I beleive Robinson went on his European tour because he had upset some of the wise guys ,and it was deemed healthier for him to absent himself for a while.
That's right to a certain extent. The Mafia rarely got rid of anyone when they were so famous, too much risk and publicity. They'd always wait until they were out of the public's eye before doing anything. Robinson was simply too famous to be messed with and the Mafia knew it.
I remember someone saying that The Outfit in Chicago wanted Robinson to make a deal concerning LaMotta, and Robinson reufsed, and Giancana making a comment saying Robinson had a lot of balls.
Robinson absolutely trucked with the mob as did pretty much every fighter of the era. He carried guys all the time. Abe Attell talks about it extensively with WC Heinz.
this. the Mob and those that run the sport can make money on either end. there's Promoters, Refs, Newspaper men and Board members owned as well. They need the SRR' s too, even if they don't own them and can just as easily make money, especially IF it was one of their's against them. Losses can be gains just as well!
According to Dave Anderson`s jewel of a book the "Sugar Ray Robinson" of Mafia bosses {Tony Accardo} The very top of the mob offered Robinson $1 million to have a series of fights with Graziano...win the first lose the second and the 3rd is on the up and up. It was a respectful conversation and Robinson declined. He didnt name Accardo specifically but Im just going on what I know about the Chicago Outfit I believe it was Accardo.