84 years ago

Date: 1st March 1940

Title: CSAC World Middleweight Title

Promoter: Charley MacDonald

Ceferino Garcia
( 115 - 25 - 12 )
Weight: 153½ lbs

Henry Armstrong
( 104 - 12 - 7 )
Weight: 142 lbs

On March 1, 1940, Gilmore Stadium in Los Angeles, California, played host to a highly the rematch between two of boxing's most talented fighters, Henry Armstrong and Ceferino Garcia. The ten-round bout, fought at a catchweight of 153 pounds for Garcia and 142 pounds for Armstrong, ended in a controversial draw that left many ringsiders questioning the outcome.

The fight, promoted by the Hollywood American Legion Stadium and matchmaker Charley MacDonald, was recognized as a World Middleweight Title fight by the California State Athletic Commission. However, the New York State Athletic Commission, which also recognized Garcia as the World Middleweight Champion, did not consider the bout a title defense due to its ten-round duration, as opposed to the traditional fifteen rounds.

From the opening bell, Armstrong, a former three-division world champion, showcased his trademark aggressive style, pressing the action and landing crisp combinations on the larger Garcia. The Filipino-American fighter, known for his crafty defensive skills and counterpunching ability, found himself on the receiving end of Armstrong's relentless assault for much of the fight.

As the rounds progressed, Armstrong appeared to be building a commanding lead on the scorecards, with many ringside observers noting his superior work rate and effective punching. Garcia, to his credit, remained composed under pressure and managed to land some solid counters of his own, but the general consensus was that Armstrong had done enough to secure the victory.

When the final bell sounded, the crowd at Gilmore Stadium awaited the decision with anticipation. Referee George Blake, who served as the sole judge for the contest, surprised everyone by declaring the fight a draw. The announcement was met with a chorus of boos from the audience, as most felt that Armstrong had clearly outboxed and outworked Garcia throughout the ten rounds.

The controversial nature of the decision was further fueled by rumors that Armstrong had been offered a staggering $75,000 to take a dive in the fourth round. While these allegations were never substantiated, they added to the intrigue surrounding the fight and its unsatisfying conclusion.

For referee George Blake, the Armstrong-Garcia bout would prove to be his final assignment in the ring. According to his obituary in the New York Times on December 21, 1952, Blake passed away at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy as one of boxing's most prominent officials.