Why is Ray Robinson NOT the number 1 p4p fighter?

"longevity"

This is not what I would criticize Robinson for. He was a top fighter in 1941, probably the best welter in the world. The color line and World War II kept him from getting a shot at the title until 1946. He was still a recognized champion in 1960.

"ducked Ezzard Charles"

Not a good criticism. The two were never in the same weight class, and after the war Charles was two weight divisions above. He was a light-heavy when Sugar Ray was a welter, and a heavyweight when Sugar Ray was a middle.

"ducked the whole murderers row"

Something here. Robinson seemed selective in which black fighters he would fight. Not so white fighters. White fighters were where the money was. Plus there was the avoidance of the rubber match with Turpin. And I believe the only black fighter he took on in his comeback was Tiger Jones. He lost badly, but there was never a rematch. So some criticism here seems valid. But the case for black middles being better than Olson or Fullmer is not convincing. So Ray does not appear guilty of ducking the best.

 

Some of the black middleweights were better than them for sure

 

In the 1950's? Would you name them?

 

Well he did openly say he would not fight Charley Burley, he also would not face Basilio in a third fight which he later regretted saying he could have made a lot of money there more than a lot of the other fights he had after their second fight.

 

The consensus opinion on here is that Greb is infallible. I find it very hard to separate Robinson and Greb, but I find it extremely difficult to rank a fighter for whom there is no footage higher than Sugar Ray Robinson. Try to bring up this fact, and people will pile on, telling you you're a casual, because newspaper reports and decisions apparently count for more than recorded footage.

Greb is an ATG, no doubt; his record is remarkable, but if I had to pick, Robinson would be above him. I wouldn't have Duran over Robinson either, and Duran is one of my favourite fighters, but I suppose everyone's list and reasoning are different; there's no right or wrong answer.

 

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Horrible points, which I debunked.

 

Ali didn't.

 

As Maxim stated there was no air conditioner in his corner either. Why didn't he rematch Maxim?

He doesn't have better numbers than Langford either.

 

Agreed.

 

You are a MORON!!!

 

I have Robinson #1
I respect the Greb arguement as well. Ezzard Charles always belong up near the very top.
Armstrong top 5 for sure with Ali a Willie close.

 

Robinson vs Middleweight Champions

LaMotta 5-1
Olson 4-0 (3 kOs)
Graziano 1-0
Basilio 1-1
Turpin 1-1
Fullmer 1-2-1 their 3rd bout in 1960 Ray outboxed Fullmer clearly only to earn a draw.

 

You can make a strong case for him, but you can also make a strong case for a number of other fighters.

That is all that need be said.