Despite his first professional defeat, local boxer, Rayco “War” Saunders hasn’t lost sight of his goal of winning a world boxing championship and gaining a political platform.

            “When I get the titles, I can get the mic,” says Saunders, who defines himself as a finesse power puncher. “I’ll be able to speak and hold press conferences.  I’m going to talk about my false conviction.”

            About six years ago, Saunders, now 28, of Beltzhoover, says he was standing outside when police approached and told him to leave. He said he told the officers he was not doing anything and refused. What followed was an attack in which he claims police choked him and shot at him as he fled.

            “They tried to kill me,” says Saunders, still bitter after serving four years in prison. “I got away and when I called my attorney they had filed 10 charges against me.”

            Among those charges were fleeing and alluding police, attempted homicide, aggravated assault and firearms violations. The attempted homicide charge was thrown out, but he was convicted of the other charges.  Saunders said that he was not carrying a gun.

            He has appealed his conviction all the way to the Supreme Court and lost them all.

            “War” is his boxing nickname, denoting what he says reflects his daily life. Saunders has been shot. He’s fought gang members because he refused to be a follower.

            “I already made it. I’ve already beat one statistic,” he said, referring to data that says Black males who live in the inner-city are more likely to die of violence between the ages of 18 and 25 than their white counterparts.

            The cruiserweight with a fighting weight of 190 pounds has been boxing for eight years. He said he’s an aggressive fighter, but not wildly aggressive.  He is methodical in his pursuit of his opponent.

            But now his work in the ring has become an escape from the past and the place he’s poised to go.

            “Every boxer’s goal is to be champion of the world. Every person who steps into the ring and takes it seriously got a shot.”

            Jim Cvetic, a promoter with Iron City Pro Boxing, is excited about Saunders’ prospect.

            “He’s got determination and heart,” said Cvetic. “You can’t give somebody heart. You may be able to increase their speed a little bit, but you can’t give them heart.”

            Cvetic, a retired Allegheny County police detective, with 30 years of fight experience under his belt, said he believe Saunders can win a world title, despite losing  a split decision to former NABF light heavyweight and Detroit-native Greg Wright.

            “He won that fight,” Cvetic said. “As far as I’m concerned, he’s still undefeated. This guy is a champion inside and outside the ring. I think he going to be a force to be reckoned with.”

            Saunders’ aunt, Carol, agrees.

            “I can see him being a world champion,” Carol Saunders said. “I’m proud of him. He’s come a long way. He’s always wanted to fight.”

            Carol said she’s glad that he nephew has found something that he enjoys, and is good at.

            “Growing up, Rayco was in a lot of trouble,” she said.  “For him to get arrested for something he didn’t do is wrong. He’s overcome the streets. I think it’s good that he’ll be able to use [boxing] as a platform to speak about things that’s happened. I told him that he doesn’t have to be angry with everybody.”

            Rayco’s son, Rayco Saunders Jr., goes to all his dad’s fights, even his first professional loss. Even though he thought the judges made a mistake in awarding Wright the victory.  Rayco Jr. said his dad is still the best.

            “He’s good,” said Rayco Jr., 10, also an aspiring boxer. “I’m going to be a boxer.” Saunders’ work is not just about himself. He envisions opening up his own gym.

            “We really don’t have gyms in the Black community,” he said. I’m going to get a gym.  I like to bring kids to fights and let them experience that. A lot of people in Pittsburgh haven’t experienced a live bout.”

            Saunders and his supporters are hoping to solicit sponsors to buy tickets so they can invite children from the inner-city to his fights.

            Next year, he’s like to try a fight for a title –USBA or NABF- then a world title such as the WBA.

            “I’m just ready to do my thing,” Saunders said.  “It doesn’t matter who is in the ring with me. I’m on a mission.”