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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini gave a speech at the Inn at Poland Way Oct. 16.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.A large group of residents from the Inn at Poland Way came to listen to retired light weight boxer Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini Oct. 16.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Ray Mancini, a former light weight boxer and WBA title holder, spoke at the Inn at Poland Way Oct. 16 for residents of the facility.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Seniors at the Inn at Poland Way Retirement home listened to a lecture by Ray Mancini Oct. 16.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker.Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini discussed a range of topics on Oct. 16 at the Inn at Poland Way including growing up in Youngstown and what it was like to be a boxer.
By JESSICA HARKER
Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, the retired professional boxer and former WBA lightweight title holder, spoke at the Inn at Poland Way Retirement community on Oct. 16.
Mancini was a professional boxer from 1979-1992 and is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
During the lecture Mancini talked about his career as a boxer, and how he always knew he wanted to be a champion.
“Growing up I wanted to be a fighter,” he said. “Other kids were like I want to be a fireman or a police officer, not me.”
He talked about what it was like growing up in Youngstown, and the pull in the community to grow up, get a good job and get married.
“I saw my dad get up and go to work every day, you see all the ‘mill rats’, and I knew I didn’t want that,” Mancini said.
He explained that it was through his positive visualization, and his ability to “dream big” that he pursued a career in boxing. During the talk Mancici discussed his decision to retire from boxing at 25, stating that he was able to do what he wanted, to become a champion, and walk away without serious physical harm. He said he still gets an MRI every year, and keeps a close eye on his health because of his boxing injuries.
“It’s all about staying healthy now, you have to eat right, focus on portion control, and stay fit,” Mancici said.
He said yoga, along with light exercise and shadow boxing are what he uses to stay fit.
During his talk, Mancini also discussed moving back to Youngstown in 2014 from Santa Monica, where he lived for more than 30 years.
“I love being back in Youngstown,” Mancini said. “I love being home.”
He explained that he made the decision to move back because of a business opportunity in the entertainment industry, which Mancini has been working in since the end of his boxing career.
“I lived in Sanata Monica for longer than I ever lived any where else, but it never felt like home,” he said.
He discussed the growth of downtown Youngstown and how the entertainment industry has rapidly increased in the area.
He also talked about Mill Creek Park and the arts department at Youngstown State University, things he said he never appreciated when he was younger.
“These are the things you take for granted,” Mancini said.
At the end of his talk Mancini took questions from the residents.
More than 25 people were in attendance.