Sugar Ray Robinson hit the canvas during a tough sparring session.
At his best, the American was a truly brilliant practitioner of the sweet science, mesmerizing boxing fans with his unrivaled footwork and counter-punching skills.
Robinson won fighter of the year in 1951, picked up six championship titles, and retired with an astonishing record of 174-19-6 (2).
However, as good as he was, on occasion, he had to overcome adversity, once picking himself up off the canvas, when a right hand detonated on his chin.
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Sugar Ray Robinson got dropped in sparring against Cocoa Kid
Ahead of his fight with Steve Belloise, Sugar Ray Robinson sparred Herbert Lewis Hardwick, more commonly known as Cocoa Kid.
According to The Reading Eagle, the underdog got the better of their session, sending the legend to the canvas with an explosive punch.
The report read: “Welterweight Boxing Champion Ray Robinson was knocked to the canvas today by a sparring partner at his Pompton Lakes training camp.
“Robinson went down after a right to the jaw by a spar mate, the Cocoa Kid. The champion quickly got to his feet and continued boxing.”
Sugar Ray Robinson had his 90-fight unbeaten streak snapped in shocking upset
Regardless of what happened in his sparring sessions with Cocoa Kid, it didn’t impact Robinson when he fought Belloise.
The icon showcased his class, winning in the seventh round.
The victory was one of many in the superstar’s epic 90-fight unbeaten streak.
Alas, all good things have to come to an end. Robinson’s run concluded in a shocking upset.