Born in Detroit, Michigan as Walker Smith, this soft-spoken gladiator was a six-time world boxing champion, and is considered by many to have been the best fighter in history. Robinson started his professional career in 1940, his first pro fight was with Joe Echeverria, that fight ended in the second round.

Sugar Ray Robinson continued to fight until late 1965. He finally retired when he was 44 years old. In 201 professional bouts, he had 109 knockouts and suffered only 19 defeats, most of them when he was past 40.

Robinson's outstanding ability and flamboyant personality made him a hero of boxing fans throughout the world. He retired from boxing more than once. During one of his retirements he entertained audiences around the US, dancing. Dancing couldn't pay the bills and it was back into the ring. He also appeared on television and in motion pictures, and formed a youth foundation in 1969. When Robinson died it was stated that he had been the best fighter pound for pound.