By Jacob Rodriguez: When one hears the alias “Sugar” being adopted by a fighter, immediately high levels of performance are expected of that fighter. Many boxers have adorned themselves with the moniker, but only few have lived up to the true essence of the name.
The “Sugar” from the 40s and 50s is often regarded by boxing experts as the greatest pound for pound boxer to have ever lived. “Sugar” Ray Robinson is the standard bearer by which all boxers considering the alias should live up to. After seeing Ray in one his amateur fights, sportswriter Jack Case described him as a “sweet fighter” and referred to him as “Sugar Ray”.
Boxing fans of the time were able to witness a rare combination of athleticism, grace, skill-fullness, and thunderous punching power that Ray Robinson used to bring to life “the sweet science” as he defeated great boxers like Lamotta, Fulmer, Armstrong, and Gavilan.