His biggest hit was "Sweet Adeline", written in 1903 with Richard Gerard . Armstrong starred in the feature film Keep Punching (1939) in 1939. Like his mother, his grandmother hoped that he would pursue a career in the ministry. So, its just a coincidence that all this is coming together like that.. Guinness World Records Kids (opens in a new window), GWR Merchandise Store (opens in a new window), Corporate Social Responsibility activities & fundraising ideas, Community engagement & tourism marketing activities. [10] 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. [11], In 1937 alone, Armstrong went 270 (26KO). He also wrote the autobiographical God, Gloves, and Glory (1956). African-American Sports Greats: A Biographical Dictionary. Full Q\u0026A episode here: https://youtu.be/KULHRj7H9l0**** Teddy's Audiobook Now Available. document[imgName].src = eval(imgName + 'over.src'); "Henry Armstrong," Newsmakers 1989, Issue 4. 2019Encyclopedia.com | All rights reserved. He made $35 for his pro debut, and was knocked out in three rounds. 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. When Cox sold his contract on Armstrong to Wirt Ross in 1932 for $250, Armstrong entered the professional ranks to stay. Armstrong's purses had totaled between $500,000 and $1 million, but most of the money was gone when the Hall of Famer retired at age 32. For a full list of record titles, please use our Record Application Search. Armstrong appeared on the TV game show I've Got a Secret with his simultaneous triple championship as his secret. ." "Henry Armstrong His mother died a year later, and he was raised by his grandmother. Davis is excited to fight in his hometown. In his 2006 book "Boxing's Greatest Fighters," historian Bert Sugar ranked Armstrong as the second greatest fighter of all-time. var navathletescold = new Image(); . All but one of his defences were in the USA. var navclassicover = new Image(); In the same year, he fought for an unprecedented fourth title in the middleweight division, but lost to Ceferina Garcia in a controversial decision. [11] In February 1966, Rev. var navpostcardover = new Image(); var navcontributeover = new Image(); March 4, 1939: Armstrong successfully defends the NBA and The Ring welterweight titles against Bobby Pacho, winning the fight via 4th round TKO. Switch to interactive mode Born Henry Jackson on Dec. 12, 1912, in Columbus, Miss., he was the 11th of 15 children. Fleischer ranked him as the #8 All-Time Welterweight; The road to becoming a champion was not entirely smooth. October 29, 1937: Armstrong wins his first world titles by defeating Petey Sarron via 6th round KO. He finally did beat Zivic, by decision in 1942, but Zivic was no longer champ. The event is named after the late Mississippi boxer, Henry Armstrong, who, in 1938, became the first boxer to ever hold three world titles at the same time. var navgalleryover = new Image(); In 2007, The Ring ranked Armstrong as the second-greatest fighter of the last 80 years. Armstrong fought as an amateur from 1929 to 1932. But he was learning how to harness his natural physical gifts; strength, quickness, stamina, and the ability to take a punch. First of all, Ive got to thank Pearl Boxing Club, because without them this wouldnt be the possible or without God.. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"_9hAJy7CmJsKH07kPqMVqhJI9fwN_aHmPuAo7fcIZbM-86400-0"}; Henry Armstrong, original name Henry Jackson, (born December 12, 1912, Columbus, Mississippi, U.S.died October 24, 1988, Los Angeles, California), American boxer, the only professional boxer to hold world championship titles in three weight divisions simultaneously. 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. Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Henry Irwin Armstrong (1850 - 1935) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. Armstrong made his debut against Al Lovino at the age of 18 on July 27, 1931, losing to Lovino via 3rd round KO. PEARL, Miss. Henry J Armstrong is thirty-eight. The Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia. Returning to St. Louis, he founded the Henry Armstrong Youth Foundation and directed the Herbert Hoover Boys Club. [16] 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. All records listed on our website are current and up-to-date. But 1938 was an even better year for Armstrong, as he took the two more championships. . Ambers had Armstrong spitting blood from a torn bottom lip, and he cut the challenger's eyes as well. Henry married Lou M Armstrong. Aldo Spoldi was the only opponent to take him the full 10 rounds. This fight is the second best . His last professional fight was a non-title rematch against Chester Slider at 32 years of age, on February 14, 1945. //