Raymond “Pink Panther” Boyd
Raymond Boyd had a storied and solid career in both the amateur and professional ranks. His professional career spanned from 1970 to 1982, and he finished with a record of 27 wins with 22 knockouts, and 9 losses. A former stablemate of Kenny Weldon and Manny Gonzalez, Mr. Boyd’s name is mentioned often by the local pioneers of professional boxing when the subject of tough competitors is brought up.
Born in New Orleans, Mr. Boyd spent his youth in Edna, Texas and would ultimately reside in and box out of Houston, Texas. Also known as “Sweet” Raymond Boyd, Mr. Boyd embodied the Houston and the Texas, “rumble ready” spirit. Though Mr. Boyd was an educated boxer, he kept a “street fighting” element to his approach that led to entertaining and memorable bouts. Former national amateur champion and Texas State Middleweight Champion, Melvin Dennis, described Mr. Boyd as his toughest amateur opponent, stating that every one of their three bouts were “dogfights”.
As if his tough approach to boxing and his entertaining bouts weren’t enough, Mr. Boyd also brought a “pro wrestling” entertainment aspect to boxing by wearing pink trunks, robes, and socks, as well as screaming a “war cry” of sorts as he was walking to and into the ring. Pink Panther also was known to “trash talk” before, during, and after bouts, as well as use moves such as the “head lock” during his bouts. There have also been reports of Pink Panther Boyd blowing kisses to attractive females in the crowd as well as professing his handsomeness to anyone who would listen. Maybe Mr. Boyd was influenced by the Houston Wrestling bouts that were popular at the time and held in the same Sam Houston Coliseum as Mr. Boyd fought many of his amateur and professional bouts. Raymond “Pink Panther” Boyd certainly left a lasting impression on his local peers and stories of his bouts as well as his antics, are Houston area boxing legend.
I remember when you came in on a Saturday and told Kenny Weldon that you were thinking of retiring. I was a snot nosed amateur just getting into the craft. Wilfred Simpion, Lee Murphy and Tom Trimm came later. It was early morning and I had never seen someone hit the heavy bag quite like you. It was on Holland Avenue around 9am. Kenny got me in the ring and Lee teed off on me to the point I was chewing off my gloves to woop his butt. I never forgot you. You may not remember me but, I remember you. That was my first day in GPBA.
That’s an awesome memory sir, I haven’t been able to get in touch with Raymond, if you are able to please let him know we recognized his contribution to boxing in the Houston, Texas area!
Not sure who Anonymous is but we probably grew up together in JC/GP. I fought on the other side of the levee with Ray Alfred and later with Kenny Weldon. I fought at CL’s on Market Street on the amatuer undercard when the Pink Panther fought a pro bout. I sparred with Wilford Sypion many times as he prepared to fight Mustafa Homsho in Madison Square Garden. Wilfred also fought Marvelous Marvin Hagler for the title.
Raymond is my uncle. He’s here in Houston. Might can arrange you meeting him, sir. Great article.
Thank you for your interest and support, and I would love to meet The Pink Panther! Send me an email and I will send you my cell number. Thanks again!
Raymond and I was on the same amateur boxing team, “Jack’s Boxing Club” in North Shore when Raymond first started boxing. That was in 1966 or 1967. Raymond was working construction at Brown & Root with my Dad, R.E. Dill, a Baptist preacher..
My e-mail address in dillj@bayltd.com.
Please have him contact me.
Hey Jack! Was there a youngster that fought on your team named Jack Roach? I fought a young man from your club a few times and I think that was his name. Your coach had code words for throwing the uppercut. “Pick up your pant legs” or something like that. I may be wrong, so you can correct me if you remember.
Correction: The boy’s name was Jack Root.
this is Joe Howard if you talk to him have him call me 512 8721206
Hello Jason! Just read the article. You Willies son?
I met Raymond today, he is my patient. Told me to Google him and I did. He is such a great person.
Hey I am the son of Allen Meek and my dad is trying to see Ray again please let me know if we can arrange anything ! My email is Raymeek02@gmail.com . Him and my Dad go wayyy back a lot of memories between the two
Hey this is Allen meek me and Ray go way back and have a lot of memories together is there anyone who can set something up so I can talk to Ray again??
I don’t know how to get a hold of Raymond, but Willie Boyd is on Facebook.
Hit up Willie Boyd on facebook
Raymond was fun to watch. He was a street fighter in the boxing ring . I think he had trouble with good boxers. He was a brawler. What ever happened to Colton Levine a fly like a bee boxer?
Enjoyed watching Raymond he was a brawler. What ever happened to fly like a bee Colton Levine ?
I’m not sure about levine, I’ll have to look into it.
I enjoyed watching Raymond. He was a street fighter in the boxing ring. What ever happened to float like a butterfly Colton Levine?