Emotional Jim Lampley Discusses Death of HBO Boxing, Why He Doesn’t Call Fights | The MMA Hour

[@mikemorris9902]

It's a crime this doesn't have more views. Lampley is such a legend and has such a vast amount of boxing knowledge. Miss this legend calling fights

[@Spazzy603]

Man I couldn’t agree more! People really don’t know what they’re missing out on! Jim is him!!! (I’ve never said that in my life but it felt appropriate) 😂

[@godofthisshit]

Took me 3 days to watch it.

[@ycee8629]

U miss him biasedly commentsting may pac?

[@stormb8433]

lol him and Merchant were about as biased as they come gtfoh

[@WhoisDJNox]

Hearing Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant call a fight, brings back great memories. When Roy and Max joined, it propelled the show even more. Thank you, Jim! For all that you've given us!

[@warrenblanchard3870]

All of them plus Emmanuel Steward was pure magic!

[@xacex6944]

They had such a great thing going. You just don’t really get that level of knowledge and passion from anywhere in sports broadcasting and media anymore

[@WhoisDJNox]

@@warrenblanchard3870 forgot to mention the Legendary Emmanuel from Kronk Gym, thanks for that reminder. Yes! what a time

[@manuelanguiano213]

Also Max Kellerman brought a good insight and great commentary as well

[@rentedtux1883]

Merchant was a putz

[@steveknick1978]

@16:30 the Ali/Jagger story, damn that hits home. The shot legend being fed to the young fighter does hurt, because it is symbolic of the end of our youth. If you feel a certain kind of way about Ferguson/Pimblett, you might want to take note. Jim Lampley, Emmanuel Steward, Larry Merchant & Harold Lederman. That's who I started with in 2004 watching HBO Boxing.

[@Reigninsuds]

Thank you for this interview, Ariel. Missed Jim calling fights, and as you said, a soundtrack Of my youth. Glad he’s back!

[@kibs4168]

HBO Boxing was the best. No coverage has ever come close to matching it. Thank you for the memories Jim.

[@Unclejack328]

The presentation of the sport was second to none.

[@thomasharris5151]

He’s the reason hbo boxing is OFF THE AIR..! He and Larry merchant

[@Unclejack328]

@@thomasharris5151 Damn!!!

[@theoutlaw486]

One of the best interviews in the history of the MMA hour, a true legend, the voice of boxing, emotional and passionate. Great talk Ariel.

[@lillagahnavich7700]

Jim is the epitome of "Class Act"...and his storytelling of the WHY these 2 guys are punching eachother in the head trying to knock eachother out made the fights have color and life

[@ouruhuru]

Jim is a legend. I'll never forget his commentary during the Bowe v Holyfield fight when that nutcase landed in the ring with that propeller parachute. He said something like, "this is a monumental disaster" in that way that only Jim can.

[@DiegoRamirez-qy3xu]

not only is this a fantastic relevant sports interview, but this is a part a journalism history! not many people are putting stuff out like this thank you mma hour team and ariel for this legendary interview

[@jeffro5032]

Jim Lampley has been my hero announcer going on 40 years , on a different platform. I have raced MX my entire life , and back in the early and mid 80's , Jim was THEE voice for the 500cc USGP at Carlsbad CA , and the Super bikers. His voice , was what made those races incredible!! I bow to this man , for making those races enjoyable!

[@ricardobjj24]

Jim Lampley is the GOAT of calling fights. Once boxing moved to Dazn or wherever else you could feel the difference without him he was the best

[@allanguzman9828]

Jim Lampley is simply the best. I grew up watching him call the biggest fights. Chavez, del la hoya, jones jr, Hopkins. All of it. I have so much appreciation for this man. ❤

[@stevencoardvenice]

I wish they'd put him on DAZN or showtime

[@Flipping6ixes]

Anyone over 30 and a SPORTS fan should know this man and watch this. All time legend. Treasure.

[@422Krazy]

Only 647 views is criminal. Jim Lampley is a legend in combat sports. One of my most treasured memories in my life is Trinidad vs De La Hoya. God bless Mr. Lampley 🙏♥️

[@Spazzy603]

So criminal man! I’m glad Ariel knew what was up and booked an entire hour with him though! Amazing!

[@422Krazy]

@@Spazzy603 indeed. This man wears his heart on his sleeve and was not shy on telling stories. Amazing interview.

[@EAP-TCB]

I miss Jim Lampley and HBO Boxing a lot.What a legend and great interview.

[@cormaclad4418]

Arirl thank you so much for getting this legend on, what a treat!

[@10dev785]

just hearing jims voice, just let me know that we are about to watch a true prize fight

[@mikemorris9902]

He's such a legend

[@Spazzy603]

When I don’t hear his voice in recent fights, they don’t feel the same, even though he’s been out of the sport for some time now! Legend is an understatement!

[@Sir1626]

I loved watching Lampley and the whole HBO crew commentate boxing. There hasn't been anything like it since in combat sports. HBO Boxing was a truly special production

[@Manuel-uf6sr]

LEGEND! His voice brings up so much memories

[@elijah1126]

This is a great interview Jim lampley is apart of my childhood and he is a jewel to the world

[@mainegus9984]

Harold Letterman, Jim Lampley, Larry Merchant, Max Kellerman, those were legends of my day .

[@CarlosHernandez-qw3eu]

Miss Jim calling boxing so much. I can’t even count the amount of times his voice gave me goosebumps

[@jacobhartmann1050]

I second this absolutely

[@SYN30STM]

A boxing and current events related to sports podcast with Jim Lampley and Max Kellerman? Let's go.

[@tekwin7396]

This needs way more views. You can’t tell the story of boxing without this man.

[@greenseas104]

Please give us a longer interview with this man!!

[@andreww8941]

What an interview Ariel!!!! Absolutely phenomenal stuff and easily the greatest conversation I've ever heard Jim give/have with anyone ever. You did a great job with the questioning and then giving the man a platform to speak his mind and show the emotions he did. Just an awesome awesome convo.

[@PayDay4Youtube]

I remember watching Jim as the local sports anchor on CBS Los Angeles. It was awesome to see his career arch and his legendary calls on HBO will forever live in boxing lore.

[@MyMarcovega]

This was a great piece -Thanks for the interview and honoring a true LEGEND

[@arth3102]

Jim Lampley is hands down the greatest boxing play by play man in the history of the sport. A ppv fight on HBO on a Saturday night was an event,so many great memories ,these were moments shared with friends and family and Lamps was a big part of that. So many great fights. One that i will never forget was the Arturo Gatti vs Mickey Ward first fight. I believe at the end of that fight Lamps said he was truly humbled by what he had just witnessed in that ring. And so was I. Thanks for the many ,many memories Mr Lampley.

[@brianwhite4585]

He should have absolutely been hired by DAZN for their boxing. Its not to late so DAZN step up

[@mikemorris9902]

Anybody would be lucky to have this legend

[@CTYS910]

Exactly or espn one of them bc both have terrible boxing coverage

[@Spazzy603]

Ariel’s impression of Harold letterman was shockingly on point! “Ok Jim,” 😂

[@frank-oh4988]

A living Legend

[@airgreek]

What a legends and amazing human being this man is

[@mikey1986able]

I miss HBO boxing and boxing after dark. My pops and I were loyal viewers!

[@jamescourt5201]

Jim Lampley was one of the voices of boxing for me growing up. Glad his voice will be heard again.

[@nickmorris9311]

Thank you Ariel for having Jim on. He was the voice of boxing, of my childhood. Wish he was around more to be acknowledged and get his flowers. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE YEARS OF MOMENTS MR. LAMPLEY.

[@occain8810]

Lampley is the GOAT!

[@mdwv872]

Lampley is one of the greatest commentators of all time and was part of one of the most classy and entertaining broadcasts ever: HBO Boxing. He’s a true legend and I was sad to see such a legendary program leave us. Lampley, Kellerman, RJJ and even Larry Merchant (for all of my long time HBO Boxing fans). You literally couldn’t beat that broadcast team. Lampley LOVES boxing and it shows. This man loves it so much that he cries, and he’s so genuine that we cry with him. That’s the kind of passionate commentary you want, not the crap commentary today.

[@bigj868705]

I know I’m a year late but they were part of my childhood all the way until adulthood. Sad to see them go. Boxing has never felt the same since. DAZN just can’t compare.

[@reissadams8986]

Miss his commentary big time

[@mikemorris9902]

Absolutely. Legend of boxing

[@ill-nois2282]

Jim Lampley deserves all the praise and recognition for his commentary work. The HBO Boxing era was a true gem with an amazing team: Larry Merchant, Howard Lederman, Emanuel Stewart, Lennox Lewis, Max Kellerman, Roy Jones Jr.

[@DiegoRamirez-qy3xu]

legend!!! please don’t stop posting boxing stuff!

[@jimsinger2521]

Lampley is a throwback but at the same time ahead of the curve. So humble. So articulate. Great story teller. I so miss him, Merchant and Kellerman calling fights. Perfect chemistry with Roy Jones and Emanuel Steward.

[@m.a6416]

Man...Jim and Larry made even the most mundane and obscure fights entertaining to watch, simply with their unmatched commentary

[@uncletony6210]

True but Larry sure was an a hole

[@jarrettfullerton2580]

I miss Lampley. The best announcer of any sport. HBO boxing was the cream of the crop, and the commentary is not even the same league now.

[@sinsemillao]

This man is a legend.

[@vincentdigirolomo8056]

The GOAT of commentary! A poet. This guy is in a league of his own

[@mattherr4683]

legend

[@thatdudeoz9794]

Thank you for bringing us the interview

[@2ndlifecustomsAdam4]

JIM LAMPLEY VOICE IS BOXING !! I ABSOLUTELY MISS HIM AND THE GUYS ROY MAX , WHAT WE GOT WAS EXCELLENT EXCITEMENT AND EDUCATION!! BRING THEM BACK!! In the words of the late Harold Lederman Ook Jim!! 😂 Adam4.

[@CTYS910]

Facts!!!

[@NaturallyaspiratedJJM]

Tyson v Douglas was a great call Jim. Damn I miss HBO boxing Lampley, Merchant The quality of the production. During that short period when Emmanuel Steward was in the mix It was amazing. The production value of some of these current streaming companies is like a high school production it's terrible. '80s '90s and early 2000s HBO, TVKO, Showtime we're the high watermark for the sport. Good memories and appreciate you making this conversation happen.

[@TheyLuvHudd]

What a legendary interview.

[@rossipenney5190]

This guy was the best.

[@SYN30STM]

Just imagine if HBO Max had boxing? I think they would have more subscribers. It's good to see Jim Lampley back at work. I grew up watching hbo boxing and Jim . I miss Larry Merchant as well.

[@allpraisewebb1142]

Nobody misses Larry Merchant ole hating ass 😂

[@godofthisshit]

@SYN30STM It’s sad to say but they probably wouldn’t. Streaming has been very weird.

[@theboxingboy7422]

Legend commentator it's a shame no network picked him up after HBO got rid of boxing

[@anthonyventi1579]

Love Lampley!! Best to ever do it!!

[@chrisgonz9963]

Thank You Legend Jim Lampley HBO World Championship Boxing was The Best we Boxing Fans miss it

[@izakmysteryo]

The goat! Jim is the best combat sports announcer ever and i will watch anything hes part of just because of him

[@ReyLeichtle]

Damn we gettin old

[@Verminjes]

whenever i feel like crying i come back to this interview

[@Tremors-8]

I swear the other day I was looking for older fights I missed just to hear Jim and Emmanuel calling a fight. I somehow missed out on Toney vs. Jirov for all these years. Great fight definitely check it out if you haven't seen it, it's on youtube with the original commentary.

[@cyrillyons1531]

I remember Mr. L many times on boxing. Great to see him.

[@diongagliano3443]

Say what you want about Ariel but he is an outstanding interviewer...he's not afraid whatsoever to ask interesting questions...not tentative at all...I wonder how he would do in a different realm, like politics or pop culture

[@RichardDeRicardo]

Lord Mercy! I miss this man, his boxing knowledge! Mr. Lampley and Mr. Merchant: God I Miss Listening To Them. Boy he still looks great and sounds great! Hope he returns to Professional Boxing!

[@rblbatb]

Brilliant story teller.

[@chrisgonz9963]

What a Phenomenal interview

[@colgrey438]

The greatest. No one will ever do it better.

[@TheWADEConcept]

Amazing. Well done with this interview Ariel 🔥

[@DerpRulesAll]

I'm old enough to remember when there was no HBO Boxing, or Showtime Boxing. Major fights were either broadcast on national networks (😁), or shown on closed-circuit (😫).

[@Ian-km7ks]

Can't believe HBO finished they was the best boxing show around

[@johndenson3107]

You are unbelievable Jim!!! Good job my friend. 👍

[@thecohenclan7590]

Amazing!

[@kmixxx101]

You can really see that he cares about boxing it’s not just a sport to him .

[@bull419]

Best boxing I ever saw was as a kid in the 1960s with my old man, saw fights at sunny side gardens, Madison square garden, Merchant marine hall at 12th street and 7th ave south in Manhattan, Greenwich village, great fights, no commentators, smoke in the arenas, no women judges or announcers just pure boxing, gangsters included. This was when wide world of sports showed boxing in the afternoons and before HBO boxing.

[@sagesarabia5053]

Legend

[@rentedtux1883]

Jim Lampley is the GOAT.

[@VintageBoxingTM]

Excellent interview mate! Love Lamps. Wish he was back commentating on a big scale. Let’s have HBO back!

[@VintageBoxingTM]

Subscribed!🙌

[@thatdudeoz9794]

Love Lamps true OG of the fight game

[@Z28PAPI]

If it was up to me I'd die early just so he could do my eulogy. Thank you, Jim Lampley, for your emotional storytelling.

[@tjacted1]

My favorite boxing announcer ..watching him work with Max was cool too,, Handing over the torch lol

[@pd66546]

How has this so few views?!

[@steveknick1978]

Combat sports demographic is 18-35. Most of the people watching this content were under 30 (& probably not boxing fans) in 2018 when Jim & HBO Boxing signed off.

[@Jp-do9ny]

Mma fanboys are mostly post McGregor and don't follow other combat sports

[@gatormf4881]

Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant. You knew it was a big fight

[@cb7983]

Lamps is so good even arial couldnt screw up this interview.

[@pacjac10101]

Awesome interview, I watched fights on HBO for 30yrs and when ATT came along and decided not to keep HBO boxing I could not believe it..I was like WTF. I saw Jim last fight call on HBO and at the end I cried. I still can't believe HBO decision not to keep boxing after dark. I think it was the worst call I have ever seen and I have seen alot of bad calls in my day..

[@julianbray9261]

*Breaking News* Jim Lampley on the MMA Hour going forward? It is very odd that he hasn't got much offers to do what he loves since the tragic ending of HBO Boxing - Ariel's line of questioning showed that. Why not "you" make him a guest for at least the big boxing fights on the horizon? - He is still as sharp as ever on current boxing news. He is a Legend we need back in the mix 👍

[@Pray4Cilley]

That Holmes vs Ali thing is so sad , i hope we dont see that with Canelo. As much as we hate on him sometimes ive grown to become a fan of him and i just know it will be very emotional if he goes out like that.

[@CesarinAZ]

Huge mistake for HBO to give up boxing, there was a lul, but boxing is thriving. And to fire Jim Lampley and the rest of the guys is tragic. HBO Boxing was historic, I fell in love with boxing and appreciated the commentary as a young kid.

[@jake-thegoat]

Lampley had a lot more to do with HBO boxing than we realize. Gatti Ward would not have been the same without him.

[@Ymirson999]

When boxing went to a pay-per-view status, it was essentially the death knell of boxing as a widely popular sport. Maybe it was never as popular as football or basketball, but it was still far more widely popular then than it is now. The fact that HBO boxing folded is just part of the fallout from that stupid decision so long ago.

[@paulquantumblues3599]

Nothing use to get in the way of me watching HBO boxing. It was so great, and it always gave me something to look forward to. New owners always destroy the past legacy of anything that was great. This sounds a lot like the end of WCW. New owners killed that too.

[@ltcolumbo9708]

The end of Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant with HBO boxing was the end of my subscription. Not going back.....Screw Bill Mahr

[@ak47mack10]

DAZN HIRE THIS MAN UP !

[@allpraisewebb1142]

HBO used to be ppv before ppv! All the biggest fights was on there now u gotta pay damn near 100$ for mid ass fights smh unbelievable how far from grace boxing fell

[@DESOUSAB]

They don't make them like Howard Cosell and Jim Lampley anymore. Voice, vocabulary and easy access is something I miss in sports. Dana thinks he is doing it better, but watching hacks call fights between folks earning $10K isn't a sustainable business model. Marrying the sport to the MAGA movement doesn't help either. I miss the old days, I guess. Thanks for this content and for bringing back good memories, Ariel.

[@alcottdevalte7440]

We went from great commentators like Jim Lampley and Teddy Atlas and onto the awful commentary teams in most cases these days. New boxing fans need to get educated because they lack knowledge about boxing and heavyweight history. This heavyweight era is garbage and extremely weak along with the Klitschko era. Joe Louis has 25 title defenses and Ali has 19 title defenses in 25 world title fights where he has 22 title fight wins having fought/beaten 20 champions and 20 hall of famers. And the list goes on and on with other heavyweights...

[@mikemorris9902]

Ali beat 20 Hall of Famers? I knew about the 19 combined title defenses and wow I didn't realize he had 25 world title fights

[@mamster233]

Where does Lampley talk about how the UFC is the reason why HBO boxing is gone??

[@mahadali2739]

Its always a small tragedy when investors don’t know the value of the media properties they purchase. HBO had a one-of-a-kind branding advantage. And that was all squandered away. By decisions like getting rid of boxing and now getting rid of the name altogether.

[@daboxingscholar]

14:19

[@sharchok]

I need to know, did Jackson really squash you Ariel?

[@Juango2006]

Such a reward to listen to Jim Lampley. Multiculturally aware and a canon of Sports Journalism. ✊🏽👍🏽🌞🤜🏽🥊‼️

[@michaelmohrle1773]

HBO went down the toilet altogether, no more boxing or great shows. They should have at least attempted a Sopranos spin off(the movie was terrible), probably would have been successful.