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

[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.