I remember a few years ago, Associated Press did a poll of boxing fans, journalists, trainers/boxers to determine the top 10 pound for pound of all time. Some of the results, in fact most, were relatively typical (manny steward of course fit tommy hearns into his) and for the most part the journalists, trainers/boxers had the usual lists. However, the fan poll showed one surprising entry: Abe Attell. At the time I knew nothing about him and did a little research (way too little i would say) and found that he had an incredibly impressive record. I felt like an idiot never having heard of him and checked my boxing encyclopedia for more. They offered little save for he was one of the greatest featherweights of all time, tough as nails and had quite the record. That record stands at 92-10-18 with 51 knockouts. What are peoples impressions of him? Where, if at all, do you rank him all time?
I rate him very highly at featherweight, probably no 1 at the moment. Interestingly, a lot of people seemed to rate him below Jim Driscoll, due to Driscoll apparently getting the better of a no Decision fight when they were both close to primes.
He should definitely rate among the best at his weight. On a side note, he was the trainer who transformed Primo Carnera from a clumsy oaf to a smart boxing superheavyweight who took out Jack Sharkey.
I did not know this. I have recently come across footage of Carnera. I have to say from what I saw he had very good boxing skills. Fighting smart keeping his distance not the clumsy oaf he has been made out to be. As for Abe Atell. Great boxer probbly top 5 Jewish boxer. Benny Leonard and Barney Ross being 1 and 2. Atell , Lew Tendler and Ted Lewis are the next three.
An anecdote about the great Abe Attell.... Attell owned a bar on Broadway,in the eary 1940s....Not far from Jack Dempsey's restaurant, a few blocks away...I as a youngster,once saw an old Attell, from the front window, sitting in his bar...My father would tell me about his greatness, and the infamous White Sox Scandal...One other thing, I remember...When TV first televized boxing matches, I on our small tv screen would watch Abe Attell in the audience. ROLLING and ducking with every blow..It was something to see this old legend from yesterday, from his seat acting as if he was in the ring again, with George Dixon, Battling Nelson,Johnny Kilbane,and all his long dead opponents...I and my dad would forget the fight...Attell was something....
great story burt:good yeah the white sox scandal has put a black mark on him personally (though his involvement was never proven) but his boxing career should never be in doubt and his potential illegal activities should not affect his historical significance in this sport. and when you put it like that, what an era he fought in. dixon, nelson and kilbane?? what a time and to be so dominate in that period is really something
Tremendous boxer an ATG but has to be ranked behind Peerless Jim Driscoll in any serious ranking list.
He has one of the best resumes in the history of the division. I'd have to say Driscoll was a better boxer though, by all accounts i've come across he won their bout clearly. Attell can be up with the best company in people's lists.
