Puzzled By Henry Armstrong’s Fighting Style

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by JLP1978, Jun 30, 2020.


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  1. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    By outworking, I mean punches thrown, and roughing / grappling in the clinches combined. I never saw his punch stats.
     
    Mendoza, Jun 30, 2020
    Mendoza, Jun 30, 2020
    #16
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  2. Eddie Ezzard

    Eddie Ezzard Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Advantage Pat M.

    Game, set and match, Pat M.
     
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2020
    Eddie Ezzard, Jun 30, 2020
    Eddie Ezzard, Jun 30, 2020
    #17
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  3. roughdiamond

    roughdiamond Ridin' the rails... Full Member

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    He would also bring his head upwards from down low into his opponents head slot, which would make any opponent trying to crouch or bend straighten up, then Hank could apply his pressure on the sides, head on the opponents right shoulder for left body shots and hooks (like Olivares), on the left shoulder for conventional inside defence and uppercuts (like Duran). A very wrestler like tactic; Chavez was also a master at it, but Armstrong is unique in how he seamlessly juggled all three head positions constantly.
     
    roughdiamond, Jun 30, 2020
    roughdiamond, Jun 30, 2020
    #18
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  4. Blaxx

    Blaxx Active Member Full Member

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    Just in case you haven't watched these. Very good analyses of Armstrong's style. He did so many things at a very high level that he gets underrated for.
     
    Blaxx, Jun 30, 2020
    Blaxx, Jun 30, 2020
    #19
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  5. Jel

    Jel Obsessive list maker Full Member

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    From the footage I've seen of him that's widely available, he seems a master at getting his opponent to fight his fight. Ross, Ambers, Garcia - they are all forced into unnatural fighting positions, their own work smothered. Armstrong uses his shoulders (and his head) to keep them on the back foot perpetually.

    If he was around today, I don't think he would be able to use that style because he would be constantly at risk of being docked points or being disqualified for using his head too much.
     
    Jel, Jun 30, 2020
    Jel, Jun 30, 2020
    #20
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  6. 70sFan865

    70sFan865 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    **** off with any refs that wouldn't give Armstrong fighting his fight, it's a beautiful boxing. Purest infighting imaginable.
     
    70sFan865, Jul 1, 2020
    70sFan865, Jul 1, 2020
    #21
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  7. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    There isn't a lot of Armstrong footage, sadly, but is he ever discouraged by a punch on what exists? I don't think he is. It's like he's able to operate totally independently of the punches he takes. That's what makes him unique on film, for me.

    But we don't have that much film. So who knows really.
     
    McGrain, Jul 1, 2020
    McGrain, Jul 1, 2020
    #22
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  8. Jel

    Jel Obsessive list maker Full Member

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    No argument from me on that!
     
    Jel, Jul 1, 2020
    Jel, Jul 1, 2020
    #23
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  9. cross_trainer

    cross_trainer Liston was good, but no "Tire Iron" Jones Full Member

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    Bump
     
    cross_trainer, Aug 4, 2022
    cross_trainer, Aug 4, 2022
    #24
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  10. FastLeft

    FastLeft Well-Known Member Full Member

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    great fighter
     
    FastLeft, Aug 4, 2022
    FastLeft, Aug 4, 2022
    #25
  11. 70sFan865

    70sFan865 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Everything that is to said about Armstrong is already in this thread. Truly a special fighter.
     
    70sFan865, Aug 4, 2022
    70sFan865, Aug 4, 2022
    #26
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  12. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Great call on Hank's center of gravity , I believe your post is the gold standard for this thread. I always read your analysis of fighters and this is one of your absolute best. I tip my hat!
     
    Reinhardt, Aug 5, 2022
    Reinhardt, Aug 5, 2022
    #27
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  13. The G-Man

    The G-Man I'm more of a vet. banned Full Member

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    More impressive considering he claims he s about 12 years old.
     
    The G-Man, Aug 5, 2022
    The G-Man, Aug 5, 2022
    #28
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  14. Clinton

    Clinton Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Great post, 70s! Well done!
     
    Clinton, Aug 5, 2022
    Clinton, Aug 5, 2022
    #29
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  15. George Crowcroft

    George Crowcroft He Who Saw The Deep Full Member

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    I'm 18 xoxo
     
    George Crowcroft, Aug 5, 2022
    George Crowcroft, Aug 5, 2022
    #30
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