Monte Attell

Monte "The Nob Hill Terror" Attell (July 28, 1885 – November 11, 1960), born in San Francisco, California, United States, was a champion boxer.[1]

Early career

A poor Jewish kid of diminutive stature who was raised in a tough Irish neighborhood, Monte Attell began his career in fighting almost from the first day he could walk outdoors.[2][3] From fighting for survival in the streets, he turned professional in 1903, winning his first five bouts. He then lost several fights but between February 1906 and May 1909, he fought ten times without losing. His performance earned him a chance to fight for the vacant Bantamweight championship.

Championship reign

On June 19, 1909, Monte Attell won the World Bantamweight title when he defeated Frankie Neil at Coffroth's Arena, in Colma, California.[4][5] Because his older brother Abe Attell (1884–1970) was the then Featherweight Champion of the World, it made them the first brothers to simultaneously hold world boxing titles.[6] Their brother, Caesar, also fought and was called "Two and a Half," for always giving that amount whenever the hat was passed for charity at a boxing event, which he attended faithfully.

In the seven months following his winning the title, Attell fought seven more times until losing the championship to Frankie Conley by being knocked out in the 42nd round of their fight on February 22, 1910.[7][8][9]

Retirement and death

Monte Attell retired from boxing in 1916 because of an eye problem that eventually led to his going blind. On his passing in 1960, he was interred in Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, California. Plot: Maple Mound North, Grave 400.[10][11][12]

Hall of Fame

Attell was elected to the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame's induction class of 2015.[13]

Notes

  1. ↑ Dan Rafael, "Can Juan Manuel Repeat the Feat?," ESPN.com, 15 March 2007.
  2. ↑ "Monte Attell Is After the Title," Pittsburgh Press, 9 March 1911, Sporting Page.
  3. ↑ "Attell Best White Boy in Fistic Game," Pittsburgh Press, 28 December 1907, 8.
  4. ↑ Rafael 2007.
  5. ↑ Martin Mulcahey, "Resting Places of Boxing Icons," ESPN.com, 24 August 2005.
  6. ↑ Rafael 2007.
  7. ↑ Mulcahey 2005.
  8. ↑ Cliff Christl, et al., "Sports in Wisconsin -- The 20th Century," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 17 October 1999, 3C.
  9. ↑
  10. ↑ Mulcahey 2005.
  11. ↑ "Monte Attell," Find A Grave, 16 May 2001.
  12. ↑
  13. ↑

See also

External links