Ray Lampkin Jr. (November 18, 1947-June 2, 2026), 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. Winning that little gold belt buckle made him feel good.
As his career developed, he won 50 amateur bouts, including 5 Golden Glove Tournaments, fighting out of the Knott Street Boxing Club. He graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland in 1966 and turned pro a year later. Ray also worked full-time at a slaughterhouse his entire career.
As a professional boxer he won 35 bouts, 18 by knockout. In 1973 he fought champion Esteban DeJesus for the North American and American Lightweight title, losing 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 that year.
Ray’s biggest title shot came a year later when he lost to Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran for the WBA Lightweight title by knockout in the 14th round.
After his retirement from the ring, he started a general contracting firm in Portland. Ray Lampkin Jr is a member of the PIL Hall of Fame