Lou Ambers

Born Luigi Giuseppe d'Ambrosio on November 8, 1913, in Herkimer, New York, Lou Ambers was a boxing legend who left an indelible mark on the sport. Growing up in a large Italian family, Ambers initially took on a ring name to keep his fighting career a secret from his mother. Little did he know that he would go on to become one of the most celebrated lightweight champions in boxing history.

Ambers' early career, marked with a few losses, was a crucial part of his journey. These setbacks, managed by Al Weill and trained by the renowned Charley Goldman, were the stepping stones that led him to face off against future world champions like Johnny Jadick and Sammy Fuller, showcasing his skill and determination in the ring.

However, his rivalry with the legendary Tony Canzoneri truly defined Ambers' career. In their first meeting on May 10, 1935, Canzoneri handed Ambers a devastating defeat, knocking him down twice in the third round and once more before the final bell. Undeterred, Ambers bounced back, winning his next 15 fights and earning a reputation as a relentless competitor.

Ambers' tenacity was tested when he faced Fritzie Zivic on July 1, 1935. Despite suffering a broken jaw in the ninth round, Ambers fought through the pain and secured a unanimous decision victory. This display of grit and determination endeared him to boxing fans nationwide.

On September 3, 1936, Ambers not only captured the lightweight championship but also proved his mettle by defeating Canzoneri, the man who had handed him a devastating defeat. This victory was not just a win, but a triumph over adversity, a defining moment in Ambers' career that solidified his status as one of the top boxers of his era. It was a moment of celebration for Ambers and his fans alike.

Ambers' reign as lightweight champion was marked by several notable defences, including a hard-fought victory over Pedro Montanez in front of a crowd of 32,000 at New York's Polo Grounds. However, his two bouts against the legendary Henry Armstrong truly cemented his place in boxing history.

In their first meeting on August 17, 1938, Armstrong was attempting to become the first fighter to hold three world titles simultaneously. Despite being knocked down twice and appearing badly beaten, Ambers mounted a thrilling comeback in the later rounds, ultimately losing a controversial split decision. The rematch, held a year later, was equally contentious. Ambers recaptured the lightweight title, with Armstrong being penalized for low blows throughout the fight.

Ambers' final title reign came to an end on May 10, 1940, when he was knocked out by the hard-hitting Lew Jenkins in the third round. A rematch seven months later yielded the same result, with Jenkins stopping Ambers in the seventh round. After this defeat, Ambers' manager, Al Weill, had a heart-to-heart with him, convincing him that it was time to hang up his gloves and retire from boxing.

Beyond the ring, Ambers briefly appeared in the 1938 boxing movie "The Crowd Roars" and served in the Coast Guard during World War II. After his retirement, he operated a restaurant and worked in public relations.

Lou Ambers' legacy as the "Herkimer Hurricane" continues to inspire boxing enthusiasts today. His unwavering determination, skill, and sportsmanship made him a true icon of the sport. Ambers' impact on boxing is not just a memory, but a living testament to his greatness. Ambers passed away on April 25, 1995, in Phoenix, Arizona, but his impact on boxing will never be forgotten, and his name will always be synonymous with the spirit of the sport.