Definition

Proper noun * Ray Robinson: The professional name of Walker Smith Jr. (1921–1989), an American boxer widely regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in the history of the sport. He was a multiple-time world champion in the welterweight and middleweight divisions.

Usage

• Ray Robinson is used as a proper noun to refer specifically to the historical figure, the boxer.
  • Many consider Ray Robinson to be the greatest boxer of all time.
  • The documentary focused on the career of Ray Robinson.
  • He studied the footwork of Ray Robinson.

Advanced Usage

• The name is often used in comparative or superlative contexts when discussing boxing greatness.
  • Fighters are often measured against the standard set by Ray Robinson.
• He is sometimes referred to by his nickname, "Sugar" Ray Robinson, to distinguish him from the later boxer Ray "Sugar Ray" Leonard.
  • 'Sugar' Ray Robinson was known for his exceptional speed and precision.

Variants and Related Words

• 'Sugar' Ray Robinson: The full, more common reference including his famous nickname.
• Walker Smith Jr.: His birth name.

Synonyms

• The pound-for-pound king: A common epithet used in boxing journalism to describe him.
• The best ever: A colloquial description in sports debates.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Like Ray Robinson": Used informally to describe someone, especially in sports, who displays exceptional skill, speed, or elegance.
  • The young midfielder moved across the pitch like Ray Robinson.
• "The Ray Robinson of [another field]": A metaphorical construction used to denote the preeminent, most skilled figure in a different domain.
  • He is often called the Ray Robinson of jazz piano.

Noun

1. United States prizefighter who won the world middleweight championship five times and the world welterweight championship once (1921-1989)