64 years ago
Gene Fullmer vs Sugar Ray Robinson III
Date: 3rd December 1960
Venue: Sports Arena, Los Angeles, CaliforniaTitle: World Middleweight Title
Promoter: Cal Eaton
Gene Fullmer
(
52
-
4
-
1
)
Weight: 159 lbs
Sugar Ray Robinson
(
144
-
8
-
2
)
Weight: 158¾ lbs
The third meeting between Gene Fullmer and Sugar Ray Robinson took place on December 3, 1960, at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles. The fight was for the National Boxing Association Middleweight Championship and was attended by a crowd of 13,465 who produced a gross gate of $122,584.
The promotion received $100,000 from TV rights, and the fight was televised live on ABC with a 300-mile blackout in the Los Angeles area. Fullmer received 40% of the net, and Robinson got 20%.
The fighters wore eight-ounce gloves and fought in an 18-foot ring. The California scoring system was used, which gave the winner of a round one or more points up to five and the loser none.
The Associated Press scored the fight 7-6 for Fullmer, while United Press International scored it 10-7 for Robinson. A UPI survey of ringside reporters showed fourteen scored for Robinson, six for Fullmer, and three had the bout even.
The fight between Fullmer and Robinson was a closely contested battle that saw both fighters give their all in the ring. Fullmer started strong and won the first few rounds with his quick jabs and powerful hooks. However, Robinson came back strong in the middle rounds and landed some solid punches that shook Fullmer.
The later rounds were closely contested with both fighters landing some good shots. However, it was Robinson who seemed to be getting the better of Fullmer as he landed some heavy blows that left Fullmer reeling.
In the end, it was a split decision draw that saw Fullmer retain his title as National Boxing Association Middleweight Champion. The fight between Gene Fullmer and Sugar Ray Robinson III was a classic encounter that showcased two great fighters at their best. It was a closely contested battle that saw both fighters give their all in the ring.