<iframe width="560" height="315" src="[url]https://www.youtube.com/embed/EUY-o8a6isw?start=565[/url]" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> One thing some may have not noticed is that against "popular belief" Henry was not entirely jab-less, He often threw this sequence whenever he was cutting distance. He mixed the tempo and at times order of the punches making these less then text book movements a big portion of his science. In this highlighted little scene of the video Barney has been lulled into expecting another "Jump "Jab after being punished so he keeps his right high and close for a catch trying to keep Henry from getting inside. With the right flank open what follows instead is a devastating left hook with no time to anticipate due to his shallow stance and chaotic movement.
Great demonstration of the varied styles of past fighters using what works for them. Armstrong's strength's were his incredible endurance, and his physical strength. He maximized his effectiveness by fighting aggressively, forcing opponents into his wheelhouse on most occasions by fighting them in a phone booth. Most of his opponents had to fight him just to survive, and keep him off of them. Though he was incredibly aggressive he was defensively sound ,smothering his opponents punches or slipping them , than sliding his feet to a different angle and attacking which he demonstrates multiple times in the film. The only way a fighter can be that sharp is through activity. Fighting regularly, sparring even more. Fighters today wouldn't know how what to do against him because no one fights that way. Fighters like Armstrong or Duran with his wrestling and physical style would've cleaned up from Lightweight to Middleweight in today's game with their skills. Some of the cry babies of today's game would be whining too the ref just to get a break . A great demonstration of the differences in ability and know how from today's fighters and fighters from yesteryear . Fighters today just don't compare in my opinion . .
The speed in that video has been adjusted, everything is moving too fast. The referee, the corner people are moving much too fast. Armstrong's corner man is rubbing his back so fast at the center ring before the fight that it looks like he is polishing a car. "Editing" old film can ruin it.
Armstrong jabbed quite a lot in some of his filmed fights. He had long arms for his height too, so it was a very effective punch.
Never understood why people call him jabless, He used it as befit his style and dimensions perfectly.
There is one fighter that fought Armstrong in his prime and gave him a real beating. Go to E Bay, and put in Search, Henry Armstrong vs. Davey Day. Ross's stablemate. Hank would not get in ring with Mr. Day again, even thou he won by TKO at 2:49 of 12 th in first fight. You don't have to bid on anything. Has several photos and clippings.
