Ray Mancini

Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini became the WBA Lightweight Champion on May 8, 1982, when he stopped Arturo Frias in the first round in a dramatic Las Vegas bout. A relentless pressure fighter with deep Italian-American roots in Youngstown, Mancini was known for his warrior spirit and emotional connection to the sport - fighting in honor of his late father, a former contender. Mancini defended his title four times, capturing national attention and bringing pride to a working-class city that rallied behind him.