Jack Root

Jack Root (real name Janos Ruthaly; born May 26, 1876 in Frahelž, Bohemia (then Austria - Hungary), † June 10, 1963 in Los Angeles, California ) was an Austrian- American boxer and the first world champion in the then newly created Division of the Light Heavyweight. This title he won in a fight over 10 rounds against Charles "Kid" McCoy on April 22, 1903 in Detroit, Michigan.

On July 3, 1905, he boxed in Reno (Nevada ) against Marvin Hart, whom he had three years earlier beaten in Chicago before after 6 rounds to the - after the resignation of James J. Jeffries - vacant title of heavyweight champions. He was defeated after 12 rounds. Referee in this fight was the retired world champion Jim Jeffries.

In 2011, Root was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.