Abe Attell

Profession: Boxer

Nationality:

Biography: Abe Attell, known as "The Little Hebrew," dominated the featherweight division in the early 20th century. He held the World Featherweight Championship for a record-setting six consecutive years from 1906 to 1912, successfully defending his title 22 times during this period.

Born in San Francisco in 1883 to a Jewish family, Attell faced difficulties early in life when his father abandoned the family. He sold newspapers to support his family and took solace in boxing. At age 17, he won his first professional fight against Kid Lennett, and by 18, he had defeated George Dixon, a prominent boxer of the time.

Attell's boxing career was marked by notable victories over challengers such as Battling Nelson, Johnny Kilbane, and Jimmy Walsh. His brothers, Monte and Caesar, also had successful boxing careers, with Monte holding the Bantamweight Championship from 1909 to 1910.

Attell's career was not without controversy, however, as he faced accusations of drug-use, fight-fixing, and illegal tactics in the ring. He was also allegedly involved in the infamous Black Sox Scandal of 1919, where he was suspected of acting as a bag man for gambler Arnold Rothstein.

After retiring from boxing, Attell operated a shoe store in New York City and later transitioned to vaudeville. He was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.

Born: February 22, 1884
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Pisces

Died: February 7, 1970 (aged 85)