Jim Robinson (boxer)
Encyclopedia
"Sweet Jimmy" Jim Robinson (born 1925 - ?) is a retired American boxer from Miami. Robinson fought Muhammad Ali
in Miami Beach on Feb. 7, 1961 as a last minute replacement for Willie Gullatt. Robinson became Ali's fourth professional opponent. His whereabouts and status are currently unknown.
, Robinson was a middleweight boxer who fought up to heavyweight. He was managed by Clyde Killens, a local pool hall owner. He was often used as a last minute sub on Chris Dundee promotions in Miami-Dade County and was often used as a stepping-stone for upcoming South Florida prospects.
He trained at the famed 5th Street Gym, but lived in the Overtown section of Miami known as Liberty City
.
brother, offered Ali $800 and offered Gullatt only $300 for the fight. Gullatt refused, and didn't show up, instead opting to go out drinking. Dundee then enlisted Robinson to fight Ali. Robinson showed up at Miami Beach Convention Hall with his gear in an old army bag. Ali officially outweighed him by 16.5 pounds and won by knockout at 1:34 of the first round.
Robinson fought for seven more years while compiling a record of 5 wins and 23 losses. He was knocked out 16 times. He retired from boxing in 1963, and he became a fixture in local pool halls and street corners in Liberty City. In 1968 he came out of retirement to fight Kent Green in Miami Beach. At that time Green was the only fighter to have a TKO win over Muhammad Ali (when Ali was an amateur). Green stopped Robinson in under a minute.
tracked down Robinson in Miami for what has been his last known interview to date. Robinson claimed that he only weighed 158 lbs. for his fight with Ali (not 178 as was officially listed). He also stated that he was good friends with Ali and would drive him around in Ali's pink Cadillac
. He last saw Ali in 1967.
Currently Robinson's whereabouts are unknown. In 2009, ESPN sports writer Wright Thompson
wrote an article about his 6-year attempt to find Robinson in the Overtown district of Miami with no success. Muhammed Ali collector Stephen Singer
has spent a number of years searching for Robinson. Singer has collected autographs of 49 of the 50 opponents Ali fought, with Robinson being the lone omission.
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist...
in Miami Beach on Feb. 7, 1961 as a last minute replacement for Willie Gullatt. Robinson became Ali's fourth professional opponent. His whereabouts and status are currently unknown.
Background
Originally from Kansas CityKansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
, Robinson was a middleweight boxer who fought up to heavyweight. He was managed by Clyde Killens, a local pool hall owner. He was often used as a last minute sub on Chris Dundee promotions in Miami-Dade County and was often used as a stepping-stone for upcoming South Florida prospects.
He trained at the famed 5th Street Gym, but lived in the Overtown section of Miami known as Liberty City
Liberty City
Liberty City is a neighborhood in Miami, Florida, United States. The area is roughly bound by NW 79th Street to the north, NW 27th Avenue to the west, the Airport Expressway to the south, and Interstate 95 to the east. The Miami neighborhood is home to one of the largest concentrations of black...
.
Bout with Ali
On February 7, 1961, Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, was scheduled to fight Willie Gullatt in Miami Beach. According to Gullatt, promoter Chris Dundee, Angelo Dundee'sAngelo Dundee
Angelo Dundee is an American boxing cornerman. He is best known for his work with Muhammad Ali , and has worked with 15 world boxing champions, including Sugar Ray Leonard, José Nápoles, George Foreman, Jimmy Ellis, Carmen Basilio, Luis Rodriguez and Willie Pastrano.-Professional career:Born in...
brother, offered Ali $800 and offered Gullatt only $300 for the fight. Gullatt refused, and didn't show up, instead opting to go out drinking. Dundee then enlisted Robinson to fight Ali. Robinson showed up at Miami Beach Convention Hall with his gear in an old army bag. Ali officially outweighed him by 16.5 pounds and won by knockout at 1:34 of the first round.
Robinson fought for seven more years while compiling a record of 5 wins and 23 losses. He was knocked out 16 times. He retired from boxing in 1963, and he became a fixture in local pool halls and street corners in Liberty City. In 1968 he came out of retirement to fight Kent Green in Miami Beach. At that time Green was the only fighter to have a TKO win over Muhammad Ali (when Ali was an amateur). Green stopped Robinson in under a minute.
Whereabouts unknown
In 1979 Sports Illustrated writer/photographer Michael BrennanMichael Brennan
Michael Brennan may refer to:* Michael Brennan , film and television actor* Michael Brennan , former Australian rules footballer...
tracked down Robinson in Miami for what has been his last known interview to date. Robinson claimed that he only weighed 158 lbs. for his fight with Ali (not 178 as was officially listed). He also stated that he was good friends with Ali and would drive him around in Ali's pink Cadillac
Cadillac
Cadillac is an American luxury vehicle marque owned by General Motors . Cadillac vehicles are sold in over 50 countries and territories, but mostly in North America. Cadillac is currently the second oldest American automobile manufacturer behind fellow GM marque Buick and is among the oldest...
. He last saw Ali in 1967.
Currently Robinson's whereabouts are unknown. In 2009, ESPN sports writer Wright Thompson
Wright Thompson
Wright Thompson is a senior writer for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine. He formerly worked at The Kansas City Star and Times-Picayune in New Orleans.-Professional life:...
wrote an article about his 6-year attempt to find Robinson in the Overtown district of Miami with no success. Muhammed Ali collector Stephen Singer
Stephen Singer
Stephen Singer is an American film actor.-Selected filmography:-External links:...
has spent a number of years searching for Robinson. Singer has collected autographs of 49 of the 50 opponents Ali fought, with Robinson being the lone omission.