On Oct. 14, Iron City Pro Boxing put on a boxing card at Heinz Field’s Club West named “Octoberfist,” but it could easily been called the “Extravaganza.” Approximately 1,000 fans were treated to a fashion show, jump rope exhibition and mini concert by national recording artist Crave.

            Among those at the ringside were Dan Rooney and his wife, former Pittsburgh Steelers Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley, NABC featherweight champion Verquan Kimbrough, Andy “Kid” DePaul, “Baby Face” Nelson, Alphonso “Soldier” Williams, Tim Williamson, and R&B recording artist Ambition.  The national anthem was sung by Jim “The Singing Policeman” Marko.

            Several current Pittsburgh Steelers were present, including running back Veron Haynes; however Rayco “War” Saunders established early on whose house it was. He entered the ring wearing a T-shirt with “I don’t chase dreams I catch ‘em,” emblazoned across his back and his NABC world’s championship belt.

            Rayco is always in top condition and never underestimates an opponent or takes anything in life for granted.  He was stabbed in the back at age 15 and shot in the chest at 21. He was arrested six times between 1994-97, and was incarcerated at Graterford State Prison; the same jail that undisputed middleweight champion, Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins served out his sentence.

            “I tell people all of that happened to me. A lot of people don’t live to tell their story,” Saunders said. “I get to tell my story. Every chance I get, I speak on it.”

            Not surprisingly, once the bell rang Saunders was the aggressor, winging bombs at Ron Boddie of Philadelphia.  In his 43^rd pro fight, Boddie had significant ring experience, but Saunders used his reach advantage to slice into his opponent from long range, and the move in assassin-like to severely punish Boddie with shots that would have knocked out most cruiserweights.

Saunders, who has a chiseled frame that would make Evander Holyfield jealous, tried to catch up to Boddie who began to run as early as the second round.

            Saunders, found success in chest-to-chest combat, outworking and outskilling Boddie, and pounced with the heavy artillery, only to see Boddie run again. “Octoberfist” was turning into “hatefest” as the fighters began to hear boos from fans who wanted blood, not a track meet.  Saunders won a lopsided unanimous decision, winning every round.  In a sport yearning for marquee fighters, Saunders is a rush of charm, violence, and intelligence and is receiving mega offers on a daily basis.

The NABC world’s cruiserweight champion, Saunders is a great fighter who markets himself. He has received, but declined offers for six-fight deals in Philadelphia and West Virginia.

            “It’s only an option if I can sign a deal for six figures or more,” said Saunders. “I’m looking for the right deal. I refuse to be exploited. That’s the bottom line. I’ve gotten this far the hard way.  If I have to keep going the hard way, I don’t mind. I’m used to it.”