"Sugar" Ray Robinson
Welterweight Champion 1946-51
Middleweight Champion 1951, 1951-52, 1955, 1957, 1958-60

   

WALKER SMITH JR.
b. May 3, 1921
d. April 12, 1989

 

WON
175

LOST
19

DRAWS
6

KO'S
109
 

This vintage-original photograph shows future welterweight and middleweight champion Sugar Ray Robinson in U.S. Army attire during his call-of-duty... The image bares Robinson as a 22 yr. old youth who has yet to capture his first world title... Photographer's raised seal at lower right and stamped credit request on the reverse... One of the finest hobby photographs I've laid eyes, bar none!!

M.  SMITH  PHOTOGRAPH

measures: 16 x 20"
condition: some minor nicks to outer edges, otherwise
 remarkable condition considering size and age

$1,250
$27 insured shipping

sold

   

 

 
     
  On February 27, 1943, Robinson was inducted into the United States Army, where he was again referred to as Walker Smith. Robinson had a short 15 month military career. Robinson served with Joe Louis, and the pair went on tours where they performed exhibition bouts in front of US troops. Robinson got into trouble several times while in the military. He argued with superiors who he felt were discriminatory against him, and refused to fight exhibitions when he was told African American soldiers were not allowed to watch them. In 1944, Robinson was examined by Military authorities who claimed he had a mental deficiency. Robinson received his honorable discharge on June 3, 1944. Robinson did develop a close friendship with Louis while in the military however, and the two went into business together after returning from service. They planned to start a liquor distribution business in New York City, but were denied a license due to their race.  
 


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