Ruby Goldstein

Ruby Goldstein was known as "Jewel of The Ghetto". Born to a poor Jewish family,Goldstein learned to fight in the ghetto's of New York. Less than 5 feet 5 inches tall, never-the-less, he carried dynamite in both fists. As an amateur boxer he remained undefeated and compiled a record of 14-0. Goldstein under the management of Hymie Cantor made his professional boxing debut on New Year's Day, 1925, in New York City, knocking out Al Vano in two rounds. In the next year and a have, Goldstein became a rated lightweight contender with an undefeated record of 23-0. However, when faced with rated contenders as opponents, the hard-punching Goldstein's chin was exposed as less than iron. He was knocked out by Jimmy McLarnin, Sid Terris, Ace Hudkins, Billy Alger, and Jay Macedon. Goldstein retired in 1933 only to make a short-lived comeback in 1937. Even though he won all four of his fights, Rudy realized his best years were behind him and retired with a record of 53-6. In 1943 he became a licensed referee in New York state. He refereed numerous world title bouts, his last being the March 24, 1962 World Middleweight title bout between defending champion Benny "Kid" Paret and Emile Griffith. Paret was knocked out in the 12th round after being battered on the ropes. He died on April 3, 1962 of injuries he suffered in this fight. Goldstein vowed to referee again in an article published in the Ring Boxing Magazine; but he never did.