
over
Even
italways
was
is
of
from
to
then
more,
usually
Ray
though
its
the
always
his
unpredictability.
immediately
side/kidney
Robinson
ensuring
body,
another
he
alet
was
punch
so
fight
his
once
that
jab
drop
differently
that
thumb
The
that
his
low
ahim
right
was

Notice
opponent
unorthodox
punch
of
in
Robinson
many
presented
right
hand
Robinson's
that
Ray
around
he
with
used
fights,
their
their
in
nearly
back,
sides
like
against
Robinson
and
all
his
into
fights.
Lamotta
their
thought
kidney.
nothing
Turpin
Again,
of
above,
this
corkscrewing
was
how
a
signature
once
his
an
Conclusion
Robinson
For
Robinson's
you're
during
harder
facing
career,
-contrast
me,
seasoned
left
the
than
before
there
Robinson's
was
with
twilight
genius
most,
was
even
seasoned
aof
consummate
pros
of
and
no
in
being
his
learning
the
magic
like
had
ring.
by
Fritzie
considered
a
the
involved.
better
curve
Strip
boxer-puncher,
as
time
Zivic,
a
chin
away
with
middleweight,
he
for
Isweet
Marto
believe
became
than
Saul
a
all
shot
of
Servo
almost
Alvarez
who,
the
objective
at
champion.
myths
was
the
during
and
anyone
and
welterweight
taller
Henry
reasons
and
Julio
his
ever.
than
legends
prime
Armstrong
Cesar
are
most,
He
title
as
behind
also
which
Chavez
a
against
faster
welterweight
very
learned
surround
Sugar
than
Jr.
early
Tommy
Unlike
on
most,
Ray
in
the
him
and
his
Bell
them,
hit
job,
even
No,
rounded
counterpunchers
sure
power,
Ray
that
timing,
Robinson
one.
I've
ever
Sure,
rhythm,
and
seen
wasn't
there've
defenders
coordinationacareer
a
fighter
perfect
been
who
who
faster,
fighter,
and
were
could
put
there've
tougher
no
combine
itIof
fighter
all
together
been
to
everything
ever
harder
in
will
the
the
be,
way
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Note:
mentioned
Thanks
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here
taking
are
available
the
time
to
on
read
YouTube
such
afind
long
are
piece,
of
Ray
readers.
Robinson
All
the
mainly
fights
fighting
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Comment
on
this
article
Radam
G
says:
Wow!
right
number
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on.
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one
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glued
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says:
Fantastic
ultimately
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fighter.
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had
rest.
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article,
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It's
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clear
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you.
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Thanks
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at
147
water
was
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and
hittable
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the
What
people
and
him
a

10 / 10