Bobo Olson

Carl Olson, (July 11 1928 – January 16 2002), was an American boxer. He was the world middleweight champion between October 1953 and December 1955, the longest reign of any champion in that division during the 1950s. Although he is probably best remembered for his three knockout defeats against Sugar Ray Robinson.

Mature career

The first real test of Olson's career came on March 20 1950, Olson's record at this point was 40 wins and 2 losses, against the Australian Dave Sands. Olson lost to a close points decision in Sydney. Seven months after this Olson had his first fight against Sugar Ray Robinson, for the lowly regarded Pennsylvania State World Middleweight Title. Olson, who was widely seen as a slow starter, failed to get into the fight, even though Robinson was not having one of his best fights. Olson managed to hold on for 11 rounds before being knocked out. Despite his great record it was clear that Olson was still too inexperienced to be fighting at that level.

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March 20 - 1950 - Australia - Dave Sands - Sydney

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A year after his loss to Robinson, Olson managed to get a rematch against Dave Sands. This fight was the first to be televised coast-to-coast in America. However, Sands once again proved too much for Olson, he again won by unanimous decision.

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On March 13 1952 Olson fought Robinson again, this time for the World middleweight title. Robinson, who had lost and regained the title against Randy Turpin in his previous two fights, was looking for an easy fight. However, Olson had improved significantly from their first encounter. Through 10 rounds the fight was neck-and-neck, only a dominant finish by Robinson over the last 5 rounds won him the decision. This would be the only time that Olson lasted the duration against Robinson.

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March 13 - 1952 - Randy Turpin

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Robinson retired for the first time in December 1952, vacating his middleweight crown. The top four contenders fought a tournament for the title. Olson defeated Paddy Young for the American title to gain the right to fight for the vacant world title, Turpin won the other eliminator against Charley Humez.

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The title fight against Turpin took place on October 21 1953 at Madison Square Garden. Turpin dominated the first four rounds, he almost scored a knockdown in the first, before Olson got a grip on the fight. As the fight progressed Olson took the initiative, he scored knockdowns in the 10th and 11th rounds on the way to a unanimous decision. Following his success Olson was voted Ring magazine's fighter of the year for 1953.

Related Topics:
October 21 - 1953 - Madison Square Garden - Ring magazine's fighter of the year

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Olson won all seven of his fights in 1954 including defences of his title against such big names as Kid Gavilan, Rocky Castellani, and Pierre Langlois.

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1954 - Kid Gavilan - Rocky Castellani - Pierre Langlois

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In 1955 Olson, who was finding it increasingly difficult to make weight, stepped up to light heavyweight. His first major fight in this category was against former champion Joey Maxim, Olson won the fight easily on points after scoring knockdowns in both the 2nd and 9th rounds. On June 22 Olson challenged 41 year old Archie Moore for the light heavyweight title, a fight that many believed Olson would easily win. However, the "Old Mongoose" was too strong for Olson and won by knockout after only a minute had elapsed of the third round. After this fight Olson began his decline.

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1955 - Joey Maxim - June 22 - Archie Moore

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Following two walkover wins, Olson put his middleweight title on the line against Robinson, who was once again number 1 contender following his brief retirement, on December 9 1952. Olson, who entered the fight as a massive favourite, was knocked out in the second round. The rematch, fought five months later at Wrigley Field, ended similarly with Olson going down in the fourth. After this second defeat Olson announced his retirement.

Related Topics:
December 9 - 1952 - Wrigley Field

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