If you’re a reader of our blog then there is a good chance that you’re familiar with Ray “Lightning Jr” Lampkin also known as our Hood Super Hero. Ray’s story is somewhat cliché when it comes to the black community. Super talented kid from the hood excels at sport, gets complacent, loses drive, falls in with bad crowd yada yada, we know how that story ends. Fortunately for Ray and the city of Portland his story is still being written. He got his life together, got in shape and is currently undefeated as a pro. One of my proudest moments was watching my guy do work on ESPN.

The champ relocated to Florida by way of Arizona to conduct his training with some of the best in the sport. I’m excited to say he’ll be headed home to fight for the Jr Welterweight NW Title on November 7^th at Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville Oregon. He’ll be the main event for “Fight Night.” The 503tv crew, our friends and family will be in attendance and we want to invite our readers to join us. I caught up with the man during a break from his training to ask a few questions.

503tv: How has your training camp been?

Ray: Training Has been great.. working out really hard and training alongside World Class fighters.. Working with a New Staff of coaches Coach Gil Gastelum outta Tucson Arizona, Coach Herman out of Miami Florida with his world class boxing program

503tv: I know you love the City of Roses, has taking your show on the road been tough?

Ray: Traveling the world has been kinda difficult being away from family, my kids i’ve been in states where i have no family members. .. its times i be lonely and question my decision to leave home.. But its a sacrifice that i have to make to get where i need to be and to be able to provide for my kids later in life…

503tv: You’re headed back home to fight for a title in front of your family and friends. What type of things are going through your head?

Ray: Coming back home for a fight is great for my family and friends to see me in action before i take a long journey on the road for my career and at the same time me personally its kinda nerve racking with the possibility of losing or getting caught with a lucky punch… But at the same time it ignites me to work hard and train like i never have in my life..

Here we have this young man in one of the most masculine sports and yet he is still confident enough to be open about his doubts and fears. Kinda hard not to like this guy right? Ray you are more prepared physically and mentally than you have ever been! I know you want to put this dude to sleep in front of your people but don’t take too many unnecessary risks. Go out there and execute your game plan and you will be victorious!

[Editor’s note: I made a conscience decision not to mention Ray’s pedigree because he has earned his own respect in the boxing world. However, it helps to know that he was born for this!]