Prime Ray Robinson is dumped into 2021 by a time machine

If I am correct, they used to do same day weigh ins in his era. So in todays era he could have fought at 147 lbs for almost all of his career, rehydrating to 160s.

Does he wipe out the Welterweight division, Super Welterweight division? Was he made better because of his tough era and activity? or with the added knowledge and footage of boxers who came after him and modern nutrition + drugs, would he be even better?

I think boxing skill has definitely improved since the 50s.. but his natural raw athleticism, toughness and power would be enough to clean the division straight away. Imagine him with modern boxing knowledge + given 6 months to train for 1 opponent, That would be scary.

 

The Robinson I've seen on film looks better than the welterweights of today. How he would have developed in today's boxing world is hard to say.

Ray honed his craft over many years, fighting extremely often especially by today's standards. My guess is he would have been great in any era. But he might not have turned out as well rounded if he were around today. My guess is he wins about 17 fights, then fights someone like Danny Garcia for the title. Then he fights twice a year, three times if we're lucky.

Contrast that to Robinson's actual experience. For example, he lost to LaMotta, then beat LaMotta in a rematch 3 weeks later with a fight in between. Had about 70 fights before getting his title shot. Once held a record of 128 wins, 1 loss, 2 draws.

 

Cutting weight or not he'd whoop everyone from 147-160 currently.

 

He would have about 12 belts draped all over his body from 3 different weight classes

 

I guess, he would be absolutely awesome today. He had such a great workrate, punches from every ankle, speed, power and clean technique. Most of his opponents would be totally confused and overwhelmed.

 

Beats anyone.

 

Would have been just as dominant as he was in his own era. Would have cleaned up from 147 - 168.

 

It’s funny, we would probably say Sugar Ray Leonard would be his superior for the same reasons we say Robinson is his today.

 

the 2 Sugar's would be a Great Match Up, BUT the Real Sugar, WINS it.

 

As an aside what area's do you think have improved skill wise? I find the skill level of the 40's and 50's to be brilliant.

 

Robinson dominates.

I’m still waiting for someone to look better on film (bare in mind we probably never saw peak Robinson on film). He was a freak talent.

 

SRR in 2021 fights once a year on PPV against undeserving mandatory's for easy paydays while talking smack on social media about the other champs while doing everything humanly possible to avoid them.

Retires 33-0

 

I doubt it, I feel like Robinson was so aware and proud of his abilities in a way most current fighters aren't, coupled with a love for being in the spotlight that came about from fighting (and winning spectacularly). I see him going something like 60-0 fighting from 140-160

 

He’s probably Manny Pacquiao without the losses to be honest.

 

I respectfully disagree ...boxing skills have not improved since the 50s