Login | October 08, 2026
MCBA Foundation Speaker Series to feature Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: October 8, 2026
Growing up on Youngstown’s South Side, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini was introduced to boxing as a child, visiting gyms and learning basic techniques from his father, Lenny, the original “Boom Boom.”
“Hall of Fame trainer Ray Arcel trained my father,” said Ray Mancini. “Fans called him ‘Boom Boom’ because of his aggressive punching style.”
Unlike his father, whose career was derailed after he was seriously injured during World War II, the younger Mancini went on to become the World Boxing Association lightweight champion from 1982 to 1984, when he lost the title to Livingstone Bramble.
His journey began as a freshman at Cardinal Mooney High School, when he was recruited to take part in the Junior Olympics in Cleveland in 1976.
“For the next three years, I earned Golden Gloves titles,” said Mancini. “During the last year in 1979, I met legendary trainer, Murphy Griffith. After I graduated, he encouraged me to move to New York City and start my pro career.
“My manager was David Wolf, and he and my trainer guided me to earning the WBA championship,” he said.
Retired since 1985, Mancini has gone on to make a name for himself as an actor, with guest appearances on the ABC television series “Who’s The Boss,” and Steven Spielberg’s “Amazing Stories.”
He has also landed more than 20 roles in films like David Mamet’s 2008 MMA drama “Redbelt,” as well as in off-Broadway stage productions.
Mancini runs his own production company and has produced films for MGM and Warner Bros., as well as the documentaries “Youngstown: Still Standing” and “The Good Son: The Life of Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini,” based on the same-titled biography.
He is currently a producer for the upcoming feature film “Boom,” which revisits his historic 1982 title fight against Kim Duk-koo, which ultimately led to Duk-koo’s death.
“I retired after I lost my rematch in 1985,” Mancini said. “I was 24 and I no longer had the heart for boxing.
“Boxing is a young man’s sport,” he said. “My father used to tell me by the time you reach 28 you are an old fighter, even if you are still a young man.”
Mancini spent more than 25 years in California, moving back to Youngstown in 2014.
He has three adult children, including a son, Leonardo Mancini, who is pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles and one granddaughter.
On Oct. 21, Mancini will share his story with members of the Mahoning Valley community at the DeYor Performing Arts Center, after being selected to participate in the Mahoning County Bar Association Foundation’s speaker series.
It’s the fifth year the event has taken place.
"The series was established by our foundation to bring compelling speakers to our community and provide meaningful free programming as a service to the public,” said Linda Martin Saunders, a member of the board of the Mahoning County Bar Association Foundation and chair of the events committee.
“We received the funding for the series from a Mahoning County Law Library grant,” said Martin Saunders. “Between the grant money and our sponsors, we are able to cover the cost of the event.”
Previous speakers have included attorney Brian Cuban, abduction survivor Elizabeth Smart and journalist and author Wil Haygood.
“Last year we had a very large crowd with former MLB left-handed pitcher Dave Dravecky, who shared his inspiring story,” said Mahoning County Bar Association Foundation President Rebecca M. Gerson. “We are continuing our hometown success stories this year with Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini, who graciously accepted our invitation.
“He will offer powerful insights into overcoming adversity, pursuing excellence and giving back to the community where he grew up,” said Gerson, a partner at Green Haines Sgambati Co.
“I do a lot of motivational speaking at corporations and colleges,” said Mancini. “I often talk about resilience in life — meaning, How do you get up after being knocked down repeatedly and keep moving forward?
“When you are at the top of your game, everyone is looking to knock you off the perch,” he said. “I am a firm believer that if you want to be successful and maintain that success, you have to chase greatness.
“This may come with a lot of change, which can be painful, but you have to be pliable,” said Mancini.
During the event, the audience will also get to hear a few boxing stories, and Mancini will take questions at the end.
“I imagine that the biography about my life will lead to more discussions,” said Mancini.
The Oct. 21 event gets underway at 7 p.m. at the DeYor Performing Arts Center.
While it is free and open to the public, tickets are limited and must be reserved in advance.
To do so, go to the events page of experienceyourarts.org or call the box office at 330-259-0555. Tickets can also be secured by visiting https://deyorpac.org/event/an-evening-with-boxing-legend-ray-boom-boom-mancini/.
In addition to the main event, there will be a private reception at 5:30 p.m. for sponsors and guests of the foundation.
Attendees will get the chance to meet Mancini and network with legal professionals, elected officials, business leaders and others.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to speak to Mancini after the main event.
For more information about sponsorship, contact Renee Kenneally at 330-746-2933, ext. 103 or email her at rmkenneally@mahoningbar.org.