Monte Attell 1885-1960

Bantamweight Champ 1909-1910

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

When Monte Attell won the world bantamweight title in 1909, he joined his brother Abe Attell (featherweight) as a world champion; it was the first time brothers held world titles simultaneously.

Nicknamed "The Knob Hill Terror" from his youthful fisticuffs in that San Francisco neighborhood, Attell began his professional career in 1905. That year, he lost decisions to future champs Jimmy Walsh and Owen Moran, but would not lose again until 1910. In June 1909, Walsh vacated the world bantamweight championship and Attell was in line to claim the title. On June 19, he faced former champion Frankie Neil for the vacant crown and knocked his opponent out in the 18th-round to become the champ.

When Monte won the title, he and brother Abe Attell, the world featherweight champ since the early 1900s, became the first pair of siblings to be world champions at the same time. Monte's reign was short, however, as he lost the title in his first defense. In February 1910, Frankie Conley knocked Attell out in the 42nd round to take the championship. Later that year, he fought Jimmy Walsh in a rematch and defeated the former champion in a ten-round decision.

In March 1911, Monte took on featherweight contender Johnny Kilbane and lost a ten-round decision in Kilbane's hometown of Cleveland. Less than a year later, Kilbane defeated Abe Attell to capture the world title. In December 1912, Monte went to Cleveland to face Kilbane a second time and defend the family honor. Alas, Monte lost to Kilbane in the rematch in a ninth-round technical knockout. Attell continued to fight in the mid-1910s, although he was knocked out in the seventh round by future world champion Joe Lynch in September 1916. Blindness caused Monte's retirement the following year.

Won : 34
Lost : 22
KOs : 21
Draws : 14
NDs : 27
NCs : 2