Monroe Kurtz

Kurtz was one of many Jewish fighters who fought out of Newark, New Jersey. According to boxing historian Hank Kaplan, Kurtz had approximately 25 amateur fights and 20 professional fights. According to his son, Lawrence, Kurtz resides in Toms River, New Jersey, served in the Army, was a school teacher in Newark, and a financial consultant for teachers and government workers before retiring. Kurtz still loves to watch boxing and occassionally attends Boxing matches in Atlantic City.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. 1933

Career Highlights:
An outstanding high school athlete at Weequahic High School in Newark, Kurtz concentrated on boxing soon after graduating in 1951. Fighting as an amateur that year, he entered the Newark Golden Gloves Tournament and captured the 147-pound novice championship. Winning all four of his bouts to win the title, his only loss at the tournament came against the New Jersey AAU champion, Artie Chorbak.

A drug clerk during his off-hours, Kurtz turned professional in the summer of 1952 and won his first three pro bouts. After losing a rematch with Chorbak, Kurtz then won three more fights, including his debut at Madison Square Garden. A welterweight during his career, he continued to box during the 1950s and was managed by Gil Strong and Jimmy Wilde. He was a very popular fighter during his career, he came from the same section of Newark as previous Jewish fighters Allie Stolz and Maxie Fisher.

Origin:
Newark, New Jersey

Physical description:
5'9"