74 years ago

Date: 5th June 1950

Venue: Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Title: Vacant Pennsylvania State World Middleweight Title

Promoter: Phil Glassman

Sugar Ray Robinson
( 109 - 1 - 2 )
Weight: 155 lbs

Robert Villemain
( 42 - 3 - 1 )
Weight: 159½ lbs

On Monday, June 5, 1950, Sugar Ray Robinson made the step up to the middleweight division at Municipal Stadium in Philadelphia. Robinson faced Robert Villemain for the vacant Pennsylvania State World Middleweight Title. The fight was promoted by Phil Glassman and refereed by Charley Daggert. At the time of the fight, Robinson, a resident of Harlem, New York, held an astonishing record of 109-1-2, while Villemain, hailing from Paris, France, had an impressive record of 42-3-1. The weights for the fighters were 155 lbs for Robinson and 159½ lbs for Villemain.

Robinson, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, faced a formidable opponent in Robert Villemain. The French boxer had earned his reputation in the boxing world with victories over fellow Hall of Famers Kid Gavilan and Jake LaMotta. Villemain had also previously won the European welterweight title and held victories over Laurent Dauthuille. His success was marred by a controversial decision in March 1949 against Jake LaMotta, which he avenged later that year.

The bout between Robinson and Villemain was a highly anticipated clash between two exceptional fighters. Throughout the match, Robinson displayed his technical prowess and lightning-fast combinations. Villemain, on the other hand, showcased his resilience and fighting spirit. In the 12th round, Villemain was knocked down but managed to beat the count and continue the fight.

Villemain's determination was evident, but Robinson's skill was unmatched. After 15 gruelling rounds, the judges awarded Ray Robinson a unanimous decision with scores of 10-5, 12-3, and 12-3 from Charley Daggert, Frank Knaresborough, and Harry Lasky respectively. This victory added another feather to Robinson's illustrious cap.

After this legendary fight, both boxers continued their careers. Just two months later, Robinson successfully defended his welterweight title against Charley Fusari. Villemain, undeterred by the loss, continued to build on his already successful career. In a testament to the competitiveness and talent of both fighters, Robinson and Villemain had a rematch six months later in Paris. This time Robinson won by TKO in the 9th round.