Plus New RING Championship Belt Unveiled

The Henry Armstrong Foundation (HAF) was a knockout presence at Saturday’s Los Angeles Peace Parade taking place in downtown L.A. The event was also the first 2028 LA Summer Olympic Commemoration with the Olympics being held in the City of Angels in six years.

The HAF President/CEO Edward Armstrong-Scott and Executive Officer/Secretary Kimberly DuBose-Scott greeted the special group of participants that were honored to walk in this historic October 8 parade. Joining the HAF team were The Ring magazine’s Editor-In-Chief and ringside commentator Dougie Fischer, his wife Nina and their daughter Josie, boxing champs “The Real” Paul Banke (BoxFam) and Ronnie “The Dragon” Essett, boxing trainer and sculptor Steve Harpst, Art Serrano, “Dancing” Mary Brewer, Mercedes Franco, Mateo Diego, amateur boxers Nery Jeremiah Espina and Christopher Espina.

Before the peace march got underway, a historic ceremony took place as we witnessed the unveiling of the beautiful Ring magazine’s championship belt awarded to the great Henry Armstrong. His BoxRec stats boast an astounding 149 wins with 99 KOs (but historians list his actual record as 152 wins and 101 KOs)! A renowned world champion, he won titles in multiple weight classes and is one of rare All-Time Great legends.

Edward revealed the new belt (Doug Ward and TITLE Boxing) to the HAF squad as the “Bible of Boxing’s” Doug Fischer spoke of the myriad achievements that the groundbreaking Armstrong accomplished during his pro boxing career. It was an impressive sharing of knowledge and a touching tribute to the pound for pound hero who passed away on October 24, 1988 in L.A. Fischer has an incredible mind for details and both he and Armstrong-Scott spoke about Henry’s life and career as we all listened intently. It was amazing to see this prized possession in person as the men spoke of Henry’s lifetime achievements and legacy in the sport.

The beloved boxing champion also just had a street named after him (Henry Armstrong Way) in his hometown of Columbus, Mississippi. The dedication took place on October 12 and is another reminder of how incredible this prizefighter really was and how people want to remember this boxing superstar and man of God.

And after his fight career was completed, “Hurricane Hank” became a preacher in his later years. And now his grandson Edward and his wife Kim are continuing this legacy with their nonprofit foundation named after the icon. Through the years, the Henry Armstrong Foundation and their Board of Directors have given strong support in mentoring the youth and helping the homeless in the community and beyond. Their mission to share the powerful words and messages imparted by the champ has made an impact in everyone they meet; it is their life’s work to carry on in the tradition that Armstrong, himself, lived.

Sporting the new Henry Armstrong commemorative shirts (BOXART/Eduardo de la Cruz), the HAF group carried a banner proudly stating “Gloves, Glory and God” as we took our spots in the parade lineup. It was perfect weather under the Southern California sun as the parade proceeded down the streets of L.A. It was an epic gathering with organizer and World Special Federation President John Kim (We Are One World Peace Foundation), the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Korean dancers, beauty queens, children’s ballet troupes, marching bands, Tawekwondo martial artists and more. Starting at City Hall and finishing at the LAPD headquarters, the parade route was fun and festive and a positive outing bringing the community together. It was a wonderful experience and a memorable day for all involved.

And it was certainly a “knockout” day with the unveiling of the Ring championship strap and being part of the 2022 Peace Parade with the Henry Armstrong Foundation too. A one-two punch and one for the ages!

2019 Peace Parade:
BoxArt shirts

Photos by Michele Chong