Edgar Ross (boxer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Edgar Ross |
|
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | Mad Dog |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in |
| Born | July 29, 1949 Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | June 25, 2012 (aged 62) Dothan, Alabama, U.S. |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 61 |
| Wins | 58 |
| Wins by KO | 41 |
| Losses | 2 |
| Draws | 1 |
Edgar "Mad Dog" Ross (born July 29, 1949 – died June 25, 2012) was an American professional boxer. He competed from 1972 to 1979. Before turning professional, he was a successful amateur boxer. He even won the Alabama Golden Gloves as a light heavyweight.
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Early Life and Amateur Boxing
Edgar Ross grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was known for being very competitive. A childhood friend mentioned he was too intense for football. Instead, he often got into fights on the streets. A deputy sheriff, who was also an amateur boxer, saw Ross's fighting skills. He suggested Ross try amateur boxing.
Ross joined the Navy after two fights. He served in Vietnam. After returning home, he went back to boxing. He built an impressive amateur record of 24 wins and 4 losses. He also won the state's Golden Gloves competition.
Professional Boxing Career
Ross became a professional boxer in 1972. His first nine fights were out of Mobile, Alabama. Later, he joined Pete Ashlock's training group in Orlando, Florida.
He had a strong professional record. However, he faced two losses during his career. One was a points loss to Charlie Grimmett in 1975. The other was a knockout loss to Tony Chiaverini in 1979. After this fight, Ross decided to retire.
Key Fights and Retirement
Before his fight with Chiaverini, Ross had achieved great success. He won the North American Boxing Federation title. He was also ranked second by the World Boxing Council. Chiaverini was ranked eighth at the time. Ross signed up for the fight, hoping the winner would challenge Maurice Hope. Hope held the World Boxing Council's title.
Ross lost to Chiaverini in the tenth round. He had been knocked down several times. After this, Chiaverini fought Sugar Ray Leonard. Leonard won that fight quickly. Ross watched this match on television. He then decided it was time to retire from boxing.
He sent a letter to The Tuscaloosa News announcing his retirement. He wanted to quit boxing to protect his health. He specifically mentioned avoiding head trauma. He even turned down a large offer to fight Wilfred Benítez. This fight would have been at Madison Square Garden. But Ross chose his health over more fights.
Later Life and Legacy
After his boxing career, Ross focused more on his Christian faith. However, he also faced challenges outside the ring. His health began to decline. He experienced memory problems and other health issues. He often carried notes about his boxing career. This helped him remember his past achievements.
About three years before he passed away, he lived with his brother Ronnie. They were in Fairhope, Alabama. Sadly, Ronnie was diagnosed with cancer and died in late 2009. Ronnie left Edgar some money. An old friend helped Ross get his Navy benefits. This allowed him to live in a trailer near his friend's home. Edgar Ross passed away there in 2012.
