Henry Armstrong
10x10in
2026
Henry Armstrong, born Henry Jackson Jr. on December 12, 1912, in Columbus, Mississippi, is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in the history of the sport. Raised in the Jim Crow South, Armstrong’s early life in Mississippi was marked by hardship and perseverance—qualities that later defined his relentless fighting style. His roots in Mississippi helped shape the toughness and determination that became his trademark in the ring.
Nicknamed “Homicide Hank,” Armstrong rose to prominence in the 1930s with an aggressive, nonstop approach that overwhelmed opponents. He made history in 1938 by becoming the only boxer ever to hold world championships in three weight classes simultaneously—featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight—a feat that remains unmatched. Known for his endurance and pressure fighting, Armstrong fought 27 times in one year during his peak, an almost unimaginable pace by today’s standards.
After retiring from boxing, Armstrong turned his life toward faith and service, becoming a minister and youth mentor. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and continues to be celebrated as a symbol of excellence, resilience, and discipline. From his beginnings in Mississippi to global recognition, Henry Armstrong’s legacy stands as a powerful testament to perseverance and greatness born from humble roots.