Boxing Magazine caught up with 18 year old boxing phenom, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini at his Youngstown, Ohio home the other night for a little sit down.
Brief Bio:
Mancini was discovered by trainer Murphy Griffith at the National Golden Gloves Tournament in Indianapolis. Griffith stated that Mancini was a pressure-type fighter with power in both hands, solid chin, and uses his average foot speed to effectively cut off the ring.
Ray Mancini (born March 4, 1961) from Youngstown, Ohio, who was given the nickname "Boom Boom" because of his whirlwind fighting style.
Mancini's father, Lenny Mancini, was a top ranked contender during the 1940s, who was considered by many to be a future world champion. His dream, however, was dashed after he was wounded during World War II. He returned to boxing, but his physical problems prevented him from fulfilling his potential.
Lenny became Ray's inspiration, and Ray started going to the gym at a young age. Ray had a stellar amateur career that included winning the Cleveland Golden Gloves district title three years in a row before making the jump to the professional ranks.
Boxing Magazine: To what extent were you aware of your father’s ring career?
Ray Mancini: In our cellar, my father has a scrapbook of his career and several Ring magazines of the ’30s and ’40s. I know his career better than he does! He tells me all the stories about the great fighters who trained alongside him at Stillman’s Gym in New York — Lou Ambers, Tony Canzoneri and Henry Armstrong, whom my father idolised.
BM: Is your father active in your training today?
RM: Once I began boxing, my dad is the perfect fight father: supportive but never in my corner because emotions can take over thought. Whenever I ask him for advice, he usually says: “Just go in and throw punches!”
BM: As an amateur, you stalled at the national semi-finals. How come?
RM: Several reasons. Firstly, there’s nothing more political than amateur athletics in America. I suffered some terrible decisions. Secondly, my trainer Murphy Griffith is from the old school so we do a lot of things that aren’t traditional. Even in the amateurs, I had a professional style.
BM: It has been two days since your fight in Phoenix, AZ and I see you have another bout scheduled in nine days in D.C. Why take fights on such short notice so early in you pro career?
RM: I just want to get as much experience in the pro ring as fast as I can. The faster I can learn the pro game, the quicker I can reach my goal which is hopefully, a title shot.
BM: Thanks for spending time with us and good luck in Washington D.C.
RM: Thank you and you're welcome to stop by anytime.