Five Youngstown World Boxing Champions to be honored Friday

The City of Youngstown will celebrate Independence Day with a historic tribute to its proud boxing legacy as five of the city's world champion boxers are honored with individual markers on the Youngstown Walk of Fame. The public unveiling ceremony will take place on Friday, July 4, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM on the Wean Park Sidewalk, under the Market Street Bridge.
For the first time, all five of Youngstown’s world boxing champions will gather in person to unveil their commemorative markers:
Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini
Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik
Harry “Dirty Harry” Arroyo
Jeff “Prime Time” Lampkin
Greg “The Flea” Richardson
Mancini was the W-B-A Lightweight Champion from 1982-1984
Pavlik was the W-B-C & W-B-O Middleweight Champion from 2007-2010
Arroyo was the I-B-F Lightweight Champion from 1984-1985
Lampkin was the I-B-F Cruiserweight Champion from 1990-1991
Richardson was the W-B-C Bantamweight Champion in 1991
aThese five athletes join Kool & the Gang, the Walk of Fame’s inaugural honorees, in receiving permanent recognition for their contributions to the city’s cultural and sports history.
Mayor Jamael Tito Brown will host this historic event and commence the ceremony by announcing the 2026 Youngstown Walk of Fame honoree, offering a glimpse into the future of this growing city tradition.
This year’s Walk of Fame ceremony proudly introduces a striking new tradition: custom bespoke official Walk of Fame club jackets, handcrafted by Downtown Youngstown’s own Private Stash Atelier. Located on West Federal Street, this premier custom tailor shop generously donated their exceptional craftsmanship to honor our inductees in true style. Each of our five boxing champions will receive one of these forever keepsake jackets, made with precision and pride right here in the heart of the city. We extend our deepest thanks to Galaxie Industrial Services for co-sponsoring these commemorative pieces. Locally owned and operated, Galaxie Industrial Services LLC provides expert cleaning solutions to manufacturers across the region, from plant turnarounds and routine maintenance to emergency responses. Their team specializes in managing hazardous, non-hazardous, wet, and dry materials safely and efficiently. Learn more at www.galaxieis.com and Private Stash Atelier
?? Free public parking will be available at the Covelli Centre.
Immediately following the unveiling, the community is invited to stick around for Downtown Youngstown’s 4th of July festivities, featuring the 4th Annual Food Trucks & Fireworks – First Friday Edition, co-hosted by JAC Management and the Downtown Youngstown Partnership. The celebration kicks off at 6:00 PM and includes food vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun throughout the evening.
?? The night will conclude with a spectacular Zambelli Fireworks display, orchestrated by Isaac Arroyo, launching promptly at dark.
This event is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend to celebrate Youngstown’s champions—past, present, and future—and the vibrant community spirit that continues to define the city.