85 years ago

Date: 16th March 1939

Title: World Lightweight & Welterweight Titles

Promoter: Larry Atkins

Henry Armstrong
( 93 - 11 - 7 )
Weight: 135 lbs

Lew Feldman
( 104 - 45 - 16 )
Weight: 134 lbs

On March 16, 1939, reigning world welterweight and lightweight champion Henry Armstrong made quick work of challenger Lew Feldman in a rematch of their previous encounter, which took place on March 30, 1938, at the Hippodrome in New York. Armstrong also emerged victorious in that bout, stopping Feldman in the fifth round by knockout. The rematch took place at the Municipal Auditorium in Saint Louis, Missouri. Armstrong, known for his relentless attacking style, wasted no time in asserting his dominance, scoring a devastating first-round knockout to retain both of his titles. 

The bout, promoted by Larry Atkins, drew a crowd of 9,816 spectators and generated a gate of $17,318. Armstrong, who weighed in at 135 pounds, earned a purse of $6,136.09, while Feldman, tipping the scales at 134 pounds, received $1,082.84 for his efforts. 

Armstrong was on the attack from the opening bell, forcing Feldman to retreat under a barrage of punches. Feldman, who entered the fight with a respectable record of 104 wins, 45 losses, and 16 draws, was overwhelmed by the champion's speed and power. After absorbing several stiff blows, Feldman was sent to the canvas by a devastating right hand to the chin, resulting in a nine-count from referee Walter Heisner. 

Feldman managed to beat the count and rise to his feet, but Armstrong relentlessly pursued. The champion immediately swarmed Feldman, unleashing another vicious right hand that sent the challenger crashing to the mat for the final time. Heisner tolled the count, officially ending the contest at the 2:12 mark of the first round. 

The victory marked Armstrong's 93rd career win, including 11 losses and 7 draws. The judges for the bout were Al Graff, Luke Collins, and Robert Dana, but their services were not needed due to Armstrong's swift and decisive finish. 

This fight was a rematch of their previous encounter, which took place on March 30, 1938, at the Hippodrome in New York. In that bout, Armstrong also emerged victorious, stopping Feldman by knockout in the fifth round.