Nickname: “Homicide Hank”
Birthplace: Columbus, Mississippi, USA
Weight Class: Featherweight / Lightweight / Welterweight
Stance: Orthodox
Professional Record: 151 – 21 – 9 (101 KOs)
Years Active: 1931 – 1945
Biography
Henry Armstrong was one of the most relentless and accomplished fighters in boxing history — the only man ever to hold world titles in three weight divisions simultaneously. Born Henry Jackson Jr., Armstrong began his career in the early 1930s and quickly gained a reputation for his ferocious, nonstop style and unbreakable will.
He captured the Featherweight Championship in 1937, the Welterweight title in 1938, and the Lightweight crown later that same year, dominating three divisions during boxing’s most talent-rich era. Armstrong defended his welterweight title a record 19 times and defeated numerous future champions including Barney Ross, Lou Ambers, and Ceferino Garcia.
What set Armstrong apart was his unrelenting aggression — he overwhelmed opponents with volume and pressure. Outside the ring, he was known for his humility and later served as an ordained minister, continuing to inspire long after his fighting days ended.
Henry Armstrong in the Hobby
Henry Armstrong’s trading cards are prized as centerpieces of the late 1930s and 1940s boxing era. His cardboard presence marked a transition from classic tobacco cards to the first wave of modern, full-color issues.
Rookie & Early Issues
1938 – Churchman’s Cigarettes “Boxing Personalities” (UK): Widely recognized as Armstrong’s rookie card. Issued the same year he held three titles simultaneously, making it one of the most historically significant boxing cards ever produced.
1938 – W.A. & A.C. Churchman “Sporting Celebrities” (UK): Another early appearance, featuring a close-up portrait of Armstrong as reigning champion; known for its elegant design and color lithography.
1939 – Ardath Cigarettes “Famous Boxers” (UK): Follow-up issue capturing Armstrong during the height of his reign. Scarce due to wartime paper shortages.
1948 – Leaf Boxing (USA): His first major American card, part of the iconic postwar set that reintroduced boxing to the U.S. hobby market.
Registry Metadata
Earliest Issue: 1938 Churchman’s Cigarettes “Boxing Personalities” (UK)
Rookie Year: 1938
First Mainstream U.S. Card: 1948 Leaf Boxing
Key Sets: 1938 Churchman’s, 1938 Sporting Celebrities, 1939 Ardath, 1948 Leaf
Known Variants: Minor print variations in color tone across Churchman’s print runs; Leaf issues display centering and color registration differences
Grading Rarity:
- 1938 Churchman’s: PSA population under 60; high-grade examples (PSA 8+) rare due to paper fragility
- 1948 Leaf: PSA population around 100; condition-sensitive due to chipping and miscuts
Recent Notable Sales: - 1938 Churchman’s (PSA 8) — $3,250 (2024)
- 1948 Leaf (PSA 7) — $2,450 (2023)
Legacy
Henry Armstrong’s career redefined what was possible in boxing. His ability to dominate three divisions simultaneously remains one of the most extraordinary accomplishments in sports history. His relentless pressure and unmatched stamina made him a legend among both fans and fighters.
In the hobby, Armstrong’s 1938 Churchman’s rookie is a crown jewel of pre-war boxing cards—representing not only his triple-title feat but the global recognition of American champions in the golden age of cigarette issues. Collectors prize his cards for both their beauty and their historical weight, a fitting tribute to Homicide Hank, the man who conquered boxing’s impossible dream.
