Henry Armstrong

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For other people named Henry Armstrong, see Henry Armstrong (disambiguation).
Henry Armstrong
Henry Armstrong.jpg
Henry Armstrong in 1937
Statistics
Real nameHenry Melody Jackson Jr.
Nickname(s)Homicide Hank
Hurricane Hank
Hammerin' Hank
Weight(s)Featherweight
Lightweight
Welterweight
Middleweight
Height5 ft 5+1⁄2 in (166 cm)
Reach67 in (170 cm)
NationalityAmerican
Born(1912-12-12)December 12, 1912
Columbus, Mississippi
DiedOctober 24, 1988(1988-10-24) (aged 75)
Los Angeles, California
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights181
Wins151
Wins by KO101
Losses21
Draws9

Henry Jackson Jr. (December 12, 1912 – October 24, 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] 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.[3] He was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the inaugural class of 1990.[4]

Early life[]

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, Irish, and Native 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[5] Later he took the surname Armstrong as his fighting name.

Early career[]

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.[6]

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.[6] Early in his career, he fought some fights under the ring name Melody Jackson.[7]

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.[6] 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.[8]

Armstrong's two nicknames were Hurricane Henry and Homicide' Hank.[9]

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 133½ 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.[8]

Welterweight defenses[]

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.[10] According to boxing historian Bert Sugar, many commentators of the time said that Armstrong deserved the decision in this fight.[11]

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.[6]

After boxing[]

After retiring from boxing in 1946, Armstrong briefly opened a Harlem nightclub, the Melody Room (named after his first nickname).[12] 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.[7] In February 1966, Rev. Armstrong appeared on the TV game show I've Got a Secret with his simultaneous triple championship as his secret.

Death, legacy and honors[]

Professional boxing record[]

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

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "BoxRec ratings: world, pound-for-pound, active and inactive". BoxRec. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b Andrew Eisele. "Ring Magazine's 80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years". About.com Sports.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b Mulvaney, Kieran (11 May 2007). "All-Time Greatest Boxers". ESPN. Retrieved 2017-12-27.
  4. ^ https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/04/07/Boxing-Hall-of-Fame-names-first-inductees/6244639460800/
  5. ^ Jump up to: 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.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "BoxRec: Henry Armstrong". Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b Ryan, James. "Boxer Henry Armstrong dead at 75". UPI. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  8. ^ Jump up to: a b Grasso, John (2014). Historical Dictionary of Boxing. Lanham, Maryland: The Scarecrow Press, Inc. pp. 44–45. ISBN 978-0810878679.
  9. ^ Armstrong Family (2009). "Biography of Henry Armstrong". Official Henry Armstrong website. Archived from the original on 2009-05-11. Retrieved 2009-04-16.
  10. ^ "Henry Armstrong: Goes for Four Divisions". BoxingScene.com.
  11. ^ [1]
  12. ^ Haygood, Wil (2011). Sweet thunder the life and times of Sugar Ray Robinson. Chicago: Lawrence Hill Books. p. 114. ISBN 978-1569768648.

External links[]

External images
image icon Armstrong, seated, posing with a title belt (undated)
image icon Armstrong boarding an airplane (undated)
Achievements
Vacant
Title last held by
Battling Battalino 		World Featherweight Champion
October 29, 1937 – September 12, 1938
Vacated 		Succeeded by
Joey Archibald
Preceded by
Barney Ross 		World Welterweight Champion
May 31, 1938 – October 4, 1940 		Succeeded by
Fritzie Zivic
Preceded by
Lou Ambers 		World Lightweight Champion
August 17, 1938 – August 22, 1939 		Succeeded by
Lou Ambers
Retrieved from ""