(Born 1948) Ray Lampkin Jr., known in the boxing ring as “Lightning Ray”, began his career at age 9, and one year later, as a 45-pound boxer, won the Montavilla Community Center Novice Tournament. As his career developed, he won 50 amateur bouts, including 5 Golden Glove Tournaments.
As a professional boxer he won 35 bouts, 18 by knockouts. In 1973 he fought champion Esteban DeJesus for the North American and American Lightweight title, loosing a narrow decision. He won the NABF Lightweight Title in 1974 by knockout in the seventh round over champion Nick Alfaro. He was the number one ranked 135-pound boxer in 1975, defending his title twice in that year. He lost to Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran for the WBA Lightweight title on a 14th round K.O.