Lou Ambers

LOU AMBERS d1995. Italian lightweight World Champion boxer nicknamed The Herkimer Hurricane who fought between 1932-1941. His career record 102 fights / 88 wins / 8 losses and 6 draws. Managed by Al Weill and trained by Charley Goldman, he began his career losing only once in more than three years when he faced future hall of fame lightweight champion Tony Canzoneri on May 10th 1935. Canzoneri defeated him over 15 rounds on a decision. Ambers did not let the defeat discourage him. He won his next 15 fights and gained revenge when he captured the lightweight championship by decisioning Canzoneri in 15 rounds on September 3rd 1936. On August 17th 1938 he met Henry Armstrong in a historic title fight. Armstrong was attempting to become the first fighter in history to win and hold three world titles simultaneously. In a great fight, Ambers was knocked down twice (in the fifth and sixth rounds)and appeared badly beaten. He then mounted a great comeback, but lost the controversial split decision. A rematch was inevitable. The rematch was as controversial as their first bout. Armstrong was penalized for low-blows which enabled Ambers to capture the 15-round decision on August 22nd 1939. This was his last great performance. On May 10th 1940, he defended his title against the wild, free swinging Lew Jenkins. Jenkins scored an upset when he knocked out the defending champion in the 3rd round. Ambers sought a rematch and after a tune up win over Al Bummy Davis, he again faced Jenkins. This time he was knocked out by Jenkins in the 7th round on February 28th 1941. In later life he ran a bar and died aged 81 in 1995.