83 years ago

Date: 17th January 1941

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA

Title: World Welterweight Title

Promoter: Mike Jacobs

Henry Armstrong
( 109 - 13 - 8 )
Weight: 140½ lbs

Fritzie Zivic
( 103 - 24 - 6 )
Weight: 145¾ lbs

On January 17, 1941, at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, Henry Armstrong and Fritzie Zivic clashed for the second time. The stakes were high, with Zivic's World Welterweight Title on the line. The bout culminated in a riveting 12th-round TKO victory for Zivic, marking a significant moment in the annals of boxing history and bringing an end to Armstrong's illustrious career.

Stepping into the ring at 146 lbs, Zivic faced a surprisingly lighter Armstrong, who weighed in at 140 lbs. The physical toll of the match was evident from the start, setting the stage for a gruelling battle. Zivic's methodical approach gradually wore down the former champion, inflicting significant damage throughout the early and middle rounds.

By the 10th round, referee Arthur Donovan, concerned for Armstrong's wellbeing, warned him that he would only allow one more round. Armstrong, displaying his legendary heart, refused to quit and mounted a ferocious comeback in the 11th. For two minutes, he unleashed a barrage of punches that had Zivic on the defensive and the crowd on its feet. However, this burst of energy proved to be Armstrong's last stand.

In the 12th round, Zivic quickly reasserted control. He peppered Armstrong with straight lefts and right crosses, reopening cuts and leaving the former champion defenceless. At the 52-second mark, Donovan intervened, stopping the fight and awarding Zivic the TKO victory.

The bout was a testament to Zivic's skill and Armstrong's indomitable spirit. It marked the end of an era, as Armstrong announced his retirement immediately after the fight. This defeat closed the book on a career that had seen Armstrong become the only boxer holding world titles in three weight divisions simultaneously.

James P. Douglas of the New York Times described the fight as a spectacle of brutality and courage, capturing the essence of a grand champion's final stand against the inevitable march of time and a worthy successor.