Abe Attell Defeats Forbes

St. Louis, at the beginning of the 20th Century, had a prominent professional boxing scene.  Abe Attell, although born in San Francisco, was based in St. Louis.  On February 1, 1904, Attell defended his World Featherweight Boxing Championship against frequent rival Harry Forbes.  Forbes was also a regular on the St. Louis boxing scene.  Forbes defeated Danny Dougherty for the World Bantamweight Boxing Championship in a St. Louis bout during November 1901.

Besides boxing Attell to a draw in January 1904, Forbes was one of the few men with a victory over Attell.  He defeated Attell by decision in 1901.  Forbes often reminded Attell of this early victory further inflaming their rivalry.  The men fought six times over their careers.

This third bout was scheduled for the West End Club, the site of many St. Louis professional boxing cards.  Attell agreed to meet Forbes in a 20-round bout.  However, the men would only need five rounds to determine the contest.

The men met at mid-ring as Referee Harry Sharpe gave the final instructions.  After the cursory hand shake, the men returned to their corners to prepare for the battle.  Attell was considered the superior boxer with a strong, steady jab.  In the early part of the fight though, he wasn’t able to exhibit much of his skills.

Forbes rushed Attell to start the 1st round.  Forbes preferred method of attack was left hooks to both the head and body.  Attell tried to get his jab going but Forbes crowded him.  During the clinching, Forbes continued the withering hook attack.  As the 1st round ended, Forbes was clearly in the lead.

The 2nd and 3rd rounds were a replay of the first.  Forbes’ relentless hooks kept Attell from using any of his skills or speed.  Fans thought Forbes knocked Attell down two minutes into the 2nd round but the referee ruled it a slip.  Forbes kept throwing hooks with both hands as Attell tried to jab and get away.

In the 4th round, Attell finally got in a little offense.  Instead of trying to jab and get away, he set his feet and started punching with Forbes.  While Forbes continued to score with his hooks, Attell landed several of his straight punches through Forbes hooks.  As both men started taking damage, they finally clinched.  Forbes landed one hook off the clinch but Attell landed several jabs with no return from Forbes.  This round was evenly fought.

To start the 5th round, Forbes decided to regain the momentum.  Forbes pushed Attell to the ropes and landed two powerful hooks.  Forbes thought Attell was hurt, so he loaded up on a third hook.  Forbes swung hard but Attell ducked to the left.  Forbes momentum took him barreling into the ropes and he bounced back off.  This momentum cost him the match.

As he rebounded from the ropes, Abe Attell landed a powerful right hand.  The two opposing forces, Forbes’ body and Attell’s fist, coming together so powerfully that Forbes was knocked senseless.  While he was not unconscious, he was clearly compromised.  Forbes made it back to his feet at the count of 9 but his corner threw in the towel.  It is doubtful that Referee Sharpe would have the let the fight continue anyway.

Attell was elated at escaping with his title after such a tough bout.  However, he wasn’t done with Harry Forbes.  They would meet 3 more times.  St. Louis would also be the site of several more Attell fights until he returned to California after being accused of fixing fights.

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Sources: Saint Louis Post-Dispatch, February 2, 1904 edition, p. 7

 

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