Considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson was born in 1921. He turned pro in 1940 and won his first 40 fights. Over his 25-year career, Robinson won the world welterweight and middleweight crowns and was dubbed "pound for pound, the best." By 1958, he had become the first boxer to win a divisional world championship five times. He finished his career in 1965 with 175 victories. Robinson died in Culver City, California, in 1989.
George Plimpton was a well-known journalist, writer, literary editor, actor and occasional amateur sportsman. He is widely known for his sports writing and for helping to found The Paris Review. He was also famous for "participatory journalism" which included competing in professional sporting events and then recording the experience from the point of view of an amateur. In 1958, prior to a post-season exhibition game at Yankee Stadium between teams managed by Willie Mays (National League) and Mickey Mantle (American League), Plimpton pitched against the National League. His experience was captured in the book Out of My League. Plimpton also famously sparred for three rounds with boxing great Sugar Ray Robinson while on assignment for Sports Illustrated. The offered Sugar Ray Robinson worn boxing shoes can almost certainly be tied to that encounter.
The pair of size 10.5 black leather shoes shows moderate wear. On the bottom sole of the right shoe, Robinson has inscribed, To George, Thanks for the lessons Sugar Ray Robinson.” The black ballpoint writing is slightly faded, rating 6/10. On the bottom sole of the left shoe, Plimpton has inscribed, For Randy, Wear these when you challenge for the title! George Plimpton.” It is clear that Robinson gifted the shoes to Plimpton who later passed them along to a friend (Randy). An incredible pair of boxing shoes from one of the giants of the sport with interesting physical provenance.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autos.).