76 years ago

Date: 28th June 1948

Venue: Comiskey Park, Chicago, Illinois

Title: World Welterweight Title

Sugar Ray Robinson
( 86 - 1 - 1 )
Weight: 146½ lbs

Bernard Docusen
( 51 - 2 - 4 )
Weight: 145½ lbs

On Monday, 28th June 1948, boxing fans converged on Comiskey Park, Chicago, Illinois, to witness the World Welterweight Title fight between reigning champion Sugar Ray Robinson making his third defense and the dynamic Filipino southpaw, Bernard Docusen. With Robinson boasting a record of 86-1-1 and Docusen 51-2-4, expectations were high. The contenders, weighing in at 146½ lbs and 145½ lbs respectively, entered the ring under the watchful eye of referee Walter Brightmore.

The crowd was not to be disappointed as the battle between Robinson and Docusen brought back memories of the famed Graziano-Zale bout that had electrified Chicago just a year earlier. The early rounds were fiercely contested with Docusen, the New Orleans native, showing no signs of being intimidated by Harlem’s, Ray Robinson. For ten rounds, the fighters were seemingly evenly matched, with Docusen displaying an impressive array of skills, making it a challenging night for the champion.

However, as the bell sounded for the eleventh round, a determined Robinson surged with an intensity that seemed to come from deep within. Docusen, who had fought valiantly up to this point, was caught off guard. The crowd roared as Robinson unleashed a barrage of punches, visibly dazing Docusen. The decisive moment came when a thunderous left hook from Robinson sent Docusen to the canvas for a nine-count.

Robinson, having expended a great deal of energy in the furious attack, could not muster the strength to finish off the resilient Docusen. Although he had lost the opportunity for a knockout, Robinson's dominance in the closing rounds had tipped the scales in his favor.

When the final bell sounded, the audience at Comiskey Park acknowledged the heart and skill exhibited by both pugilists with a standing ovation. The judges’ scorecards reflected Robinson's late surge and prowess, with Walter Brightmore scoring it 85-65, Jim McManus 83-67, and Arthur Oberg 81-69, all in favor of Robinson. He had successfully defended his World Welterweight Title, but Docusen had gained the respect of boxing fans everywhere.

Financially, the bout was a success, generating $35,107 at the gate. Ray Robinson earned a purse of $8,776 for his victorious outing while Bernard Docusen took home $7,021.