Feldman, Lew

A leading contender for the lightweight championship in the 1930s, the tough Feldman fought the best fighters of his era, including Kid Chocolate, Mike Belloise, and Henry Armstrong.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. November 5, 1908 - d. unknown

Career Highlights:
During his 13-year professional career, which began in 1928, Feldman fought primarily in three weight classes (featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight), and was considered a top contender as a lightweight. In November 1931, Lew had the first big fight of his career against the junior-lightweight champ, Kid Chocolate; Feldman lost the 10-round decision in the non-title bout. The following year, Lew fought Kid Chocolate twice more, losing a 15-round decision in June, then getting knocked out in the 12th round of their October battle for the New York State featherweight title. The two warriors fought once more in Havana (Kid Chocolate's hometown) in May 1936, with Feldman again losing the decision.

In 1933, Feldman faced another tough opponent, Mike Belloise (the future featherweight champ) in two bouts; both were six-round draws. The following year, Lew was Belloise's final opponent before Belloise challenged for the crown (Belloise won the 10-round decision over Feldman, but lost the title fight). Feldman finally defeated Belloise in 1939 in a 10-round decision. That year, Lew also faced Henry Armstrong, the world welterweight champ, in a title fight. Armstrong had knocked Feldman out in the fifth round of their 1938 non-title fight, this time, with the title on the line, the champ knocked out Lew in the first round.

As a lightweight, Feldman was considered a dangerous contender, but he was never given a title shot. Still, Feldman defeated future lightweight champ Lew Jenkins in November 1938 on a 10-round decision; Jenkins, who had beaten Feldman in April 1938, became the champ two years later. Feldman fought until 1941; he retired with a record of 115 wins in 179 career decisions against the best of his time.

Origin:
Brooklyn, New York

Physical description:
5'5"

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 115 (8 by knockout)
Losses: 54
Draws: 13

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