JO Sports, Inc.
HISTORY: On March 25, 1958 at Chicago Stadium Sugar Ray Robinson won a close 15 round split decision over Carmen Basilio to regain the world middleweight title. There was a crowd of 17,976. The gross gate was $351,955 and the net gate was $278,108. Each fighter collected 30% of the net gate, an estimated $300,000 from closed circuit TV and $30,000 from the national radio broadcast. Basilio's left eye was swollen shut. The Associated Press reported: "By the time the sixth round started, there was scarcely a slit in the puffed eye." A ringside poll had 28 writers scoring the fight for Robinson, one favoring Basilio and one calling it even. The fight was named The Ring Fight of the Year for 1958. As a result of this win Sugar Ray Robinson was awarded the prestigious March 1958 Hickok Professional Athlete Award.
Offered here is the original March 1958 Hickok Professional Athlete Award given to Sugar Ray Robinson.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is the original March 1958 Hickok Professional Athlete Award given to Sugar Ray Robinson. The award is a 38" long alligator belt with 10 KT gold buckle. On the reverse side of the alligator belt it is engraved in gold letterin, "HICKOK Custom-tailored Alligator 9255 32." The gold buckle has the raised Hickok athlete and is engraved, "S.RAE HICKOK AWARD PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE RR (for Ray Robinson." On the reverse side of the gold buckle it is engraved, "HICKOK CHAMPION MARCH 1958 RAY ROBINSON BOXING." The belt award shows virtually no wear having never been worn and still residing in its original red leather box. The box has the Hickok name inside and out. There are some stains on the outer box. The award comes with the original letter and envelope from Ray Hickok to Sugar Ray Robinson dated May 20, 1958 advising him he has won the award, The award came originally from the family of Suagr Ray Robinson and includes a letter of authenticity from his son, Ray Robinson II dated March 1, 1999. One of the most prestiious awards given to Sugar Ray Robinson during his illustrious career.
