68 years ago

Date: 9th December 1955

Venue: Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois

Title: World Middleweight Title

Carl Olson
( 71 - 7 - 0 )
Weight: 159¼ lbs

Sugar Ray Robinson
( 137 - 4 - 2 )
Weight: 159¾ lbs

The world of boxing was poised for a riveting encounter on Friday, 9th December 1955, as Carl "Bobo" Olson and Ray Robinson squared off at Chicago Stadium. This was Olson's 4th defense of the World Middleweight Title. A crowd of 12,441 eager spectators gathered in anticipation. Referee Frank Sikora was appointed to oversee the bout.

Coming into the match, the Honolulu-based Olson, who held a record of 71 wins and 7 losses, was tipped as a 3-1 favorite over Harlem, New York's Ray Robinson, despite the latter's impressive record of 137 victories, 4 defeats, and 2 draws. The fighters weighed in closely, with Robinson at 159¾ lbs and Olson at 159¼ lbs.

The match, however, would not last long. Robinson put on a dazzling display of his legendary power and precision, taking the crowd by surprise. In the second round, Robinson unleashed a lethal combination of punches, putting Olson down for the count at 2:51. It was a shocking turn of events, especially considering Olson's pre-match favouritism.

This knockout victory was not just another win for Robinson. This bout marked Robinson's ascension as the first boxer to regain the World Middleweight Title, a monumental accomplishment in the sport's history.

Financially, the bout grossed $128,462 with a net gate of $107,051. Olson received 35% of the gate and a share of the $75,000 in TV and radio money, bringing his total earnings to $61,718. Robinson, on the other hand, walked away with 25% of the gate and a share of the TV and radio revenue, totalling $45,513. However, Robinson's joy was short-lived, as he was soon saddled with an $87,000 federal tax lien.