At 23, the Hawaiian-born challenger had developed considerably since his 12th-round stoppage loss to Robinson in October 1950. Fighting in his adopted hometown, Olson forced the pace, working the body instead of staying at range against Robinson’s superior speed.
The 31-year-old champion was making the first defense of the belt he had regained from Randy Turpin six months earlier. Delays caused by a back injury and his mother’s illness had disrupted his preparation.
Olson took advantage by making the middle rounds competitive. Robinson even went down on one knee during the 10th after missing a left hook and l
