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Henry Armstrong

For other people named Henry Armstrong, see Henry Armstrong (disambiguation).
Henry Armstrong
Henry Armstrong in 1937
Born
Henry Melody Jackson Jr.

(1912-12-12)December 12, 1912
Columbus, Mississippi, U.S.
DiedOctober 22, 1988(1988-10-22) (aged 75)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other names
  • Homicide Hank
  • Hurricane Hank
  • Hammerin' Hank
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 5+1⁄2 in (166 cm)
Reach67 in (170 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights181
Wins151
Wins by KO101
Losses21
Draws9

Henry Jackson Jr. (December 12, 1912 – October 22, 1988) was an American professional boxer and a world boxing champion who fought under the name Henry Armstrong.

Armstrong was one of the few fighters to win in three or more different divisions: featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight. He defended his welterweight title a total of nineteen times.

The Ring magazine named him Fighter of the Year in 1937. The Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) named him Fighter of the Year in 1940. He is currently ranked by BoxRec as the 12th-greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time.[1] In 2007, The Ring ranked Armstrong as the second-greatest fighter of the last 80 years.[2] Boxing coach and commentator Teddy Atlas considers Armstrong to be the greatest of all time.[3] Historian Bert Sugar also ranked Armstrong as the second-greatest fighter of all time. ESPN ranked Armstrong as number 3 on their list of the 50 greatest boxers of all time.[4] He was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the inaugural class of 1990.[5] In 2019, the International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO) ranked him as the second best boxer of all time, pound for pound, as well as the second-best featherweight, third-best welterweight, and fifth-best lightweight of all time.[6][7][8][9]

Early life

[edit]

He was born Henry Jackson Jr. on December 12, 1912, in Columbus, Mississippi. He was the son of Henry Jackson Sr., a sharecropper of African American descent and America Jackson, said to be a "full-blooded" Iroquois. As a child, Henry Jr. moved with his family to St. Louis, Missouri, during the early period of the Great Migration of African Americans from the rural South to industrial cities of the Midwest and North. There he became involved in boxing. He graduated as an honor student from Vashon High School in St. Louis[10] Later he took the surname Armstrong as his fighting name.

Early career

[edit]

Armstrong began his professional career on July 28, 1931, in a fight with Al Iovino, in which Armstrong was knocked out in three rounds. His first win came later that year, beating Sammy Burns by a decision in six. In 1932, Armstrong moved to Los Angeles, where he lost two four-round decisions in a row to Eddie Trujillo and Al Greenfield. Following these two losses, however, he started a streak of 11 wins.[11]

In 1936, Armstrong split his time among Los Angeles, Mexico City and St. Louis. A few notable opponents of that year include Ritchie Fontaine, Baby Arizmendi, former world champion Juan Zurita, and Mike Belloise.[11] Early in his career, he fought some fights under the ring name Melody Jackson.[12]

In 1937 alone, Armstrong went 27–0 (26KO). Aldo Spoldi was the only opponent to take him the full 10 rounds. He kayoed Baby Casanova in three rounds, Belloise in four, Joe Rivers in three, former world champion Frankie Klick in four, and former world champion Benny Bass in four.[11] Armstrong was given his first world title fight, for the title in the 126-pound weight class against World Featherweight Champion Petey Sarron at Madison Square Garden. Armstrong knocked Sarron out in six rounds, becoming the World Featherweight Champion.[13]

Armstrong's two nicknames were Hurricane Henry and Homicide' Hank.[14]

In 1938, Armstrong started his season with seven more knockouts in a row, including one over Chalky Wright, a future world champion. The streak finally ended when Arizmendi lasted ten rounds before losing a decision to Armstrong in their fourth fight. Armstrong's streak of 27 knockout wins in a row qualifies as one of the longest knockout win streaks in the history of boxing, according to The Ring magazine.[citation needed]

Later in 1938, Armstrong, still the Featherweight division world champion, challenged Barney Ross for the title. Later a fellow member of the three division champions' club, Ross was then World Welterweight Champion. Armstrong, at 133+1⁄2 pounds, beat Ross, at 142 pounds, by unanimous decision, adding the World Welterweight Championship to his belt. Armstrong lost weight in order to compete in the lower weight division, and beat World Lightweight Champion Lou Ambers by split decision. Armstrong was the first boxer ever to hold world championships in three different weight divisions at the same time. He decided not to maintain the required 126-pound weight anymore and left the featherweight crown vacant.[13]

Welterweight defenses

[edit]

Armstrong dedicated the next two years to defending the welterweight crown, beating, among others, Ceferino Garcia, a future World Middleweight Champion, and Bobby Pacho.

Armstrong defended his Lightweight belt in a rematch with Ambers, which he lost on a 15-round decision. After that, he concentrated once again on defending the world Welterweight title. He defended it in eight fights in a row, the last of which was a nine-round knockout win over Puerto Rico's Pedro Montañez.

Armstrong sought to become the first boxer to win world titles in four different categories in a rematch with Garcia, already the World Middleweight Champion, but the fight ended in a ten-round draw. Armstrong's attempt to win a world title in a fourth division was frustrated.[15] According to boxing historian Bert Sugar, many commentators of the time said that Armstrong deserved the decision in this fight.[16]

Armstrong (right) demonstrating some boxing techniques to a US Army member during an exhibition tour in 1943.

Returning to the welterweight division, Armstrong successfully defended the title five more times, until Fritzie Zivic beat him to take the world title in a 15-round decision. This ended Armstrong's reign as Welterweight Champion. Armstrong's eighteen successful title defenses were the most in history in the Welterweight division.[citation needed]

In 1945, Armstrong retired from boxing. His official record was 152 wins, 21 losses and 9 draws, with 101 knockout wins.[11]

After boxing

[edit]

After retiring from boxing in 1946, Armstrong briefly opened a Harlem nightclub, the Melody Room (named after his first nickname).[17] He returned to settle again in St. Louis, Missouri where, apart from the ceremonies and galas that he attended afterward, he led a quiet retirement. He became a born-again Christian and an ordained Baptist minister and youth advocate, helping to run the Herbert Hoover Boys Club. He also taught young fighters how to box.[12] In February 1966, Rev. Armstrong appeared on the TV game show I've Got a Secret with his simultaneous triple championship as his secret. He died in 1988.

Honors

[edit]

Professional boxing record

[edit]
183 fights 152 wins 22 losses
By knockout 100 2
By decision 52 18
By disqualification 0 2
Draws 9
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Age Location Notes
183 Loss 151–22–10 Chester Slider PTS 10 Feb 14, 1945 35 years, 64 days Auditorium, Oakland, California
182 Win 151–21–10 Genaro Rojo UD 10 Feb 6, 1945 35 years, 56 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
181 Draw 150–21–10 Chester Slider PTS 10 Jan 17, 1945 35 years, 36 days Auditorium, Oakland, California
180 Win 150–21–9 Mike Belloise KO 4 (10), 0:20 Nov 4, 1944 34 years, 328 days Auditorium, Portland, Oregon
179 Win 149–21–9 Aldo Spoldi KO 2 (10), 2:43 Sep 15, 1944 34 years, 278 days Kiel Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri
178 Win 148–21–9 Willie Joyce PTS 10 Aug 21, 1944 34 years, 253 days Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California
177 Draw 147–21–9 Slugger White PTS 10 Jul 14, 1944 34 years, 215 days Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California
176 Loss 147–21–8 John Thomas UD 10 Jul 4, 1944 34 years, 205 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
175 Win 147–20–8 Nick Latsios UD 10 Jun 21, 1944 34 years, 192 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
174 Win 146–20–8 Al 'Bummy' Davis TKO 2 (10), 0:59 Jun 15, 1944 34 years, 186 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
173 Loss 145–20–8 Willie Joyce UD 10 Jun 2, 1944 34 years, 173 days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
172 Win 145–19–8 Aaron Perry TKO 6 (10), 2:56 May 22, 1944 34 years, 162 days Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C.
171 Win 144–19–8 Ralph Zannelli UD 10 May 16, 1944 34 years, 156 days Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
170 Win 143–19–8 John Thomas SD 10 Apr 25, 1944 34 years, 135 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
169 Win 142–19–8 Ralph Zannelli UD 10 Mar 24, 1944 34 years, 103 days Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
168 Win 141–19–8 Frankie Willis UD 10 Mar 20, 1944 34 years, 99 days Uline Arena, Washington, D.C.
167 Win 140–19–8 Johnny Jones KO 5 (10), 1:10 Mar 14, 1944 34 years, 93 days Dorsey Park, Miami, Florida
166 Win 139–19–8 Jackie Byrd KO 4 (10), 1:18 Feb 29, 1944 34 years, 79 days Coliseum, Des Moines, Iowa
165 Win 138–19–8 Jimmy Garrison TKO 5 (10), 1:56 Feb 23, 1944 34 years, 73 days Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri
164 Win 137–19–8 Lew Hanbury KO 3 (10), 1:10 Feb 7, 1944 34 years, 57 days Uline Arena, Washington, D.C.
163 Win 136–19–8 Saverio Turiello KO 7 (12), 1:34 Jan 25, 1944 34 years, 44 days Auditorium, Portland, Oregon
162 Win 135–19–8 Aldo Spoldi KO 3 (10), 1:39 Jan 14, 1944 34 years, 33 days Auditorium, Portland, Oregon
161 Loss 134–19–8 Sugar Ray Robinson UD 10 Aug 27, 1943 33 years, 258 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
160 Win 134–18–8 Joey Silva PTS 10 Aug 14, 1943 33 years, 245 days Gonzaga Stadium, Spokane, Washington
159 Win 133–18–8 Jimmy Garrison PTS 10 Aug 6, 1943 33 years, 237 days Auditorium, Portland, Oregon
158 Win 132–18–8 Willie Joyce UD 10 Jul 24, 1943 33 years, 224 days Gilmore Stadium, Los Angeles, California
157 Win 131–18–8 Sammy Angott UD 10 Jun 11, 1943 33 years, 181 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
156 Win 130–18–8 Maxie Shapiro TKO 7 (10), 1:58 May 24, 1943 33 years, 163 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
155 Win 129–18–8 Tommy Jessup KO 1 (10), 1:00 May 7, 1943 33 years, 146 days Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
154 Win 128–18–8 Saverio Turiello TKO 5 (10) May 3, 1943 33 years, 142 days Uline Arena, Washington, D.C.
153 Loss 127–18–8 Beau Jack UD 10 Apr 2, 1943 33 years, 111 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
152 Win 127–17–8 Al Tribuani UD 10 Mar 22, 1943 33 years, 100 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
151 Win 126–17–8 Tippy Larkin KO 2 (10) Mar 8, 1943 33 years, 86 days Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California
150 Loss 125–17–8 Willie Joyce MD 10 Mar 2, 1943 33 years, 80 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
149 Win 125–16–8 Jimmy McDaniels UD 10 Jan 5, 1943 33 years, 24 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
148 Win 124–16–8 Saverio Turiello TKO 4 (10), 1:20 Dec 14, 1942 33 years, 2 days Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California
147 Win 123–16–8 Lew Jenkins TKO 8 (10), 1:55 Dec 4, 1942 32 years, 357 days Auditorium, Portland, Oregon
146 Win 122–16–8 Fritzie Zivic UD 10 Oct 26, 1942 32 years, 318 days Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California
145 Win 121–16–8 Juan Zurita KO 2 (10), 2:20 Oct 13, 1942 32 years, 305 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
144 Win 120–16–8 Earl Turner KO 4 (10) Sep 30, 1942 32 years, 292 days Auditorium, Oakland, California
143 Win 119–16–8 Leo Rodak TKO 8 (10), 3:00 Sep 14, 1942 32 years, 276 days Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California
142 Win 118–16–8 Johnny Taylor TKO 3 (10) Sep 7, 1942 32 years, 269 days Arena, Pittman, Nevada
141 Win 117–16–8 Rodolfo Ramirez KO 8 (10), 1:38 Aug 26, 1942 32 years, 257 days Auditorium, Oakland, California
140 Win 116–16–8 Jackie Burke PTS 10 Aug 13, 1942 32 years, 244 days John Affleck Park, Ogden, Utah
139 Win 115–16–8 Aldo Spoldi TKO 7 (10), 2:20 Aug 3, 1942 32 years, 234 days Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California
138 Win 114–16–8 Joe Ybarra TKO 3 (10) Jul 20, 1942 32 years, 220 days Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, California
137 Loss 113–16–8 Rueben Shank UD 10 Jul 3, 1942 32 years, 203 days Municipal Auditorium, Denver, Colorado
136 Win 113–15–8 Sheik Rangel PTS 10 Jun 24, 1942 32 years, 194 days Auditorium, Oakland, California
135 Win 112–15–8 Johnny Taylor TKO 4 (10) Jun 1, 1942 32 years, 171 days Civic Auditorium, San Jose, California
134 Loss 111–15–8 Fritzie Zivic TKO 12 (15), 0:52 Jan 17, 1941 31 years, 36 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York For NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
133 Loss 111–14–8 Fritzie Zivic UD 15 Oct 4, 1940 30 years, 297 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York Lost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
132 Win 111–13–8 Phil Furr KO 4 (15), 1:45 Sep 23, 1940 30 years, 286 days Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
131 Win 110–13–8 Lew Jenkins TKO 6 (12) Jul 17, 1940 30 years, 218 days Polo Grounds, New York City, New York
130 Win 109–13–8 Paul Junior TKO 3 (15), 2:39 Jun 21, 1940 30 years, 192 days Exposition Building, Portland, Oregon Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
129 Win 108–13–8 Ralph Zannelli TKO 5 (15), 1:30 May 24, 1940 30 years, 164 days Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
128 Win 107–13–8 Paul Junior TKO 7 (15), 1:05 Apr 26, 1940 30 years, 136 days Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
127 Draw 106–13–8 Ceferino Garcia PTS 10 Mar 1, 1940 30 years, 80 days Gilmore Stadium, Los Angeles, California Billed as a World Middleweight Title fight recognized only by California
126 Win 106–13–7 Pedro Montañez TKO 9 (15), 0:47 Jan 24, 1940 30 years, 43 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
125 Win 105–13–7 Joe Ghnouly KO 5 (15), 0:34 Jan 4, 1940 30 years, 23 days Municipal Audiotrium, Saint Louis, Missouri Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
124 Win 104–13–7 Jimmy Garrison KO 7 (10), 1:19 Dec 11, 1939 29 years, 364 days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
123 Win 103–13–7 Bobby Pacho TKO 4 (15) Oct 30, 1939 29 years, 322 days Municipal Auditorium, Denver, Colorado Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
122 Win 102–13–7 Jimmy Garrison PTS 10 Oct 24, 1939 29 years, 316 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
121 Win 101–13–7 Richie Fontaine TKO 3 (15) Oct 20, 1939 29 years, 312 days Civic Auditorium, Seattle, Washington Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
120 Win 100–13–7 Howard Scott KO 2 (10), 1:38 Oct 13, 1939 29 years, 305 days Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
119 Win 99–13–7 Al Manfredo TKO 4 (10), 1:35 Oct 9, 1939 29 years, 301 days Riverview Park, Des Moines, Iowa Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
118 Loss 98–13–7 Lou Ambers UD 15 Aug 22, 1939 29 years, 253 days Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York Lost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
117 Win 98–12–7 Ernie Roderick PTS 15 May 25, 1939 29 years, 164 days Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
116 Win 97–12–7 Davey Day TKO 12 (15), 2:49 Mar 31, 1939 29 years, 109 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
115 Win 96–12–7 Lew Feldman KO 1 (15), 2:12 Mar 16, 1939 29 years, 94 days Municipal Audtiorium, Saint Louis, Missouri Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles;
Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
114 Win 95–12–7 Bobby Pacho TKO 4 (15), 1:10 Mar 4, 1939 29 years, 82 days Tropical Stadium, Havana, Cuba Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
113 Win 94–12–7 Baby Arizmendi PTS 10 Jan 10, 1939 29 years, 29 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
112 Win 93–12–7 Al Manfredo TKO 3 (15), 1:45 Dec 5, 1938 28 years, 358 days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
111 Win 92–12–7 Ceferino Garcia UD 15 Nov 25, 1938 28 years, 348 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
110 Win 91–12–7 Lou Ambers SD 15 Aug 17, 1938 28 years, 248 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York Won NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
109 Win 90–12–7 Barney Ross UD 15 May 31, 1938 28 years, 170 days Madison Square Garden Bowl, New York City, New York Won NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
108 Win 89–12–7 Lew Feldman KO 5 (10), 1:51 Mar 30, 1938 28 years, 108 days Hippodrime, New York City, New York
107 Win 88–12–7 Eddie Zivic TKO 4 (10), 2:35 Mar 25, 1938 28 years, 103 days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan
106 Win 87–12–7 Baby Arizmendi PTS 10 Mar 15, 1938 28 years, 93 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
105 Win 86–12–7 Charley Burns KO 2 (10), 1:02 Feb 28, 1938 28 years, 78 days Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
104 Win 85–12–7 Everett Rightmire TKO 3 (10), 1:38 Feb 25, 1938 28 years, 75 days International Amphitheatre, Chicago, Illinois
103 Win 84–12–7 Al Citrino TKO 4 (10) Feb 9, 1938 28 years, 59 days Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California
102 Win 83–12–7 Chalky Wright KO 3 (10), 1:10 Feb 1, 1938 28 years, 51 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
101 Win 82–12–7 Tommy Brown KO 2 (10), 1:21 Jan 22, 1938 28 years, 41 days Labor Temple, Tucson, Arizona
100 Win 81–12–7 Frankie Castillo TKO 3 (10) Jan 21, 1938 28 years, 40 days Legion Arena, Phoenix, Arizona
99 Win 80–12–7 Enrico Venturi KO 6 (10), 2:49 Jan 12, 1938 28 years, 31 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
98 Win 79–12–7 Johnny Jones KO 2 (10), 1:20 Dec 12, 1937 28 years, 0 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana
97 Win 78–12–7 Tony Chavez TKO 1 (10), 2:04 Dec 6, 1937 27 years, 359 days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
96 Win 77–12–7 Joey Brown KO 2 (10), 0:39 Nov 23, 1937 27 years, 346 days Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York
95 Win 76–12–7 Billy Beauhuld TKO 5 (10) Nov 19, 1937 27 years, 342 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
94 Win 75–12–7 Petey Sarron KO 6 (15), 2:36 Oct 29, 1937 27 years, 321 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York Won NBA, The Ring, and vacant NYSAC featherweight titles
93 Win 74–12–7 Joe Marciente KO 3 (10), 2:06 Oct 18, 1937 27 years, 310 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
92 Win 73–12–7 Bobby Dean KO 1 (10), 1:02 Sep 21, 1937 27 years, 283 days Rayen-Wood Auditorium, Youngstown, Ohio
91 Win 72–12–7 Johnny DeFoe TKO 4 (10), 1:12 Sep 16, 1937 27 years, 278 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
90 Win 71–12–7 Charley Burns KO 4 (10), 2:45 Sep 9, 1937 27 years, 271 days Hickey Park, Millvale, Pennsylvania
89 Win 70–12–7 Orville Drouillard TKO 5 (10) Aug 31, 1937 27 years, 262 days University of Detroit Stadium, Detroit, Michigan
88 Win 69–12–7 Johnny Cabello RTD 1 (10) Aug 16, 1937 27 years, 247 days Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C.
87 Win 68–12–7 Eddie Brink KO 3 (10), 2:36 Aug 13, 1937 27 years, 244 days Dyckman Oval, New York City, New York
86 Win 67–12–7 Benny Bass KO 4 (10), 2:35 Jul 27, 1937 27 years, 227 days Baker Bowl, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
85 Win 66–12–7 Lew Massey TKO 4 (10), 1:20 Jul 19, 1937 27 years, 219 days Dexter Park Arena, Woodhaven, New York City, New York
84 Win 65–12–7 Alf Blatch TKO 3 (10), 1:21 Jul 8, 1937 27 years, 208 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
83 Win 64–12–7 Jackie Carter TKO 3 (10), 2:02 Jun 15, 1937 27 years, 185 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
82 Win 63–12–7 Mark Diaz KO 4 (10), 0:35 Jun 9, 1937 27 years, 179 days Pasadena Arean, Pasadena, California
81 Win 62–12–7 Wally Hally TKO 4 (10), 0:50 May 28, 1937 27 years, 167 days Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, California
80 Win 61–12–7 Frankie Klick TKO 4 (10), 2:57 May 4, 1937 27 years, 143 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
79 Win 60–12–7 Pete DeGrasse KO 10 (10), 2:37 Apr 6, 1937 27 years, 115 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
78 Win 59–12–7 Aldo Spoldi UD 10 Mar 19, 1937 27 years, 97 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
77 Win 58–12–7 Mike Belloise TKO 4 (10) Mar 12, 1937 27 years, 90 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
76 Win 57–12–7 'California' Joe Rivers TKO 4 (10), 2:40 Mar 2, 1937 27 years, 80 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
75 Win 56–12–7 Varias Milling KO 4 (10), 2:25 Feb 19, 1937 27 years, 69 days Coliseum, San Diego, California
74 Win 55–12–7 Moon Mullins TKO 2 (10), 1:20 Feb 2, 1937 27 years, 52 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
73 Win 54–12–7 Tony Chavez KO 10 (10) Jan 19, 1937 27 years, 38 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
72 Win 53–12–7 Rodolfo Casanova KO 3 (10) Jan 1, 1937 27 years, 20 days El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City
71 Loss 52–12–7 Tony Chavez DQ 8 (10) Dec 3, 1936 26 years, 357 days Municipal Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri
70 Win 52–11–7 Joey Alcanter RTD 5 (10) Nov 17, 1936 26 years, 341 days Municipal Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri
69 Win 51–11–7 Gene Espinoza KO 1 (10), 0:34 Nov 2, 1936 26 years, 326 days Eastside Arena, Los Angeles, California
68 Win 50–11–7 Mike Belloise PTS 10 Oct 27, 1936 26 years, 320 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California Retained world featherweight title (California–Mexico)
67 Win 49–11–7 Dommy Ganzon KO 1 (10), 1:54 Sep 8, 1936 26 years, 271 days Civic Auditorium, Stockton, California
66 Win 48–11–7 Elmer "Buzz" Brown PTS 10 Sep 3, 1936 26 years, 266 days Multnomah Stadium, Portland, Oregon
65 Win 47–11–7 Juan Zurita KO 4 (10), 2:10 Aug 18, 1936 26 years, 250 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
64 Win 46–11–7 Baby Arizmendi PTS 10 Aug 4, 1936 26 years, 236 days Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, California Won world featherweight title (California-Mexico)
63 Win 45–11–7 Johnny DeFoe PTS 10 Jun 22, 1936 26 years, 193 days Fox Theatre, Butte, Montana
62 Win 44–11–7 Bobby Leyvas TKO 4 (10), 0:40 May 19, 1936 26 years, 159 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California Retained USA California State featherweight title
61 Win 43–11–7 Richie Fontaine PTS 10 Mar 31, 1936 26 years, 110 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
60 Loss 42–11–7 Richie Fontaine PTS 10 Feb 26, 1936 26 years, 76 days Auditorium, Oakland, California
59 Loss 42–10–7 Joe Conde PTS 10 Jan 1, 1936 26 years, 20 days El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City
58 Win 42–9–7 Alton Black TKO 8 (15) Dec 6, 1935 25 years, 359 days Chestnut St. Arena, Reno, Nevada Retained Western featherweight title
57 Win 41–9–7 Midget Wolgast PTS 10 Nov 27, 1935 25 years, 350 days Auditorium, Oakland, California
56 Win 40–9–7 Leo Lomelli TKO 6 (8) Nov 12, 1935 25 years, 335 days Auditorium, Oakland, California
55 Win 39–9–7 Lester Marston TKO 7 (10) Oct 21, 1935 25 years, 313 days Auditorium, Oakland, California
54 Draw 38–9–7 Perfecto Lopez PTS 8 Sep 18, 1935 25 years, 280 days Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California
53 Win 38–9–6 Alton Black TKO 8 (10) Sep 13, 1935 25 years, 275 days Chestnut St. Arena, Reno, Nevada Won Western featherweight title
52 Win 37–9–6 Varias Milling PTS 10 Jun 25, 1935 25 years, 195 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
51 Win 36–9–6 Davey Abad PTS 10 May 28, 1935 25 years, 167 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
50 Win 35–9–6 Mark Diaz PTS 8 May 10, 1935 25 years, 149 days Ventura A.C., Ventura, California
49 Win 34–9–6 Frankie Covelli PTS 8 Apr 16, 1935 25 years, 125 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
48 Win 33–9–6 Tully Corvo TKO 5 (10) Apr 6, 1935 25 years, 115 days L Street Arena, Sacramento, California
47 Loss 32–9–6 Davey Abad PTS 10 Mar 31, 1935 25 years, 109 days El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City
46 Win 32–8–6 Sal Hernandez TKO 2 (10), 2:57 Mar 19, 1935 25 years, 97 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
45 Loss 31–8–6 Rodolfo Casanova DQ 5 (10) Feb 16, 1935 25 years, 66 days Arena Nacional, Mexico City
44 Loss 31–7–6 Baby Arizmendi UD 12 Jan 1, 1935 25 years, 20 days El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City
43 Win 31–6–6 Ventura Arana TKO 5 (10) Dec 15, 1934 25 years, 3 days El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City
42 Win 30–6–6 Joe Conde TKO 7 (10) Dec 1, 1934 24 years, 354 days Arena Nacional, Mexico City
41 Loss 29–6–6 Baby Arizmendi PTS 10 Nov 4, 1934 24 years, 327 days Arena Nacional, Mexico City
40 Win 29–5–6 Perfecto Lopez PTS 8 Sep 28, 1934 24 years, 290 days Ventura A.C., Ventura, California
39 Win 28–5–6 Max Tarley KO 3 (10) Sep 13, 1934 24 years, 275 days Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, California
38 Win 27–5–6 Joe Sanchez TKO 4 (8) Sep 7, 1934 24 years, 269 days Ventura A.C., Ventura, California
37 Win 26–5–6 Perfecto Lopez TKO 5 (6) Aug 28, 1934 24 years, 259 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
36 Win 25–5–6 Perfecto Lopez PTS 6 Jul 17, 1934 24 years, 187 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
35 Win 24–5–6 Davey Abad PTS 10 Jun 14, 1934 24 years, 184 days Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, California
34 Win 23–5–6 Vicente Torres PTS 4 Jun 5, 1934 24 years, 175 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
33 Win 22–5–6 Johnny DeFoe TKO 6 (6), 2:10 May 22, 1934 24 years, 161 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
32 Draw 21–5–6 Young Danny PTS 10 May 4, 1934 24 years, 143 days Civic Auditorium, Watsonville, California
31 Win 21–5–5 Young Danny KO 1 (4) Mar 27, 1934 24 years, 105 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
30 Win 20–5–5 Perfecto Lopez PTS 8 Mar 6, 1934 24 years, 84 days Bakersfield Arena, Bakersfield, California
29 Win 19–5–5 Benny Pelz PTS 6 Feb 13, 1934 24 years, 63 days Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, California
28 Win 18–5–5 Baby Manuel PTS 10 Jan 26, 1934 24 years, 45 days Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, California
27 Win 17–5–5 Gene Espinoza TKO 7 (10) Dec 14, 1933 24 years, 2 days Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, California
26 Draw 16–5–5 Kid Moro PTS 10 Nov 23, 1933 23 years, 346 days Civic Auditorium, Stockton, California
25 Win 16–5–4 Kid Moro PTS 10 Nov 3, 1933 23 years, 326 days Pismo Beach Arena, Pismo Beach, California
24 Win 15–5–4 Johnny Granone TKO 6 (6) Oct 19, 1933 23 years, 311 days Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, California
23 Draw 14–5–4 Perfecto Lopez PTS 4 Oct 11, 1933 23 years, 303 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
22 Draw 14–5–3 Perfecto Lopez PTS 4 Sep 5, 1933 23 years, 267 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
21 Draw 14–5–2 Hoyt Jones PTS 4 Aug 30, 1933 23 years, 261 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
20 Win 14–5–1 Bobby Calmes KO 5 (6) Aug 8, 1933 23 years, 239 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
19 Win 13–5–1 Benny Pelz PTS 4 Jul 29, 1933 23 years, 229 days Main Street Athletic Club, Los Angeles, California
18 Loss 12–5–1 Baby Manuel PTS 6 Jul 11, 1933 23 years, 211 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
17 Win 12–4–1 George Haberski PTS 4 Jun 28, 1933 23 years, 198 days Wilmington Bowl, Wilmington, California
16 Win 11–4–1 Ricky Hall KO 3 (4) Jun 7, 1933 23 years, 177 days Pismo Beach Arena, Pismo Beach, California
15 Draw 10–4–1 Max Tarley PTS 6 May 31, 1933 23 years, 170 days Pico Arena, Los Angeles, California
14 Win 10–4 Young Bud Taylor KO 2 (4) May 24, 1933 23 years, 163 days Pico Arena, Los Angeles, California
13 Win 9–4 Perfecto Lopez PTS 6 Apr 28, 1933 23 years, 137 days Ventura A.C., Ventura, California
12 Win 8–4 Paul Wangley KO 4 (4) Mar 21, 1933 23 years, 99 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
11 Win 7–4 George Dundee PTS 6 Feb 17, 1933 23 years, 67 days Ventura A.C., Ventura, California
10 Win 6–4 Johnny Ryan PTS 6 Feb 3, 1933 23 years, 53 days Ventura A.C., Ventura, California
9 Win 5–4 Young Corpuz PTS 4 Dec 31, 1932 23 years, 19 days Pismo Beach Arena, Pismo Beach, California
8 Win 4–4 Gene Espinoza PTS 4 Dec 13, 1932 23 years, 1 day Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
7 Win 3–4 Vince Trujillo KO 2 (?) Dec 1, 1932 22 years, 355 days Los Angeles, California
6 Win 2–4 Max Tarley PTS 4 Oct 1, 1932 22 years, 294 days Los Angeles, California
5 Loss 1–4 Al Greenfield PTS 4 Sep 27, 1932 22 years, 290 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
4 Loss 1–3 Eddie Trujillo PTS 4 Aug 30, 1932 22 years, 262 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
3 Loss 1–2 Victor Kid Ponce PTS 4 Dec 7, 1931 21 years, 360 days Culver City Stadium, Culver City, California
2 Win 1–1 Sammy Burns PTS 6 Jul 31, 1931 21 years, 231 days Hickey Park, Millvale, Pennsylvania
1 Loss 0–1 Al Iovino KO 3 (4), 2:27 Jul 27, 1931 21 years, 227 days Meyers Bowl, North Braddock, Pennsylvania

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "BoxRec ratings: world, pound-for-pound, active and inactive". BoxRec. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  2. ^ a b Andrew Eisele. "Ring Magazine's 80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years". About.com Sports. Archived from the original on 2017-01-08. Retrieved 2016-07-15.
  3. ^ "The Greatest Boxer of All Time - Henry Armstrong, Says Teddy Atlas - Here's Why He's the GOAT". YouTube.
  4. ^ a b Mulvaney, Kieran (11 May 2007). "All-Time Greatest Boxers". ESPN. Retrieved 2017-12-27.
  5. ^ "Boxing Hall of Fame names first inductees". UPI.
  6. ^ "IBRO All-Time Ratings - Pound For Pound Results" (PDF). International Boxing Research Organization. 31 December 2019. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
  7. ^ "IBRO All-Time Ratings - Featherweight Ratings" (PDF). International Boxing Research Organization. 31 March 2019. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
  8. ^ "IBRO All-Time Ratings - Welterweight Ratings" (PDF). International Boxing Research Organization. 30 September 2019. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
  9. ^ "IBRO All-Time Ratings - Lightweight Ratings" (PDF). International Boxing Research Organization. 30 June 2019. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
  10. ^ a b c d St. Louis Walk of Fame. "St. Louis Walk of Fame Inductees". stlouiswalkoffame.org. Archived from the original on 8 October 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
  11. ^ a b c d "BoxRec: Henry Armstrong". Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  12. ^ a b Ryan, James. "Boxer Henry Armstrong dead at 75". UPI. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  13. ^ a b Grasso, John (2014). Historical Dictionary of Boxing. Lanham, Maryland: The Scarecrow Press, Inc. pp. 44–45. ISBN 978-0810878679.
  14. ^ Armstrong Family (2009). "Biography of Henry Armstrong". Official Henry Armstrong website. Archived from the original on 2009-05-11. Retrieved 2009-04-16.
  15. ^ "Henry Armstrong: Goes for Four Divisions". BoxingScene.com. 26 February 2008.
  16. ^ "Ceferino Garcia vs. Henry Armstrong (2nd meeting) – BoxRec".
  17. ^ Haygood, Wil (2011). Sweet thunder the life and times of Sugar Ray Robinson. Chicago: Lawrence Hill Books. p. 114. ISBN 978-1569768648.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Henry Armstrong.
External images
image icon Armstrong, seated, posing with a title belt (undated)
image icon Armstrong boarding an airplane (undated)
Sporting positions
World boxing titles
Preceded by NYSAC featherweight champion
October 29, 1937 – September 12, 1938
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Joey Archibald
NBA featherweight champion
October 29, 1937 – September 12, 1938
Vacated
The Ring featherweight champion
October 29, 1937 – September 12, 1938
Vacated
Undisputed featherweight champion
October 29, 1937 – September 12, 1938
Vacated
Preceded by NYSAC welterweight champion
May 31, 1938 – October 4, 1940 		Succeeded by
NBA welterweight champion
May 31, 1938 – October 4, 1940
The Ring welterweight champion
May 31, 1938 – October 4, 1940
Undisputed welterweight champion
May 31, 1938 – October 4, 1940
Preceded by NYSAC lightweight champion
August 17, 1938 – August 22, 1939 		Succeeded by
Lou Ambers
NBA lightweight champion
August 17, 1938 – August 22, 1939
The Ring lightweight champion
August 17, 1938 – August 22, 1939
Undisputed lightweight champion
August 17, 1938 – August 22, 1939