Barney Ross

Barney Ross (born Dov-Ber "Beryl" David Rosofsky; December 23, 1909 – January 18, 1967) was an American professional boxer. Ross held world championships in three weight divisions from lightweight to welterweight, and was a decorated veteran of World War II. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 1990. In 2007, ESPN ranked him the 22nd greatest boxer of all time. In his time, he was known as the Pride of the Ghetto.

Initially known locally as a brawler, Ross joined a local gang as a teenager, running errands with Jack Ruby (who would later become world-famous for murdering Lee Harvey Oswald) for mobster Al Capone.

Ross later rose to prominence after turning professional in boxing, becoming only the third fighter in history to capture world titles in three weight divisions, the first in the "Queensberry Rules era" to win championships in two weight classes simultaneously, and is believed by some to be the first simultaneous three-division world champion. He was named The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year in 1934 and 1935, and received the Edward J. Neil Trophy by the BWAA in 1942. In his 81-fight professional career, Ross was never knocked out.

Following his boxing career, Ross joined the United States Marine Corps during World War II. While wounded during a night patrol, Ross single-handedly held off a Japanese attack, killing 22 soldiers and saving a fellow Marine. For his bravery, Ross was awarded a Silver Star, Purple Heart, and a Presidential Unit Citation, among others.