Henry Armstrong

Henry Armstrong knocks down Lew Jenkins on his way to stopping his fellow future hall of famer in six rounds at the Polo Grounds on July 17, 1940, in New York City, just four months after fighting for the middleweight title. Photo by The Ring Magazine/Getty Images

Armstrong, a relentless Los Angeles-based slugger, was one of the first African-American boxers to become a bona-fide attraction thanks to his hard-hitting frenetic style and his willingness to challenge himself. While earning nicknames like “Homicide Hank” and “Hammerin’ Hank,” the Mississippi native won and simultaneously held the featherweight, lightweight and welterweight championships during an era of only eight weight classes and only one world title in each division. He holds the welterweight division record for successful title defenses (19).

Won welterweight title: On May 31, 1938, beating Barney Ross (as the reigning featherweight champ and weighing in at 133 pounds) via brutal 15-round decision.

Fought for middleweight title(s): On March 1, 1940, against Ceferino Garcia (who he beat at welterweight). Armstrong (who weighed in at 142 pounds) was held to a 10-round draw.

Hall of fame induction: 1990