Jack Root
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John Arthur Root, born as Janos Ruthaly and known professionally as Jack Root (May 26, 1876 – June 10, 1963) was an American boxer. He was the first world light heavyweight champion as well as a challenger for the world heavyweight title. He fought out of Chicago. He was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.
Championship Claim
Root (with the support of some historians) claimed that he was the first world light heavyweight champion.[1] His bout with George Gardiner on July 4, 1903, is claimed by some to be the first title bout in the new division. Root contended that his manager, Lou Housman, created the division and billed the Root vs. Gardner fight, which Gardner won by knockout in the twelfth round. The fight was caught on film. Jack Root, George Gardner, and Bob Fitzsimmons all held the light heavyweight world championship title in 1903.
During the 1980s, however, some boxing historians found records indicating that Joe Choynski won a twenty-round decision over Jimmy Ryan on August 18, 1899, in a fight billed as being for the light heavyweight championship. Choynski never seems to have made any claim to be the first light heavyweight champion, however.[2]
Heavyweight title fight
On July 3, 1905, Root fought Marvin Hart for the vacant world heavyweight championship in Reno Nevada. The former champion, Jim Jeffries, had retired and declared that Hart and Root were the two top heavyweights. Jeffries refereed the fight to name the new champion, which Hart won by a twelfth-round knockout.
After boxing
Root served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War I. After his time in the service Root became the president and boxing manager of the renowned Los Angeles Olympic Auditorium. Root was also one of many boxers to attend the funeral of Feab S. Williams (better known as "George Godfrey").[3]
Death
Root died on June 10, 1963, at Temple Hospital in Los Angeles from a heart attack, aged 87.[4]
Professional boxing record
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | Win | 47–3–3 (2)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Fred Russell | PTS | 10 | Feb 26, 1906 | Kalamazoo AC, Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 54 | Loss | 46–3–3 (2)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Marvin Hart | KO | 12 (?) | Jul 3, 1905 | Amphitheater, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | For vacant world heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 53 | Win | 46–2–3 (2)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | John Willie | DQ | 5 (10) | Dec 5, 1904 | Blue Island AC, Blue Island, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 52 | NC | 45–2–3 (2)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Tommy Ryan | NC | 4 (6) | Nov 23, 1904 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 51 | Win | 45–2–3 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | George Gardiner | PTS | 6 | May 2, 1904 | Waverly A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 50 | Template:DrawDraw | 44–2–3 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | George Gardiner | PTS | 6 | Feb 26, 1904 | Battery D Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 49 | Template:DrawDraw | 44–2–2 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | John Willie | PTS | 6 | Feb 5, 1904 | Battery D Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 48 | Win | 44–2–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Fireman Jim Flynn | KO | 8 (20) | Nov 26, 1903 | Rover's Club, Pueblo, Colorado, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 47 | Loss | 43–2–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | George Gardiner | TKO | 17 (20) | Jul 4, 1903 | International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Lost world light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 46 | Win | 43–1–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Charles Kid McCoy | PTS | 10 | Apr 22, 1903 | Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won inaugural world light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 45 | Win | 42–1–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Marvin Hart | PTS | 6 | Nov 10, 1902 | Lyceum A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 44 | Win | 41–1–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Kid Carter | PTS | 6 | Oct 27, 1902 | American A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 43 | Loss | 40–1–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | George Gardiner | TKO | 17 (20) | Aug 18, 1902 | Saucer Track, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 42 | Win | 40–0–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Billy Stift | KO | 2 (6) | Apr 26, 1902 | Chicago A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 41 | Win | 39–0–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | George Gardiner | DQ | 7 (20) | Jan 31, 1902 | Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 40 | Win | 38–0–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Australian Jim Ryan | KO | 2 (20) | Oct 30, 1901 | Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won vacant Middleweight Championship of the WestScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 39 | Win | 37–0–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Kid Carter | DQ | 15 (20) | Jun 28, 1901 | Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Low BlowScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 38 | Win | 36–0–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | George Byers | KO | 9 (20) | Jan 18, 1901 | Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 37 | Win | 35–0–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dick O'Brien | KO | 3 (6) | Oct 16, 1900 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 36 | Win | 34–0–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dan Creedon | KO | 1 (20) | Oct 4, 1900 | Convention Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 35 | Template:DrawDraw | 33–0–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Tommy Ryan | PTS | 6 | Jul 24, 1900 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 34 | Win | 33–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dick O'Brien | PTS | 6 | Jul 10, 1900 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 33 | Win | 32–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Ed Denfass | KO | 4 (6) | Feb 20, 1900 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 32 | Win | 31–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jack Hammond | KO | 2 (6) | Feb 5, 1900 | Badger A.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 31 | Win | 30–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Tommy West | PTS | 6 | Jan 9, 1900 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 30 | Win | 29–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Alec Greggains | KO | 6 (20) | Nov 15, 1899 | Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 29 | Win | 28–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Frank Steiner | KO | 3 (6) | Oct 18, 1899 | Belle City Opera House, Racine, Wisconsin, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 28 | Win | 27–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Frank Craig | PTS | 6 | Oct 15, 1899 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 27 | Win | 26–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Frank Craig | PTS | 6 | Oct 3, 1899 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 26 | Win | 25–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Billy Stift | PTS | 6 | Sep 23, 1899 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 25 | Win | 24–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | John Banks | KO | 1 (?) | Aug 12, 1899 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 24 | Win | 23–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Fred Grant | KO | 3 (?) | Jul 7, 1899 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 23 | Win | 22–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Johnny Gorman | KO | 2 (?) | Jun 21, 1899 | Adelphi Theater, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 22 | Win | 21–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Tom Burke | KO | 7 (?) | Jun 7, 1899 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 21 | Win | 20–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Tom Casey | KO | 1 (?) | May 31, 1899 | Adelphi Theater, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 20 | Win | 19–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Australian Jim Ryan | PTS | 20 | May 15, 1899 | Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 19 | Win | 18–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dick Moore | KO | 2 (?) | Apr 29, 1899 | Lyceum Theater, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 18 | Win | 17–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Billy Stift | DQ | 7 (20) | Feb 16, 1899 | Claus Groth Hall, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won vacant Northwest middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 17 | Win | 16–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Harry Peppers | PTS | 6 | Jan 21, 1899 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 16 | Win | 15–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Australian Jim Ryan | PTS | 6 | Dec 30, 1898 | 7th Regiment Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 15 | Win | 14–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Tom Lansing | KO | 5 (6) | Nov 15, 1898 | Madison Hall, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 14 | Win | 13–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jack Murphy | KO | 2 (?) | Aug 19, 1898 | United States of AmericaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 13 | Win | 12–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jimmy Watts | KO | 2 (?) | Aug 5, 1898 | Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 12 | Win | 11–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Tom Lansing | TKO | 6 (12) | Jul 22, 1898 | Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 11 | Win | 10–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jack Moffat | PTS | 6 | May 14, 1898 | American A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 10 | Win | 9–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Mike Carroll | KO | 1 (6) | Apr 14, 1898 | Calumet A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 9 | NC | 8–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | George Ryan | NC | 1 (?) | Mar 27, 1898 | Chicago A.A., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | The police stopped this bout after 1 roundScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Jack Moffat | PTS | 6 | Mar 26, 1898 | Chicago A.A., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Jack Hammond | KO | 2 (?) | Mar 12, 1898 | Chicago A.A., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Charles Whitey | KO | 2 (?) | Feb 12, 1898 | Chicago A.A., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Billy Philleth | KO | 1 (?) | Feb 7, 1898 | America A.A., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | George Hipp | KO | 1 (?) | Jan 15, 1898 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Young Charlie White | KO | 2 (?) | Jan 8, 1898 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Pat Brastand | KO | 3 (?) | Dec 24, 1897 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Charles Upton | KO | 4 (?) | Nov 12, 1897 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |