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