73 years ago

Date: 10th July 1951

Title: World Middleweight Title

Promoter: Jack Solomon

Sugar Ray Robinson
( 129 - 1 - 2 )
Weight: 154½ lbs

Randolph Turpin
( 40 - 2 - 1 )
Weight: 158¾ lbs

On a balmy summer night in London, England on July 10, 1951, the boxing world was left agape when British middleweight Randolph Turpin wrested the world middleweight title from reigning champion Sugar Ray Robinson. Taking place at the iconic Earls Court Arena, the match marked the conclusion of Robinson's European tour, a series of seven fights that had seen the Harlem native demonstrate his prowess in the ring across the continent. With an astounding record of 129-1-2, Robinson was the clear favorite going into the match. However, Turpin, with a commendable record of 40-2-1 himself, was far from an easy adversary.

Robinson's arrival in London was met with fervor by the fans. His presence ignited excitement and anticipation that transcended the bounds of the arena, cementing his reputation as an international star. His leisurely approach to training for the match was a testament to his unwavering confidence. According to Gordon Parks, a photographer accompanying Robinson, the champion spent his days in London playing golf and his nights at card tables, seemingly unfazed by the looming challenge.

On the night of the fight, a sellout crowd of 18,000 eager spectators filled Earls Court, generating a gate of $250,000. Despite Turpin's weight advantage over Robinson, the odds were 4-1 in favor of the American champion. But as the fight progressed, Turpin proved that he was a force to be reckoned with. Known for his formidable strength rather than his knockout prowess, Turpin managed to keep his defenses solid, maintaining a superior physical presence throughout the fight.

Robinson, known for his quick punches and swift moves, struggled to maintain his usual momentum against Turpin. The sixth round saw a head clash that left Robinson with a cut eye, a setback that seemed to knock him off balance. As the match went on, Turpin was able to maintain his stamina better than Robinson, ultimately clinching the last two rounds.

When referee Eugene Henderson raised Turpin's hand in victory after 15 rounds, the crowd was stunned. With no score announced, it was left to the Associated Press to reveal their judgment of 9-4-2 in favor of Turpin. This marked the first time in six decades that a British boxer had secured the world middleweight title, a triumph short-lived as the rematch was already scheduled for September 12th.