Sugar Ray Robinson was born Walker Smith Jr. in 1921, a native of Ailey, Georgia. He was dubbed by many as the greatest boxer of all times. Robinson started his career in 1940. He has preformed in several divisions including Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight as well as Light Heavyweight. He has fought some of the greatest boxers in American history such as Henry Armstrong, Tommy Bell and Gene Fullmer. In his career he has won countless matches and awards. Robinson retired in 1965 and was inducted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame 2 years later. Sugar Ray Robinson died in 1989 from Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. He was 68 years old.

Robinson was diagnosed with diabetes later in his life. He was treated with insulin injections. Complications from diabetes interrupted his life. Robinson’s blood pressure spiked on the night before his mother’s death, and so he was unable to attend her funeral.