VIDEO: Local Legend Honored at R.E. Hunt Museum

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi is known for authors and artists and chefs; for sports legends in football and baseball.

But fighters?

Today, the life and legacy of one of the world’s most decorated boxers was celebrated at the Columbus R-E Hunt Museum.

That legacy belongs to Henry Armstrong.

The name may not mean much to younger audiences, but in the boxing world it carries all kinds of weight: featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight.

Born in Columbus, Mississippi, Henry Armstrong would change the world of boxing.

In the eyes of some, Armstrong tops even the most famous names in boxing.

“New York Times said in their obituary of him in 1988 that Henry Armstrong, pound for pound, was the greatest fighter who ever lived,” said historian, Glenn Lautzenhiser.

He remains the only boxer to ever hold three world titles… at the same time, topping that off with over 150 career wins and a few movie deals.

During the celebration ceremony, Lautzenhiser reads a letter sent to him by famous boxer, “Smokin” Joe Frazier, on where his inspiration came from.

“…None had the impact on me as did Henry Armstrong,” read Lautzenhiser.

Armstrong always claimed Columbus.

“He still recognized Mississippi as being his home and where he was originally from,” said Armstrong’s grand-nephew, Lonnie Tuggle.

“I think it’s great that he knew where he came from and he never forgot where he came from. And I tell young people all the time, you don’t have to live in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, or Miami to be successful. You can be successful right here in Lowndes County and Columbus if you will take your God given abilities and couple that with hard work,” said Lautzenhiser.

Relatives are thankful that even thirty years after his death, Armstrong’s legacy remains alive.

“I am really thankful to the history of the people, remembering this and showing their appreciation for it,” said Tuggle.

They hope to keep it that way by telling it to future generations.

“I just wish more people would learn the story because it’s such an incredible story, and a lot of people have heard the name Henry Armstrong but very few people really know the magnitude of this man’s accomplishment and a great story that he has to tell,” said Lautzenhiser.

This celebration comes as a teaser for tomorrow.

Since 2008, the day October 13th is recognized by Lowndes County and Columbus as Henry Armstrong Day.