ARMSTRONG, HENRY-FRITZIE ZIVIC & ROBINSON-ECHEVARRIA OFFICIAL PROGRAM (1940-ROBINSON PRO DEBUT)

On October 4, 1940 at Madison Square Garden in New York world welterweight champion Henry Armstrong defended his title against Fritzie Zivic. Zivic won a 15 round unanimous decision and the title. Armstrong was even on two cards going into the final round. However according to the newspaper report in the New York Times, he was battered in the 15th round and nearly stopped, and was pushed to the canvas right before the final bell. On the undercard Sugar Ray Robinson made his professional debut with a second round stoppage of Joe Echevarria. Also on the undercard in a non title fight world featherweight champion Petey Scalzo lost an 8 round decision to Julie Kogan after being knocked down twice. Offered here is a very rare, original official program for this event.
This is an original, official program consisting of 48 pages plus 4 page insert with a full listing of bouts, profiles of the fighters on the show and photos of Zivic and Armstrong. Tight binding. Clean inside. Minor soiling on back cover. Not scored. No center crease. Edge and corner wear. 8 1/2" x 11."