Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini is Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient

Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, a former World Boxing Association lightweight champion and Youngstown native, will accept the Ellis Island Medal of Honor on Saturday in Ellis Island, N.Y

The award was founded by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, and it is awarded to citizens who are either children or grandchildren of immigrants, and have made a valuable contribution to the culture of America.

"I am extremely honored," Mancini says of being a recipient of the award. "I'd say it's one of the highest honors a civilian can get. I'm grateful to be part of it all." Mancini now lives in Los Angeles.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com