ARMSTRONG, HENRY-LOU AMBERS ORIGINAL WIRE PHOTO (1939-POST FIGHT)

On August 22, 1939 at Yankee Stadium in New York lightweight champion Henry Armstrong fought Lou Ambers in the main event. Ambers prevailed winning a unanimous 15 round decision and the title. This bout "was crowded with thrills from the first bell to the last" but, "applying the law more severely than ever before and certainly more painful than it ever has been applied in a championship bout," Referee Donovan penalized Armstrong five rounds (2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th) for low blows. "The title was not won on competition alone but on fighting rules and ethics. Four of these rounds Armstrong won on competition alone without a doubt.... On this observer's scoresheet Armstrong was the victim of an injustice." (James P. Dawson, New York Times). The paid attendance was 29,088 with gross receipts of $137,925.77 and net receipts of $115,651.81. Ambers's purse was $23,398.85 while Armstrong's purse was $40,947.99. Offered here is an original wire photo from this fight depicting Armstrong in the locker room after the fight nursing his swollen eye.
This is an original Associated Press with their stamp and caption on the back. Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Not creased or torn. 7" x 9."