Knott Street Boxers, circa 1966

The Knott Street Boxing Club began operating in the Matt Dishman Community Center in 1951. The boxing program remains legendary within the Albina community, and is still active today. By the early 1960s, the Oregon Golden Gloves team was nationally recognized as the third ranked Golden Gloves in the Northwest. Some of the Knott Street boxers grew up to enjoy professional success, like Portland boxer Ray “Lightning Ray” Lampkin.

Image shows a group of Knott Street boxers posing in a boxing ring. From left to right: Clarence Kimmons, Bill Cross (Halim Rahsaam), Tommy (Tony) Jacobs, Grant Hart.

_{Portland City Archives, AP/98748; AP/5400.}

To view these and other images of Knott Street boxers in Efiles, click here.

Image on the left show a young man in boxing gloves and shorts, practicing technique with a child on another man’s shoulders. Image on the right shows a young Ray “Lightning Ray” Lampkin.

For even more information on the history and legacy of Knott Street boxing, check out this OPB interview with author and Knott Street alum Aaron C. Jones.