Farber, Sammy

Farber was a bantamweight in the 1920s and early 1930s.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. October 18, 1909 - d. July 20, 2005

Career Highlights:
A flyweight as an amateur, Farber fought in the first-ever Golden Gloves and believed he was robbed of the decision. He recalled, "In 1926, I was fighting a guy...It was the first Golden Gloves...And when I fought this fellow, three rounds I beat him. And they ordered an extra round. I beat him four rounds! And they gave him the decision. You know why? His father was the referee. His cousins were the judges. So how could I win?"

Farber turned pro the following year and fought professionally as a bantamweight. Trained by Ray Arcel and Whitey Bimstein, Farber was a tough opponent who was willing to fight anyone. He faced Jewish featherweights Lew Feldman in 1927 (a four-round draw) and Oscar Goldman in 1928 (a four-round win).

In April 1929, Farber lost a six-round decision to bantamweight contender Pete Sanstol. Two months later, they had a rematch that raised $50,000 for the inaugural National Sports Alliance Relief Benefit Fund used to help indigent boxers; Farber lost again in a six-round decision. He and Sanstol fought once more in 1929, on December 3, but Sammy lost again on a six-round decision. Farber continued to fight until 1932 and then retired. Although Sammy was never knocked out, either as an amateur or professional, his pro career lasted only five years because, Farber said, "I had to get out. I didn't want to get hurt...I made up my mind that it didn't pay for me."

Origin:
New York City

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 55 (5 by knockout)
Losses: 20

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