Gene Fullmer Interview: "I Beat Sugar Ray Robinson Twice!"

This interview was the hallmark moment of the many interviews conducted during last year's hall of fame induction ceremony. Though I had seen Gene Fullmer all through those few days, because of his health, I wasn't sure if it was possible that he, or his family would want to say a few words on film.

The bottom line is: Gene Fullmer is, was, and forever will be a fighter.

Though it was difficult to speak, he found the strength within himself to do me, and any boxing fan who enjoys seeing, and hearing him here, the honor.

I can only conclude this write-up on one note. Gene said after the fourth fight that he was glad Robinson was not in his prime for it. While that is a fitting, and gracious nod towards Sugar Ray, we should remember Gene wasn't in his prime either. Both fought on an even career footing, and the result of the fourth fight is just as valid as the first.

Granted, Sugar Ray Robinson may well be "the man" of all-time, and that is a fair assessment, but if that is so, what does that make, the man who beat the man, and not once but twice?

Category:

Sports

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• Fullmer
• Gene
• Robinson
• Sugar Ray
• Basilio
• Carmen
• Ali
• Muhammad
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• Mayweather
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[LUCIFERVAMPIRO]

Yes it can be said that they were both past their prime in their fourth meeting...But remember, Robinson's prime was from 1946-1951 when he was the unbeatable Welterweight Champion. People forget that what he did in the Middleweight Division was when he was already past his prime, which is the main reason why Historians considered him the best ever. The 4th meeting w/ Fullmer took place in 1961. Both were shot. But Fullmer was a hell of alot closer to his prime than Robinson was!!!...Great Post!

[bangitslo]

He was 10 YEARS YOUNGER than Robinson. Give me a break!

[shoulderollHD]

Damn!

People stl alive fro. Srr era

[gamehound83]

Fullmer is the only man who would have kicked Haglers ass.

[fistofate]

I saw all but the first fight between Gene and Ray and I never thought Gene won. Gene was a great fighter and he beat some great fighters, but the decision he got in Vegas over Robinson was a gift. He had one big round. He almost knocked Robby out in the third, but Robinson outfought him in most of the rest of the rounds and not by just a little. Promoters pick judges for fights and this was in Fullmer's territory so they gave it to him. I'm sure Robinson wasn't surprised.

[edwards21416]

great interview, take nothing away from fullmer he beat Robinson simple as that

[crowley0312]

I thought Gene beat Ray trice, lost once and had a draw?

[Helios601]

And Ray also knocked Gene out in their third meeting from the four I think

[fistofate]

This is not to say Fullmer wasn't a great fighter. He was and he's also a great guy. He was gracious in winning and losing. The other thing, the decisons, is just part of the game. Robinson got some gifts also. Some people he got decisions over kicked his butt; it's just that I don't think that happened in these fights. I thought he won both.

[fistofate]

I thought Robinson won the third AND fourth fights. Fullmer got a lot of home town decisions. Boxing is a sport where the promoter and sometimes even the managers of fighters pick the judges. The third and fourth fights, Fullmer was champ and the figthts were in Los Angeles and Las Vegas-Fullmer territory. Robinson was in trouble in the third round of their last fight, but got out of it and got the best of it after that; landing the hardest and cleanest punches of the fight.

[crowley0312]

@Ghstwn Exactly why Haye is a joke hahaha

[C0LDWiR3]

i've met this old guy! I was in 7th grade when i got into boxing and him and the other Fullmer brothers would hang around the gym! Pretty cool to meet someone in the boxing hall of fame.