Henry Jackson Jr., better known as, Henry Armstrong, was born in Columbus, Mississippi in 1912. Armstrong can by far be considered one of boxing's greatest athletes, hailed by critics and other professional boxers alike. He is one of many elite boxers that have won boxing championships in three or more different divisions. This was especially unique, because at the time, there were only eight recognized World titles. Armstrong also has the honor and distinction of being the only boxer to hold three World Championships at the same time, Batamweight, Featherweight, and Welterweight. He has also defended the Welterweight title more times than any other boxer.
Armstrong started out as a professional on July 28, 1931, getting knocked out by Al Lovino in the third round of their bout. His first win came later that year, beating Sammy Burns by way of decision in the sixth round.
In 2007, The Ring ranked Armstrong as the second greatest fighter of the last 80 years as did Bert Sugar, proclaiming him to be the second greatest boxer of all time. Armstrong was also inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame and became a member of the International Boxing Hall Fame.
After boxing, he became a Baptist minister and youth advocate. He passed away on October 22, 1988 in Los Angeles, California.
