Oscar De La Hoya has picked Sugar Ray Robinson as the greatest fighter in boxing history. The former world champion shared his thoughts during a recent interview with ESNEWS.
De La Hoya's opinion carries weight. He won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1992 and went on to capture world titles in six weight classes as a pro. His career started in November 1992 and included wins over notable boxers like Julio Cesar Chavez, Arturo Gatti, and Fernando Vargas. He lost only six times, with defeats coming against top fighters like Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and Bernard Hopkins.
When asked about the greatest boxer of all time, De La Hoya didn't hesitate. He told ESNEWS:
"Sugar Ray Robinson is the greatest of all time! That's basically it, look at this here [his shirt] all the weight divisions, hardest puncher, best footwork, he would fight multiple times a month, took on the very best, took on the toughest challenges. Sugar Ray Robinson, he's literally the GOAT."
Robinson's career certainly backs up De La Hoya's claim. Over a 25-year span, Robinson fought more than 200 times and lost only 19 bouts. He became a world champion six times and beat legendary fighters like Jake LaMotta and Henry Armstrong.
Many fans, pundits, and former fighters agree with De La Hoya's assessment. They've long considered Robinson the greatest boxer ever. Robinson passed away in April 1989 at the age of 67, but his legacy lives on.
