Fritzie Zivic vs. Henry Armstrong 'II' ~ 'The Rematch'

[Bill Paxtom]

January 17, 1941

Just 15-Weeks after taking the 'worst beating' of his boxing career,
'Hammerin' Henry Armstrong vowed to regain his Welterweight Championship.

Henry wanted to 'go out on top', and stated that this would be his last fight, and
that he would regain his Championship, and then retire.

Henry {Age; 28 years, 1 month} was considered to be on the 'down-slide' by the
Boxing Press, but many others that felt that he just had a 'bad night' against
Fritzie Zivic on October 4, 1940 @ Madison Square Garden.

Did the total of {131-Bouts} take their toll on the 'Little Buzzsaw'. Though Henry
did show incredible heart against Fritzie in their bout, Henry was not his usual
non-stop whirlwind self over the second-half of the bout, and his punches in
Rounds {8 thru 15} had little effect on Fritzie.

Amazingly, the Boxing Press had Henry listed as a {5-8} Betting-Favorite to regain
his Championship in the rematch.

This despite Henry looking rather ordinary in Training-Camp in the 4-Weeks leading
up to the January 17, 1941 bout.

[Bill Paxtom]

A Good Guy > Henry Armstrong

Henry was to receive a $19,000 Fight Purse for the rematch.

Henry's manager {Edward Meade} was supposed to get his typical
1/3 Manager's Fee.

But Edward Meade suffered a heart attack, and would not be able to
attend the January 17, 1941 bout @ Madison Square Garden.

Henry then stated that he would give his Manager 2/3's of the Fight Purse
{$12,500} and that he would only take 1/3 {$6500}.

Henry Armstrong >

"My Manager has taken care of me well, and invested my winning's properly.
I have over $65,000 in the Bank and 'annuities' that will net me $90,000."

"After this bout, I will retire and get into the 'Wine and Whiskey' business."

[Bill Paxtom]

For the Rematch

Ray Arcel was brought in to take over as Henry Armstrong's Chief Trainer.

At the time, Ray Arcel {Age; 41 1/2} was considered the 'best' young Trainer in
the business.

Ray Arcel >

"Henry can't fight like he used to with his non-stop perpetual-motion attacks for
the entire 15-Rounds. He has to be smart, and box more against Fritzie Zivic."

"This Pittsburg Mauler is too big and too strong. He can take a licking and come on
strong over the second-half of the bout. But if Henry boxes more and uses his
superior boxing skills, I think we can take a solid 15-Round Decision."

[Bill Paxtom]

Fritzie Zivic

'No Rest For The Champion'

Just 6-Weeks after defeating Welterweight Champion - Henry Armstrong on October 4, 1940 >

November 15, 1940

Fritzie was back @ Madison Square Garden to take on the 'Brooklyn Bad Boy'
Al 'Bummy' Davis.

No easy task here in a 10-Round 'non-title' bout, as 'Bummy' {Age; 20 years, 10 months}
was a vicious puncher with a record of 40-1-2 {25 KO's}.

Though still somewhat 'untested', the young Al 'Bummy' Davis could give anybody a
rough time in the Ring, and was capable of taking anyone out. And many in the Boxing
Press gave the 'Brooklyn Knockout-Artist' a fair chance in taking out Fritzie Zivic.

But Fritzie {Age; 27 years, 5 months} and with a record of 101-24-4 was far more
experienced than 'Bummy', and said he was not worried at all.

Fritzie Zivic >

"Most of 'Bummy's wins are over 'washed up souls' or little guys. Now let's see how he does
against a true {100% Certified} Welterweight."

[Master]

A promoter taking 33% cut is outrageous considering Armstrong is doing all the work. Did he retire happily ever after and run a business or did he end up broke?

[Bill Paxtom]

'Whoa Nellie'

Thanks to the investments of Manager- Edward Meade

Thru 1940 - Henry Armstrong pulled in $350,000 in Fight Purses.

Henry had $65,000 in the Bank, and including 'annuities' had roughly
$90,000.

That's 1940 'money'.

The standard agreement back then was the Manager took 1/3 and covered
his fighter's expenses. The fighter got 2/3.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the 'rematch' with Fritzie Zivic.

Attendance... 23,190

The Gate Receipts were $78,242 - with a Net of $66,817.

Henry received a 'net of $16,530 from a $19,000 Fight Purse, after paying
out $2470 to his Trainer, Assistants and Physician.

Fritzie Zivic received a 'net' of $19,836.

[Bill Paxtom]

January 17, 1941

The Rematch

Tale of the Tape

......................... Fritzie Zivic ................. Henry Armstrong

Age ........................ 27 years, 8 months .... 28 years, 1 month
Weight ................... 145 3/4 lbs. .............. 140 1/4 lbs.
Height ..................... 5' 10" ....................... 5' 5 1/2"
Reach ...................... 71" .......................... 67"
Chest {Normal} ........ 36 1/4" .................... 34"
Chest {Expanded} ... 39" .......................... 36 1/2"
Neck ....................... 16" .......................... 16"
Bicep ...................... 12 1/4" .................... 13 1/2"
Fist ......................... 11" .......................... 11"
Forearm .................. 11" .......................... 11"
Waist ...................... 30" .......................... 32"
Thigh ...................... 19" .......................... 20"
Calf .......................... 9" ........................... 8"

Record ............ 103-24-5 {55 KO's} ....... 110-13-8 {77 KO's}

General Facts

In Training-Camp, the Champion - Fritzie Zivic had looked very sharp, and was impressive.
Fritzie was showing a solid left-jab, and was working on his short snappy right uppercuts.

On the other hand, the former Champion - Henry Armstrong was looking rather ordinary,
and did not show any of his 'trademark' non-stop whirlwind attacks. Instead, Henry was
doing more boxing from the outside, and with less punching.

Surprisingly, the Odds-Makers listed Henry as the {5-8} Betting-Favorite.

If you bet on Fritzie, you wagered $500 to get $800.

Many in the Boxing Press had believed that Fritzie Zivic had fought 'over-his-head' when
he took the Title from Henry 15-Weeks earlier, back on October 4, 1940.

Others stated, that Henry had too many bouts in 1940 and was worn out. The 15-Week
rest was what he needed, and he would be rejuvenated for this bout. A 'fresher' Henry
would be much better this time.

And others suggested, that Fritzie Zivic was just in the 'right-place-at-the-right-time' for
their 1st-Bout. And though Fritzie was tough, he was 'not' in Henry Armstrong's league as
a complete fighter.

But some were still convinced that Fritzie was the man to go with.

Jack Cuddy {Associated Press} >

'Fritzie is just too strong for Henry. I see an easier fight this time for the Pittsburg Mauler.
I look for Fritzie to score with his hard left-jabs as Henry comes in, and then shakes him
up with his right-uppercuts when they get in close.'

'Fritzie will wear down the 'Little Fellow' much quicker this time, and I look for Fritzie to end
this bout by a Knockout in the 10th Round.'

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ January 17, 1941

Madison Square Garden

Attendance .............. 23,190 {Sell Out}
Note: 5000 Standing Room Only tickets were sold.
Note; Approximately 10,000 people were turned away.

Gate Receipts .......... $78,242 ................... {Net Receipts; $66,817}

Fight Purses
* Fritie Zivic ............ $19,836 ................... 30% of the Net Receipts
* Henry Armstrong .. $19,000 ................... Contract Guarantee

Betting Favorite ....... Henry Armstrong ..... {5-8}

Street Skinny .......... Fritie Zivic bet several thousand dollars on himself to win.

[Bill Paxtom]

"Henry Armstrong 7-5 To Regain Crown"

Harold Conrad >

The 'Dusky Dynamo' is the fan favorite to regain his Welterweight Championship
over conqueror Fritie Zivic.

But the boys on Jacobs Street think that Henry has seen better days, and that his
eyes will never hold up against the Pittsburg Mauler.

While Henry will go down as one of the Greatest Fighter in History, he is not the
Henry of old. Only 3-Months ago, he looked washed up at the end of his 15-Round
bout with Fritzie Zivic.

In that bout, Henry set the pace for the first 7-Rounds, as Fritzie did little other
than stick out a left-jab. But Henry under-estimated Fritzie, and the 'Pittsburg
Mauler' came on like gang-busters from the 8th Round and on, as he targeted
Henry's eyes.

Though that bout was close, it was the Challenger who took it to Henry over the
second-half of the 15-Rounder. And Fritzie badly busted up Henry around the
eyes and mouth.

Though Henry has scar-tissue over both eyes, and an ongoing problem of swelling
up, he still can pull off some of his magic. He is not the 'perpetual-motion' fighting
machine of old, but he has superior technique and boxing skills.

In recent sparring sessions, Henry has changed up and is using a stand-up boxing style
from the outside, instead of charging in and flinging. This style will allow him to avoid
Fritzie's hard left-jabs and close inside right uppercuts.

In my opinion, 'Henry Is The Choice' by a close 15-Round decision.

While Fritzie Zivic is a good fighter and is under-rated in his ring talents, he will never
be as good as Henry Armstrong was in his Hey-Day. I believe that Henry still has
enough skills left to build up a points lead over the first 10-Rounds. And if his eyes
hold up, he will have enough of a points lead to hold off the hard-charging Zivic
down the stretch.

[Bill Paxtom]

"The Fight"

Round 1 >

Henry came out in the 'opening round' in a different style. Instead of flying
in with his trademark bobbing-and-juggling weaves with a snorting-attack,
Henry came forward in a semi-crouch.

Henry was flat-footed as he shuffled in face-first. The Champion - Fritzie Zivic
stood back, and patiently stabbed at Henry by using stiff left-jabs.

Fritzie, with nearly a 5" Height and 4" Reach advantage, peppered Henry's
face with steady jabs throughout the middle-session of the Round.

Whenever Henry moved in close, Fritzie ripped him with looping right-uppercuts.

By the {2:00 Mark}, Henry was already sporting reddened eye-brows, and a
gash on his lower lip.

Round 1 .... Fritzie Zivic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Round 2 >

Fritzie came out strong, and he shook Henry early with '2' jarring right-hands to the
head. Fritzie then sent Henry sideways with another right-hand to the head.

Fritzie continued with his right-hand assault, as Henry showed every bit of the long
years of wear-and-tear of '350' Amateur and Professional bouts.

But the 'Lil Warrior' would not cave, and just past the {1:30 Mark} Henry opened
up with his own 'two-fisted' assault, as he backed Fritzie into a Corner, where he
wailed away with both fists.

Round 2 ..... Fritzie Zivic
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Round 3 >

It was "Henry's Last Stand", as the former Champion came out banging with hard hooks
to Fritzie's head.

Henry caught Fritzie with a 'left-right' to the head, and sent the Champion staggering back
after tagging him with a hard-hook to the chin.

Henry jumped right in, and slammed Fritzie with another hook, and again the Champion's
legs buckled.

Henry chased, as Fritzie retreated. But Henry nearly stumbled 'twice' to the canvas after
chasing Fritzie and swinging wildy.

But by the {2:00 Mark} Fritzie was battling back, and he opened up a 'gash' under Henry's
right-eye when he caught him with a hard right-uppercut.

The 'aging fast' Henry looked completely exhausted at the end of the 3rd-Round.

Round 3 ..... Henry Armstrong
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Master]

Zivic was tall for a welterweight

[Bill Paxtom]

Zivic was tall for a welterweight

Fritzie at 5' 10" was one of the tallest Welterweights at that time.

And his reach was 71". He was deadly with the left-jab, and threw a
looping right uppercut that tore his opponents apart.

Add that with his roughness, tough Croatian fighting spirit and steady job
as a Boilermaker {thick forearms}, and that equaled one tough Pittsburg
Mauler.

He was 'not' an easy guy to fight, as Fritzie was a notorious fouler, using
his elbows, forearms, head and shoulders to slam his opponents while in close.

Also, Fritzie was at his best from > mid-1940 thru mid-1941.

This was a 'bad' matchup for 'Lil Henry'.

[Bill Paxtom]

'Rounds 4 and 5'

Fritzie gave Henry a frightful beating. The Champion thudded Henry with
left-jabs, short hooks and right uppercuts.

Each time that Fritzie landed a right-uppercut to the chin, Henry's head
rocked like a 'Bobble Doll'.

But Henry tried in vain to find an opening. When Henry moved in close, he
tried to lay a heavy left-hook into Fritize's right side.

But Fritzie was too smart, as each time Henry tried to unload left-hooks to
the body, the Champion would drop his right arm by his side to protect his Liver.

The 'pug-nose' Champion was catching every blow on his arm's as Henry flung
in punches.

By the end of Round 5, Henry's left-eye was half-closed after taking several hard
right-hands square on the eye-brow.

Thru '5' Rounds, Fritzie had a comfortable 4-1-0 lead in Rounds.

[Bill Paxtom]

'Round 6'

Fritzie came out to put a 'hurting' on Henry. The Champion ripped in left-jabs
and caught Henry with jarring right-uppercuts.

Henry's mouth was now bleeding, and his mouth was hanging open as he was
tiring badly.

Fritzie landed a jarring right-hand to Henry's chest, which sent him stumbling
on weak legs.

Mid-way through the session Fritzie caught Henry with a short right-uppercut
to the jaw, and Henry went down to one-knee.

Henry was up without a 'count', but he was stunned. Now Henry was moving
backwards, and was warding off Fritzie's punches by putting up an open right
glove and keeping it high.

When Henry tried to mount an offense, his punches were mere 'pushes', and
he had nothing behind them.

Henry was hanging on at the end of Round 6.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Round 7'

Fritzie again slammed Henry with both hands, which included hard hooks and
short right-uppercuts. Fritzie looked like a 'blacksmith' hammering away on
hot soft iron and pounding it into shape.

Fritzie opened up a 'gash' under Henry's left-eye, and the 'little' Warrior was
battered about the Ring as Referee - Arthur Donovan looked in.

[Bill Paxtom]

Between the 7th and 8th Rounds, Trainer - Ray Arcel did the best he could
in refreshing Henry Armstrong.

Even giving the 'fast-fading' Warrior a small glass of Coffee with Brandy.

'Round 8'

Fritzie went right back to stabbing Henry with left-jabs, and occasionally
adding in some hard hooks to the head.

On the other side, Henry only offered up a minor 'left-right' and then scooted
backwards.

By the {1:30 Mark}, Henry was on the receiving end only, as Fritzie caught
him with jarring right-hands and short uppercuts on the inside.

Henry took a 'bad' beating in Round 8, and was pretty much finished.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Round 9'

Fritzie again went on the offensive, and put forth stiff punches into Henry's face.

By the {1:30 Mark}, both of Henry's eyes were 'slits', and he could barely see.

Referee - Arthur Donovan took a good look at Henry, but allowed him to continue.

During one exchange, Henry was finally able to land a few overhand rights, and
then caught Fritzie with a sharp left-hook near his right-ear when he turned. Fritzie
suffered a bad-gash behind his right ear.

But Fritzie then went to work on Henry, and slammed him with short-punches on the
inside. Henry was completely exhausted by the {2:30 Mark}.

Over the last 30-Seconds, Fritzie looked for the 'finisher', and drove Henry backwards
with a volley, but the 'Hammerin Hank' hung on.

At the end of Round 9, the Ringside Physician {Dr. Alexander Schiff} checked out Henry,
and asked him to quit.

But Henry refused, and said he wanted to 'go out on his shield'.