84 years ago

Date: 24th October 1939

Title: World Welterweight Title

Promoter: Olympic Auditorium Promotions

Henry Armstrong
( 99 - 12 - 7 )
Weight: 138½ lbs

Jimmy Garrison
( 37 - 10 - 3 )
Weight: 139½ lbs

On October 24, 1939, the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, played host to a well contested World Welterweight Title bout between reigning champion Henry Armstrong and challenger Jimmy Garrison. The fight, scheduled for ten rounds, saw Armstrong, weighing in at 138 pounds, emerge victorious by a points decision over the 140-pound Garrison.

The bout, refereed by George Blake, who also served as the sole scoring official, was a closely contested affair. Garrison, known as the "Mud Flats Kid" from Kansas City, Missouri, proved to be a formidable opponent for the champion. However, Armstrong's relentless style and superior boxing skills ultimately tipped the scales in his favour.

One of the most significant moments of the fight came in the eighth round when Armstrong sent Garrison to the canvas. Despite the knockdown, Garrison showed heart and determination, rising to his feet and continuing to battle until the final bell.

This encounter marked the first of two World Welterweight Title clashes between Armstrong and Garrison within a span of just two months. The pair would meet again, with Armstrong defending his title once more. Their rivalry extended beyond 1939, as they faced each other twice more in non-title bouts in August 1943 and February 1944, the latter being Garrison's final professional fight.

For Henry Armstrong, 1939 was a year of remarkable achievement and unprecedented success. The legendary fighter participated in an astonishing 12 bouts, all of which were world title fights involving either the lightweight or welterweight crowns. His only setback came on August 22, 1939, when he lost the lightweight title to his old nemesis, Lou Ambers.

Jimmy Garrison, despite being a natural 140-pounder, proved his mettle by challenging Armstrong for the welterweight title. Garrison, who primarily fought out of Southern California, particularly Hollywood, was a respected contender in his own right. He was ranked by The Ring magazine in the 135/147-pound division from May 1936 to March 1944, reaching as high as #4 in the rankings.