Not being an Armstrong expert myself, I still have a lot of admiration for what I’ve read about him. Wasn’t he simultaneously champion in three divisions at once ? Where do feel he did the best ?
Yes, he was simultaneously champ at FW, LW and WW. I rank him highest (#4) at WW, based on what he did in each respective weight division, largely due to his c.20 world title wins in that division. However, I suspect he was a natural LW in his prime and that would be his best division H2H.
When people discuss the old time fighters though he’s not completely ignored Armstrong just doesn’t seem to get the attention that he should deserve. I mean his achievements are off the scale.
Agreed. Top 4 P4P ATG imo (specifically my #4). He held 3 of the then 8 world titles on his own. Dominated an elite ATG, my #15 P4P fighter of all time, Barney Ross to win the WW title whilst weighing under the LW limit. Made multiple defences of the WW crown whilst weighing under the LW limit (admittedly some of his challengers weren't great and/or natural WWs themselves). 19 WW lineal title defences, the most in the divisions history, despite only being a natural LW. He also drew for a version of the MW title whilst weighing only 142lbs. My P4P rankings have moved around a bit over the years, but only SRR, Greb and Langford have ever been higher than Henry for me.
Very informative post ( as always ) and all of which I agree with, regarding the " draw " with Garcia at MW, for those who don't know, Henry had already beaten him in a world WW title defense in 38, despite giving away nearly 12 lbs, some feat. stay safe buddy.
He only had a few fights at featherweight and is highest ranked at welterweight, but lightweight seemed like Armstrong's natural size.
I concur on both WW being his highest ranking division and lightweight being the one he’d be hardest to beat at. I personally think him holding three of the original eight division championships at once the greatest single accomplishment in boxing history. It’s stunning to think that at one time he ruled the roost from 126-147. Anyone rating him No. 1 all-time based on that alone, I wouldn’t argue with (I don’t have him quite that high but ruling three divisions out of eight at one time makes it a not unreasonable ranking imo). I would say, and this is slightly different than a ranking, that I hold no boxer in history in higher esteem. He’d also be a nightmare matchup for most anyone H2H, especially at or around 135. Not many from feather to welter could walk into a 15-rounder with prime Armstrong feeling like they’re going to walk away with a sure win, or an easy one … if they walk away with a win at all.
