Remember, Jews comprise a measly 1/4 of 1% (13 million) of the world's population (6 billion). Choose any field of human endeavor (including athletics), and you will find that Jews have disproprotionately excelled in it.
Jews are so few in number, yet so great in ability. With that said, I give to you:
BARNEY AARON - Premodern English great known as "the star of The East". 1800-1850.
YOUNG BARNEY AARON - 1836-1907. Son of Barney Aaron (surprise) Lightweight champion of US in 1857.
GEORGE ABRAMS - Middleweight contender (1937-1948). Lost 15 round title fight to Zale in 1941. Beat Teddy Yarosz, Billy Soose 3 times (once while Soose held
New York version of middle title in 1941), Lou Brouillard and other top middleweights. 48W, 3D, 10L
RAY ARCEL - The trainer of great fighters. Trained 20 world champs including, Benny Leonard, Roberto Duran and Ezzard Charles. Elected to the New York Jewish
Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. One of 2 trainers to be elected to the Boxing Hall
of Fame.
SALOMO AROUCH - Greek Jew who was middle-weight champion of the Balkans before
WWII. He was deported to Auschwitz and forced to box in staged fights for the camp guards. His story is depicted in the film "Triumph of the Spirit", starring Willem Dafoe.
BOB ARUM - Major boxing promoter who is still very active. One of the two most
important promoters in the game today.
MONTE ATTELL - Abe Attell's brother. World Bantamweight champ 1909. KO'd Frankie Neil in Colma, California. Lost title in 1910 to Frankie Conley. While
this title was not universally recognized, it was the only time two brothers held world titles. Very little remains of his overall record. One of three fighting Attell brothers (Cesar was the third).
ABE ATTELL - Born in San Francisco in 1884. He learned to fight growing up in an Irish neighborhood. He was featherweight champ for eight years (1901-08). Overall record was 171-9.
BUDDY BAER - Brother of Max Baer. Lost heavyweight title fight to Joe Louis. Giant in size, he appeared in over a dozen films including "Quo Vadis".
MAX BAER - Heavyweight champion 1934-35. Fought with a Star of David on his shorts. Father of Max Baer, Jr. who played "Jethro" on "Beverly Hillbillies". PHIL BAKER - (1930-1936) Lightweight. Overall record, 92W(41KO), 1D, 23 ND. SOLDIER BARTFIELD - Born Jacob Bartfeld. Tough Austrian born welterweight (1912-1925). Fought the best and fought them often, KO Brennan, Kid Graves, Al
McCoy, Jack Britton, Mike O'Dowd, Mike Gibbons, Ted 'Kid' Lewis, Harry Greb, Benny Leonard, Italian Joe Gans (with whom he had a famous rivalry), Mickey Walker, and others. Mostly no decisions. 32W(18KO), 8D, 18L, 111ND.
Benny Bass - Featherweight champion, 1927-1928. Won the title vacated by Louis
Kaplan. Fought 197 fights, won 140, 59 by KO.
WILLIE BEECHER - (1909-1917) Lightweight, Overall record 10W(10KO), 3D, 1L 51ND
FABRICE BENICHOU - Spanish bantam/featherweight. (1984-1998). European Bantamweight champ (1988), IBF Jr. Featherweight champ (1989-1990), European Featherweight champ (1991-1992). Record, 45W(23KO), 2D, 17L.
JACKIE BERG - Known as Jackie "Kid" Berg. Born Judah Bergman in London. Jr. Welterweight Champ, 1931. As a marketing ploy, he would wear a tallis (prayer shawl) into the ring. Madison Square Garden favorite. Lifetime 157-26-9. SAM BERGER - Won Olympic gold medal for USA as a boxing heavyweight in 1904.
JOE BERNSTEIN - Popular early Jewish featherweight in New York. Fought the likes of Young Griffo , George Dixon (2),Solly Smith (KO'd Smith in 1899), Dave
Sullivan (3 20-25 round draws), Terry McGovern (3), Young Corbett (2), all of whom were champions. His overall record is difficult to compile.
JACK BERNSTEIN - (1899-1945). Jr. Lightweight champ, 1923. Fought from 1914 to
1931. 65W, 7D, 23L, 12ND.
HARRY BLITMAN - Featherweight (1926-1930). 52W(23KO), 2D, 4L, 5ND
PHIL BLOOM - English born lightweight (1912-1923). Fought 175 bouts, 99 of which were No Decision. Overall record 43W(15KO), 11D, 22L, 99ND.
NATHAN BOR - Won Olympic bronze medal for USA as lightweight in 1932.
AARON BRAUNSTEIN - Current major boxing promoter who puts on major fights in Madison Square Garden and other venues. His daughter is the well-known actress
Natasha Lyonne.
BELASCO BROTHERS - For a period of time in the early to mid 18th century, a fair number of Jews successfully engaged as pugilists in Britain. They included
the Belasco brothers, Abraham, Israel, Samuel John, as well as, Isaac Bittoon,
Elisha Crabbe, Abraham DeCosta, Bernard Levy and others.
BUDINI BROWN - Bundini Brown was famous mostly for being Muhammed Ali's close friend, cheerleader, jester, and cornerman. He also had a few bit parts in movies, including the role of a henchman in the blaxploitation classic, "Shaft". In the book, "King of the World: Muhammed Ali and the Rise of an American Hero" by David Remnick, a NY Times bestseller about Ali's early years,
it is noted that Bundini is a convert to Judaism and was married to a woman named Rhoda Palestine. He also referred to G-d as Shorty. It doesn't say whether he learned to use this term in his conversion class.
NEWSBOY BROWN - Born Dave Montrose. Held controversial flyweight title when he
defeated Johnny McCoy in L.A. in 1928. Only recignized in California. Lost it to Johnny Hill in 1929. Brown was undoubtedly one of the best small fighters of
his day. He met four (4) Hall of Famers six times. Genera (2W), La Barba (2D),
'Panama' Al Brown (1W), Chalky Wright (1W). In addition he beat flyweight great
Midget Wolgast, and met and beat the best of his age. Had one shot for undisputed world title, losing to Izzy Schwartz, whom he had previously beaten.
NATI BROWN - Heavyweight (1928-1949). 56W(21KO), 9D, 17L, 2ND.
MUSHY CALLAHAN - A.K.A. Mushy Sheer. Jr. Welterweight champ, 1926-1930. Lost title to Jack 'Kid' Berg. 43W, 4D, 12L, 1 ND.
JOE CHOYNISKI - One of the great fighters of the late 19th, early 20th C. Weighed 160 -170 (employed as a taffy-puller), but mostly fought much bigger heavyweights. Fought Corbett 3 times, apparand the Choynskis (San Franciscans).
KO'd Jack Johnson at the beginning of Johnson's career.
ROBERT COHEN - Bantamweight champion, 1954-1955. Algerian Jew. Reminiscent of the Hemingway character of same name. He was in a terrible auto accident and never recovered his form.
LEACH CROSS - His real name was Dr. Louis C. Wallach. Top lightweight (1906-1916, 1921). 43W(25KO), 2D, 14L, 95ND. Outside of boxing he practiced dentistry in Hollywood, CA.
AL 'BUMMY" DAVIS - Rough tough middleweight boxer from New York, circa 1948-9.
Davis was shot to death while coming to the defense of his friendly barkeep during an armed robbery. He is reputed the have broken one robber's jaw before
taking the fatal shot. A tough cookie to say the least. Born Albert Davidoff. HERMAN DAVIS - Fought as "Jackie Davis", proudly wore the Star of David on his
trunks. Raised in Cleveland's Jewish Orphans Home. Professional 1928-34. Fought
Barney Ross for Chicago Golden Gloves Title in '27. Ranked in top 10 of Ring Magazine of '32 and '33 in Welter Weight Division, had over 150 pro fights. Professional referee 1934 to '68 (Sugar Ray Robinson, Jake La Mota, Ezzard Charles and Jimmy Bevins, more); boxing columnist 1955-1968, Cleveland News and
Press. Died in ring, December 1968 (while reffing a charity event). Elected to
Cleveland, Ohio Sports HOF in '86.
DAVEY DAY - Lightweight contender (1930s). 59W(29KO), 4D, 10L
HAROLD DEVINE - Won Olympic bronze medal for USA as featherwight in 1928. HARRY DUBLINSKY - (1926-1935) Lightweight. Overall record 73W(15KO), 13D, 30L,
5ND. Beat Tony Canzoneri in 1934.
LEW FELDMAN - Scottish Jew. Some sources identify him as American, unless of
course there are two Lew Feldmans. Fought as lightweight (1928-1941). 182 fights overall. 115W(8KO), 13D, 54L.
JACKIE FIELDS - Born Jacob Finkelstein. World Welterweight champion (1929-1930,
1932-1933) Also, won Olympic gold metal as featherweight in 1924 Olympics. Overall record, 71W(28KO), 2D, 9L, 3ND
NATHANIEL FLEISCHER - Nat was the founder of "Ring Magazine", the bible of boxing. Founded in the 1920's, its ranking of boxers was very influential. He also published the Boxing Encyclopedia. He fought for a cleaner game and more physical protections for boxers. Died in 1972.
AL FOREMAN - English lightweight (1920-1933), ranked in 30s. Record 125W(80KO),
10D, 10L.
BERNIE FRIEDKIN - Known as "Schoolboy". Highly regarded feather/lightweight (1935-1943). Came from Brownsville section of Brooklynlike "Bummy" Davis, who he lost to in 1938. Fought draws against Kid Chocolate. Mike Belloise (2) and Petey Scalzo. Overall record, 49W(10KO), 15D, 10L.
SAILOR FRIEDMAN - (1916-1924). Lightweight. Overall record, 37W(22KO), 4D, 3L,
38ND. Fits in with Soldier Bartfield and Corporal Izzy Schwartz.
DANNU FRUSH - Featherweight, 1917-1926. Overall record 60W(24KO), 10L, 1D, 17ND
GYORGY GEDO - Hungarian. Winner of the Gold medal in the Light Flyweight divison at the 1972 Olympics.
LOU GEVINSON - Featherweight out of Washington, D.C. Winner of 5 consecutive Golden Glove titles. Named the alternate featherweight on 1936 Olympic team, but refused to accompany the team to Berlin as a "matter of principle,". Fought
3 world champs in a short professional career, losing close fights each time, once by split decision.
CHARLIE GOLDMAN - Bantamweight (1904-1914. Outstanding fighter of the first decade of the 20thC. Overall record: 36W(20KO), 1D, 6l, 84ND.
RUBY GOLDSTEIN - Famed referee who was born on the lower East Side. He was a pro boxer in the '20's, nicknamed "the Jewel of the Ghetto". Started referring
while in the Army during WWII. Referred many impt. fights incl. Louis/Walcott,
Zale/Graziano. Columnist for "Ring". Died in '84.
ABE GOLDSTEIN - Bantamweight champion, 1924-1925. 85W, 5D, 14L, 26ND
HAROLD GREEN - (1942-1953) Middleweight. Beat Rocky Graziano twice in 1944, and
KO'ed Joey Giardello in 1950. Overall record, 70W(23KO), 3D, 14L.
ALPHONSE HALIMI - World bantamweight champ (1957-1959). Algerian Jew like Robert Cohen. Also twice won European bantam title. 40W(21KO), 1D, 8L WILLIE HARMON - Welterweight contender. (1920s). Overall record, 50W(24KO), 6D, 15L, 15ND. Worked as bouncer/greeter in Red Hook bar in 40s. Thought he was part owner.
HARRY HARRIS- First modern Jewish bantamweight champ. Know as the "human scissors" won the title in 1901, then fought as featherwight. 40W, 7D, 2L, 5ND.
MARVIN HART - (1876-1931) Fern Creek, Kentucky. Heavyweight champion 1905. MONTGOMERY HERSCOVITZ - AKA Moe Herscovitch. Won Olympic bronze medal for Canada as middleweight in 1920.
JOE HERTZBERG - Deaf mute lightweight, fought under the name "Dummy Jordan." Number one contender for several years during the 1910's. Hometown: Chicago, Illinois.
WALDEMAR HOLDBERG - Danish welterweight (1883-1927). Competed in 1908 Olympics
as a lightweight. Won World Welterweight title in 1914, then lost it same month
on a 6th round disqualification. 31W, 4D, 23L.
ABE HOLLANDERSKY - Known as "Newsboy". Possibly most prolific fighter of all time. Reputed to have fought some 1,309 bouts.
WILLIE JACKSON - Real name was Oscar Tobler. Top feather/lightweight (1913-1922). Fought Hall of Famer Johnny Dundee 11 times 2W(1KO), 4D, 5ND. Overall record 25W(17KO), 8D, 9L, 115ND.
JIMMY JACOBS - Manager and film historian. Outstanding amateur athlete and six
time natl. handball champ.With Bill Cayton assembled a major collection of old
fight films starting in the early '60's--his company, Big Fights, produced 1000
boxing films. Managed Wilfred Benitz, Edwin Rosario, Mike Tyson. Died in '88. GARY JACOBS - Scottish welterweight (1985-1997). European Welterweight champ (1993-1994), Great Britain welterweight champ (1992), Commonwealth (1988-1989).
Overall record, 45W(26KO), 8L.
MIKE JACOBS - Major boxing promoter of the '20's and '30's. Began as a ticket
scalper. Signed Joe Louis to an exclusive contract in '35. Put on major fights
in the Garden. Died in '53.
BEN JEBY - (Morris Jebaltowski) Held the New York version of the middleweight title from 1932 to 1933. 54W(22KO), 4D, 14L, 1NC
ROBERT KAHN - Who is he? He is the real-life model for Robert Cohn, the Princeton boxing champion in Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises". In the book, Cohn is criticized for fighting for "the wrong reason". The right reason being
the joy of athletic competition or some other mystical Hemingway macho stuff. The real Robert Cohn never made it to Paris and, in later years, hardly anyone
remembered him from his Princeton days. He was a quiet young man who didn't want to have to take an insult from anyone. Therefore, he studied boxing and became Princeton middleweight champ in the 1920's. He apparently never had a college fight outside the gym.
LOUIS "KID" KAPLAN - Featherweight champion from 1925- 1927, when he outgrew the class and gave up his title. 102W, 10D, 13L, 9ND.
PHIL KAPLAN - Known as "K.O.".(1919-1929) Middleweight. Overall record, 69W (34K), 1D, 14L, 11ND.
JULIE JULIUS JOGON - (1937-1949 ) Very respectable lightweight. Overall record
to 1949, 74W(34KO), 15D, 36L.
DANNY KRAMER - Featherweight contender, 1919-1928. 52W(25KO), 22L, 3D, 13ND. Lost to Louis (Kid) Kaplan for vacant Featherweight title in 1925.
SOLLY KRIEGER - NBA Middleweight Champion 1938-1939. Fighting 111 fights he had
a higher percentage of KOs (53/111) than every middleweight champion before him
except Stanley Ketchell and Les Darcy. Only Mickey Walker (60) and Lou Brouillard (66) had more KOs.
HERB KRONOWITZ - Middleweight (1941-1950). 54W(9KO), 5D, 24L. In Coast Guard in
WWII. Two brothers served overseas. His younger brother was killed in Battle of
Bulge.
ART LASKY - Heavyweight (1930-1939). Overall record 42W(34KO), 4D, 7L, 5ND. BENNY LEONARD - Great Lightweight champ (1917-1925). Hall of Fame. Lost 3 fights first 3 years, then was undefeated over the next 11 years except for a disqualification loss to Jack Britton for Welterweight title in 1922. Leonard was beating Britton when he inexplicably fouled him in the 13th round. After his retirement in 1925 he returned to the ring in 1931 and won 18 out of his next 19 fights (1 draw) until he was knocked out by Jimmy McLarnin October 7, 1932. Overall record, 89W (71KO), 1D, 5L, 115ND.
ARTIE LEVINE - Middleweight (1941-1949). Most famous fight was with Sugar Ray Robinson (11/6/46) in which he almost KO'ed Robinson in the 5th round. A long count might have saved Robinson. Robinson managed to rebound and knock out Levine in the 10th round, but he never could remember the fight after the 5th round. It has been claimed that Robinson said no one ever hit him harder than Levine did in the 5th round of that fight. Levine never got a title shot. His overall record was 50W(36KO), 6D, 15L.
BATTLING LEVINSKY - One of the few guys known mostly known just by his nickname. He was light heavyweight champion between 1917 and 1925. Born Barney
Lebrowitz. Levinsky, who originally fought under the name Williams, is believed
to have fought over 400 professional fights, although his early years' engagements are not recorded. The guy loved to fight.
KING LEVINSKY - Heavyweight (1928-1939). 79W(41KO), 7D, 33L. During his career
he beat the likes of Jimmy Slattery, Tommy Loughran, Primo Carnera, Jack Sharkey, Leo Lomski.
TED LEWIS - Known as Ted "Kid" Lewis. World Welterweight Champ, 1915-16; 1917-1919. Born Gershon Mendelhoff in England. Tough, hard-hitting fighter from
London's East End. Held many British and European titles. Lifetime: 170-30-14.
HARRY LEWIS - Born Henry Besterman. 1886-1956. Claimant to Welterweight title in 1908, after KO'ing Frank Mantell and Honey Melody. One of the best welterweights of his day. 80W, 11D, 16L, 56ND.
SAMMY LUFTSPRING - Canadian amateur welterweight champion, 1930's. Was supposed
to represent Canada at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. However, he joined the boycott
of the games by Jewish (and some other athletes). Mr. Luftspring has been active in the Jewish sports community and has written his autobiography.
JILL MATTHEWS - Billed as Jill "The Zion Lion" Matthews. One of the top female
professional fighters around today. IFBA and IWBF Junior Flyweight Champ.
AL MCCOY - (Alexander Rudolph). Middleweight champion 1914-1917. McCoy won the
world championship when he defeated George Chip, then champion, who was standing in for a fight scheduled with his brother Joe Chip. He Ko'd George Chip in the first round. He was thereafter derogatorily referred to as the "cheese champion" for being a light hitter who lucked into the championship, and for fighting many No Decision bouts (like most fighters of the day). Actually, he may have fought as many as 137 fights before losing for the first
time in 1917 in a championship fight with Mike O'Dowd. Not too shabby, cheesy or no.
DANIEL MENDOZA - Sephardic Jew who became a famous boxing champion of England in the 18th Century. He did for English Jews what Jackie Robinson did for African-Americans two centuries later. Mendoza gave them pride in a champion who represented his people. Mendoza is credited with introducing "scientific boxing" to the sport (called, believe it or not, "the Jewish School of Boxing",
during this period). A Mendoza descendant was actor Peter Sellers. Sellers' mother, whose name was Mendoza, was Jewish. Sellers's son wrote that Peter was
somewhat fascinated by his ancestor and by the "yellowing" prints of the champion that had been passed down in the Mendoza family. Sellers and his ancestor, his son wrote, bore a striking physical resemblance to one and other.
There is a short biography of Mendoza on the following link. Mendoza
M. JACOB MICHAELSEN - Won Olympic bronze medal for Denmark as heavyweight in 1928.
RAY MILLER - Lightweight contender (1924-1933). Of note though, he was only man
to ever knock out Jimmy McLarnin, who made an issue out of knocking out Jewish
fighters. Miller was never himself KO'ed in 111 fights. Overall record, 77W(31KO), 4D, 25L.
PEDRO MONTANEZ - Puerto Rican Jew. Outstanding lightweight. (1931-1940) Between
1932 and his loss to Lou Ambers (who he'd previously beaten) in September of 1937; Montanez had 57 wins and 4 draws. Overall record 87W(51KO), 5D, 7L. YOUNG MONTREAL - Born Morris Billinghoff)Claimant to American Flyweight title,
1919, then competed as a bantamweight. Fought from 1916 to 1929. 56W, 6D, 19L,
22ND.
SAM MOSBERG - Won Olympic gold medal for USA as lightweight in 1920.
JOHNNY MURRAY - Born Herman Sloves 1899-1957. Featherweight. Nickname "The Bronx bone-crusher". Overall record, 1916-1921, 42W(38KO), 4L, 66ND. Fought at
least 87 fights before losing his first bout in 1920. After retiring was active
in Democratic party politics in the Bronx.
ARTIE O' LEARY - (Arthur Lieberman). Claimant to Junior lightweight title (1917-1919).
BOB OLIN - Light-heavyweight champion from 1934-1935. Owned a restaurant for a
short while.
YOUNG OTTO - Born Arthur Suskind. Very active lightweight (1903-1923). Fought 196 recorded fights. 93W(70KO), 4D, 10L, 93ND. After his retirement was an instructor, judge and referee for New York State Athletic Commission.
BOB PASTOR - Heavyweight (1935-1942). Fought Louis for title in 1939, lost by KO in 11. Previously had lost 10 round decision to Louis. Clearly a top contender prior to 1942. 53W (17KO), 5D, 7L. Note: This fighter may be half-Jewish, but we don't have more information. If you know, contact us. which
side.
DAVEY PEARL - Referee. Pearl worked over 3,000 bouts. He was based in Las Vegas
and worked such famous matches at Marvin Hagler/Tommy Hearns and Ali/Leon Spinks. He is in the boxing hall of fame.
VICTOR PEREZ - Known as Victor(Young) Perez. World Flyweight champ (1931-1932)
Tunisian Jew. Believed to have died in German prison camp in 1942. 89W(26KO), 16D, 26L.
AUGIE RATNER - Top ranked middleweght boxer in l920's.
DAVE ROSENBERG - World Middleweight claimant, held New York Title for awhile in
1922 until losing it to O'Dowd on a disqualification in the 8th round. Never KO'd in 57 or 65 fights, depending on which record you trust.
CHARLEY PHIL ROSENBERG - Another bantamweight champ, 1925-1927 (real name Charles Green). Won the title from the guy who defeated Abe Goldstein. Apparently started out by taking a fight for a friend named Rosenberg. Continued to use the name. Lost title by suspension for making an unauthorized
agreement with Bushy Graham.
DANA ROSENBLATT - Rosenblatt is the best Jewish boxer fighting today. Born in Malden, Massachusetts, he has held several middleweight and super middleweight
titles. Rather than summarize his career and 'how perfect' he is as a 'role model'--we urge you to visit the following links. He is 37-1 with 23 knockouts
as of August, 2001. However, given the nature of boxing, he probably will never
hold a unified crown, even if (a 'big' if) he had the talent to beat everyone in his class.
MAXIE ROSENBLOOM - Known as "Slapsie Maxie". Light Heavyweight champion from 1930-34. Later appeared as comic actor in Hollywood "B" movies. Maxie fought 289 professional fights of which he won 210. That makes him the winningest lightheavy ever.
JOHNNY ROSNER - Johnny (Young) Rosner. Claimant to American Flyweight title, 1917, by KO over Young Zulu Kid. Lost claim in 1919 against Young Montreal. BARNEY ROSS - World lightweight champ from '33-35; welterweight '34;'35-38. Grew up in an Orthodox home in Chicago, and his father opposed him going into the ring--wanted him to be a Hebrew teacher. After his father's death, Ross became the family's support. He was a war hero and becamed addicted to morphine
for his wounds. Sucessful fight back from addiction was made into the movie "Monkey On My Back". Born Barnet Rashofsky.
MIKE ROSSMAN - Won WBA Light Heavyweight title in 1978 and wore a Star of David
on his trunks. Rossman's mother was 'probably' Jewish. Different reports have surfaced over the years. We will checking with our boxing mavens and get the definitive answer. (Updated: 2/02).
SHAMIL SABYROV - Won Olympic gold medal for USSR as light-flyweight in 1980. DMITRIY SALITA - Salita, a lightweight, has emerged as one of the best Jewish prospects in American boxing in a long time. Salita's career is covered very well in the linked piece from the April 15, 2002 issue of "New York Magazine'.
A few highlights: He is a 20 year old emigre from Odessa, Russia. He won the 2001 NYC "Golden Gloves" in his division. Salita is 6-0 since turning professional, with five knockouts. Salita is an Orthodox Jew and does not fight
on the Sabbath. Quoting the linked piece, "You won't, however, find Salita in the ring on a Friday night: He's Orthodox and hangs with the Lubavitcher Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn. That means he doesn't fight from Friday night till dusk on Saturday. It's in his contract. 'If anyone wants a whupping from me,' says Salita, 'they got to wait until after sundown.'"
DUTCH SAM - (Samuel Elias) 1775-1816. International Boxing Hall of Fame. The second great Jewish fighter, after Mendoza, though in his weight class probably
more dominant (135pounds). He fought from 1801-1810, was known (I kid you not)
as a 'legendary' puncher, and is reputed to have invented the uppercut. Came from same town as two other Hall of Fame Jewish fighters from England, Jackie 'Kid' Berg and Ted 'Kid' Lewis.
ALBERT SCHNEIDER - Won Olympic gold medal for Canada as welterweight in 1920. CPL IZZY SCHWARTZ - Flyweight Champion 1927-1929.
ERIC SEELIG - German middleweight (1931-1940) Record through 1938, 43W, 3D, 5L.
KO'ed Mickey Walker in Walker's last fight. Also beat Ken Overlin.
MAXIE SHAPIRO - Lightweight contender (1938-1948). Never had a title shot. Beat
NBA titleholders Jackie Callura (1W), Phil Terranova (1W,1L) and Sol Bartolo (3W,1D,2L), and World Light champ Bob Montgomery (1W,1L). Overall record 87W(26KO), 6D, 30L.
AL SINGER - (1909-1961) Lightweight champ 1930. KO'd Sammy Mandell (not Jewish)
in first round for title, then lost the title when Tony Canzoneri KO'd Singer in 1st round later that year. 60W, 2D, 8L.
BARNEY SNYDER - Born Barney Schneider, he was the National Amateur Flyweght Champion of the United States in 1913. Barney was born on March 4, 1892 in London, England and died in February l987 in Boston.
JACK SOLOMONS - The most impt. promoter in the history of British boxing. His family were fish marketers, he changed jobs and ended up promoting 26 title fights and brought scores of American boxers to Britain. His heyday was the 40's-60's, but was working until he died in 1979.
ALLIE STOLTZ - Lightweight contender (1937-1946) Lost controversial title fight
with Sammy Angott on May 15, 1942. Split decision, referee gave Stolz 11 of 15
rounds. To most observers Stolz won the fight. 73W, 2D, 10L.
LEW TENDLER - Hall of Famer, who unfortunately had to beat Benny Leonard for the World Light title, and didn't quite make it. Had Leonard dazed and on the ropes (figuratively speaking), but Benny outsmarted him (1923). Then barely lost 15 round decision for World Welterweight title to a heavier Mickey Walker
in 1924. Considered by some the best southpaw fighter of his day in any division.
SID TERRIS - Outstanding amateur who went on to be a lightweight contender (1922-1931). In 1925 beat Jimmy Goodrich, Rocky Kansas, Johnny Dundee (2), Ace
Hudkins and Jack Bernstein (2). Overall record, 85W(12KO), 4D, 13L, 6ND. BENNY VALGAR - Outstanding lightweight (1916-1929). Overall record 77W(19KO), 3D, 15L, 97ND (total of 191 fights).
JOEY VAROFF - Classy Lightweight (1939-1950) Overall record 55W(5KO), 7D, 5L. MATT WELLS - (1886-1953). Held British Lightweight and British Empire titles. Won British title from Freddie Welsh in 1911. British amateur champ from 1904-1907, turned professional at the relatively old age of 25.
CHARLEY WHITE - Hardhitting British lightweight (career 1906 to 1923, 1930). Fought between 145 and 172 fights (depending on sources), 80W (51 KOs), 8D, 16L
(including KO in 1930 at age 39), 40 ND. Defeated for Lightweight title twice,
Freddie Welsh and Benny Leonard. Otherwise fought and beat many of the best of
his day.
BENNY YANGER - Lightweight (1899-1909) usually identified as Italian (Frank Angone), but listed as Jewish in a very reputable source. KO'ed Abe Attell in 1902. Overall record 51W(25KO), 20D, 10L, 3ND
Who gives. rats ass...
On Saturday, August 3, 2002 at 6:18:34 PM UTC-4, DarrinT68 wrote:
Remember, Jews comprise a measly 1/4 of 1% (13 million) of the world's population (6 billion). Choose any field of human endeavor (including athletics), and you will find that Jews have disproprotionately excelled in it.
Jews are so few in number, yet so great in ability. With that said, I give to
you:
BARNEY AARON - Premodern English great known as "the star of The East". 1800-1850.
YOUNG BARNEY AARON - 1836-1907. Son of Barney Aaron (surprise) Lightweight champion of US in 1857.
GEORGE ABRAMS - Middleweight contender (1937-1948). Lost 15 round title fight
to Zale in 1941. Beat Teddy Yarosz, Billy Soose 3 times (once while Soose held
New York version of middle title in 1941), Lou Brouillard and other top middleweights. 48W, 3D, 10L
RAY ARCEL - The trainer of great fighters. Trained 20 world champs including,
Benny Leonard, Roberto Duran and Ezzard Charles. Elected to the New York Jewish
Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. One of 2 trainers to be elected to the Boxing Hall
of Fame.
SALOMO AROUCH - Greek Jew who was middle-weight champion of the Balkans before
WWII. He was deported to Auschwitz and forced to box in staged fights for the
camp guards. His story is depicted in the film "Triumph of the Spirit", starring Willem Dafoe.
BOB ARUM - Major boxing promoter who is still very active. One of the two most
important promoters in the game today.
MONTE ATTELL - Abe Attell's brother. World Bantamweight champ 1909. KO'd Frankie Neil in Colma, California. Lost title in 1910 to Frankie Conley. While
this title was not universally recognized, it was the only time two brothers
held world titles. Very little remains of his overall record. One of three fighting Attell brothers (Cesar was the third).
ABE ATTELL - Born in San Francisco in 1884. He learned to fight growing up in
an Irish neighborhood. He was featherweight champ for eight years (1901-08).
Overall record was 171-9.
BUDDY BAER - Brother of Max Baer. Lost heavyweight title fight to Joe Louis.
Giant in size, he appeared in over a dozen films including "Quo Vadis".
MAX BAER - Heavyweight champion 1934-35. Fought with a Star of David on his shorts. Father of Max Baer, Jr. who played "Jethro" on "Beverly Hillbillies".
PHIL BAKER - (1930-1936) Lightweight. Overall record, 92W(41KO), 1D, 23 ND. SOLDIER BARTFIELD - Born Jacob Bartfeld. Tough Austrian born welterweight (1912-1925). Fought the best and fought them often, KO Brennan, Kid Graves, Al
McCoy, Jack Britton, Mike O'Dowd, Mike Gibbons, Ted 'Kid' Lewis, Harry Greb,
Benny Leonard, Italian Joe Gans (with whom he had a famous rivalry), Mickey Walker, and others. Mostly no decisions. 32W(18KO), 8D, 18L, 111ND.
Benny Bass - Featherweight champion, 1927-1928. Won the title vacated by Louis
Kaplan. Fought 197 fights, won 140, 59 by KO.
WILLIE BEECHER - (1909-1917) Lightweight, Overall record 10W(10KO), 3D, 1L 51ND
FABRICE BENICHOU - Spanish bantam/featherweight. (1984-1998). European Bantamweight champ (1988), IBF Jr. Featherweight champ (1989-1990), European
Featherweight champ (1991-1992). Record, 45W(23KO), 2D, 17L.
JACKIE BERG - Known as Jackie "Kid" Berg. Born Judah Bergman in London. Jr. Welterweight Champ, 1931. As a marketing ploy, he would wear a tallis (prayer
shawl) into the ring. Madison Square Garden favorite. Lifetime 157-26-9. SAM
BERGER - Won Olympic gold medal for USA as a boxing heavyweight in 1904. JOE BERNSTEIN - Popular early Jewish featherweight in New York. Fought the likes of Young Griffo , George Dixon (2),Solly Smith (KO'd Smith in 1899), Dave
Sullivan (3 20-25 round draws), Terry McGovern (3), Young Corbett (2), all of
whom were champions. His overall record is difficult to compile.
JACK BERNSTEIN - (1899-1945). Jr. Lightweight champ, 1923. Fought from 1914 to
1931. 65W, 7D, 23L, 12ND.
HARRY BLITMAN - Featherweight (1926-1930). 52W(23KO), 2D, 4L, 5ND
PHIL BLOOM - English born lightweight (1912-1923). Fought 175 bouts, 99 of which were No Decision. Overall record 43W(15KO), 11D, 22L, 99ND.
NATHAN BOR - Won Olympic bronze medal for USA as lightweight in 1932. AARON BRAUNSTEIN - Current major boxing promoter who puts on major fights in
Madison Square Garden and other venues. His daughter is the well-known actress
Natasha Lyonne.
BELASCO BROTHERS - For a period of time in the early to mid 18th century, a fair number of Jews successfully engaged as pugilists in Britain. They included
the Belasco brothers, Abraham, Israel, Samuel John, as well as, Isaac Bittoon,
Elisha Crabbe, Abraham DeCosta, Bernard Levy and others.
BUDINI BROWN - Bundini Brown was famous mostly for being Muhammed Ali's close
friend, cheerleader, jester, and cornerman. He also had a few bit parts in movies, including the role of a henchman in the blaxploitation classic, "Shaft". In the book, "King of the World: Muhammed Ali and the Rise of an American Hero" by David Remnick, a NY Times bestseller about Ali's early years,
it is noted that Bundini is a convert to Judaism and was married to a woman named Rhoda Palestine. He also referred to G-d as Shorty. It doesn't say whether he learned to use this term in his conversion class.
NEWSBOY BROWN - Born Dave Montrose. Held controversial flyweight title when he
defeated Johnny McCoy in L.A. in 1928. Only recignized in California. Lost it
to Johnny Hill in 1929. Brown was undoubtedly one of the best small fighters of
his day. He met four (4) Hall of Famers six times. Genera (2W), La Barba (2D),
'Panama' Al Brown (1W), Chalky Wright (1W). In addition he beat flyweight great
Midget Wolgast, and met and beat the best of his age. Had one shot for undisputed world title, losing to Izzy Schwartz, whom he had previously beaten.
NATI BROWN - Heavyweight (1928-1949). 56W(21KO), 9D, 17L, 2ND.
MUSHY CALLAHAN - A.K.A. Mushy Sheer. Jr. Welterweight champ, 1926-1930. Lost
title to Jack 'Kid' Berg. 43W, 4D, 12L, 1 ND.
JOE CHOYNISKI - One of the great fighters of the late 19th, early 20th C. Weighed 160 -170 (employed as a taffy-puller), but mostly fought much bigger
heavyweights. Fought Corbett 3 times, apparand the Choynskis (San Franciscans).
KO'd Jack Johnson at the beginning of Johnson's career.
ROBERT COHEN - Bantamweight champion, 1954-1955. Algerian Jew. Reminiscent of
the Hemingway character of same name. He was in a terrible auto accident and
never recovered his form.
LEACH CROSS - His real name was Dr. Louis C. Wallach. Top lightweight (1906-1916, 1921). 43W(25KO), 2D, 14L, 95ND. Outside of boxing he practiced dentistry in Hollywood, CA.
AL 'BUMMY" DAVIS - Rough tough middleweight boxer from New York, circa 1948-9.
Davis was shot to death while coming to the defense of his friendly barkeep during an armed robbery. He is reputed the have broken one robber's jaw before
taking the fatal shot. A tough cookie to say the least. Born Albert Davidoff.
HERMAN DAVIS - Fought as "Jackie Davis", proudly wore the Star of David on his
trunks. Raised in Cleveland's Jewish Orphans Home. Professional 1928-34. Fought
Barney Ross for Chicago Golden Gloves Title in '27. Ranked in top 10 of Ring
Magazine of '32 and '33 in Welter Weight Division, had over 150 pro fights. Professional referee 1934 to '68 (Sugar Ray Robinson, Jake La Mota, Ezzard Charles and Jimmy Bevins, more); boxing columnist 1955-1968, Cleveland News and
Press. Died in ring, December 1968 (while reffing a charity event). Elected to
Cleveland, Ohio Sports HOF in '86.
DAVEY DAY - Lightweight contender (1930s). 59W(29KO), 4D, 10L
HAROLD DEVINE - Won Olympic bronze medal for USA as featherwight in 1928. HARRY DUBLINSKY - (1926-1935) Lightweight. Overall record 73W(15KO), 13D, 30L,
5ND. Beat Tony Canzoneri in 1934.
LEW FELDMAN - Scottish Jew. Some sources identify him as American, unless of
course there are two Lew Feldmans. Fought as lightweight (1928-1941). 182 fights overall. 115W(8KO), 13D, 54L.
JACKIE FIELDS - Born Jacob Finkelstein. World Welterweight champion (1929-1930,
1932-1933) Also, won Olympic gold metal as featherweight in 1924 Olympics. Overall record, 71W(28KO), 2D, 9L, 3ND
NATHANIEL FLEISCHER - Nat was the founder of "Ring Magazine", the bible of boxing. Founded in the 1920's, its ranking of boxers was very influential. He
also published the Boxing Encyclopedia. He fought for a cleaner game and more
physical protections for boxers. Died in 1972.
AL FOREMAN - English lightweight (1920-1933), ranked in 30s. Record 125W(80KO),
10D, 10L.
BERNIE FRIEDKIN - Known as "Schoolboy". Highly regarded feather/lightweight (1935-1943). Came from Brownsville section of Brooklynlike "Bummy" Davis, who
he lost to in 1938. Fought draws against Kid Chocolate. Mike Belloise (2) and
Petey Scalzo. Overall record, 49W(10KO), 15D, 10L.
SAILOR FRIEDMAN - (1916-1924). Lightweight. Overall record, 37W(22KO), 4D, 3L,
38ND. Fits in with Soldier Bartfield and Corporal Izzy Schwartz.
DANNU FRUSH - Featherweight, 1917-1926. Overall record 60W(24KO), 10L, 1D, 17ND
GYORGY GEDO - Hungarian. Winner of the Gold medal in the Light Flyweight divison at the 1972 Olympics.
LOU GEVINSON - Featherweight out of Washington, D.C. Winner of 5 consecutive
Golden Glove titles. Named the alternate featherweight on 1936 Olympic team,
but refused to accompany the team to Berlin as a "matter of principle,". Fought
3 world champs in a short professional career, losing close fights each time,
once by split decision.
CHARLIE GOLDMAN - Bantamweight (1904-1914. Outstanding fighter of the first decade of the 20thC. Overall record: 36W(20KO), 1D, 6l, 84ND.
RUBY GOLDSTEIN - Famed referee who was born on the lower East Side. He was a
pro boxer in the '20's, nicknamed "the Jewel of the Ghetto". Started referring
while in the Army during WWII. Referred many impt. fights incl. Louis/Walcott,
Zale/Graziano. Columnist for "Ring". Died in '84.
ABE GOLDSTEIN - Bantamweight champion, 1924-1925. 85W, 5D, 14L, 26ND
HAROLD GREEN - (1942-1953) Middleweight. Beat Rocky Graziano twice in 1944, and
KO'ed Joey Giardello in 1950. Overall record, 70W(23KO), 3D, 14L.
ALPHONSE HALIMI - World bantamweight champ (1957-1959). Algerian Jew like Robert Cohen. Also twice won European bantam title. 40W(21KO), 1D, 8L WILLIE
HARMON - Welterweight contender. (1920s). Overall record, 50W(24KO), 6D, 15L,
15ND. Worked as bouncer/greeter in Red Hook bar in 40s. Thought he was part owner.
HARRY HARRIS- First modern Jewish bantamweight champ. Know as the "human scissors" won the title in 1901, then fought as featherwight. 40W, 7D, 2L, 5ND.
MARVIN HART - (1876-1931) Fern Creek, Kentucky. Heavyweight champion 1905. MONTGOMERY HERSCOVITZ - AKA Moe Herscovitch. Won Olympic bronze medal for Canada as middleweight in 1920.
JOE HERTZBERG - Deaf mute lightweight, fought under the name "Dummy Jordan."
Number one contender for several years during the 1910's. Hometown: Chicago,
Illinois.
WALDEMAR HOLDBERG - Danish welterweight (1883-1927). Competed in 1908 Olympics
as a lightweight. Won World Welterweight title in 1914, then lost it same month
on a 6th round disqualification. 31W, 4D, 23L.
ABE HOLLANDERSKY - Known as "Newsboy". Possibly most prolific fighter of all
time. Reputed to have fought some 1,309 bouts.
WILLIE JACKSON - Real name was Oscar Tobler. Top feather/lightweight (1913-1922). Fought Hall of Famer Johnny Dundee 11 times 2W(1KO), 4D, 5ND. Overall record 25W(17KO), 8D, 9L, 115ND.
JIMMY JACOBS - Manager and film historian. Outstanding amateur athlete and six
time natl. handball champ.With Bill Cayton assembled a major collection of old
fight films starting in the early '60's--his company, Big Fights, produced 1000
boxing films. Managed Wilfred Benitz, Edwin Rosario, Mike Tyson. Died in '88.
GARY JACOBS - Scottish welterweight (1985-1997). European Welterweight champ
(1993-1994), Great Britain welterweight champ (1992), Commonwealth (1988-1989).
Overall record, 45W(26KO), 8L.
MIKE JACOBS - Major boxing promoter of the '20's and '30's. Began as a ticket
scalper. Signed Joe Louis to an exclusive contract in '35. Put on major fights
in the Garden. Died in '53.
BEN JEBY - (Morris Jebaltowski) Held the New York version of the middleweight
title from 1932 to 1933. 54W(22KO), 4D, 14L, 1NC
ROBERT KAHN - Who is he? He is the real-life model for Robert Cohn, the Princeton boxing champion in Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises". In the book, Cohn is criticized for fighting for "the wrong reason". The right reason being
the joy of athletic competition or some other mystical Hemingway macho stuff.
The real Robert Cohn never made it to Paris and, in later years, hardly anyone
remembered him from his Princeton days. He was a quiet young man who didn't want to have to take an insult from anyone. Therefore, he studied boxing and
became Princeton middleweight champ in the 1920's. He apparently never had a
college fight outside the gym.
LOUIS "KID" KAPLAN - Featherweight champion from 1925- 1927, when he outgrew
the class and gave up his title. 102W, 10D, 13L, 9ND.
PHIL KAPLAN - Known as "K.O.".(1919-1929) Middleweight. Overall record, 69W (34K), 1D, 14L, 11ND.
JULIE JULIUS JOGON - (1937-1949 ) Very respectable lightweight. Overall record
to 1949, 74W(34KO), 15D, 36L.
DANNY KRAMER - Featherweight contender, 1919-1928. 52W(25KO), 22L, 3D, 13ND.
Lost to Louis (Kid) Kaplan for vacant Featherweight title in 1925.
SOLLY KRIEGER - NBA Middleweight Champion 1938-1939. Fighting 111 fights he had
a higher percentage of KOs (53/111) than every middleweight champion before him
except Stanley Ketchell and Les Darcy. Only Mickey Walker (60) and Lou Brouillard (66) had more KOs.
HERB KRONOWITZ - Middleweight (1941-1950). 54W(9KO), 5D, 24L. In Coast Guard in
WWII. Two brothers served overseas. His younger brother was killed in Battle of
Bulge.
ART LASKY - Heavyweight (1930-1939). Overall record 42W(34KO), 4D, 7L, 5ND. BENNY LEONARD - Great Lightweight champ (1917-1925). Hall of Fame. Lost 3 fights first 3 years, then was undefeated over the next 11 years except for a
disqualification loss to Jack Britton for Welterweight title in 1922. Leonard
was beating Britton when he inexplicably fouled him in the 13th round. After
his retirement in 1925 he returned to the ring in 1931 and won 18 out of his
next 19 fights (1 draw) until he was knocked out by Jimmy McLarnin October 7,
1932. Overall record, 89W (71KO), 1D, 5L, 115ND.
ARTIE LEVINE - Middleweight (1941-1949). Most famous fight was with Sugar Ray
Robinson (11/6/46) in which he almost KO'ed Robinson in the 5th round. A long
count might have saved Robinson. Robinson managed to rebound and knock out Levine in the 10th round, but he never could remember the fight after the 5th
round. It has been claimed that Robinson said no one ever hit him harder than
Levine did in the 5th round of that fight. Levine never got a title shot. His
overall record was 50W(36KO), 6D, 15L.
BATTLING LEVINSKY - One of the few guys known mostly known just by his nickname. He was light heavyweight champion between 1917 and 1925. Born Barney
Lebrowitz. Levinsky, who originally fought under the name Williams, is believed
to have fought over 400 professional fights, although his early years' engagements are not recorded. The guy loved to fight.
KING LEVINSKY - Heavyweight (1928-1939). 79W(41KO), 7D, 33L. During his career
he beat the likes of Jimmy Slattery, Tommy Loughran, Primo Carnera, Jack Sharkey, Leo Lomski.
TED LEWIS - Known as Ted "Kid" Lewis. World Welterweight Champ, 1915-16; 1917-1919. Born Gershon Mendelhoff in England. Tough, hard-hitting fighter from
London's East End. Held many British and European titles. Lifetime: 170-30-14.
HARRY LEWIS - Born Henry Besterman. 1886-1956. Claimant to Welterweight title
in 1908, after KO'ing Frank Mantell and Honey Melody. One of the best welterweights of his day. 80W, 11D, 16L, 56ND.
SAMMY LUFTSPRING - Canadian amateur welterweight champion, 1930's. Was supposed
to represent Canada at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. However, he joined the boycott
of the games by Jewish (and some other athletes). Mr. Luftspring has been active in the Jewish sports community and has written his autobiography. JILL MATTHEWS - Billed as Jill "The Zion Lion" Matthews. One of the top female
professional fighters around today. IFBA and IWBF Junior Flyweight Champ. AL MCCOY - (Alexander Rudolph). Middleweight champion 1914-1917. McCoy won the
world championship when he defeated George Chip, then champion, who was standing in for a fight scheduled with his brother Joe Chip. He Ko'd George Chip in the first round. He was thereafter derogatorily referred to as the "cheese champion" for being a light hitter who lucked into the championship,
and for fighting many No Decision bouts (like most fighters of the day). Actually, he may have fought as many as 137 fights before losing for the first
time in 1917 in a championship fight with Mike O'Dowd. Not too shabby, cheesy
or no.
DANIEL MENDOZA - Sephardic Jew who became a famous boxing champion of England
in the 18th Century. He did for English Jews what Jackie Robinson did for African-Americans two centuries later. Mendoza gave them pride in a champion
who represented his people. Mendoza is credited with introducing "scientific
boxing" to the sport (called, believe it or not, "the Jewish School of Boxing",
during this period). A Mendoza descendant was actor Peter Sellers. Sellers' mother, whose name was Mendoza, was Jewish. Sellers's son wrote that Peter was
somewhat fascinated by his ancestor and by the "yellowing" prints of the champion that had been passed down in the Mendoza family. Sellers and his ancestor, his son wrote, bore a striking physical resemblance to one and other.
There is a short biography of Mendoza on the following link. Mendoza
M. JACOB MICHAELSEN - Won Olympic bronze medal for Denmark as heavyweight in
1928.
RAY MILLER - Lightweight contender (1924-1933). Of note though, he was only man
to ever knock out Jimmy McLarnin, who made an issue out of knocking out Jewish
fighters. Miller was never himself KO'ed in 111 fights. Overall record, 77W(31KO), 4D, 25L.
PEDRO MONTANEZ - Puerto Rican Jew. Outstanding lightweight. (1931-1940) Between
1932 and his loss to Lou Ambers (who he'd previously beaten) in September of
1937; Montanez had 57 wins and 4 draws. Overall record 87W(51KO), 5D, 7L. YOUNG MONTREAL - Born Morris Billinghoff)Claimant to American Flyweight title,
1919, then competed as a bantamweight. Fought from 1916 to 1929. 56W, 6D, 19L,
22ND.
SAM MOSBERG - Won Olympic gold medal for USA as lightweight in 1920.
JOHNNY MURRAY - Born Herman Sloves 1899-1957. Featherweight. Nickname "The Bronx bone-crusher". Overall record, 1916-1921, 42W(38KO), 4L, 66ND. Fought at
least 87 fights before losing his first bout in 1920. After retiring was active
in Democratic party politics in the Bronx.
ARTIE O' LEARY - (Arthur Lieberman). Claimant to Junior lightweight title (1917-1919).
BOB OLIN - Light-heavyweight champion from 1934-1935. Owned a restaurant for a
short while.
YOUNG OTTO - Born Arthur Suskind. Very active lightweight (1903-1923). Fought
196 recorded fights. 93W(70KO), 4D, 10L, 93ND. After his retirement was an instructor, judge and referee for New York State Athletic Commission.
BOB PASTOR - Heavyweight (1935-1942). Fought Louis for title in 1939, lost by
KO in 11. Previously had lost 10 round decision to Louis. Clearly a top contender prior to 1942. 53W (17KO), 5D, 7L. Note: This fighter may be half-Jewish, but we don't have more information. If you know, contact us. which
side.
DAVEY PEARL - Referee. Pearl worked over 3,000 bouts. He was based in Las Vegas
and worked such famous matches at Marvin Hagler/Tommy Hearns and Ali/Leon Spinks. He is in the boxing hall of fame.
VICTOR PEREZ - Known as Victor(Young) Perez. World Flyweight champ (1931-1932)
Tunisian Jew. Believed to have died in German prison camp in 1942. 89W(26KO),
16D, 26L.
AUGIE RATNER - Top ranked middleweght boxer in l920's.
DAVE ROSENBERG - World Middleweight claimant, held New York Title for awhile in
1922 until losing it to O'Dowd on a disqualification in the 8th round. Never
KO'd in 57 or 65 fights, depending on which record you trust.
CHARLEY PHIL ROSENBERG - Another bantamweight champ, 1925-1927 (real name Charles Green). Won the title from the guy who defeated Abe Goldstein. Apparently started out by taking a fight for a friend named Rosenberg. Continued to use the name. Lost title by suspension for making an unauthorized
agreement with Bushy Graham.
DANA ROSENBLATT - Rosenblatt is the best Jewish boxer fighting today. Born in
Malden, Massachusetts, he has held several middleweight and super middleweight
titles. Rather than summarize his career and 'how perfect' he is as a 'role model'--we urge you to visit the following links. He is 37-1 with 23 knockouts
as of August, 2001. However, given the nature of boxing, he probably will never
hold a unified crown, even if (a 'big' if) he had the talent to beat everyone
in his class.
MAXIE ROSENBLOOM - Known as "Slapsie Maxie". Light Heavyweight champion from
1930-34. Later appeared as comic actor in Hollywood "B" movies. Maxie fought
289 professional fights of which he won 210. That makes him the winningest lightheavy ever.
JOHNNY ROSNER - Johnny (Young) Rosner. Claimant to American Flyweight title,
1917, by KO over Young Zulu Kid. Lost claim in 1919 against Young Montreal. BARNEY ROSS - World lightweight champ from '33-35; welterweight '34;'35-38. Grew up in an Orthodox home in Chicago, and his father opposed him going into
the ring--wanted him to be a Hebrew teacher. After his father's death, Ross became the family's support. He was a war hero and becamed addicted to morphine
for his wounds. Sucessful fight back from addiction was made into the movie "Monkey On My Back". Born Barnet Rashofsky.
MIKE ROSSMAN - Won WBA Light Heavyweight title in 1978 and wore a Star of David
on his trunks. Rossman's mother was 'probably' Jewish. Different reports have
surfaced over the years. We will checking with our boxing mavens and get the
definitive answer. (Updated: 2/02).
SHAMIL SABYROV - Won Olympic gold medal for USSR as light-flyweight in 1980.
DMITRIY SALITA - Salita, a lightweight, has emerged as one of the best Jewish
prospects in American boxing in a long time. Salita's career is covered very
well in the linked piece from the April 15, 2002 issue of "New York Magazine'.
A few highlights: He is a 20 year old emigre from Odessa, Russia. He won the
2001 NYC "Golden Gloves" in his division. Salita is 6-0 since turning professional, with five knockouts. Salita is an Orthodox Jew and does not fight
on the Sabbath. Quoting the linked piece, "You won't, however, find Salita in
the ring on a Friday night: He's Orthodox and hangs with the Lubavitcher Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn. That means he doesn't fight from Friday night till
dusk on Saturday. It's in his contract. 'If anyone wants a whupping from me,'
says Salita, 'they got to wait until after sundown.'"
DUTCH SAM - (Samuel Elias) 1775-1816. International Boxing Hall of Fame. The
second great Jewish fighter, after Mendoza, though in his weight class probably
more dominant (135pounds). He fought from 1801-1810, was known (I kid you not)
as a 'legendary' puncher, and is reputed to have invented the uppercut. Came
from same town as two other Hall of Fame Jewish fighters from England, Jackie
'Kid' Berg and Ted 'Kid' Lewis.
ALBERT SCHNEIDER - Won Olympic gold medal for Canada as welterweight in 1920.
CPL IZZY SCHWARTZ - Flyweight Champion 1927-1929.
ERIC SEELIG - German middleweight (1931-1940) Record through 1938, 43W, 3D, 5L.
KO'ed Mickey Walker in Walker's last fight. Also beat Ken Overlin.
MAXIE SHAPIRO - Lightweight contender (1938-1948). Never had a title shot. Beat
NBA titleholders Jackie Callura (1W), Phil Terranova (1W,1L) and Sol Bartolo
(3W,1D,2L), and World Light champ Bob Montgomery (1W,1L). Overall record 87W(26KO), 6D, 30L.
AL SINGER - (1909-1961) Lightweight champ 1930. KO'd Sammy Mandell (not Jewish)
in first round for title, then lost the title when Tony Canzoneri KO'd Singer
in 1st round later that year. 60W, 2D, 8L.
BARNEY SNYDER - Born Barney Schneider, he was the National Amateur Flyweght Champion of the United States in 1913. Barney was born on March 4, 1892 in London, England and died in February l987 in Boston.
JACK SOLOMONS - The most impt. promoter in the history of British boxing. His
family were fish marketers, he changed jobs and ended up promoting 26 title fights and brought scores of American boxers to Britain. His heyday was the 40's-60's, but was working until he died in 1979.
ALLIE STOLTZ - Lightweight contender (1937-1946) Lost controversial title fight
with Sammy Angott on May 15, 1942. Split decision, referee gave Stolz 11 of 15
rounds. To most observers Stolz won the fight. 73W, 2D, 10L.
LEW TENDLER - Hall of Famer, who unfortunately had to beat Benny Leonard for
the World Light title, and didn't quite make it. Had Leonard dazed and on the
ropes (figuratively speaking), but Benny outsmarted him (1923). Then barely lost 15 round decision for World Welterweight title to a heavier Mickey Walker
in 1924. Considered by some the best southpaw fighter of his day in any division.
SID TERRIS - Outstanding amateur who went on to be a lightweight contender (1922-1931). In 1925 beat Jimmy Goodrich, Rocky Kansas, Johnny Dundee (2), Ace
Hudkins and Jack Bernstein (2). Overall record, 85W(12KO), 4D, 13L, 6ND. BENNY VALGAR - Outstanding lightweight (1916-1929). Overall record 77W(19KO),
3D, 15L, 97ND (total of 191 fights).
JOEY VAROFF - Classy Lightweight (1939-1950) Overall record 55W(5KO), 7D, 5L.
MATT WELLS - (1886-1953). Held British Lightweight and British Empire titles.
Won British title from Freddie Welsh in 1911. British amateur champ from 1904-1907, turned professional at the relatively old age of 25.
CHARLEY WHITE - Hardhitting British lightweight (career 1906 to 1923, 1930).
Fought between 145 and 172 fights (depending on sources), 80W (51 KOs), 8D, 16L
(including KO in 1930 at age 39), 40 ND. Defeated for Lightweight title twice,
Freddie Welsh and Benny Leonard. Otherwise fought and beat many of the best of
his day.
BENNY YANGER - Lightweight (1899-1909) usually identified as Italian (Frank Angone), but listed as Jewish in a very reputable source. KO'ed Abe Attell in
1902. Overall record 51W(25KO), 20D, 10L, 3ND
Remember, Jews comprise a measly 1/4 of 1% (13 million) of the world's population (6 billion). Choose any field of human endeavor (including athletics), and you will find that Jews have disproprotionately excelled in it.
Jews are so few in number, yet so great in ability. With that said, I give to you:
BARNEY AARON - Premodern English great known as "the star of The East". 1800-1850.
YOUNG BARNEY AARON - 1836-1907. Son of Barney Aaron (surprise) Lightweight champion of US in 1857.
GEORGE ABRAMS - Middleweight contender (1937-1948). Lost 15 round title fight to Zale in 1941. Beat Teddy Yarosz, Billy Soose 3 times (once while Soose held
New York version of middle title in 1941), Lou Brouillard and other top middleweights. 48W, 3D, 10L
RAY ARCEL - The trainer of great fighters. Trained 20 world champs including, Benny Leonard, Roberto Duran and Ezzard Charles. Elected to the New York Jewish
Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. One of 2 trainers to be elected to the Boxing Hall
of Fame.
SALOMO AROUCH - Greek Jew who was middle-weight champion of the Balkans before
WWII. He was deported to Auschwitz and forced to box in staged fights for the camp guards. His story is depicted in the film "Triumph of the Spirit", starring Willem Dafoe.
BOB ARUM - Major boxing promoter who is still very active. One of the two most
important promoters in the game today.
MONTE ATTELL - Abe Attell's brother. World Bantamweight champ 1909. KO'd Frankie Neil in Colma, California. Lost title in 1910 to Frankie Conley. While
this title was not universally recognized, it was the only time two brothers held world titles. Very little remains of his overall record. One of three fighting Attell brothers (Cesar was the third).
ABE ATTELL - Born in San Francisco in 1884. He learned to fight growing up in an Irish neighborhood. He was featherweight champ for eight years (1901-08). Overall record was 171-9.
BUDDY BAER - Brother of Max Baer. Lost heavyweight title fight to Joe Louis. Giant in size, he appeared in over a dozen films including "Quo Vadis".
MAX BAER - Heavyweight champion 1934-35. Fought with a Star of David on his shorts. Father of Max Baer, Jr. who played "Jethro" on "Beverly Hillbillies". PHIL BAKER - (1930-1936) Lightweight. Overall record, 92W(41KO), 1D, 23 ND. SOLDIER BARTFIELD - Born Jacob Bartfeld. Tough Austrian born welterweight (1912-1925). Fought the best and fought them often, KO Brennan, Kid Graves, Al
McCoy, Jack Britton, Mike O'Dowd, Mike Gibbons, Ted 'Kid' Lewis, Harry Greb, Benny Leonard, Italian Joe Gans (with whom he had a famous rivalry), Mickey Walker, and others. Mostly no decisions. 32W(18KO), 8D, 18L, 111ND.
Benny Bass - Featherweight champion, 1927-1928. Won the title vacated by Louis
Kaplan. Fought 197 fights, won 140, 59 by KO.
WILLIE BEECHER - (1909-1917) Lightweight, Overall record 10W(10KO), 3D, 1L 51ND
FABRICE BENICHOU - Spanish bantam/featherweight. (1984-1998). European Bantamweight champ (1988), IBF Jr. Featherweight champ (1989-1990), European Featherweight champ (1991-1992). Record, 45W(23KO), 2D, 17L.
JACKIE BERG - Known as Jackie "Kid" Berg. Born Judah Bergman in London. Jr. Welterweight Champ, 1931. As a marketing ploy, he would wear a tallis (prayer shawl) into the ring. Madison Square Garden favorite. Lifetime 157-26-9. SAM BERGER - Won Olympic gold medal for USA as a boxing heavyweight in 1904.
JOE BERNSTEIN - Popular early Jewish featherweight in New York. Fought the likes of Young Griffo , George Dixon (2),Solly Smith (KO'd Smith in 1899), Dave
Sullivan (3 20-25 round draws), Terry McGovern (3), Young Corbett (2), all of whom were champions. His overall record is difficult to compile.
JACK BERNSTEIN - (1899-1945). Jr. Lightweight champ, 1923. Fought from 1914 to
1931. 65W, 7D, 23L, 12ND.
HARRY BLITMAN - Featherweight (1926-1930). 52W(23KO), 2D, 4L, 5ND
PHIL BLOOM - English born lightweight (1912-1923). Fought 175 bouts, 99 of which were No Decision. Overall record 43W(15KO), 11D, 22L, 99ND.
NATHAN BOR - Won Olympic bronze medal for USA as lightweight in 1932.
AARON BRAUNSTEIN - Current major boxing promoter who puts on major fights in Madison Square Garden and other venues. His daughter is the well-known actress
Natasha Lyonne.
BELASCO BROTHERS - For a period of time in the early to mid 18th century, a fair number of Jews successfully engaged as pugilists in Britain. They included
the Belasco brothers, Abraham, Israel, Samuel John, as well as, Isaac Bittoon,
Elisha Crabbe, Abraham DeCosta, Bernard Levy and others.
BUDINI BROWN - Bundini Brown was famous mostly for being Muhammed Ali's close friend, cheerleader, jester, and cornerman. He also had a few bit parts in movies, including the role of a henchman in the blaxploitation classic, "Shaft". In the book, "King of the World: Muhammed Ali and the Rise of an American Hero" by David Remnick, a NY Times bestseller about Ali's early years,
it is noted that Bundini is a convert to Judaism and was married to a woman named Rhoda Palestine. He also referred to G-d as Shorty. It doesn't say whether he learned to use this term in his conversion class.
NEWSBOY BROWN - Born Dave Montrose. Held controversial flyweight title when he
defeated Johnny McCoy in L.A. in 1928. Only recignized in California. Lost it to Johnny Hill in 1929. Brown was undoubtedly one of the best small fighters of
his day. He met four (4) Hall of Famers six times. Genera (2W), La Barba (2D),
'Panama' Al Brown (1W), Chalky Wright (1W). In addition he beat flyweight great
Midget Wolgast, and met and beat the best of his age. Had one shot for undisputed world title, losing to Izzy Schwartz, whom he had previously beaten.
NATI BROWN - Heavyweight (1928-1949). 56W(21KO), 9D, 17L, 2ND.
MUSHY CALLAHAN - A.K.A. Mushy Sheer. Jr. Welterweight champ, 1926-1930. Lost title to Jack 'Kid' Berg. 43W, 4D, 12L, 1 ND.
JOE CHOYNISKI - One of the great fighters of the late 19th, early 20th C. Weighed 160 -170 (employed as a taffy-puller), but mostly fought much bigger heavyweights. Fought Corbett 3 times, apparand the Choynskis (San Franciscans).
KO'd Jack Johnson at the beginning of Johnson's career.
ROBERT COHEN - Bantamweight champion, 1954-1955. Algerian Jew. Reminiscent of the Hemingway character of same name. He was in a terrible auto accident and never recovered his form.
LEACH CROSS - His real name was Dr. Louis C. Wallach. Top lightweight (1906-1916, 1921). 43W(25KO), 2D, 14L, 95ND. Outside of boxing he practiced dentistry in Hollywood, CA.
AL 'BUMMY" DAVIS - Rough tough middleweight boxer from New York, circa 1948-9.
Davis was shot to death while coming to the defense of his friendly barkeep during an armed robbery. He is reputed the have broken one robber's jaw before
taking the fatal shot. A tough cookie to say the least. Born Albert Davidoff. HERMAN DAVIS - Fought as "Jackie Davis", proudly wore the Star of David on his
trunks. Raised in Cleveland's Jewish Orphans Home. Professional 1928-34. Fought
Barney Ross for Chicago Golden Gloves Title in '27. Ranked in top 10 of Ring Magazine of '32 and '33 in Welter Weight Division, had over 150 pro fights. Professional referee 1934 to '68 (Sugar Ray Robinson, Jake La Mota, Ezzard Charles and Jimmy Bevins, more); boxing columnist 1955-1968, Cleveland News and
Press. Died in ring, December 1968 (while reffing a charity event). Elected to
Cleveland, Ohio Sports HOF in '86.
DAVEY DAY - Lightweight contender (1930s). 59W(29KO), 4D, 10L
HAROLD DEVINE - Won Olympic bronze medal for USA as featherwight in 1928. HARRY DUBLINSKY - (1926-1935) Lightweight. Overall record 73W(15KO), 13D, 30L,
5ND. Beat Tony Canzoneri in 1934.
LEW FELDMAN - Scottish Jew. Some sources identify him as American, unless of course there are two Lew Feldmans. Fought as lightweight (1928-1941). 182 fights overall. 115W(8KO), 13D, 54L.
JACKIE FIELDS - Born Jacob Finkelstein. World Welterweight champion (1929-1930,
1932-1933) Also, won Olympic gold metal as featherweight in 1924 Olympics. Overall record, 71W(28KO), 2D, 9L, 3ND
NATHANIEL FLEISCHER - Nat was the founder of "Ring Magazine", the bible of boxing. Founded in the 1920's, its ranking of boxers was very influential. He also published the Boxing Encyclopedia. He fought for a cleaner game and more physical protections for boxers. Died in 1972.
AL FOREMAN - English lightweight (1920-1933), ranked in 30s. Record 125W(80KO),
10D, 10L.
BERNIE FRIEDKIN - Known as "Schoolboy". Highly regarded feather/lightweight (1935-1943). Came from Brownsville section of Brooklynlike "Bummy" Davis, who he lost to in 1938. Fought draws against Kid Chocolate. Mike Belloise (2) and Petey Scalzo. Overall record, 49W(10KO), 15D, 10L.
SAILOR FRIEDMAN - (1916-1924). Lightweight. Overall record, 37W(22KO), 4D, 3L,
38ND. Fits in with Soldier Bartfield and Corporal Izzy Schwartz.
DANNU FRUSH - Featherweight, 1917-1926. Overall record 60W(24KO), 10L, 1D, 17ND
GYORGY GEDO - Hungarian. Winner of the Gold medal in the Light Flyweight divison at the 1972 Olympics.
LOU GEVINSON - Featherweight out of Washington, D.C. Winner of 5 consecutive Golden Glove titles. Named the alternate featherweight on 1936 Olympic team, but refused to accompany the team to Berlin as a "matter of principle,". Fought
3 world champs in a short professional career, losing close fights each time, once by split decision.
CHARLIE GOLDMAN - Bantamweight (1904-1914. Outstanding fighter of the first decade of the 20thC. Overall record: 36W(20KO), 1D, 6l, 84ND.
RUBY GOLDSTEIN - Famed referee who was born on the lower East Side. He was a pro boxer in the '20's, nicknamed "the Jewel of the Ghetto". Started referring
while in the Army during WWII. Referred many impt. fights incl. Louis/Walcott,
Zale/Graziano. Columnist for "Ring". Died in '84.
ABE GOLDSTEIN - Bantamweight champion, 1924-1925. 85W, 5D, 14L, 26ND
HAROLD GREEN - (1942-1953) Middleweight. Beat Rocky Graziano twice in 1944, and
KO'ed Joey Giardello in 1950. Overall record, 70W(23KO), 3D, 14L.
ALPHONSE HALIMI - World bantamweight champ (1957-1959). Algerian Jew like Robert Cohen. Also twice won European bantam title. 40W(21KO), 1D, 8L WILLIE HARMON - Welterweight contender. (1920s). Overall record, 50W(24KO), 6D, 15L, 15ND. Worked as bouncer/greeter in Red Hook bar in 40s. Thought he was part owner.
HARRY HARRIS- First modern Jewish bantamweight champ. Know as the "human scissors" won the title in 1901, then fought as featherwight. 40W, 7D, 2L, 5ND.
MARVIN HART - (1876-1931) Fern Creek, Kentucky. Heavyweight champion 1905. MONTGOMERY HERSCOVITZ - AKA Moe Herscovitch. Won Olympic bronze medal for Canada as middleweight in 1920.
JOE HERTZBERG - Deaf mute lightweight, fought under the name "Dummy Jordan." Number one contender for several years during the 1910's. Hometown: Chicago, Illinois.
WALDEMAR HOLDBERG - Danish welterweight (1883-1927). Competed in 1908 Olympics
as a lightweight. Won World Welterweight title in 1914, then lost it same month
on a 6th round disqualification. 31W, 4D, 23L.
ABE HOLLANDERSKY - Known as "Newsboy". Possibly most prolific fighter of all time. Reputed to have fought some 1,309 bouts.
WILLIE JACKSON - Real name was Oscar Tobler. Top feather/lightweight (1913-1922). Fought Hall of Famer Johnny Dundee 11 times 2W(1KO), 4D, 5ND. Overall record 25W(17KO), 8D, 9L, 115ND.
JIMMY JACOBS - Manager and film historian. Outstanding amateur athlete and six
time natl. handball champ.With Bill Cayton assembled a major collection of old
fight films starting in the early '60's--his company, Big Fights, produced 1000
boxing films. Managed Wilfred Benitz, Edwin Rosario, Mike Tyson. Died in '88. GARY JACOBS - Scottish welterweight (1985-1997). European Welterweight champ (1993-1994), Great Britain welterweight champ (1992), Commonwealth (1988-1989).
Overall record, 45W(26KO), 8L.
MIKE JACOBS - Major boxing promoter of the '20's and '30's. Began as a ticket scalper. Signed Joe Louis to an exclusive contract in '35. Put on major fights
in the Garden. Died in '53.
BEN JEBY - (Morris Jebaltowski) Held the New York version of the middleweight title from 1932 to 1933. 54W(22KO), 4D, 14L, 1NC
ROBERT KAHN - Who is he? He is the real-life model for Robert Cohn, the Princeton boxing champion in Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises". In the book, Cohn is criticized for fighting for "the wrong reason". The right reason being
the joy of athletic competition or some other mystical Hemingway macho stuff. The real Robert Cohn never made it to Paris and, in later years, hardly anyone
remembered him from his Princeton days. He was a quiet young man who didn't want to have to take an insult from anyone. Therefore, he studied boxing and became Princeton middleweight champ in the 1920's. He apparently never had a college fight outside the gym.
LOUIS "KID" KAPLAN - Featherweight champion from 1925- 1927, when he outgrew the class and gave up his title. 102W, 10D, 13L, 9ND.
PHIL KAPLAN - Known as "K.O.".(1919-1929) Middleweight. Overall record, 69W (34K), 1D, 14L, 11ND.
JULIE JULIUS JOGON - (1937-1949 ) Very respectable lightweight. Overall record
to 1949, 74W(34KO), 15D, 36L.
DANNY KRAMER - Featherweight contender, 1919-1928. 52W(25KO), 22L, 3D, 13ND. Lost to Louis (Kid) Kaplan for vacant Featherweight title in 1925.
SOLLY KRIEGER - NBA Middleweight Champion 1938-1939. Fighting 111 fights he had
a higher percentage of KOs (53/111) than every middleweight champion before him
except Stanley Ketchell and Les Darcy. Only Mickey Walker (60) and Lou Brouillard (66) had more KOs.
HERB KRONOWITZ - Middleweight (1941-1950). 54W(9KO), 5D, 24L. In Coast Guard in
WWII. Two brothers served overseas. His younger brother was killed in Battle of
Bulge.
ART LASKY - Heavyweight (1930-1939). Overall record 42W(34KO), 4D, 7L, 5ND. BENNY LEONARD - Great Lightweight champ (1917-1925). Hall of Fame. Lost 3 fights first 3 years, then was undefeated over the next 11 years except for a disqualification loss to Jack Britton for Welterweight title in 1922. Leonard was beating Britton when he inexplicably fouled him in the 13th round. After his retirement in 1925 he returned to the ring in 1931 and won 18 out of his next 19 fights (1 draw) until he was knocked out by Jimmy McLarnin October 7, 1932. Overall record, 89W (71KO), 1D, 5L, 115ND.
ARTIE LEVINE - Middleweight (1941-1949). Most famous fight was with Sugar Ray Robinson (11/6/46) in which he almost KO'ed Robinson in the 5th round. A long count might have saved Robinson. Robinson managed to rebound and knock out Levine in the 10th round, but he never could remember the fight after the 5th round. It has been claimed that Robinson said no one ever hit him harder than Levine did in the 5th round of that fight. Levine never got a title shot. His overall record was 50W(36KO), 6D, 15L.
BATTLING LEVINSKY - One of the few guys known mostly known just by his nickname. He was light heavyweight champion between 1917 and 1925. Born Barney
Lebrowitz. Levinsky, who originally fought under the name Williams, is believed
to have fought over 400 professional fights, although his early years' engagements are not recorded. The guy loved to fight.
KING LEVINSKY - Heavyweight (1928-1939). 79W(41KO), 7D, 33L. During his career
he beat the likes of Jimmy Slattery, Tommy Loughran, Primo Carnera, Jack Sharkey, Leo Lomski.
TED LEWIS - Known as Ted "Kid" Lewis. World Welterweight Champ, 1915-16; 1917-1919. Born Gershon Mendelhoff in England. Tough, hard-hitting fighter from
London's East End. Held many British and European titles. Lifetime: 170-30-14.
HARRY LEWIS - Born Henry Besterman. 1886-1956. Claimant to Welterweight title in 1908, after KO'ing Frank Mantell and Honey Melody. One of the best welterweights of his day. 80W, 11D, 16L, 56ND.
SAMMY LUFTSPRING - Canadian amateur welterweight champion, 1930's. Was supposed
to represent Canada at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. However, he joined the boycott
of the games by Jewish (and some other athletes). Mr. Luftspring has been active in the Jewish sports community and has written his autobiography.
JILL MATTHEWS - Billed as Jill "The Zion Lion" Matthews. One of the top female
professional fighters around today. IFBA and IWBF Junior Flyweight Champ.
AL MCCOY - (Alexander Rudolph). Middleweight champion 1914-1917. McCoy won the
world championship when he defeated George Chip, then champion, who was standing in for a fight scheduled with his brother Joe Chip. He Ko'd George Chip in the first round. He was thereafter derogatorily referred to as the "cheese champion" for being a light hitter who lucked into the championship, and for fighting many No Decision bouts (like most fighters of the day). Actually, he may have fought as many as 137 fights before losing for the first
time in 1917 in a championship fight with Mike O'Dowd. Not too shabby, cheesy or no.
DANIEL MENDOZA - Sephardic Jew who became a famous boxing champion of England in the 18th Century. He did for English Jews what Jackie Robinson did for African-Americans two centuries later. Mendoza gave them pride in a champion who represented his people. Mendoza is credited with introducing "scientific boxing" to the sport (called, believe it or not, "the Jewish School of Boxing",
during this period). A Mendoza descendant was actor Peter Sellers. Sellers' mother, whose name was Mendoza, was Jewish. Sellers's son wrote that Peter was
somewhat fascinated by his ancestor and by the "yellowing" prints of the champion that had been passed down in the Mendoza family. Sellers and his ancestor, his son wrote, bore a striking physical resemblance to one and other.
There is a short biography of Mendoza on the following link. Mendoza
M. JACOB MICHAELSEN - Won Olympic bronze medal for Denmark as heavyweight in 1928.
RAY MILLER - Lightweight contender (1924-1933). Of note though, he was only man
to ever knock out Jimmy McLarnin, who made an issue out of knocking out Jewish
fighters. Miller was never himself KO'ed in 111 fights. Overall record, 77W(31KO), 4D, 25L.
PEDRO MONTANEZ - Puerto Rican Jew. Outstanding lightweight. (1931-1940) Between
1932 and his loss to Lou Ambers (who he'd previously beaten) in September of 1937; Montanez had 57 wins and 4 draws. Overall record 87W(51KO), 5D, 7L. YOUNG MONTREAL - Born Morris Billinghoff)Claimant to American Flyweight title,
1919, then competed as a bantamweight. Fought from 1916 to 1929. 56W, 6D, 19L,
22ND.
SAM MOSBERG - Won Olympic gold medal for USA as lightweight in 1920.
JOHNNY MURRAY - Born Herman Sloves 1899-1957. Featherweight. Nickname "The Bronx bone-crusher". Overall record, 1916-1921, 42W(38KO), 4L, 66ND. Fought at
least 87 fights before losing his first bout in 1920. After retiring was active
in Democratic party politics in the Bronx.
ARTIE O' LEARY - (Arthur Lieberman). Claimant to Junior lightweight title (1917-1919).
BOB OLIN - Light-heavyweight champion from 1934-1935. Owned a restaurant for a
short while.
YOUNG OTTO - Born Arthur Suskind. Very active lightweight (1903-1923). Fought 196 recorded fights. 93W(70KO), 4D, 10L, 93ND. After his retirement was an instructor, judge and referee for New York State Athletic Commission.
BOB PASTOR - Heavyweight (1935-1942). Fought Louis for title in 1939, lost by KO in 11. Previously had lost 10 round decision to Louis. Clearly a top contender prior to 1942. 53W (17KO), 5D, 7L. Note: This fighter may be half-Jewish, but we don't have more information. If you know, contact us. which
side.
DAVEY PEARL - Referee. Pearl worked over 3,000 bouts. He was based in Las Vegas
and worked such famous matches at Marvin Hagler/Tommy Hearns and Ali/Leon Spinks. He is in the boxing hall of fame.
VICTOR PEREZ - Known as Victor(Young) Perez. World Flyweight champ (1931-1932)
Tunisian Jew. Believed to have died in German prison camp in 1942. 89W(26KO), 16D, 26L.
AUGIE RATNER - Top ranked middleweght boxer in l920's.
DAVE ROSENBERG - World Middleweight claimant, held New York Title for awhile in
1922 until losing it to O'Dowd on a disqualification in the 8th round. Never KO'd in 57 or 65 fights, depending on which record you trust.
CHARLEY PHIL ROSENBERG - Another bantamweight champ, 1925-1927 (real name Charles Green). Won the title from the guy who defeated Abe Goldstein. Apparently started out by taking a fight for a friend named Rosenberg. Continued to use the name. Lost title by suspension for making an unauthorized
agreement with Bushy Graham.
DANA ROSENBLATT - Rosenblatt is the best Jewish boxer fighting today. Born in Malden, Massachusetts, he has held several middleweight and super middleweight
titles. Rather than summarize his career and 'how perfect' he is as a 'role model'--we urge you to visit the following links. He is 37-1 with 23 knockouts
as of August, 2001. However, given the nature of boxing, he probably will never
hold a unified crown, even if (a 'big' if) he had the talent to beat everyone in his class.
MAXIE ROSENBLOOM - Known as "Slapsie Maxie". Light Heavyweight champion from 1930-34. Later appeared as comic actor in Hollywood "B" movies. Maxie fought 289 professional fights of which he won 210. That makes him the winningest lightheavy ever.
JOHNNY ROSNER - Johnny (Young) Rosner. Claimant to American Flyweight title, 1917, by KO over Young Zulu Kid. Lost claim in 1919 against Young Montreal. BARNEY ROSS - World lightweight champ from '33-35; welterweight '34;'35-38. Grew up in an Orthodox home in Chicago, and his father opposed him going into the ring--wanted him to be a Hebrew teacher. After his father's death, Ross became the family's support. He was a war hero and becamed addicted to morphine
for his wounds. Sucessful fight back from addiction was made into the movie "Monkey On My Back". Born Barnet Rashofsky.
MIKE ROSSMAN - Won WBA Light Heavyweight title in 1978 and wore a Star of David
on his trunks. Rossman's mother was 'probably' Jewish. Different reports have surfaced over the years. We will checking with our boxing mavens and get the definitive answer. (Updated: 2/02).
SHAMIL SABYROV - Won Olympic gold medal for USSR as light-flyweight in 1980. DMITRIY SALITA - Salita, a lightweight, has emerged as one of the best Jewish prospects in American boxing in a long time. Salita's career is covered very well in the linked piece from the April 15, 2002 issue of "New York Magazine'.
A few highlights: He is a 20 year old emigre from Odessa, Russia. He won the 2001 NYC "Golden Gloves" in his division. Salita is 6-0 since turning professional, with five knockouts. Salita is an Orthodox Jew and does not fight
on the Sabbath. Quoting the linked piece, "You won't, however, find Salita in the ring on a Friday night: He's Orthodox and hangs with the Lubavitcher Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn. That means he doesn't fight from Friday night till dusk on Saturday. It's in his contract. 'If anyone wants a whupping from me,' says Salita, 'they got to wait until after sundown.'"
DUTCH SAM - (Samuel Elias) 1775-1816. International Boxing Hall of Fame. The second great Jewish fighter, after Mendoza, though in his weight class probably
more dominant (135pounds). He fought from 1801-1810, was known (I kid you not)
as a 'legendary' puncher, and is reputed to have invented the uppercut. Came from same town as two other Hall of Fame Jewish fighters from England, Jackie 'Kid' Berg and Ted 'Kid' Lewis.
ALBERT SCHNEIDER - Won Olympic gold medal for Canada as welterweight in 1920. CPL IZZY SCHWARTZ - Flyweight Champion 1927-1929.
ERIC SEELIG - German middleweight (1931-1940) Record through 1938, 43W, 3D, 5L.
KO'ed Mickey Walker in Walker's last fight. Also beat Ken Overlin.
MAXIE SHAPIRO - Lightweight contender (1938-1948). Never had a title shot. Beat
NBA titleholders Jackie Callura (1W), Phil Terranova (1W,1L) and Sol Bartolo (3W,1D,2L), and World Light champ Bob Montgomery (1W,1L). Overall record 87W(26KO), 6D, 30L.
AL SINGER - (1909-1961) Lightweight champ 1930. KO'd Sammy Mandell (not Jewish)
in first round for title, then lost the title when Tony Canzoneri KO'd Singer in 1st round later that year. 60W, 2D, 8L.
BARNEY SNYDER - Born Barney Schneider, he was the National Amateur Flyweght Champion of the United States in 1913. Barney was born on March 4, 1892 in London, England and died in February l987 in Boston.
JACK SOLOMONS - The most impt. promoter in the history of British boxing. His family were fish marketers, he changed jobs and ended up promoting 26 title fights and brought scores of American boxers to Britain. His heyday was the 40's-60's, but was working until he died in 1979.
ALLIE STOLTZ - Lightweight contender (1937-1946) Lost controversial title fight
with Sammy Angott on May 15, 1942. Split decision, referee gave Stolz 11 of 15
rounds. To most observers Stolz won the fight. 73W, 2D, 10L.
LEW TENDLER - Hall of Famer, who unfortunately had to beat Benny Leonard for the World Light title, and didn't quite make it. Had Leonard dazed and on the ropes (figuratively speaking), but Benny outsmarted him (1923). Then barely lost 15 round decision for World Welterweight title to a heavier Mickey Walker
in 1924. Considered by some the best southpaw fighter of his day in any division.
SID TERRIS - Outstanding amateur who went on to be a lightweight contender (1922-1931). In 1925 beat Jimmy Goodrich, Rocky Kansas, Johnny Dundee (2), Ace
Hudkins and Jack Bernstein (2). Overall record, 85W(12KO), 4D, 13L, 6ND. BENNY VALGAR - Outstanding lightweight (1916-1929). Overall record 77W(19KO), 3D, 15L, 97ND (total of 191 fights).
JOEY VAROFF - Classy Lightweight (1939-1950) Overall record 55W(5KO), 7D, 5L. MATT WELLS - (1886-1953). Held British Lightweight and British Empire titles. Won British title from Freddie Welsh in 1911. British amateur champ from 1904-1907, turned professional at the relatively old age of 25.
CHARLEY WHITE - Hardhitting British lightweight (career 1906 to 1923, 1930). Fought between 145 and 172 fights (depending on sources), 80W (51 KOs), 8D, 16L
(including KO in 1930 at age 39), 40 ND. Defeated for Lightweight title twice,
Freddie Welsh and Benny Leonard. Otherwise fought and beat many of the best of
his day.
BENNY YANGER - Lightweight (1899-1909) usually identified as Italian (Frank Angone), but listed as Jewish in a very reputable source. KO'ed Abe Attell in 1902. Overall record 51W(25KO), 20D, 10L, 3ND
Remember, Jews comprise a measly 1/4 of 1% (13
million) of the world's population (6 billion).
Choose any field of human endeavor (including
athletics), and you will find that Jews have
disproprotionately excelled in it. Jews are so few
in number, yet so great in ability.
Re: Jewish Who's Who Of Boxing
Windy Dryden wrote:
Remember, Jews comprise a measly 1/4 of 1% (13
million) of the world's population (6 billion).
Choose any field of human endeavor (including
athletics), and you will find that Jews have
disproprotionately excelled in it. Jews are so few
in number, yet so great in ability.
Maybe true, but Israel have not really excelled
in sports.
Here is the combined total Olympics top ten nations,
and Israel. [1]
Sure, there have been so many wars. And _a lot_ of
things to do in Israel, including physical things,
e.g. construction. Obviously they do not have the
populations and/or resources compared to many of the
top ten nations. Israel was founded, and recognized
by the US, only on 1948-05-14, a mere 72y 4m 14d ago. [2]
So no disrespect to Israel who, I agree, have been
very energetic and creative in many areas, and from
a tough starting point at that...
Still, all said and done, the digits are what they
are... enjoy :)
combined total, summer/winter olympics:
gold silver bronze sum ---------------------------------------
1. USA 1127 907 794 2828
2. Russia 726 593 591 1910
3. Germany 578 589 587 1754
4. UK 274 299 310 883
5. France 248 276 316 840
6. Italy 246 214 241 701
7. China 237 195 176 608
8. Sweden 202 216 234 652
9. Norway 188 174 158 520
10. Hungary 176 149 173 498
.. .. .. .. .. ..
?. Israel 1 1 7 9 [3] ---------------------------------------
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-time_Olympic_Games_medal_table
[2] https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/creation-israel
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal_Fridman
--
On Monday, September 28, 2020 at 12:23:59 AM UTC-4, Emanuel Berg wrote:
Re: Jewish Who's Who Of Boxing
Windy Dryden wrote:
Remember, Jews comprise a measly 1/4 of 1% (13
million) of the world's population (6 billion).
Choose any field of human endeavor (including
athletics), and you will find that Jews have
disproprotionately excelled in it. Jews are so few
in number, yet so great in ability.
Maybe true, but Israel have not really excelled
in sports.
Here is the combined total Olympics top ten nations,
and Israel. [1]
Sure, there have been so many wars. And _a lot_ of
things to do in Israel, including physical things,
e.g. construction. Obviously they do not have the
populations and/or resources compared to many of the
top ten nations. Israel was founded, and recognized
by the US, only on 1948-05-14, a mere 72y 4m 14d ago. [2]
So no disrespect to Israel who, I agree, have been
very energetic and creative in many areas, and from
a tough starting point at that...
Still, all said and done, the digits are what they
are... enjoy :)
combined total, summer/winter olympics:
gold silver bronze sum
---------------------------------------
1. USA 1127 907 794 2828
2. Russia 726 593 591 1910
3. Germany 578 589 587 1754
4. UK 274 299 310 883
5. France 248 276 316 840
6. Italy 246 214 241 701
7. China 237 195 176 608
8. Sweden 202 216 234 652
9. Norway 188 174 158 520
10. Hungary 176 149 173 498
.. .. .. .. .. ..
?. Israel 1 1 7 9 [3]
---------------------------------------
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-time_Olympic_Games_medal_table
[2] https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/creation-israel
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal_Fridman
--They may not be known for athletics, but they sure as hell can fight.
Re: Jewish Who's Who Of Boxing
Windy Dryden wrote:
Remember, Jews comprise a measly 1/4 of 1% (13Maybe true, but Israel have not really excelled
million) of the world's population (6 billion).
Choose any field of human endeavor (including
athletics), and you will find that Jews have
disproportionately excelled in it. Jews are so few
in number, yet so great in ability.
in sports.
Here is the combined total Olympics top ten nations,
and Israel. [1]
Sure, there have been so many wars. And _a lot_ of
things to do in Israel, including physical things,
e.g. construction. Obviously they do not have the
populations and/or resources compared to many of the
top ten nations. Israel was founded, and recognized
by the US, only on 1948-05-14, a mere 72y 4m 14d ago. [2]
So no disrespect to Israel who, I agree, have been
very energetic and creative in many areas, and from
a tough starting point at that...
Still, all said and done, the digits are what they
are... enjoy :)
combined total, summer/winter olympics:
gold silver bronze sum
---------------------------------------
1. USA 1127 907 794 2828
2. Russia 726 593 591 1910
3. Germany 578 589 587 1754
4. UK 274 299 310 883
5. France 248 276 316 840
6. Italy 246 214 241 701
7. China 237 195 176 608
8. Sweden 202 216 234 652
9. Norway 188 174 158 520
10. Hungary 176 149 173 498
.. .. .. .. .. ..
?. Israel 1 1 7 9 [3]
---------------------------------------
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-time_Olympic_Games_medal_table[2] https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/creation-israel
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal_Fridman
--
underground experts united
http://user.it.uu.se/~embe8573
https://dataswamp.org/~incal
combined total, summer/winter olympics:
gold silver bronze sum
---------------------------------------
1. USA 1127 907 794 2828
2. Russia 726 593 591 1910
3. Germany 578 589 587 1754
4. UK 274 299 310 883
5. France 248 276 316 840
6. Italy 246 214 241 701
7. China 237 195 176 608
8. Sweden 202 216 234 652
9. Norway 188 174 158 520
10. Hungary 176 149 173 498
.. .. .. .. .. ..
?. Israel 1 1 7 9 [3]
---------------------------------------
[..]
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal_Fridman
Emanuel, are you playing the selective game? I was
specifically referring to American-Jews. [...]
On Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 8:43:07 AM UTC-4, *ernie wrote:
On Monday, September 28, 2020 at 12:23:59 AM UTC-4, Emanuel Berg wrote:
Re: Jewish Who's Who Of BoxingThey may not be known for athletics, but they sure as hell can fight.
Windy Dryden wrote:
Remember, Jews comprise a measly 1/4 of 1% (13
million) of the world's population (6 billion).
Choose any field of human endeavor (including
athletics), and you will find that Jews have
disproprotionately excelled in it. Jews are so few
in number, yet so great in ability.
Maybe true, but Israel have not really excelled
in sports.
Here is the combined total Olympics top ten nations,
and Israel. [1]
Sure, there have been so many wars. And _a lot_ of
things to do in Israel, including physical things,
e.g. construction. Obviously they do not have the
populations and/or resources compared to many of the
top ten nations. Israel was founded, and recognized
by the US, only on 1948-05-14, a mere 72y 4m 14d ago. [2]
So no disrespect to Israel who, I agree, have been
very energetic and creative in many areas, and from
a tough starting point at that...
Still, all said and done, the digits are what they
are... enjoy :)
combined total, summer/winter olympics:
gold silver bronze sum
---------------------------------------
1. USA 1127 907 794 2828
2. Russia 726 593 591 1910
3. Germany 578 589 587 1754
4. UK 274 299 310 883
5. France 248 276 316 840
6. Italy 246 214 241 701
7. China 237 195 176 608
8. Sweden 202 216 234 652
9. Norway 188 174 158 520
10. Hungary 176 149 173 498
.. .. .. .. .. ..
?. Israel 1 1 7 9 [3]
---------------------------------------
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-time_Olympic_Games_medal_table
[2] https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/creation-israel
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal_Fridman
--
James "Killer/Shoulders" Caan ain't called that for his health! eh
On Wed, 23 Dec 2020 20:10:46 -0800 (PST), Darrin T <darr...@aol.com>
wrote:
On Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 8:43:07 AM UTC-4, *ernie wrote:
On Monday, September 28, 2020 at 12:23:59 AM UTC-4, Emanuel Berg wrote: >> > Re: Jewish Who's Who Of Boxing
Windy Dryden wrote:They may not be known for athletics, but they sure as hell can fight.
Remember, Jews comprise a measly 1/4 of 1% (13
million) of the world's population (6 billion).
Choose any field of human endeavor (including
athletics), and you will find that Jews have
disproprotionately excelled in it. Jews are so few
in number, yet so great in ability.
Maybe true, but Israel have not really excelled
in sports.
Here is the combined total Olympics top ten nations,
and Israel. [1]
Sure, there have been so many wars. And _a lot_ of
things to do in Israel, including physical things,
e.g. construction. Obviously they do not have the
populations and/or resources compared to many of the
top ten nations. Israel was founded, and recognized
by the US, only on 1948-05-14, a mere 72y 4m 14d ago. [2]
So no disrespect to Israel who, I agree, have been
very energetic and creative in many areas, and from
a tough starting point at that...
Still, all said and done, the digits are what they
are... enjoy :)
combined total, summer/winter olympics:
gold silver bronze sum
---------------------------------------
1. USA 1127 907 794 2828
2. Russia 726 593 591 1910
3. Germany 578 589 587 1754
4. UK 274 299 310 883
5. France 248 276 316 840
6. Italy 246 214 241 701
7. China 237 195 176 608
8. Sweden 202 216 234 652
9. Norway 188 174 158 520
10. Hungary 176 149 173 498
.. .. .. .. .. ..
?. Israel 1 1 7 9 [3]
---------------------------------------
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-time_Olympic_Games_medal_table
[2] https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/creation-israel
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal_Fridman
--
James "Killer/Shoulders" Caan ain't called that for his health! eh
That's not a name I'm familiar with, and I couldn't find anything on
Google. Who is he?
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