Henry Armstrong P4P # 1???

You could argue that their is actual footage of Armstrong in which he doesnt look like ****. With Robsinson though, i feel Robinson has him slightly beaten in almost every aspect. Domination, H2H, resume etc..

 

I don't know if their really is a strong case. Greb and Robinson clearly have stronger resumes than Hank in both higher weights and single division dominance. The only true case for Hank is holding of 3 titles simultaneously (the only man in history) and doing it by defeating 3 all time greats in those particular divisions history. H2H he's is nightmare from 126 to 140, but so is Robinson and Greb from 147-160.

 

Well, add he still holds the record for defences at welterweight and that he had the greatest run in boxing history with three years and being like 59-1 with 51 knockouts in that time. Nobody has done this ever before or after him. In hat time he beat ten HoFers 13 times ... He has a case, it really depends on what you like.

 

I think maybe Armstrong is just fresh in your mind. Robinson and Greb belong at #1 and #2 if you ask me. Armstrong somewhere after, not too far of course.

 

I have Robinson and Armstrong one and two, but I could flip them. Robinson was special, as his record and film clearly show. But his prime was spent during a weak period in boxing history. The war was on in 1941 and titles were frozen and millions of young men went to war, including hundreds, if not thousands, who put their boxing careers on hold. Robinson was a big fish in a small pond. Not so with Henry. He was competing at a time of enormous talent in a huge pool. This was the pre-war peak of the boxing club scene where craft and science was perfected, especially at the lower weights. Armstrong came from a hard scrabble beginning and powered his way through three world titles - really four. In my mind, they are virtually tied. I give the slight edge to Robinson based on the dazzle in film. But match them pound for pound prime for prime and Robinson has his hands fuller than with any other prime fighter he ever faced.

 

Let's not forget that Robinson went 128-1 and NEVER lost a fight at the welterweight limit and he has 2 wins over a Top 3 all time Welter in Kid Gavilan. He was previously denied opportunities at the title by the mob before defeating Tommy Bell, who knows how many defenses he could of made had he got a shot at Servo's title. There are many sources (including Bert Sugar, who I don't hold highly) who believe Hank deserved the decision, it was against Ceferino Garcia a man he had previously defeated. Greb record is equally as impressive, also while going against the most fierce competition in boxing over 4 weight divisions.

Armstrong's accomplishments are exceptional and I do believe he has a claim to be higher than Langford and as high as two but not #1 over Robinson or Greb.

 

I think Armstrong has as good a case as anyone else. He pulled off arguably the greatest single feat in boxing history when he basically jumped up from FW to WW and toppled a long-reigning HOF champion, and simultaneously holding three unified titles in the original weight classes. On top of that, he made a record number of defenses in a weight class well above his prime weight.

I think the fighters with the best cases to be rated #1 all time are Armstrong, Greb, Robinson, Langford, and Charles.

 

I'll say it right now, Armstrongs win over Ross, in the manner he did the deed, is the greatest win in boxing history.

 

I would say Armstrong, Greb and Robinson ALL have a perfectly reasonable case as number one, imo.

 

you could be right.its often forgotten how tiny armstrong was compared to a solid welter.britain's ernie roderick for instance was massive in comparison.it made no difference

 

He was #1 on my list for a while. The accomplishments are certainly there. Ray looked better on film but Hank was a buzzsaw who would break you down.

18 title defenses at Welter, holding the championship at feather, light, and welter at once and probally deserved the nod against Cef. Beating a ton of great fighters. The only thing that hurts his case is his longevity at the top of the sport.

 

why did ross retired after that fight? He retired too early just like hagler