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

[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.'