Sammy Mandell

Sammy Mandell
Born
Salvatore Mandala

February 5, 1904
Rockford, Illinois, United States or Piana del Greci, Sicily
DiedNovember 7, 1967(1967-11-07) (aged 63)
Oak Park, Illinois, United States
NationalityAmerican
Other namesRockford Sheik
Rockford Flash
Statistics
Weight(s)Lightweight
Height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Reach67 in (170 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights191; With the inclusion of newspaper decisions
Wins147
Wins by KO32
Losses25
Draws17
No contests2

Sammy Mandell (a.k.a. Samuel Mandella; February 5, 1904 – November 7, 1967) was an American Undisputed World lightweight boxing champion from 1926-1930. Born in Rockford, Illinois, and named Salvatore Mandala, he was known as the "Rockford Sheik" due to his Rudolph Valentino like good looks and as the "Rockford Flash" due to his fast hands and foot speed. His father was an Albanian and his mother Italian. Statistical boxing website BoxRec ranks Mandell as the 13th greatest lightweight boxer to have ever lived. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1998.