78 years ago

Date: 20th December 1946

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York

Title: vacant NBA & NYSAC World Welterweight Titles

Promoter: Mike Jacobs

Sugar Ray Robinson
( 73 - 1 - 1 )
Weight: 146½ lbs

Tommy Bell
( 39 - 10 - 3 )
Weight: 146 lbs

In a thrilling world welterweight title clash on 20th December 1946, Ray Robinson, a.k.a. "Sugar Ray", emerged as the unanimous victor against the formidable Tommy Bell. Staged at Madison Square Garden, the bout was highly anticipated, featuring the prodigious Robinson, with an impressive record of 73-1-1, pitted against Bell, holding a sturdy record of 39-10-3. The contest was for the vacant NBA and NYSAC World Welterweight Titles, and attracted a captivated audience of 15,670. The spectacle was presented by Madison Square Garden.

The fight began with an adrenaline rush as Bell floored Robinson in the second round, challenging the pre-match odds that favored Robinson 5-1. The gritty fighter from Youngstown, Ohio, manifested fierce tenacity, landing punches that momentarily destabilized the "uncrowned world welterweight champion". However, Robinson, known for his agility and resilience, sprung back to action and returned the favor in the eleventh round, knocking Bell to the canvas and setting the stage for a riveting finale.

Robinson, hailing from Harlem, New York, had earned his moniker "uncrowned world welterweight champion" owing to his consistent performances over the past five years. His scheduled fight with then-World Welterweight Champion Marty Servo was cancelled due to Servo's sudden retirement following a nose injury. Despite offers to former lightweight champion Beau Jack and junior welterweight champion Tippy Larkin to contend for the title, it was Robinson who finally seized the opportunity.

The match took a significant turn post the second-round shocker, as Robinson recovered and started dominating the subsequent rounds. Despite Bell's relentless attack, Robinson maintained his composure, and his strategic footwork combined with precise punches enabled him to keep Bell at bay. Robinson's performance was a display of his remarkable resilience and immense prowess, characteristics that had previously earned him recognition as the 'uncrowned' champion.

In the course of the intense 15-round duel, both fighters were weighed precisely, with Robinson at 146½ lbs and Bell at 146 lbs. The fight, promoted by Mike Jacobs, proved to be one of the toughest of Robinson's career. The Harlem 'string bean' finally claimed his long-sought title after overcoming the relentless offensive from Bell, which pushed Robinson to his limits, forcing him to pull out his best.

Finally, after an exhaustive display of skill, grit and determination from both fighters, the unanimous decision was announced in favor of Ray Robinson.

Scores:
Referee: Eddie Joseph 10-5
Judge: Jack O'Sullivan 8-6
Judge: Arthur Schwartz 10-5

Ray Robinson vs Tommy Bell was Robinson's 16th and final bout in 1946.