(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
A Hidden Gem in Boxing: The Unforgettable Battle Between Ricardo Williams Jr. and Anthony Lenk
Over the next few weeks, BoxingScene writers are sharing their most memorable boxing matches. Some of these bouts were experienced live, while others were viewed from afar. What ties them together is the emotion, significance, or unforgettable display of skill that made them stand out.
One fight that has stayed with me for years is the 2012 clash between Ricardo Williams Jr. and Anthony Lenk. It wasn’t a high-profile main event or a world title bout, but for those who witnessed it, it was an unforgettable showdown that exemplified everything great about boxing.
Setting the Stage
The bout took place in September 2012, just before Andre Ward defended his world super middleweight title against Chad Dawson at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. As fans filed into the venue for the evening’s headliner, they were greeted with a surprisingly intense undercard bout already underway.
Two Warriors in the Ring
Ricardo Williams Jr., a silver medalist at the 2000 Olympics, had a professional career filled with both promise and setbacks. Trained in the Bay Area during the latter part of his journey, Williams was admired by many in the local boxing community. His style was often compared to that of legends like Pernell Whitaker, and watching him train left a lasting impression.
On the other side of the ring was Anthony Lenk, a tough and determined fighter from Niagara Falls, New York. Though slightly undersized for the welterweight division, Lenk brought a level of intensity and grit that made every bout competitive. Entering the fight with just one loss, he was a formidable opponent.
What unfolded was a truly competitive and high-energy match. Both fighters landed clean shots, demonstrating skill, discipline, and incredible heart. As the rounds progressed, more fans in the arena turned their attention to the action, many of whom hadn’t planned on watching the early bouts so closely.
A Lasting Impression
By the final bell, the crowd was fully engaged and applauding both fighters. It was a back-and-forth contest that many felt could have gone either way. Ultimately, Williams earned a majority decision victory, though the fight was so close that opinions were split at ringside.
This bout never received widespread recognition—there was no streaming, no viral clips—but for those lucky enough to be there, it was a classic. It captured the essence of what makes boxing so special: passion, skill, resilience, and mutual respect.
After the Fight
Williams fought only twice more after this bout, securing a win over the then-unbeaten Luis Ramos Jr., before stepping away from the sport in 2014 with a professional record of 22-3 (12 KOs).
Lenk continued to compete for several more years, facing tough opponents like Mark DeLuca. However, he never quite returned to the form he showed that night against Williams. He finished his career at 17-10 (7 KOs).
Final Thoughts
While blockbuster fights like Mike McCallum vs. James Toney I may be more well-known, the Williams-Lenk bout remains one of the most impactful matches I’ve ever witnessed. It showcased the heart and determination of two athletes giving their all—not for fame, but for pride, honor, and love of the sport.
Lucas Ketelle is the author of Inside the Ropes of Boxing, a guide for young fighters. He is a contributor to BoxingScene and a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.
