84 years ago
Henry Armstrong vs Phil Furr
Date: 23rd September 1940
Venue: Griffith Stadium, Washington, DCTitle: World Welterweight Title
Henry Armstrong
(
108
-
12
-
8
)
Weight: 146 lbs
Phil Furr
(
41
-
33
-
8
)
Weight: 147 lbs
On September 23, 1940, at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., Henry Armstrong defended his World Welterweight Title against Phil Furr. The bout was a clear demonstration of Armstrong's superior skills and power, with the champion dominating the fight from start to finish.
The champion began cautiously, feeling out his opponent in the first two rounds. However, the fight quickly turned in his favour once Armstrong found his rhythm. In the third round, he scored his first knockdown of Furr, signalling the beginning of the end.
The fourth round proved decisive. Armstrong unleashed his attack, dropping Furr twice. On the second knockdown, Furr was unable to beat the count, resulting in Armstrong's knockout victory.
The New York Times reported that the fight was a straightforward affair for the champion, who "could hardly have had an easier evening." This victory further cemented Armstrong's reputation as one of the most dominant welterweights of his era.