Henry Armstrong and Pacman

[JAB5239]

** According to boxrec, he relenquished his jr welt and lightweight title just prior to the rubber with McLarnin.

He held both when he beat McClarnin for the welt title the first time. McLarnin won the rematch which left Ross with the two titles until the rubber.

Ross didn't give up the lightweight and junior welterweight titles until Apr 15th of 1935, Jab, as reported in all the big papers (NY Times, Chicago Tribune, LA Times, etc.) the following day on the 16th. By that time he had already won and lost to McLarnin in two fights for the welterweight championship.

Anybody know why Armstrong is always heralded as the only fighter to hold titles in 3 different divisions at the same time?

[TheGreatA]

Anybody know why Armstrong is always heralded as the only fighter to hold titles in 3 different divisions at the same time?

The light welterweight title meant very little at the time. Armstrong also had wins over super featherweight and light welterweight title holders but he never won either of the titles officially.

[El Jesus]

The light welterweight title meant very little at the time. Armstrong also had wins over super featherweight and light welterweight title holders but he never won either of the titles officially.

Why is that?

[portuge puncher]

Well if he get's a 7th title on top of his 4 lineal achievement..people sure as hell better recognize him in the history books. He's already done more than Roberto Duran resume - wise.

but roberto duran has a better resume, he beat HOF's, is the greatest lightwieght of alltime, and would probbably kill pac if they had fought

[TheGreatA]

Why is that?

The super featherweight and light welterweight titles did not really matter much at the time. Barney Ross vacated his light welterweight title and it remained that way until Tippy Larkin won the title 10 years later.

Benny Bass and Frankie Klick were the last recognized super featherweight world champions, both were beaten by Armstrong.