Feldman, Abie

Abe Feldman

Feldman, a light-heavyweight and heavyweight in the 1930s, defeated Hall of Famer John Henry Lewis in 1935.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. October 27, 1912 - d. June 1980

Career Highlights:
Born in Salt Lake City (the same birthplace as the great Jack Dempsey), Feldman moved to Schenectady, New York at the age of six. A football player in high school, his parents wanted Abe to continue his studies at Syracuse University. He had other ideas, however, and said, "I had boxed as an amateur while in high school and after I graduated, I came to New York. I met Hymie [Caplin, his manager]. He told me I was a fighter, and that settled it."

Feldman began his professional career as a light-heavyweight in the early 1930s. In 1933, he fought future heavyweight champion Jim Braddock in Mt. Vernon, New York (located in Westchester County) as a benefit bout for the Mt. Vernon Police Department Home Relief Fund - Braddock broke his hand during the fight, which ended in a no contest. The following year, Feldman fought future world champ Bob Olin and the bout ended in a 10-round draw. The following year, Feldman lost a 10-round decision to Hall of Famer Maxie Rosenbloom (Rosenbloom lost the title to Olin in 1934), but defeated the great John Henry Lewis on a decision in July 1935 (Lewis' next fight was a victory over Olin for the title).

Despite fighting the top boxers in the light-heavyweight division, Feldman never received a title shot. By the late 1930s, Abe had moved up into the heavyweight division, where he fought contender "Two Ton" Tony Galento in February 1939. Feldman was knocked out in the third round. Galento's next fight was against the legendary Joe Louis for the heavyweight championship; Louis won, as was his custom.

Origin:
Salt Lake City, Utah

Physical description:
5'11", 180-190 pounds

Career Statistics:
Professional record: (incomplete)
Wins: 35 (15 by knockout)
Losses: 14
Draws: 5

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