Sammy Angott was born Samuel Engotti in a Pittsburgh area town in Pennsylvania. He was known as a clever boxer who liked to follow up a clean punch by grabbing his opponent, causing him to be known as \"The Clutch.\"

On May 3, 1940, the 5-8 fighter gained recognition from the National Boxing Association (NBA) as its world lightweight champion when he outpointed Davey Day over 15 rounds. In 1941 Angott outpointed Lew Jenkins, who was recognized as the world title holder, to become the undisputed lightweight king. He defended the title only once, 15-round points win over Allie Stolz in May 1942.