Henry Armstrong knocked out Lou Ambers in one of Boxing's greatest 15-round fights
Ambers (89-8-7) was one of the best players in the sport. Known as “The Herkimer Hurricane,” he built his reputation by defeating top-level opponents and entered the tournament as the undisputed champion. Armstrong (88-10-7) already holds the featherweight and welterweight championships as he pursues an unprecedented third world title. Both men will later be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
From opening bell, Armstrong fought relentlessly that earned him the nickname “Killing Hank.” From the opening bell, Armstrong applied relentless pressure, forcing Ambers to fight at a fast pace. Ambers landed counters and combinations, but Armstrong continued to press forward and force exchanges.
The challenger gained a large advantage during the early rounds. Towards the end of the fifth, Armstrong landed a right hand that pinned Ambers to the canvas. The bell came before Armstrong could fully use the money, allowing the champion precious time to recover. One round later, Armstrong dropped him again for a count of eight before launching an attack to the head and body.
Even after being hit twice, Ambers refused to break. Even after being hit twice, Ambers continued to fight. He started getting more counters and won several rounds as the fight went on.
Armstrong's anger came at a cost. He was punished for three rounds by repeated low blows, deductions that ended up playing a major role in one of the closest championship decisions of his career.
Armstrong also battled through serious injuries, including severe cuts to his mouth and cuts near both eyes. Blood came from his mouth throughout the contest, and referee Billy Cavanagh reportedly considered stopping the fight. Armstrong refused to give up, even dropping his mouth during the closing stages while swallowing blood to stay in the fight.
Ambers finished strong, especially during the championship rounds. His late rally inspired the Madison Square Garden crowd, many of whom believed he had done enough to retain his title.
After 15 grueling rounds, the judges were split. Two officials scored the fight for Armstrong, and a third ruled in favor of Ambers, giving Armstrong a split decision victory despite being stripped of points due to a minor hit.
This decision drew the ire of many viewers. Fans who believed that Ambers got the decision were showered with rubbish after the result was announced.
Armstrong later described the bout as the hardest fight of his career, saying he almost succumbed to the pain after the final bell. This event was named The Ring magazine's 1938 Fight of the Year.
The victory completed a major boxing success. Armstrong was the first and remains the only fighter to hold world championships simultaneously in the featherweight, lightweight and welterweight divisions. He soon vacated the featherweight title because making 126 pounds was impossible, but he continued to reign as the welterweight champion.
Ambers got another chance the following year and got revenge by defeating Armstrong by unanimous decision to regain the lightweight championship.
Their first meeting remains one of boxing's defining championship fights. Combining elite competition, relentless action and a historic achievement that has never been replicated, Armstrong's victory stands as one of the sport's greatest achievements.
