85 years ago

Date: 9th October 1939

Title: World Welterweight Title

Promoter: Pinkie George

Henry Armstrong
( 96 - 12 - 7 )
Weight: 141½ lbs

Al Manfredo
( 74 - 22 - 8 )
Weight: 146¾ lbs

On October 9, 1939, a rematch between champion Henry Armstrong and challenger Al Manfredo took place at Riverview Park in Des Moines, Iowa. Promoted by the influential Pinkie George, the event drew significant attention from fans and media alike.

The fight was originally advertised as a non-title bout, but the circumstances surrounding the event suggested otherwise. Both Armstrong and Manfredo, as well as promoter Pinkie George, had prepared for the match as if the world welterweight title were at stake. However, the National Boxing Association (NBA) refused to sanction the fight as a title bout, with secretary Harvey Miller stating that Manfredo was not ranked among the top three contenders for Armstrong's crown.

This decision by the NBA raised eyebrows within the boxing community, as Armstrong had previously defended his title against numerous opponents who may not have been ranked in the top three. Moreover, Armstrong and Manfredo had already faced each other in a recognized title fight just 10 months earlier, on December 5, 1938, at the Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. In that encounter, Armstrong had emerged victorious, stopping Manfredo by technical knockout at 1:45 of the third round.

As the rematch began, it became clear that Armstrong had not lost a step since their previous meeting. The champion, weighing in at a trim 141½ pounds, displayed his signature speed, agility, and relentless attacking style. Manfredo, who tipped the scales at a significantly heavier 146¾ pounds, struggled to cope with Armstrong's pressure and found himself on the defensive from the opening bell.

Armstrong's superior boxing skills and conditioning were evident throughout the fight. He consistently beat Manfredo to the punch, landing crisp combinations and powerful body shots that sapped the challenger's energy and resolve. Manfredo, to his credit, showed tremendous heart and resilience, absorbing the punishment and firing back whenever the opportunity presented itself.

However, as the rounds progressed, it became increasingly clear that Manfredo was fighting a losing battle. Armstrong's relentless assault took its toll, and by the fourth round, the challenger was visibly wilting under the champion's pressure. At 1:35 of the round, referee Alex Fidler had seen enough and stepped in to halt the contest, awarding Armstrong the victory by technical knockout.