3 Henry Armstrong

Welterweight, USA

“HOMICIDE HANK” held the world titles at both lightweight and welter when he defended the latter against Ernie Roderick at Harringay Arena on May 25, 1939.

On the lightweight limit at 9st 9lbs, Armstrong conceded 10 3/4lbs but won so clearly that Roderick was praised for merely lasting the distance. The BBC televised live, with BN helpfully pointing out in its preview issue that, “as a Armstrong is a coloured boxer [Ernie was white], there should be no difficulty distinguishing the two men in the ring.”

armstrong

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