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Lenny Mancini was a
lightweight contender in the 40's.
Lenny joined the army, and was
wounded in World War II. Thus the
elder Mancini never received a
deserved title shot. After a 50
fight amateur career, Ray picked up
his father's mantle, and became a
pro fighter in 1979...>>>
Book Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini for Your Event
Ray was an instant
hit among boxing fans, with his
aggressive, power punching style.
After 20 straight wins, including
victories over contenders Jose Luis
Ramirez, Johnny Summerhays, and
Norman Goins, "Boom Boom" got a
chance to fulfill his father's dream
by taking on the legendary Alexis
Arguello for the WBC lightweight
title on October 3, 1981. After a
valiant effort, Mancini succumbed to
Arguello in the 14th round, but he
was undeterred in his quest to
become champion.
Seven months later,
on May 8, 1982, Mancini finally won
a title for himself and his father.
In 2 minutes and 54 seconds which
contained more action than many 12
rounders, Mancini stopped Arturo
Frias to win the WBA lightweight
crown.
He defended the title
four times (including a brutal
knockout over Duk-Koo Kim after
which Kim tragically died), before
losing the title on an upset
stoppage by unheralded Livingstone
Bramble in 1984.
In 1985, Mancini lost
a rematch to Bramble via a close
decision, and this loss, coupled
with Mancini's increasing struggle
to make weight, caused him to
retire. "Boom Boom" returned to the
ring twice more though, losing
controversially to Hector Camacho in
1989 (L12), and more convincingly to
Greg Haugen in 1992 (KO by 7). After
the loss to Haugen, Mancini retired
for good.
In his post-boxing days, Ray was
bitten by the acting bug, and can
now be seen in a remake of the
classic boxing movie "Body and
Soul".
>>>
Book Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini for Your Event
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