Might 1st, 1957. Chicago Stadium. Robinson vs Fullmer II, the rematch between younger Gene Fullmer, and the dwelling legend, Sugar Ray Robinson. Pre-fight predictions have been blended, however most thought time was up for the Sugar Man. In reality, Robinson’s unimaginable profession had appeared to have entered its twilight a number of years earlier than. Having dominated the welterweight and middleweight divisions for over a decade, he had did not seize a 3rd divisional crown from light-heavyweight champ Joey Maxim in 1952 when, far forward on factors, the 100-degree warmth made it unimaginable for him to proceed. He introduced his retirement months later and efficiently stayed away from the prize ring for 2 full years. However, like so many ex-champions earlier than and after, monetary difficulties led to a comeback.
Robinson’s profession, already the stuff of legend, would any further be a collection of peaks and valleys. He suffered a tricky loss to Ralph “Tiger” Jones in solely his second comeback combat, earlier than rebounding with 5 straight wins, together with a second spherical knockout of Carl “Bobo” Olson for the middleweight title. He beat Olson within the rematch after which took on robust Gene Fullmer of Utah, a younger bruiser whose wins over a bunch of middleweight contenders, together with Jones, made him a professional menace to the nice Robinson. Their first match, at Madison Sq. Backyard, was a grueling fifteen spherical battle during which Sugar Ray realized not for nothing did they name Fullmer “The Mormon Mauler.” The challenger’s smothering, brawling type dictated the phrases, with Gene knocking Robinson out of the ring earlier than taking a unanimous choice.
Now, 5 months later, it was time for Robinson vs Fullmer II and the 35-year-old challenger was a three-to-one underdog. And for the primary three rounds the percentages appeared justified with Fullmer bulling in and touchdown laborious photographs to Robinson’s physique. Within the fourth Sugar Ray started to come back on, connecting with a few of his sharp, snapping flurries. After which within the fifth, one thing actually extraordinary occurred.
Fullmer was nothing if not extremely sturdy and difficult. His enormous neck and shoulder muscle groups made him seem bull-like, primordial, and allowed him to soak up great punishment. In forty fights he had by no means been stopped. So it was a shock when, like a bolt from the blue, Robinson feinted a proper hand after which struck with a brief left hook to the champion’s jaw that immediately ended the combat. Fullmer pitched to the canvas and rolled over, tried to rise, however then fell on his face because the referee completed the rely. It will be the one and solely time in a 64 combat Corridor of Fame profession, together with two extra clashes with Sugar Ray, that Fullmer could be knocked out.
Robinson had gained the middleweight championship for a record-setting fourth time but additionally added a brand new chapter to his legend, for the left hook that put Fullmer on “Queer Avenue” was delivered with such good leverage and timing, in such an accurate and compact method, and with such excellent outcomes, that it got here to be generally known as the “The Excellent Punch.” And it was after all becoming that the person many regard because the closest factor to an ideal boxer the game has ever seen would land such a legendary clout.
– Michael Carbert
