Boxing, in many ways, mirrors history. The winner takes it all. The spotlight always shines on the victor—the one who paves the way. Probably that’s where the sport’s allure lies—in the glory of the champion, who inspires generations to lace up the gloves and step into the ring.

But what about those who didn’t make it? Those who entered the ring seeking glory and legacy but fell short? A few managed to resurrect themselves and carve a place in history. But many stepped away—first from the sport, then from the memory. Thankfully, some believe that the untold stories of these fighters deserve attention. Ultimately, it is not only about the person but about society at large. Fifteen years ago, one attempt came to a close. This is the story about the search for Jim ‘Sweet Jimmy’ Robinson and his brief encounter with an eighteen-year-old Muhammad Ali when he was still Cassius Clay.

Where was Jimmy Robinson from? How did he end up fighting Muhammad Ali?

The records are sparse. It seems Jim Robinson was born in 1925 in Kansas, Missouri. Details about his early life—such as his family, education, or upbringing—remain elusive. It appears that he eventually moved to Miami. Some sources suggest he received veteran benefits.

Records show that Robinson’s professional boxing career began in 1960. After his debut win, he suffered two losses. The most significant moment of his career followed next year. But sadly, that would remain his only claim to fame for the rest of his boxing career and perhaps life.

On February 7, 1961, at the Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida, Jim Robinson faced Muhammad Ali. Strangely enough, the fight wasn’t even meant to happen. Ali, then Cassius Clay, actually had a fight scheduled against the city-based boxer Willie ‘Shorty’ Gullatt (11-8-2). For the fight against Ali, Gullatt was supposed to receive $300, which he reportedly declined.

His promoter, Chris Dundee, brother of Ali’s longtime trainer, Angelo Dundee, then went looking for a substitute. They found Jim Robinson, who, as the story goes, arrived ‘with his gear in an army-issued bag’. How did the fight go? Ali entered the ring fifteen pounds heavier. Nevertheless, Robinson was no match for the Rome Olympics gold medalist, who had already started displaying his matchless ring IQ. The fight ended in a first-round KO, a fourth consecutive victory for ‘The Greatest’.

Did Jimmy Robinson disappear?

For Jim Robinson, life after that fateful fight was far less glamorous. In 1961 alone, he fought 12 times, losing half of those bouts, including the one to Muhammad Ali. He continued till 1964, fighting primarily in Miami as a journeyman. Records show that his last fight took place on October 31, 1965, against Kent Green, who had famously knocked out Ali during their amateur days.

Over a decade after he retired, Jim Robinson’s story made it to public consciousness when, in 1979, Sports Illustrated journalist Michael Brenan tracked him down in Miami. The former boxer recalled his heydays, especially the fight against Muhammad Ali. He even mentioned how they were friends, and the boxing great even supported him with money.

“I had a lot of fights after the one with Clay. I would fight three or four times a month in Florida. I retired in 1969. I was 44. After I quit, I was found guilty of armed robbery, a crime I didn’t commit. I spend my days down in Clyde Killens’ Pool Hall. I do a little bit of gambling and a little drinking,” Robinson told Brennan during what is now considered to be his last interview.

Thereafter, it became a story of seen and not seen for Jim Robinson. Pool halls and shelter homes in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood became the ‘Sweet Jimmy’s refuge. He would often go around, telling everyone how he once fought Muhammad Ali.

Jimmy Robinson’s boxing record

It seems in his short career, Jim Robinson fought 33 times, out of which he emerged winner in eight fights (3 KOs) and lost the remaining 25 bouts, where he went down to the canvas on sixteen occasions.

In 2003, a renewed interest in the Jim Robinson story surfaced. A New Hampshire-based car salesman, Stephen Singer, an avid collector of Muhammad Ali memorabilia, reached out to ESPN journalist Wright Thompson, in his quest to collect the signatures of all boxers who fought Ali. However, Singer’s search hit the wall while looking for Jim Robinson. Despite several attempts, he couldn’t locate him and finally sought Mr. Thompson’s help.

Wright Thompson’s search for Jim Robinson became a tale in itself, highlighting life on the streets, the thin line between hope and despair, and the struggles of forgotten boxers. Unfortunately, Mr. Thompson’s quest also ended in uncertainty. Robin’s fate remains unknown. If still alive, and his reported birth year of 1925 is accurate, he would be 100 next year.

Jim ‘Sweet Jimmy’ Robinson’s story is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by many boxers. While champions are celebrated, countless others fade into obscurity, often battling poverty, addiction, or despair. His tale offers a glimpse into the sport’s less glamorous side—a reflection of struggles that few like to acknowledge. For diehard boxing fans, stories like Robinson’s are a sobering reminder of the human cost behind the sport’s glory.

What are your thoughts on the forgotten stories of boxing? Please share your perspective in the comments below.