8 Muhammad Ali Opponents Who Suffered Tragic Fates

Jim Robinson had an unspectacular 8-25 record as a professional fighter. In truth, if he hadn’t stepped in as a last minute replacement to face a young prospect named Cassius Clay (who would eventually come to be known as Muhammad Ali), his career would have likely been forgotten.

When Ali faced Robinson in Miami, Florida back in 1961, it was only his 4th professional fight. Ali made short work of Jim Robinson knocking him out early in the very 1st round of the contest.

Robinson continued to fight until 1968; losing most of the bouts he was involved in.

In a 1979 Sports Illustrated interview Robinson (who was a military veteran) stated that he was receiving veterans’ benefits and spending most of his time at a local Miami pool hall. The interview would turn out to be the last time Robinson has been seen or heard from publicly.

Years later a Muhammad Ali memorabilia collector named Stephen Singer set out to obtain the autograph of every opponent Ali had ever faced. After about 18 months singer was able to collect every signature with the lone exception of Jimmy Robinsons. Robinson was nowhere to be found; even a private investigator was unable to locate the journeymen boxer.

ESPN reporter Wright Thompson launched his own investigation in order to find Robinson’s whereabouts but was also unsuccessful.

Ultimately, the fate of Muhammad Ali’s 4th professional opponent remains a mystery.

Singer summarized Robinson’s sad tale rather nicely, "He was like hundreds of fighters who look to boxing for the American dream, and when they fall there's no net to catch them. There are lots of Jimmy Robinsons."