After his November 10, 1965 loss to Joey Archer, Sugar Ray Robinson decided to call it quits. A few days later he received a call from John Condon of Madison Square Garden who wanted the Garden to throw him a tribute for all he had done for boxing. The date was set for December 10, 1965, and many of the fighters Ray had beaten to win the title were there: Basilio, LaMotta, Olson, Turpin and Fullmer. During the ceremony Robinson was presented with a trophy and he closed his career with a salute to the crowd who loved him, “I don’t know whether to be happy or sad, but it fills me up. I’m not a crybaby, but it just gets to me. I know it’s not good-by, but it is farewell, A tout a l’heure (The French for “Ill see you later.”).” Lelands is proud to offer, for the first time at public sale, the famous retirement trophy given to Sugar Ray Robinson by Madison Square Garden that night. This magnificent trophy stands 28” tall. On the black base is a plaque with the inscription, “Presented By Madison Square Garden December 10, 1965.” Above this stands an Olympian adorned in floral wreath with his arm raised in victory. He is flanked by pillars with eagles and wreaths and just below him is inscribed, “Sugar Ray Robinson The Greatest Fighter Who Ever Lived.” This trophy is complete. It is in fine condition, with only a few minor scratches. This is one of the finest looking and most important awards ever brought to the auction block. LOA from Millie Robinson, Sugar Ray Robinson’s last wife.
Additional LOA from Craig Hamilton of JO Sports, Inc.