Abe Attell and St. Louis Boxing

In 2010, St. Louis was the 58th largest city in the United States and the 19th largest metropolitan area.  Around the turn of the century, it was the fifth or sixth largest city in the United States and the largest west of the Mississippi River.   St. Louis had one of the largest clothing, shoe and beer manufacturing industries in the U.S.  St. Louis also boasted of a vibrant boxing scene.

From 1902 to 1905, the city had two world champions based out of St. Louis.  Harry Forbes was the World Bantamweight Champion from 1901 to 1904.  Abe Attell was World Featherweight Champion from 1903 to 1905.  Forbes outgrew the bantamweight division in 1904 and fought Attell for the Featherweight title.

Abraham Washington “Abe” Attell won the World Championship from Johnny Reagan in St. Louis on September 3, 1903.  The fight was extremely close and the decision somewhat controversial.  Many pundits felt Abe Attell didn’t do enough to beat the reigning champion.  A few said Attell’s jab and Reagan’s fatiguing over the last few rounds may have led to the decision for Attell.  Regardless, Abe Attell was the new champion.  He would defend his title three times in St. Louis during 1904.

On February 1, 1904, Attell matched with Harry Forbes at the West End Club, the usual fight venue for professional boxing.  The club was located at 3008 Easton Avenue (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive today).  The press gave a slight edge to Attell, the master boxer, but felt Forbes was more dangerous.

 Attell surprised everyone including his manager by knocking Forbes out in the fifth round.  While Attell’s later career would throw a shadow of suspicion over his accomplishments, the media didn’t think the fights were “fixed” at the time.  While Attell supposedly started his career with 10 knockouts, his manager did not remember them.  Attell had friends in low places, so his record may have been doctored.

On June 23, 1904, Attell again defeated Johnny Reagan at the West End Club.  Attell and Reagan kept up a strong pace but Attell’s boxing carried the day in a fifteen round decision.

On October 13, 1904, Abe Attell lost his title to Tommy Sullivan, when Sullivan knocked out Attell in the fifth round.  Sullivan never defended the title.  Attell would regain the vacant title on February 21, 1906.  He held the title until 1912, when he dropped the title to Johnny Kilbane.  During his second reign, Attell defended his title primarily on the West Coast, where he was born.  Attell was born in San Francisco during 1883.

Attell had a shady reputation based on his association with organized criminals.  Attell was good friends with Arnold Rothstein, the gambler who fixed the 1919 World Series.  Authorities alleged Attell was Rothstein’s bag man but Attell was never charged.  Attell died in New York in February 1970 at 86 years of age.

We tend to forget how big the  City of St. Louis was in the early Twentieth Century.  It was a destination city and the home to two world champions.  Maybe we can see those days again.  How do you think that can happen?  You can leave a comment or ask a question about this or any post on my Facebook page, Twitter profile and Google+ page.

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