How did Robinson rate himself?

I read his book by Dave Anderson. http://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Ray-Robinson/dp/030680574X


He wasn't suprized that he beat the fighter he did. He respected them. He accepted boxing farewell to him as the p4p greatest fighter and took bows in the ring like and great actor receiving a final curtain call. He considered himself a performer more than a fighter. Maybe a great ballet dancer with a lethal left hook. Pink Caddilac, owned a block in Harlem. He knew he was the man.

I think he understood that other great, great fighters held him in high regard Notably Muhammad Ali ,Joe Louis, Jake Lamotta, etc.

Finally, I think that this story and quote sums up how great Sugar thought he was.

George Costner, by the time of their second bout had taken to calling himself "Sugar" and stated in the weeks leading up to the fight that he was the rightful deserver of the name. However, Robinson, who is widely considered one of the greatest fighters in history disagreed. "We better touch gloves, because this is the only round," Robinson said as the fighters were introduced at the center of the ring. "Your name ain't Sugar, mine is." Robinson then knocked Costner out in 2 minutes and 49 seconds. Afterward, Robinson reportedly told Costner, "now go out and earn yourself the name."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Costner

That for me does it.

 

He rated himself highly...very arrogant although rightly so.

 

Ray Robinson was boxing royalty. AND HE KNEW IT !...

 

No SRR thread without those two words: Charley Burley
:yep

 

Knew SRR as well as a kid could, getting boxing tips from him 'n watching him hold court in the gym.

Much as he dug his toe in the ground, feigning humility, when he let the mask down, Alexander The Great would be a distant second to his ego.

 

:goodnice way with words JG

 

About as much as Ali rated himself

 

A 210 pound Ray Robinson would obliterate a Clay/ Ali...

 

Wish I had your left hook, Bummy, when the bikers next door party.

 

i think those guys better leave the man who took a few lessons from Ray robinson and Graziano alone myself...

 

Spurious and unnecessary.

 

agreed.

 

Whatever his personal demons,and Robinson had them, he never boasted
his "greatness" to the world, or demeaned his opponents like Ali did...
""Spurious" ,I think not...Ali was no Ray Robinson in ability, just hype...

 

Ali would've given Ray hell. Not won, probably, but it would have been close.