Henry Armstrong was an American boxer who is best known for holding world championships in three different weight classes: featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight. He was born Henry Jackson on December 12, 1912, in Columbus, Mississippi, and passed away on October 24, 1988, in Los Angeles, California.
Personal and Family Life
Henry Armstrong was originally named Henry Jackson. He had one child with his ex-wife Willie Mae, whom he married in 1934 but later divorced. Interestingly, he was also a cousin of the famous singer and actress Billie Holiday. Armstrong’s early life in St. Louis played a significant role in shaping his boxing career.
Career Highlights
Armstrong began his boxing career in 1931 and quickly made a name for himself. He achieved remarkable success in the late 1930s, known for his aggressive fighting style and ability to hold multiple titles simultaneously. Notably, he was the only boxer to hold three world titles at the same time, a feat that led to changes in boxing regulations to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Death and Legacy
Henry Armstrong passed away on October 24, 1988. After retiring from boxing, he became an ordained minister and dedicated his life to helping underprivileged children. His legacy in the sport is immense, as he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 and recognized as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Keep Punching | 1939-01-02 | Henry Jackson |
| Black Shadows on a Silver Screen | 1975-04-19 | Self (archive footage) |
| Joe Palooka, Champ | 1946-05-26 | Henry Armstrong |
| The Brown Bomber | 1939-10-20 | Self |