85 years ago

Date: 22nd August 1939

Venue: Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, New York

Title: World Lightweight Title

Promoter: Mike Jacobs

Henry Armstrong
( 96 - 11 - 7 )
Weight: 135 lbs

Lou Ambers
( 84 - 6 - 7 )
Weight: 134½ lbs

August 22, 1939, Yankee Stadium in the Bronx was the epicentre of one of the most hotly anticipated rematches in boxing history. The bout pitted Henry Armstrong, the reigning lightweight champion, against Lou Ambers, who sought redemption from his previous defeat at the hands of Armstrong. This clash for the World Lightweight Title drew a paid attendance of 29,088 spectators, generating gross receipts of $137,925.77 and net receipts of $115,651.81, showcasing the immense interest and stakes involved.

Henry Armstrong entered the ring weighing 135 lbs, while Lou Ambers, at 134 lbs, looked lean and determined. The fight was officiated by Referee Arthur Donovan and judges Frank Fullam and Bill Healy, whose scoring would play a pivotal role in the outcome. The battle that ensued was nothing short of electrifying, filled with non-stop action from the first bell to the last.

Armstrong, known for his relentless pressure and unyielding aggression, took control early, pressing Ambers with his trademark swarming style. The crowd was treated to a display of relentless combinations and fierce exchanges as Armstrong sought to overwhelm Ambers. However, the fight's narrative took a significant turn due to Referee Donovan's strict enforcement of the rules.

Throughout the 15-round contest, Donovan penalized Armstrong five times for low blows, deducting 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th rounds. These penalties had a profound impact on the scoring and, ultimately, the outcome of the fight. Ambers, showcasing his resilience and skill, capitalized on these deductions, maintaining his composure and continuing to exchange fiercely with Armstrong.

Despite the penalties, Armstrong's performance in the ring was remarkable. He dominated four penalized rounds, displaying superior boxing skills and competitive spirit. However, the deductions created a significant handicap that Armstrong struggled to overcome. The final scorecards reflected this, with Donovan scoring the fight 8-7, Fullam 8-7, and Healy 11-3, all favouring Ambers.

The New York Times's James P. Dawson captured the sentiment of many observers, noting that the fight was "crowded with thrills from the first bell to the last" and criticizing the severe application of the rules. Dawson argued that Armstrong was the victim of an injustice, having clearly won several of the penalized rounds based on competition alone. This sentiment was echoed by many who felt that the strict enforcement of the rules had overshadowed Armstrong's performance.

Ultimately, Lou Ambers was declared the winner by unanimous decision, regaining the World Lightweight Title. Ambers's purse for the fight amounted to $23,398.85, while Armstrong earned $40,947.99, a testament to his drawing power and status in the sport.