Reid, Al

Abe Reibman

Reid won 60 bouts during his career as a featherweight in the 1930s and early 1940s. Although not a powerful puncher -- he knocked out only two opponents during his career -- Reid's craft and skill enabled him to win fights without a knockout punch.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. January 28, 1915 - d. January 1993

Career Highlights:
Reid began his professional career as a featherweight in 1935. He was successful most of the time, although early in his career, he did lose a four-round decision to Lew Farber in May 1936. Fighting almost exclusively out of New York, Reid fought Hall of Famer -- and former world champ -- Kid Chocolate in June 1937, and lost a ten-round decision. Reid's next fight was against future champion Petey Scalzo only thirteen days later. Again, Reid lost a decision. In a rematch five months later, Scalzo once more emerged the victor.

In 1938, Reid fought former world champion Mike Belloise three times in a three-month span. Belloise was campaigning to recapture the title of which he had been stripped in 1937. The first two bouts ended in eight-round draws; Reid lost the third bout on a decision. The two men fought twice more, with Reid losing both decisions, the first in 1939 and the second in 1941. By the late 1930s, Reid was struggling to make weight as a featherweight, and he occasionally moved up in weight class to find a bout. In 1939, he twice battled a fellow Jewish boxer, the tough lightweight Bernie "Schoolboy" Friedkin. One of their contests ended in a draw; the other was a victory for Reid. He continued to fight top competition until his retirement in 1941, the year he was knocked out in the seventh-round by Beau Jack.

Origin:
Bronx, New York

Physical description:
5'4", 125-130 pounds

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 60 (2 by knockout)
Losses: 28
Draws: 12

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