Ray Anderson (boxer) facts for kids

Ray Anderson was a talented boxer born on August 31, 1944, in Anniston, Alabama. He competed in the light heavyweight division from 1965 to 1977. Ray is remembered for being the first boxer to go all fifteen rounds against the tough world champion, Bob Foster, for the Light Heavyweight title. Even though he lost that fight, it was a big achievement. Ray Anderson lives in Anniston today.

Ray Anderson's Boxing Journey

Ray Anderson started to become well-known in the boxing world in 1966. As a light heavyweight, he faced and defeated a strong heavyweight boxer named Amos Johnson in a ten-round fight in Akron, Ohio.

Early Fights and Big Names

Before turning professional, Ray Anderson had an impressive amateur career. He was one of the few boxers who managed to beat a young Cassius Clay, who later became the legendary Heavyweight Champion, Muhammad Ali.

Ray's professional career continued with many exciting matches. In 1969, he knocked out Joe Byrd from Flint, Michigan, in the very first round. He also knocked out Marion Conner in the second round, showing he was one of Ohio's best light heavyweights. He fought John Griffin twice, losing both times in very close decisions.

Training with a Champion

Ray Anderson was a valuable sparring partner for the famous boxer Joe Frazier. Sparring partners help boxers practice and get ready for their big fights. Joe Frazier said that Ray's tall, Ali-like boxing style helped him prepare to win the heavyweight title in 1970. This was when Frazier beat Jimmy Ellis at Madison Square Garden.

Later in 1970, Ray faced a young boxer named Ted Gullick in Cleveland, Ohio. Ray started strong, giving Gullick a "boxing lesson" for the first four rounds. However, Gullick landed a powerful left hook, knocking Ray down. Ray got up, but Gullick took control and won the fight by knockout in the ninth round. In 1972, Ray bounced back and beat Gregorio Peralta in Spain.

The World Title Challenge

The most important fight of Ray Anderson's career was his challenge for the Light Heavyweight World Title against Bob Foster. Ray was a tall light-heavyweight at 6 feet 1 inch. However, Foster was even taller at 6 feet 3 and a half inches and was known for his incredibly hard punches.

Ray was used to being the taller fighter, and he didn't want to risk getting hit by Foster's powerful punches. So, he chose to move around and defend himself for most of the fight. This strategy meant he lost the fifteen-round fight by decision. Still, it was a huge accomplishment that Ray was one of the few boxers who lasted all 15 rounds against Foster.

Joe Frazier's trainer, Yank Durham, was in Ray's corner for the Foster fight. He felt Ray should have attacked Foster more instead of using a defensive style. After this fight, Ray joined promoter Don King. Some people believe King wanted to use Ray to help other boxers become famous, rather than focusing on Ray's own path to the top.

Ray's Family

Ray Anderson has twin sons, Deric and Eric, and a daughter, Brigitte. His children were last known to live in Ohio. In the early 1990s, one or both of Ray's twin sons showed great athletic talent. They even had skills that suggested they could play professional football, though specific details of their careers are not recorded.

Ray Anderson's Boxing Record

Ray Anderson had a long and active professional boxing career. He fought many times between 1965 and 1977.

• He won 36 fights.
• Out of his wins, 21 were by knockout, meaning he ended the fight early.
• He won 15 fights by decision, meaning the judges decided who won after all the rounds.
• He lost 19 fights.
• 11 of his losses were by knockout.
• 8 of his losses were by decision.
• He had 5 draws, meaning the fight ended with no clear winner.

Exhibition Fights

Ray Anderson also participated in exhibition fights, which are not official matches and don't count towards a boxer's record. He had two such fights against the legendary Muhammad Ali in 1972. These were non-scored bouts, meaning no winner was declared.