Boxing

I am the Silver Star war hero who beat drug addiction to become a boxing boxing Hall of Famer

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Known as “Barney Ross”, he was a world champion boxer in three weight divisions and a decorated war hero.

Nicknamed the “Pride of the Ghetto” Ross led an extraordinary life, achieving greatness both in and out of the ring.

Born Dov-Bear Rasofsky on December 23, 1909, his story is one of resilience, talent, and heroism.

Let’s take a moment to revisit the life and legacy of a remarkable man who was born on this day in history, December 23, more than a century ago.

A challenging beginning

Barney Ross was born in New York City but grew up in Chicago’s Maxwell Street Ghetto, a melting pot of immigrants.

His early life was marked by hardship that included a traumatic family tragedy - when Ross was a young boy, his father, a rabbi and small business owner, was killed in a robbery.

The loss left his family in poverty, forcing Ross and his siblings to fend for themselves. It was then that the young Ross, determined to provide for his family, turned to boxing, inspired by the likes of Benny Leonard, another Jewish-American boxing legend.

Rising through the ranks

Ross turned professional in 1929, quickly gaining a reputation for his skill, toughness, and adaptability in the ring. A versatile fighter, Ross competed across multiple weight divisions, showcasing remarkable talent at lightweight, junior welterweight, and welterweight.

Ross won his first world title in 1933, defeating Tony Canzoneri to claim the lightweight and junior welterweight championships.

He later added the welterweight title to his collection, becoming a three-division world champion.

In terms of style and technique Ross was known for his relentless pace, strategic footwork, and ability to absorb punishment while dishing out precise combinations.

The rivalry with Jimmy McLarnin

One of the highlights of Ross’s career was his legendary trilogy with Irish-American boxer Jimmy McLarnin.

The three epic fights took place between 1934 and 1935, as Ross and McLarnin faced off with Ross winning two of the closely contested bouts.

Their rivalry captivated fans and remains one of boxing’s most celebrated trilogies.

The bouts laden with cultural significance as they were seen as a cultural clash between Jewish and Irish communities, which served to elevate their importance beyond the ring.

War hero and patriot

Ross’s heroism extended beyond boxing. During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served with distinction in the Pacific Theatre.

At the Battle of Guadalcanal Ross reportedly displayed extraordinary bravery, risking his life to save wounded comrades.

For his actions, Ross was awarded the Silver Star and the Presidential Unit Citation, cementing his status as a true American hero.

Life after boxing

After retiring from boxing in 1938, Ross faced personal struggles, including a battle with drug addiction which stemmed from injuries sustained during the war.

However, he overcame these challenges and became an advocate for veterans and those struggling with substance abuse.

Barney Ross passed away in 1967, but his legacy endures - he was Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and is remembered as one of the sport’s greatest champions.

As a cultural icon his story resonates as a tale of perseverance, bravery, and triumph over adversity.

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