Sugar Ray Robinson, born in 1921, made a name for himself thanks to his impressive performances in the welterweight and middleweight divisions that saw him go down as the one of the greatest pugilists in boxing history.
After dominating as an amateur with speed and versatility, winning all 85 of his bouts, more success continued when he turned pro in 1940. The boxing star went 91 fights unbeaten and defended his welterweight title from 1946 to 1951.
Despite retiring, Robinson was back in the ring reclaiming the middleweight crown in 1955, having won it four years earlier. Defeating Carmen Basilio saw him become the first boxer to win a world division title five times.
His record was 173-19-6 with 108 KOs. He died in April 1989, aged 67.
Here’s who else is celebrating their birthdays today:
1961: Steve McClaren, ex-England and Newcastle United manager. Won the Eredivisie League with FC Twente (55).
1963: Jeff Hornacek, former head coach of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Also played as a shooting guard (53).
1973: Michael Reiziger, retired Dutch midfielder. Played for Ajax and PSV (43)
1983: Romeo Castelen, Dutch midfielder. Plays for Western Sydney Wanderers FC (33).
