This Month in Boxing History: “Sugar” Ray Robinson Wins His First World Title

15,670 fans piled in Madison Square Garden on December 20 1946 to watch Youngstown, Ohio’s Tommy Bell face off against Ray Robinson for the welterweight title vacated by Marty Servo in September of the same year. Those in attendance and around the world had one question that night before the start of the bout; “Was Robinson as good as he appeared?”

The bout would be Robinson’s 73rd as a pro and while he held wins over several top fighters of the era, including Jake LaMotta, this would be his first chance at becoming World Champion. After all the particulars were announced, the signal sounded to start the bout and all questions would soon be answered.

Bell came out of his corner, clearly the aggressor, chasing Robinson down to initiate the exchanges, while Ray used his jab to try and control the tempo of the bout. Bell continued to press the action, determined to take full advantage of his opportunity at becoming champion, with little respect for the reputation Robinson had built up in the sport as an offensive master.

Bell found his left hook landing on a regular basis early on and in the second round, one finally found its mark, putting the “Sugar” man down for a count of seven.

In the third round, Robinson found his niche and began to land on a regular basis, jabbing to Bell’s face and body. In the fourth round, Ray’s combinations began to flow freely, often making the difference in skill level obvious. While Bell had a moment here and there, it was becoming more obvious with each round that Ray was the man of the evening. Tommy Bell was looking to be nothing more than a guest speaker for the festivities.

In the 11th round, those in attendance thought the night had come to an end as Tommy Bell was sent to the canvas and the referee started his count. Bell, who had a reputation of being not only just durable but tougher than nails, beat the count and brought the fight to Robinson, more determined then ever.

In the 12, he began to take rounds on the judge’s scorecards, sending onlookers into a frenzy. When the timekeeper signaled for the end of the fight in round 15, both men made their way back the corner with hands raised in victory. After some deliberation, the scorecards were announced 10-5, 10-5 and 8-6 all in the favor of Robinson.

As the fans exited the arena, there was an aura of appreciation in the air, almost as if they knew that they had seen something special that night. While many speculated on who Robinson would defend against in his first outing as champion, others wondered still if he really was good as he appeared, even doubting if Ray would have beaten former champion Marty Servo for the title had the opportunity presented itself.

Little did any of them know that what they had just witnessed was the beginning of not only Ray Robinson’s first championship reign, but the first championship reign of a man who would eventually become boxing’s pound for pound all time greatest.