Efrati, Leone

Efrati was the Italian featherweight champion in the late 1930s. After fighting for the world title in 1938, he remained in the U.S. at the outbreak of World War II. Despite the likelihood that Leone would be killed if he was returned to Italy, the U.S. deported Efrati in 1943. The following year, Leone was arrested in Rome and sent to Auschwitz, where he was indeed put to death. Efrati was elected to the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame as a representative of Italian-Jewish athletes killed in the Holocaust.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. May 26, 1916 - d. April 16, 1944

Career Highlights:
In the 1930s, Efrati was the pride of the Jewish ghetto in Rome at a time when Fascists controlled Italy. A featherweight, Efrati was the Italian champion when the Fascist authorities forbade the Jewish titleholder to fight any longer. According to an Italian record book (thanks for Ron Schneck for submitting this information), Efrati began his professional career in the mid-1930s and became the top featherweight in Italy.

In 1938, he left for the United States and fought exclusively in the Midwest, specifically Chicago and Milwaukee. In November of that year, he fought world featherweight contender Frankie "Kid" Covelli to a ten-round draw. The two boxers fought twice more, splitting the decisions. Then, Efrati fought for the world title against champion Leo Rodak. On December 29, Leone lost a tough 10-round decision to Rodak in Chicago. The following year, Efrati remained in the U.S. and fought four times, including against future world champion Jackie Callura (Leone lost a 10-round decision).

Origin:
Rome, Italy

Career Statistics:
Professional record (incomplete):
Wins: 28
Losses: 10
Draws: 12

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