Historic Boxing Showdown: Attell vs. Corbett, 1918

This photograph, featuring Abe Attell and Young Corbett, was taken on May 28, 1918, during a pivotal time in American boxing history. Abe Attell, a former featherweight champion known for his skill and strategy in the ring, was a major figure in the sport throughout the early 20th century. Young Corbett, fighting under the name of the popular boxer Corbett after the legendary Champion James J. Corbett, was also making waves as a talented featherweight contender. Their meeting in this image encapsulates a moment of camaraderie among fighters who were instrumental in shaping the boxing landscape of their era.

During the 1910s, boxing was gaining fame as an accessible and thrilling sport for the general public. Attell and Corbetts careers unfolded during a time when boxing matches were often held in theaters and arenas across the country, drawing in large crowds. The image serves as a snapshot of two athletes who contributed to the sports popularity and showcased the grit and determination of boxers of that time. Captured by the Bain News Service, this photograph not only preserves their likenesses but also offers researchers a glimpse into the culture of boxing and sports photography during the early 20th century.