Henry Armstrong – Indisputable Greatness

What Henry Armstrong achieved in the late 1930s is astonishing.

“He held three-titles at the same time,” said renowned trainer Teddy Atlas. “It’s mind-boggling.”

Born Henry Jackson in 1912, he made his professional debut in 1931.

Al Lovino knocked Jackson out in three rounds. Undeterred, Jackson was back in the ring four days later.

He won, but lost his next two fights at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA. Jackson, from then on known as Henry Armstrong, was learning on the job. He fought 26 times in 1933 and 1934, losing once. His improvement was obvious.

Armstrong was becoming known for his quickness, strength, chin, power, and stamina. His rise continued into 1936.

Staying busy, Armstrong fought every couple of weeks or days. He posted victories against four ranked opponents.

Armstrong fought an astounding 27 times in 1937. He won them all, scoring 26 knockouts. He also picked up his first world title.

Henry Armstrong, also known as “Homicide Hank,” had arrived. He was a tornado in the ring, throwing punches in bunches – wearing down his opponents.

On October 29, 1937, Armstrong captured the featherweight title, knocking out Petey Saron. Less than a year later, he moved up to the welterweight division, dominating future Hall of Famer Barney Ross.

Ross retired after the bout.

The Legendary Henry Armstrong

Armstrong then dropped down to the lightweight division and edged rugged Lou Ambers for the title. He was involved in 12 title fights in 1939, winning all but one of them.

He then moved up to middleweight to challenge champion Ceferino Garcia. Armstrong had already defeated Garcia in a welterweight bout. When the fight ended, most ringsiders figured he had added his fourth title. The referee judged the fight even.

“They gave him a draw,” said Atlas. “He wouldn’t do business with the fellas. He really should have been featherweight, welterweight, and middleweight champion at the same time.”

Armstrong returned to the welterweight division to defend his title. In his 19th championship fight, he lost his belt to Fritzie Zivic in a brutal 15-rounder. The fight was grueling. Zivic broke the scar tissue around Armstrong’s eyes with punches and elbows.

The culmination of fights was affecting Armstrong. In boxing terms, he was an old 29. He continued to fight, losing again to Zivic. He fought 14 times in 1942 and nine in 1943.

His most significant bout that year was against 22-year-old Sugar Ray Robinson. Robinson had grown idolizing Armstrong. The Sugar One had won 44 of 45 fights. Robinson, six inches taller, easily outboxed the aging Armstrong, winning every round. There were stories that Robinson took it easy on his idol.

Robinson reportedly told Armstrong after the fight. “I would never have beaten you a few years ago.”

The modest Armstrong disagreed, “Ray, you would have beaten me on my best night.”

Armstrong retired after the fight but returned to the ring, fighting 20 more times, finally retiring permanently in 1945. His career record stood at 151 wins, 21 losses, with 101 knockouts.

Six years later, Armstrong found another calling. He became a Baptist minister in Los Angeles, CA, working with struggling children and establishing the Henry Armstrong Youth Foundation.