Ray Anderson (boxer) facts for kids
Ray Anderson was a talented boxer born on August 31, 1944, in Anniston, Alabama. He fought as a light heavyweight from 1965 to 1977. Ray made history by being the first boxer to last all fifteen rounds against the world Light Heavyweight champion, Bob Foster. Even though he lost that fight, it was his only chance at a world title. Ray Anderson still lives in Anniston today.
Ray's Boxing Journey
Ray Anderson started to become well-known in the boxing world in 1966. As a light heavyweight, he bravely fought and beat a strong heavyweight boxer named Amos Johnson. This fight took place over ten rounds in Akron, Ohio.
Even before he became a professional, Ray was a very good amateur boxer. He was one of the few people who managed to beat a young fighter named Cassius Clay. You might know Cassius Clay better as Muhammad Ali, who later became one of the greatest Heavyweight Champions of all time!
Ray's professional career continued with many exciting fights. In 1969, he fought Joe Byrd from Flint, Michigan, and won by knocking Joe out in the very first round! He also knocked out Marion Conner in the second round, showing everyone he was the best light heavyweight in Ohio. Ray fought John Griffin twice, but lost both times in very close decisions.
Ray Anderson was also a sparring partner for the famous boxer Joe Frazier. Sparring partners help boxers train for their big fights. Joe Frazier said that Ray's tall, quick, and Ali-like boxing style really helped him get ready to win the heavyweight title in 1970.
Later in 1970, Ray faced a tough young boxer named Ted Gullick. Ray gave Gullick a boxing lesson for the first four rounds. But near the end of the fourth round, Gullick landed a powerful punch that knocked Ray down. Ray got back up, and the bell saved him from more punches. Gullick then took control of the fight and knocked Ray out in the ninth round. In 1972, Ray traveled to Spain and won a ten-round fight against Gregorio Peralta.
Fighting for the World Title
The biggest moment in Ray's career was when he challenged Bob Foster for the Light Heavyweight World Championship. Ray was a tall light heavyweight for his time, standing 6 feet 1 inch. But Foster was even taller at 6 feet 3 and a half inches, and he could punch incredibly hard!
Ray was known for being fast and handsome, and he usually didn't have to fight people taller than him. He didn't want to get hit by Foster's powerful punches. So, Ray decided to dance around and focus on defending himself for most of the fight. Because of this, he lost the fifteen-round fight by decision. However, it was a big achievement that Ray was one of the very few boxers who managed to last all 15 rounds against Bob Foster!
Joe Frazier's trainer, Yank Durham, was in Ray's corner during the Foster fight. He felt that Ray should have attacked Foster more instead of using a defensive style.
After joining a boxing promoter named Don King, some people think Ray's career took a different path. It's believed that King might have used Ray to help other boxers become famous, rather than focusing on Ray's own talent to help him reach the very top.
Ray Anderson had three children: twin sons named Deric and Eric, and a daughter named Brigitte. They were last known to live in Ohio.
Ray's Boxing Stats
Ray Anderson had a long and active professional boxing career. He fought a total of 60 professional matches.
- He won 36 fights, with 21 of those wins coming from knockouts!
- He lost 19 fights.
- He had 5 draws, which means the fight ended with no clear winner.
Ray also had two exhibition fights with the legendary Muhammad Ali in 1972. These were non-scored bouts, meaning there was no official winner or loser, and they were more like a show.
