in mexico city on november 4, 1934, he defeated henry armstrong in their first of five meetings, winning almost every round despite suffering a broken wrist in the second, and by some accounts taking claim of the california-mexican world featherweight title. he defeated armstrong once again on january 1, 1935, in a twelve round unanimous decision in mexico city. following those victories, he defeated future world title holder chalky wright by fourth round knockout. on february 7, 1936, he lost to future lightweight champion lou ambers in a ten round unanimous decision, with ambers taking every round, by one account. arizmendi, however fought well for the first five rounds, but was unable to continue the pace in the remaining portion of the match. ambers got his range with his punishing left in the fourth, fifth, and sixth. in the eighth, arizmendi suffered a bleeding cut near his right eye, helping ambers to increase his points margin in the final two rounds. the bout was not billed as a title fight.