Sugar Ray Robinson Bio: Age, Net Worth, Height, Titles, Wife, Legacy, Career, Parents, Siblings, Children

Walker Smith Jr. also known as Sugar Ray Robinson is a legendary American professional boxer known for his exceptional skill, speed, power, and graceful style inside the ring.

Through his dominant career spanning 1940 to 1965, multiple world titles in welterweight and middleweight divisions, and pound-for-pound greatness, he inspired generations as one of the finest fighters in boxing history while overcoming personal and financial challenges with resilience.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Walker Smith Jr.
• Stage Name: Sugar Ray Robinson
• Born: May 3, 1921
• Age: 67 years old
• Died: April 12, 1989
• Birthplace: Ailey, Georgia, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: African American
• Occupation: Professional Boxer
• Height: 5 feet 11 inches
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Walker Smith Sr. and Leila Hurst
• Siblings: Marie Smith, Evelyn Smith
• Spouse: Millie Wiggins Bruce
• Children: Ray Robinson Jr., Ronnie Robinson
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $500 thousand USD

Early Life and Education

Sugar Ray Robinson was born on May 3, 1921, in Ailey, Georgia, United States. He was brought up by his parents, Walker Smith Sr. and Leila Hurst, in a family that faced hardship as sharecroppers before moving north. He grew up with two older sisters, Marie Smith and Evelyn Smith.

The family relocated to Detroit where his father worked multiple jobs, then to Harlem, New York, after his parents separated when he was around twelve. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School but dropped out in ninth grade. His ethnicity is African American, and his religion is Christianity.

Career

Sugar Ray Robinson began his professional path after a stellar amateur career where he won Golden Gloves titles and went undefeated in many bouts. He adopted the name Ray Robinson from a borrowed amateur card and gained the “Sugar” nickname for his sweet style.

Turning pro in 1940, he compiled an exceptional record with lightning-fast combinations, precise punching, and unmatched ring intelligence. He won the welterweight world title in 1946 and held it until 1951 before moving up to capture the middleweight crown five times between 1951 and 1960.

Famous bouts included wars with Jake LaMotta, Gene Fullmer, and Carmen Basilio. Known as pound-for-pound the greatest by many experts, he retired temporarily for show business pursuits like singing and dancing but returned to the ring. His career featured 173 wins, 109 by knockout, and only 19 losses in 201 fights.

Beyond boxing he owned nightclubs, supported civil rights causes, and performed exhibitions. His legacy endures through induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and influence on future champions.

Social Media

• Sugar Ray Robinson does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Sugar Ray Robinson was 67 years old at the time of his death and his height was 5 feet 11 inches. He was previously married to Marjorie Joseph and to Edna Mae Holly from 1943 until their divorce around 1962. He married Millie Wiggins Bruce around 1965 and remained with her until his death. They had children including Ray Robinson Jr. and Ronnie Robinson from earlier relationships.

Net Worth

Sugar Ray Robinson‘s net worth is estimated at $500 thousand USD. His income primarily came from boxing purses during his championship years, exhibitions, nightclub ownership, personal appearances, and brief show business ventures in singing and dancing.