Henry Armstrong vs. Barney Ross

Good comparison. Apart from winning 4 out of 6 fights against 3 different fighters in the top 20 of all time....and becoming the second fighter to ever win titles in 3 different weight classes.....and being one of a handful of fighters to ever win and later regain the title in two different divisions, Ross really wasn’t all that. Philip Holiday had a pretty similar career.

 

Bravo.
One of my all time favorite posts.

 

Yes, Armstrong carried him, the last five rd. Armstrong didn't break a sweat. What you don't know is that Armstrong (Featherweight) bypassed the lightweight division, was offered to fight Barney's stablemate, Davey Day, (lightweight) and beat him to prove he was worthy to fight Barney for the Welterweight title. Pian & Winch , Barney and Daveys managers , Eddie Mead, Armstorngs manager, and Mike Jacobs, decided to let Armstrong fight Ross for a big pay day for their stable. Because, Armstrong would have a hard time beating Davey, or not at all. Armstrongs entire career was made by beating Ross. Mike Jacobs made another golden goose, and having complete control of his fights. Read more on the subject of Boxing transactions, decided by Mike Jacobs. Go to Ebay and put in, Henry Armstrong vs. Davey Day, it's a photo of Day and his manager arriving in NY to fight Pedro Montanez the # 1 Welterweight, Day is a mere Lt.weight. and the winner gets to fight Armstrong for the Wel.Title. You don't have to bid on the item, all the info is found in the description of the listed item, with more pictures of fighters in The Golden Age of Boxing. If you ask me , Mike Jacobs wanted to get Day killed, not allowing him to fight any of his Champions. Everything stated is verifiable. Ray Arcel worked with Davey in both fights with Armstrong and Montanez. It was Davey that gave Armstrong his worst beating, and the referee stopped the fight at 2:49 of the 12th rd. Looking at Armstrong's bloody face and said, "You can rest." That's all Folks.

 

Oh by the way, I have legitimate, NY Sportswriters ( not one of Mike Jacobs paid crony's to include AP and UP.) clippings stating that Davey Day was ahead of Armstrong to the 10th. Armstrong suffered a deep gash eye lid in the eight rd. was not (known) mentioned, referee, called in the Dr. to have a look, of course he wouldn't stop the fight making Day the Champion. Armstrong had to be assisted out of the ring, still wearing his Crown, from sheer exhaustion. The referee looked at Armstrong in amazement where he got his stamina from, never seeing any fighter throw as many punches as he did, reported to be 2000.

 

You do not become a 3 time division camp with out being Great. Ross was great. He just was not on Armstrong's level.