Joey Archer, the former middleweight contender who sent the great Sugar Ray Robinson into retirement, died Friday at the age of 87. The news was confirmed to BoxingScene by his niece, Lee Potter.

Archer, who ended his professional career with a record of 45-4 (8 KOs), was born in The Bronx, New York, on February 10, 1938. He turned pro in 1956 and ran his record to 30-0 before suffering his first defeat, a split decision to Jose “Monon” Gonzalez in 1962. He avenged that loss two months later and went on a run that included wins over Denny Moyer, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, Holly Mims and Dick Tiger – all at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Archer’s most famous win would come in Pittsburgh, when, despite being known more for his laser jab than his punching power, he was able to drop the granite-chinned Robinson for a nine-count with a right hand. Archer won that fight in November 1965 by a wide unanimous decision, earning him the distinction of being the fighter who retired the man widely considered the greatest boxer in history.

Archer would fight three more times, losing a split decision to Don Fullmer, then losing a pair of decisions to Emile Griffith for the middleweight title before retiring from the ring in 1967.

Archer owned various bars in New York City and even tried his hand at acting, appearing on an episode of the TV show “Route 66.” Archer had been living in Rensselaer, New York, just outside of the capital of Albany, when he passed.

Archer is preceded in death by Joan Eileen Archer, his wife of 49 years, as well as his brother/trainer Jimmy Archer and sister Patricia. He is survived by his nieces and nephews Raymond, Stephen, Renee and Lee, and their many children.

Ryan Songalia is a reporter and editor for BoxingScene.com and has written for ESPN, the New York Daily News, Rappler, The Guardian, Vice and The Ring magazine. He holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be reached at ryansongalia@gmail.com or on Twitter at @ryansongalia.