84 years ago

Date: 4th January 1940

Title: World Welterweight Title

Promoter: Lou Viscusi

Henry Armstrong
( 104 - 13 - 7 )
Weight: 136¾ lbs

Joe Ghnouly
( 67 - 26 - 8 )
Weight: 135½ lbs

On January 4, 1940, at the Municipal Auditorium in Saint Louis, Missouri, boxing aficionados gathered to witness Henry Armstrong's 14th defense of his World Welterweight Title. The fight, promoted by Lou Viscusi, pitted the formidable Armstrong against Joe Ghnouly. Armstrong, weighing in at 136¾ lbs, brought an impressive resume to the ring, having once simultaneously held the World Featherweight, Lightweight and Welterweight Titles. His opponent, Joe Ghnouly, weighed 135½ lbs and was determined to take the champion's crown.

As the bout commenced, it quickly became evident that Armstrong was in peak form. In the very first round, he overwhelmed Ghnouly, sending him to the canvas three times. Each knockdown was a testament to Armstrong's ferocious power and relentless aggression. Despite the early setbacks, Ghnouly displayed his resilience, managing to continue the fight into the fourth round.

However, Armstrong's relentless assault showed no signs of abating. In the fourth round, Ghnouly found himself on the canvas once again, struggling to withstand the champion's unyielding barrage of punches. Armstrong's precision and power were on full display, leaving little doubt about his superiority.

The fifth round proved to be the final chapter in this one-sided contest. Armstrong unleashed a devastating combination that left Ghnouly unable to continue. Referee Harry Cook began the count, but it was clear that Ghnouly would not rise to his feet in time. At 0:34 of the fifth round, Armstrong was declared the winner by knockout, further solidifying his legacy as one of boxing's greatest champions.