ARMSTRONG, HENRY-DAVEY DAY WIRE PHOTO (1939-WEIGHING IN)

On March 31, 1939 at Madison Square Garden in New York world welterweight champion Henry Armstrong defended his title against Davey Day. Armstrong prevailed and stopped Day in the 12th round. "Battered and war-worn Henry Armstrong beat the courageous Davey Day of Chicago in MSG Friday night. They helped Armstrong from the ring, but he still wore the world's welterweight crown. The TKO which came at 2:49 of the 12th, ended one of Armstrong's toughest fights. He had punched Day around the ring in the first four rounds taking little in return when Day suddenly started to go. The crowd went wild. Day shook off Henry with jarring uppercuts. He stabbed away with a left that opened a deep gash on the lid of Armstrong's left eye. And when Henry brought up short left and right hooks Day met him punch for punch. After eleven rounds Armstrong gathered himself and danced out to stop Day with a short right hook. The punch dropped Day to the canvas. Referee Billy Cavanaugh started to count, checked himself and, as Day staggered wearily to his feet, threw an arm around the gallant Chicagoan's shoulder and walked him to his corner." -Associated Press. Attendance - 10,028. Gate - $29,808. Post fight comments "I hurt both hands in the 5th. But I can't take anything from him. Ambers was tougher but this boy is good, awfully good. A sharp hitter and he must have a heart as big as his head." -Henry Armstrong "We will put it in a cast for three weeks. he will be in shape to fight Ernie Roderick in London on the 22nd." -Dr. Vincent Nardiello, who X-Rayed Armstrong's hands and found a broken index finger on his left hand and a bruised right hand. Offered here is an original wire photo which depicts the two fighters squaring off at the weigh in on the day of the fight.
This is an original International News Photos wire photo with their stamp and caption on back. Bold, clear image. Minor soiling on left edge, otherwise clean. Not creased or torn. 6 1/2" x 8 1/2."