G4101

Sugar Ray Robinson

Professional Boxer

Collins Cover Announcement 

Sugar Ray Robinson

Boxer

This First Day Cover is a knockout, and, even if you're not a boxing or sports fan, you'll love the human interest aspect of Sugar Ray and appreciate the way I've combined the three elements. First is the new stamp. Its design is modeled after a 1940s/1950s era vintage boxing poster. The text is in block style red lettering, and the image of Robinson is in halftone blue. A very nice stamp, and I affixed it in the upper right corner.

The second element is the pictorial First Day postmark, and it is a stunner. It ties the stamp to the envelope with a pair of boxing gloves and very large open block letters spelling his name. This is a super cancel that will help make this Collins a "must own." The third and final element is the hand painted image of Sugar Ray's boxing pose portrait and action in the ring. The watercolors have transformed the cachet into an incredible collectible. I cannot believe the realism achieved, and you'll have to experience it for yourself. Awesome.

Volumes could be written about Sugar Ray Robinson's career, but let me be brief. He fought eighty-five amateur bouts and won all of them! Sixty-nine by a knockout!! Forty in the first round!!! In 1939, he won the Golden Gloves.

His professional career began in 1940. " On October 4th, he knocked out Joe Echeverria and went on to win forty straight pro fights. During his prime, he went undefeated from December 1946 until February 1951. He was a six-time World Champion. In 1967, Sugar Ray was elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame. Ring Magazine ranked him number one of the 100 greatest boxers. In 1999, an Associated Press panel of experts named Robinson "Fighter of the Century." When he retired on December 10, 1965, a trophy presented to him was inscribed "The World's Greatest Boxer." The man will always be a legend.

Americana collectors as well as sports topicalists and boxing enthusiasts will always be searching for this cover. Once I'm sold out, this First Day Cover will soar in value and be very hard to find and acquire. It has all the elements of a hobby gem! A rapid sellout is probable. I'm honored to offer my cachet for Sugar Ray Robinson. Collins #G4101 —$13.25.