Bob Armstrong (boxer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bob Armstrong |
|
|---|---|
Armstrong, Eddie McGoorty, and Ed McMahon in 1914
|
|
| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | The King of the Battle Royal |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | September 4, 1873 Rogersville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | January 5, 1933 (aged 59) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 37 |
| Wins | 18 |
| Wins by KO | 15 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Draws | 7 |
| No contests | 1 |
Bob Armstrong (born September 4, 1873 – died January 5, 1933) was a famous heavyweight boxer. People called him the "King of the Battle Royal" because he was so good at boxing. He was born in Rogersville, Tennessee. When he was three, his family moved to Washington, Ohio.
Before becoming a boxer, Bob Armstrong worked with racing horses in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He had his first professional boxing match on September 19, 1894. He fought Joe Choynski in Chicago, Illinois, and lost the fight. After that, he often trained with famous boxers like Joe Choynski, Tom Sharkey, Bob Fitzsimmons, and Jim Jeffries. Training with them helped him get better.
Becoming a Champion
On December 21, 1896, Bob Armstrong won a very important title. He became the World Colored Heavyweight Champion. This title was created because, at the time, black boxers were not allowed to compete for the main world heavyweight title. He won by knocking out Charley Strong in the 19th round in New York City.
He fought Joe Butler on New Year's Day in 1897 and lost. But they had a rematch on March 6, and Armstrong won, keeping his title. The next day, he fought Frank Childs and lost that match.
On April 23, 1897, Armstrong defended his title again. He knocked out Sam Pruitt in the first round in San Francisco. He also had some "exhibition" fights that year. These were like practice matches, not official fights. He fought against famous boxers like Tom Sharkey and Joe Choynski in these exhibitions.
In 1898, Bob Armstrong had another fight against Frank Childs. On January 29, 1898, Childs knocked him out in the second round. This meant Armstrong lost his World Colored Heavyweight title.
After the Championship
Even after losing his title, Bob Armstrong kept fighting tough opponents. On August 5, 1898, he fought James J. Jeffries. Jeffries would later become the world heavyweight champion. Armstrong lost this fight on points.
He later fought Denver Ed Martin for the colored heavyweight title again. This fight happened in London, England, on July 25, 1902. Martin won the fight on points after 15 rounds. People thought Martin might challenge the main world champion, but he didn't get the chance.
Armstrong and Martin had a rematch in Philadelphia on December 10, 1902. It was a very exciting fight! Both boxers almost got knocked out. The fight ended with no clear winner. After this, Martin lost his title to Jack Johnson. Jack Johnson later made history by becoming the first African American heavyweight champion of the world.
Bob Armstrong stopped boxing after a fight on December 26, 1904. He had a total of 17 wins, with 15 knockouts. He lost 11 fights and had 5 draws. After retiring, he sometimes helped other boxers. For example, he worked in the corner for King Levinsky during a fight in 1932.
Bob Armstrong passed away on January 5, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois.
His Legacy
Bob Armstrong was an important boxer during a time when boxing was separated by race. The World Colored Heavyweight Championship was very important for black boxers. It gave them a chance to compete for a major title when they were not allowed to fight for the main world championship.
In 2020, a writer named Mark Allen Baker wrote a book about the history of the World Colored Heavyweight Championship. This book tells the stories of the talented boxers who held this title. It also explains how the title helped fight against unfair racial rules in sports. The championship was a way to push back against the "color line" that divided people.
Images for kids
-
Armstrong, Eddie McGoorty, and Ed McMahon in 1914
