Small “Benjamin Jamito Gan” Montana

Small Montana (born Benjamin Jamito Gan, February 24, 1913 – August 4, 1976) was a Filipino flyweight boxer from Bacolod, Negros Occidental. Standing 5’4” and fighting as an orthodox stylist, he was known for his speed and cleverness rather than knockout power, scoring 83 wins with only 13 stoppages across 118 professional bouts. Inspired by Pancho Villa, Montana turned pro in 1932 and captured the American Flyweight Title in 1935 with victories over Midget Wolgast. He later fought abroad, losing to Benny Lynch in London in 1937, and faced notable opponents including Manuel Ortiz, Speedy Dado, and Little Dado. Though he never secured a universally recognized world championship, Montana was regarded as one of the Philippines’ prominent flyweights of the 1930s. He passed away in La Carlota, Negros Occidental, in 1976 at the age of 63.