Retirement and Later Work
Mancini retired officially in 1985, but continued to fight unofficially until 1992 leaving a record of 29–5, with 23 knockouts. His legacy also included an inspirational story involving a young champion who had won the title as much for his family as for himself. The essence of this story was captured in a made-for-television movie based on Mancini's life, which aired in the 1980s. Thanks to expert legal advice, the former champion was also able to keep 75 percent of his $12 million in purse money, which enabled him to pursue a broad range of interests in retirement.
More recently, Mancini realized his Hollywood dreams, appearing in as well as producing a handful of films. In addition, he gained new fans as a fight analyst for the Fox reality series, Celebrity Boxing. Mancini currently resides in Los Angeles, California. He owns the El Campeon Cigar Company and operates two movie production companies. He also owns a wine-tasting shop in his native Youngstown, OH. Mancini remains accessible and interactive with his fans.
Mancini practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is good friends with fellow jiu-jitsu practitioner and Youngstown native Ed O'Neill as well as Pulitzer Prize winner/Screenwriter/Director David Mamet. He appeared in Mamet's MMA film Redbelt.
Mancini produced Youngstown: Still Standing in 2010, which premiered at the 34th Cleveland International Film Festival on March 24. The documentary film featured his friend Ed O'Neill and included Jim Cummings, Kelly Pavlik, Jay Williams, Andrea Wood and Mancini himself, among many other Youngstown natives and locals. John Chechitelli – another Youngstown native – directed and edited the 89-minute long film. It recounts the history of Youngstown, Ohio from its founding in 1797 to the present.
On July 13, 2007, Ray was a Guest on ESPN's Friday Night Fights.
On April 6, 2009, Mancini started on Chicago Sports Webio broadcasts with long time Chicago radio personality, Chet Coppock. The show was called Chet and The Champ and aired weekdays at 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
He is now an active member of UNICO National, the Largest Italian American Service Organization.
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