Most historians claim that two-division world champion ‘Sugar’ Ray Robinson was the best pound-for-pound boxer. I feel the same way while three divisions were all at the same time champion Henry ‘Homicide Hank’ Armstrong. I consider him the number two behind Robinson. Armstrong was a former champion when they met, and Robinson was not yet a champion.
Armstrong’s Triple-Crown Reign
Look at Armstrong (72-11-7) back then, who won the featherweight title in October 1937, knocking out Petey Sarron (107-21-13) in 6 rounds at Madison Square Garden.
In May 1938, Armstrong defeated Barney Ross (74-3) by decision at Madison Square Garden Bowl.
In August 1938, Armstrong (88-11-7) won a split decision over then Lightweight Champion Lou Ambers (75-5-7) at Madison Square Garden.
Armstrong lost the welterweight title to Fritzie Zivic in October 1940 at MSG.
Armstrong finished with a (149-21-10) record with 99 shutouts. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
Looking at Robinson (73-1-1), he won the welterweight title at the time in December 1946, defeating Tommy Bell (39-10-3) at Madison Square Garden.
Robinson (121-1-2) then won the welterweight title in February 1951, stopping Jake ‘Bronx Bull’ LaMotta (78-14-3) in 13 rounds at Chicago Stadium.
Robinson knocked out Rocky Graziano for the middleweight title in Chicago Stadium in April 1952.
Robinson lost to Light Heavyweight Champion Joe Maxim after 13 rounds due to exhaustion, although ahead on all cards.
Robinson (44-1), before becoming a champion, defeated Henry Armstrong (132-17-8) at MSG in June 1943 after Armstrong lost the title to Fritzie Zivic.
Last updated on 19/10/2025
