Most kids have a few challenges thrown their way, but witnessing your mother almost stab your step-father to death- then seeing her die of a drug overdose through 11-year-old eyes are more than typical challenges.

            Rayco Saunders continues to overcome those challenges everyday. In 1994, at the age of 20, Saunders decided to redirect his life from breaking the law to breaking a few noses as an amateur boxer. He had a short but successful amateur career (13-3), suring which he was a three-time Pittsburgh Golden Gloves Champion and a Pennsylvania Champion.

            He beat the odds again when he turned pro in 2002, and that is still what motivates Saunders the most.  Self- managed, self-promoted, and self-trained, Saunders won the NABC Cruiserweight World Title in August 2004. He has not only fought some of the best, but he spars the best: Calvin Brock, Prince Bada Ajuma, Rodell Booker, Clinton Woods and he recently returned from a stint as a member of the Antonio Tarver training camp during Tarver’s preparation for his most recent Roy Jones fight.

            Based on the slim odds that he would actually make it out of the streets, survive a 1995 gunshot wound to the chest (as well as a recent attempt on his life), it’s not hard to believe that Rayco Saunders (Currently 14-6-1 with six knockouts) can  succeed in his ultimate goal of becoming the Undisputed Champion of the World.