Israel, Abie

A featherweight in the 1930s, Israel lost to Freddie Miller for the NBA world featherweight title in 1933. That year, he was named the first Washington State featherweight champion.

Birth and Death Dates:
unknown

Career Highlights:
Born in Oregon, Israel began his professional boxing career in the Northwest United States in the mid-1920s. By 1931, he had made his way up the ranks and was considered a contender for the world title. In September, he fought Speedy Dado, the California State bantamweight champion, and was knocked out in the first-round. The following March, the two fighters had a rematch, which ended in a six-round decision in Dado's favor.

According to boxrec.com, the Everett [Washington] Daily Herald wrote, "...Dado was suffering from a bad cut over his right eye and a wrenched shoulder, and Israel was bothered with a swollen left arm. By the narrow margin of 35 to 31 points, figured by two judges and the referee, Dado gained the decision after six hectic rounds. A large number of the spectators called for a draw at the end of the battle. The Filipino piled up his margin of victory in the first round when he caught Israel off-balance with a quick counter-punch to the chin and sent him to the canvas. The Jewish boy was up and swinging again before the count started."

In June 1932, Israel fought Young Tommy (who would win the California bantamweight crown from Speedy Dado in 1933) in Seattle and the bout ended in a six-round draw. In October of that year, Abie then fought for his first title, the Northwest featherweight championship. Against Andy Bundy, Israel opened a cut over his opponent's left eye in the third-round, but lost a six-round decision.

In April 1933, Israel fought Freddie Miller, the NBA world featherweight champion in a non-title bout, and won a six-round decision. Three months later, Abie and Miller had a rematch with the title on the line. The bout took place in Seattle and was the first 15-round and championship fight ever in that city. Israel, who claimed a low blow by Miller in the third-round, was knocked out in the fourth-round.

On June 8, 1933, the state of Washington legalized professional boxing (thus allowing Seattle to host a title fight). In December, the chairman of the Washington State Athletic Commission named a state champion in each division and Israel was named the featherweight champ. In April 1935, he defeated Baby Palmore in an eight-round decision, despite injuring his right hand -- he used his left hand for the majority of the fight. In August 1936, Israel fought former world flyweight champion Midget Wolgast and lost an eight-round decision. Abie retired the following year.

Origin:
Portland, Oregon

Physical description:
122 pounds

Career Statistics:
Professional record (incomplete):
Wins: 30 wins (16 knockouts)
Losses: 16
Draws: 4

< Previous |  Next >