At the end of March, we hit a significant milestone: the 101st anniversary of Abe Goldstein becoming the first Jewish bantamweight world champion on March 27th. Abe’s journey from an orphaned youngster in New York’s gritty Lower East Side to a champion was nothing short of extraordinary, especially considering the fierce competition in the bantamweight category during his time. Among his notable opponents were boxing stalwarts like Joe Lynch, Kid Williams, Frankie Genaro, Johnny Buff, Pancho Villa, and Joe Burman. These boxers were well-known, but to the Jewish community in New York City, Goldstein was more than just a fighter; he was affectionately known as “The Pride of the Ghetto.”
Abe’s journey to the top was marked by relentless grit and overcoming the anonymity and poverty of a tough upbringing. He spent his early years living in the Hebrew Orphan Asylum in Brooklyn, located on Amsterdam Avenue, between 136th and 138th Streets. At thirteen, he left the orphanage to live with his elder brother and soon found work as a Wall Street errand boy. However, his discovery of boxing led to him being fired for taking time off for training. His next job as a reporter for a Bronx newspaper suited him better, especially as he covered boxing news.
It was reported by the Buffalo Commercial that Abe had a promising career ahead of him, noting his business school education and skills as a stenographer, with aspirations for law once his boxing days were over.
During the early stages of his career, it was claimed—though later debated—that Goldstein joined the Merchant Marine during World War I, yet he seemed to spend much of his time stateside, starting his amateur boxing career at 17. Training out of the Young Men’s Hebrew Association on 92nd Street, Goldstein began crafting his skills, with his initial trainer being Nat Oak.
In due time, Abe Goldstein struck up a partnership with Ray Arcel, a novice trainer just starting out himself. Although Ray was 11 months younger than Goldstein, he had been in New York since he was four and briefly boxed himself. However, he found his true calling as a trainer, learning under the best at Grupp’s Gymnasium. Over decades, Arcel became one of the most respected trainers in boxing history, with Goldstein as his first project.
“He was a lovely guy, really smart,” Arcel remembered warmly. Side by side, they embraced their shared goals and dreams. Their first collaborative event was against Jack Eile in 1916, a renowned fighter even then. Arcel recalled being more hindrance than help, but when Goldstein told him, “You did pretty good tonight, Ray,” Arcel felt his real career had begun.
Goldstein soon went pro, debuting in 1916 with a win. He initially fought under the name Abraham Attell Goldstein, in homage to the featherweight great, but later dropped ‘Attell’ due to negative associations with the older Abe’s notoriety.
He faced future bantam champion Joe Lynch in 1920, putting up a spirited fight despite Lynch’s strength and reputation, even though Goldstein eventually lost. The sports world took note of his skill, and though he did not yet seize the title, he continued honing his craft with Arcel. Over time, Goldstein decided to stick to his weight class, with Arcel guiding him through the nuances of weight management for fighters.
Fighting frequently and maintaining an impressive record, Goldstein earned a reputation as “The Pride of the Ghetto.” He faced elite fighters like Frankie Genaro and Pancho Villa, gaining respect with each match, despite not always winning.
When a bizarre incident involving Joe Lynch tripping over his dog left the championship spot open, Abe saw a golden opportunity. Despite only being drafted hours before the match, he seized the chance, defeating Joe Burman decisively and setting the stage for a rematch with Lynch for the undisputed title of World Bantamweight Champion.
In a turn of skill, persistence, and strategic finesse, Goldstein won overwhelmingly, solidifying his place in history. Celebrating the achievement, Goldstein returned to the Hebrew Orphan Asylum, sharing his triumph with the children and reminding them, and himself, of how far he’d come. At just 25, Abe Goldstein embodied the resilience and determination that earned him the title of world champion and reaffirmed his status as “The Pride of the Ghetto.”
