This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/11/2001.
Sugar Ray Robinson was arguably the best fighter, pound for pound, of all time, and was a generous man with an endless list of fans and friends. On November 20, 1954, Sugar Ray wrote this two-page letter to Tony Petronella upon Petronella's election as president of the ABA, then boxing's governing body. At the time, Robinson was 34 and in training for his comeback after the retirement he had announced in 1952. Although he had to decline an invitation to the ABA dinner, he wrote, "I was as proud as all get out over the wonderful invitation, and what an honor for me." As for his comeback, he wrote, "I'll be pulling on my reins and raring to go," something that was borne out when he regained the middleweight crown in ‘56. He signed, "Most sincerely, Sugar Ray Robinson." The letter and signature is in black ink, as is another signature above the printed address on the stationery. Both signatures are beautifully clear and rate near-perfect 10s. While the first page has yellowed, the letter is in very good condition and is preserved under glass against a beige background in a 15" x 29" black frame along with the postmarked envelope and a 8" x 10" photo of Sugar Ray in his boxing trunks striking a classic pose.