Sammy Mandel
Encyclopedia
Sammy Mandell was a former world lightweight
boxing champion. Born Samuel Mandella, he was known as the "Rockford Sheik", due to his Rudolph Valentino
like good looks.
, Mandell was an outstanding, clever fighter who carried a solid punch, fast hands and superb defensive skills. He won the championship when he outpointed Rocky Kansas
on July 3, 1926. He successfully defended his crown against hall of famers and future champions Tony Canzoneri
and Jimmy McLarnin
. In a startling upset, Mandell lost the crown when he was KOed by Al Singer
in the first round.
Lightweight
Light-weight is a class of athletes in a particular sport, based on their weight.-Professional boxing:The lightweight division is over 130 pounds and up to 135 pounds weight class in the sport of boxing....
boxing champion. Born Samuel Mandella, he was known as the "Rockford Sheik", due to his Rudolph Valentino
Rudolph Valentino
Rudolph Valentino was an Italian actor, and early pop icon. A sex symbol of the 1920s, Valentino was known as the "Latin Lover". He starred in several well-known silent films including The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, The Sheik, Blood and Sand, The Eagle and Son of the Sheik...
like good looks.
Pro career
Trained by the legendary Jack BlackburnJack Blackburn
Charles Henry "Jack" Blackburn was an American boxer and boxing trainer.-Biography:He was born in New Year's Day, January 1, 1883....
, Mandell was an outstanding, clever fighter who carried a solid punch, fast hands and superb defensive skills. He won the championship when he outpointed Rocky Kansas
Rocky Kansas
Rocky Kansas was a tough, short former lightweight champion of the world. He was born Rocco Tozzo on April 21, 1893 in Italy and came to America in 1898. He died on January 10, 1954.-Background:...
on July 3, 1926. He successfully defended his crown against hall of famers and future champions Tony Canzoneri
Tony Canzoneri
Tony Canzoneri was an American boxer who was born in the town of Slidell, Louisiana.Canzoneri, an Italian American, was one of the members of the exclusive group of boxing world champions who have won titles in three or more divisions.- Early life :When he was a teenager, he and his family moved...
and Jimmy McLarnin
Jimmy McLarnin
James McLarnin, known as Jimmy McLarnin , was an Irish Canadian professional boxer who became two-time welterweight world champion and an International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee.-Background:McLarnin was born in Hillsborough, County Down, Ireland, into a large Methodist family who emigrated...
. In a startling upset, Mandell lost the crown when he was KOed by Al Singer
Al Singer
Al Singer was an American boxer. He was born in the Lower East Side in New York City....
in the first round.