ARMSTRONG, HENRY-LOU AMBERS ORIGINAL WIRE PHOTO (1939-ACTION)

On August 22, 1939 at Yankee Stadium in New York lightweight champion Henry Armstrong fought Lou Ambers in the main event. Ambers prevailed winning a unanimous 15 round decision and the title. This bout "was crowded with thrills from the first bell to the last" but, "applying the law more severely than ever before and certainly more painful than it ever has been applied in a championship bout," Referee Donovan penalized Armstrong five rounds (2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th) for low blows. "The title was not won on competition alone but on fighting rules and ethics. Four of these rounds Armstrong won on competition alone without a doubt.... On this observer's scoresheet Armstrong was the victim of an injustice." (James P. Dawson, New York Times). The paid attendance was 29,088 with gross receipts of $137,925.77 and net receipts of $115,651.81. Ambers's purse was $23,398.85 while Armstrong's purse was $40,947.99. Offered here is an original, action wire photo from this fight depicting Ambers landing a right in an early round.
This is an original Associated Press wire photo with their caption on the back. Bold, clear image. Very minor corner creases at lower and upper right. Clean front and back. No tears. 7" x 9."