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Abraham Washington Attell (1883-1970) was among the cleverest, most scientific professional boxers ever to enter the ring. The native San Franciscan fought 172 times--with 127 wins, 51 by knockout--and successfully defended his World Featherweight Champion title 18 times between 1906 and 1912, defeating challengers who included Johnny Kilbane and Battling Nelson. Abe's success inspired his brothers Caesar and Monte to take up the sport--Abe and Monte both held simultaneous world titles for a time.
This first ever biography covers Attell's life and career. Growing up poor and Jewish in an predominantly Irish neighborhood, he faced his share of adversity and anti-Semitism. He was charged for alleged involvement in the 1919 Black Sox Scandal. The charges were dropped but Attell was branded for the remainder of his life.
List of contents
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Preface
Introduction
One.¿Rising to the Occasion, 1900-1901
Two.¿A Champion's Ascent, 1902-1903
Three.¿The Triad to Legitimacy, 1904
Four.¿Not So Fast, 1905
Five.¿As World Champion, 1906
Six.¿Preserve and Defend, 1907
Seven.¿Minister of Defense, 1908
Eight.¿Two Champions, Two Divisions and One Family, 1909
Nine.¿A Champion's Pace, 1910
Ten.¿From the Comfort of Home, 1911
Eleven.¿Losing the Title, 1912
Twelve.¿The Thrill Is Gone, 1913-1919
Thirteen.¿The Black Sox Scandal of 1919, 1919-1921
Fourteen.¿Misdeeds and Mishaps in the Roaring Twenties
Fifteen.¿The Great Depression and Beyond
Sixteen.¿Clever Beyond Words
Appendix: Abe Attell Official Record
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Mark Allen Baker, business executive and writer of hundreds of articles and more than 25 books, is the only person to serve the International Boxing Hall of Fame as an author, historian, chairperson, sponsor, volunteer and biographer. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. He was accorded a Lifetime Award of Merit by the State University of New York in 2022.
