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.