
By James Blears
We have lost one of the very best in Boxing, with the death of former boxer, manager, promoter and gifted author Ron Ross, who`s died from Coronavirus in hospital in Florida…prayers for his Wife Sue, who remains in intensive care.
Ron, who was born in Brooklyn, was introduced to boxing as a child by his Uncle Dave and his cousin Irwin Kaye Kaplan, who was a noted fighter. Ron developed into a talented amateur fighter and further honed his skills, during a two years stint with the Army. He went on to compete as a pro. Ron, also had a natural flair for writing, gaining a BA in English from Brooklyn College and a Masters from New York University.
Ron ran a very successful real estate businesses in Long Island for four decades, which he eventually sold. It was then that he was able to fully focus on his writing. His finest boxing authorship, involved his sublime word smith skills in creating biographies of Bummy Davis and Emile Griffith. He entitled one book: Bummy Davis Vs Murder Incorporated and the other: Nine, Ten…and you`re out. Avoiding the easy road of sensationalism, Ron used humanity and great sensitivity to magnificently use his skills as a story teller, to examine the lives of two complex and controversial men.
Ron who produced numerous articles, also wrote other books, including two for children. He was a highly respected and very popular member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.
In 2007 Ron was inducted into the Long Island Jewish Hall of Fame. Ron was inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012. Ron and Sue had homes in Oceanside, New York and Boca Raton, Florida. Ron has passed away aged eighty seven. The terrible Coronavirus has claimed his life, but NOT his remarkable life achievements, building to a legacy which will be remembered and cherished forever, by those of us who love Boxing, great journalism and brilliant authorship.
Rest in Peace Dear Ron, and we pray to God that Sue recovers.