OFFENSE vs DEFENSE: Henry Armstrong vs Willie Pep @ Featherweight

Hard to say if Armstrong was the same fighter at FW given he only fought about 13 or so times at the limit, indicating he may have been tight at the weight. I see Pep winning the early rounds but Armstrongs attrition taking a toll and pulling out the later rounds. Pep would find it harder defending 6 shots at a time that are thrown at close range and his own shots wont bother Armstrong as much. All the same a close close fight, maybe Armstrong edging it, maybe taking over and dominating as he did dominate the bigger Ross after all

BTW Best Offense is a big claim especially granting it to Armstrong who neither had the greatest power or best speed

 

I think he was just on the verge of outgrowing the weight as he was reaching his peak (late '36 and '37); however, his achievements at the weight are very much underrated, mainly because they're overshadowed by the extraordinary feats he accomplished at the higher weights. At 126 pounds, he beat three very good title claimants - Petey Sarron, Mike Belloise, and Baby Arizmendi(HOFer) - and unified the long fragmented title. He also is the only fighter ever to stop Sarron in 100-plus fights. He also beat the more experienced HOFer Midget Wolgast while weighing within the 126-pound limit. Personally, I think Armstrong during the (relatively brief) time that he was at his peak at or near 126 could've beaten just about any FW ever. Given that, and his uncanny adeptness at cutting off the ring and chasing down slick boxers, I'd favor Armstrong to beat Pep by a competitive decision.

 

It's not so much what he "had" as how he applied it. He completely shut down and battered a long-reigning WW champion and later outslugged one of the top MWs in the world, while he himself peaked at around 130 pounds and was naturally never more than a jr. welter.

 

As much as i love Pep i think Armstrong overwhelms him. Cuts down Peps movement and gts inside and starts firing. Pep cant deal with it as he needed some room.

 

Is the Sarron fight on tape, I've never seen it and it would make interesting viewing. Either way I'd favour Sanchez over Armstrong at 126 who is the ultimate Feather imo

 

Armstrong at featherweight is like starving a bull to death. Pep in his natural weight by comfortable UD against a drained weakened Armstrong.

 

Armstrong gets the nod....too busy, Pep needed a little room to get his best work, also Armstrong had underrated hand speed and defense, he slipped alot more punches than given credit for. Pep though adept and cunning, had problems with crowders(Angott), and rough brute sluggers(Saddler) and Armstrong was both roled into one. I think it would be highly competitive But Armstrong strength and busier style get him a close but clear UD.

 

You do realise Hank was a featherweight champion, when he was a grown man in his 20''s and holds several very notable wins at the weight.

Obviously we are talking about that Armstrong that can make the weight with no ill effects. Arguably his best, most effective weight from reports.

 

Never heard of a starving bull unifying the division's title and KOing a champion that was never stopped by anyone else in over 100 fights.

 

Melody's newspaper featherweight championship doesn't mean nothing. His best title bouts took place in welterweight. Pep easily by decision.

 

You know that Armstrong had to drink several pints of water to get above the minimum weight to compete as a welter?

 

Do everyone a favor and stop contaminating Classic with your General Forum schtick. You're ruining this thread almost as bad as you did the "Stunning Women" thread in the lounge.

 

Seems like "KTFO" has taken the place of Chris Warren and frankenfrank.

 

I said 'Sweet Pee', not 'Sweet Pea', you troglodytes.