HBO's Jim Lampley On The Hardest Fight To Watch | SI NOW | Sports Illustrated

[@eoghancallaghy3756]

Nobody says "remember when Micky beat Arturo or Arturo beat Micky". It is always said "remember Gatti/Ward". That's speaks volumes of these 3 fights.

[@Oscarspoem]

Yeah. Your spot on with that. Love them both so much and the hug at the end of the third fight, really does say it all. As you say, it is just a footnote on who actually won or lost.

[@michaelpierce8622]

Well said!!!!

[@DABIGDAWG001]

That’s facts! I’ve always said “Gatti/Ward”when talking about these fights. Excellently put!

[@mikecotto1167]

Those were three of the greatest fights EVER in any weight class.

[@georgeeverhart8413]

Ward says I love you before the 12th round starts in first fight is a moment to remember in boxing history. RIP champ

[@carlosargueta2751]

Jim Lampley’s heart for the sport and the fighters is what makes him special!

[@Strawman333]

I’ll never forget that trilogy. These two had pure heart. RIP Gatti.

[@1985nyg]

Arturo did not commit suicide.

[@montblancnoland4034]

Deadass bro his wife bodied him

[@severusfloki5778]

Fuck that hoe

[@willyhutchtv4911]

Holy fuck,I just commented that no way will I ever believe he hung himself on a different video just now

[@allenrodriguez4970]

Arturo was murdered. And his wife had a play in that. No questions about it. 😠

[@apallok54]

No way he did

[@FZA1980]

Rest In Peace Arturo Gatti. True warrior

[@christiancarranza1003]

Yup!!!

[@pugglesprindle2698]

Knew no other way

[@pecodo2]

damn, lampley always makes me choke when he gets emotional, I get what he's feeling, that was a he'll of a fight and certainly meant and changed the life's of those 2 warriors

[@W4Rnerv]

I watched a clip of him getting emotional just talking about the 9th round in Gatti/Ward 1. He truly loves the sport of boxing and the fighters involved.

[@cody8804]

pecodo2 lampley also makes his wife choke

[@heisenberg8917]

Exactly , When Jim expressed his feeling about this fight. It was like he has a pain in the stomach when he's telling about that fight.

[@oldironsides4107]

I started belching up puke. Choked on it and snarfed it out of my nose

[@TyrantT316]

Look back on when he broadcasted his last HBO Boxing broadcast...his ending monologue...feels

[@deadarmd]

"Nobody gets up from that punch...Arturo gets up"

[@matthewabbatoy7504]

Where did that quote come from?

[@eoghancallaghy9254]

It was from a documentary about the trilogy of fights and Gatti's death.

[@rockeeeverett1081]

"That body shot .. that's like a bullet" ... lue debela

[@travisthechimp7857]

@@matthewabbatoy7504 I think I remember a very enthusiastic Lampley saying ''nobody gets up from that punch'' Gatti with a grimacing look of pain on his face, on one knee, somehow got up and continued. This was a head punch , Gatti went down from a Ward body shot I think it was round 8.?.

[@deadarmd]

@@matthewabbatoy7504 that was gattis promoter

[@TheLos821]

The first fight is something I’ll never forget. Once in a lifetime boxing between two legends. 🥊

[@johndurant8687]

Very well spoken - Jim Lampley! I'm never going to forget how well you articulated the deeper truths hidden in the hearts of fighters. Fighters who often fought to punish themselves, and sometimes only knew love through the respect of their opponents.

[@InformationIsTheEdge]

I watched a rebroadcast of the first Gatti/Ward fight some weeks after it happened and I already knew Arturo had lost. By the end of the third round, I had forgotten what the result was and I was swept away by the back and forth action. It was a great fight! I made sure to watch the rematch and the third fight live and I was so glad I did! What an epic display of everything sport is meant to be. Thank you Micky. Thank you Arturo. No one could have given more than those two men in that final fight. Beautiful, in its way.

[@noelkevinsiason6631]

Notice how his voice shakes while trying to remember one of the best, if not the best boxing match that has ever taken place. I still get the same kind goosebumps I had when I have first watched Ward-Gatti 1. RIP Gatti, I know you still got your gloves on up there.

[@jessewahwah]

I didn’t know Mickey Ward read Arturo’s eulogy. Amazing. Two guys with a bond few humans get to experience. I don’t remember Mickey Ward beating Arturo Gatti or Arturo Gatti beating Mickey Ward. I remember ME WINNING for having seen those fights. Legendary.

[@LAAPmusic]

I miss this guy calling fights. Greatest of all time and it’s not close.

[@joesmith4289]

The only other person in boxing close to having the heart and class of Arturo and Mickey is Jim Lamplley..the greatest commentator of all time..you can see he loved Ward and Gatti like his children..and respect them as well..God bless Mickey Ward and Jim Lampley and rest in peace Arturo..the greatest hearts the sport ever has or ever will know..

[@rentedtux1883]

100%

[@Burlykim13]

Man the way he chokes up is exactly how I feel when I think of those two men and their connection

[@Betrayerslayer]

@@Burlykim13 that's kiddie stuff to King Hippo. C'mon man..

[@TheLuscious]

Not better than Cosell

[@HOTSTUDish]

love lampley and kellerman

[@kidbondie9356]

Lampley kellerman Stewart merchant with harold leaderman

[@anthonypesqueira7540]

Kellerman is a sell out

[@rentedtux1883]

Lampley is the GOAT. He doesn't need anyone else.

[@modano182]

Saying Kellerman in the same breath as Lampley is such a diss to Lampley.

[@DicksonMaimouth]

I remember sitting on my couch watching this fight live on HBO Boxing After Dark, not expecting to see an actual Rocky movie in the making. I was so grateful, so overjoyed, so overwhelmed, so appreciative of and by the unbelievable spirit of those two men I was almost in tears. In that moment, nothing else mattered. I can’t even imagine the feeling of watching this fight in person, to say nothing of the feelings those two relentless warriors experienced.

[@926rosey]

How could ANYONE dislike this video? Lampley is amazing, as were ALL 3 of the Gatti/Ward fights.

[@marioncobretti3840]

Jim Lampley, what a GREAT MAN

[@TheWopper78]

Jim Lampley, all heart. By far and away my absolute favorite call man, for championship boxing. He feels as I feel about these two spectacular gentlemen, who poured their hearts and souls into their 3 bouts. Arturo will live in the hearts and minds of boxing fan/enthusiasts, across the world over. RIP Thunder. Thank you Mr. Jim Lampley.

[@lukev5682]

I miss Jim's blow by blow. The best to ever call it

[@bigdawg9283]

My favorite trilogy. I still have those encapsulated on a DVD with my memorabilia. I actually get a little choked up watching them, every time. As a former fighter and coach, to understand what these 2 men are giving of themselves for the sport and their heart, its both beautiful and horrifying to watch the punishment given and especially, absorbed. I always say there can be fights where you dont come out the same person/fighter that went in (to mean less). A piece of you remained in that ring/cage. And deep inside you know it and you feel it. You might not ever confess that to another soul but you hope your performance was appreciated or remembered. These warriors shared three of those fights together. Unbelievable wars of attrition. Salute to both of these men. Forever respected. RIP Arturo "Thunder" Gatti. If you love boxing, definitely check these out.

[@dirty_truth290]

Agree 100% with all you said. I get goosebumps watching their fights. and some tears too.

[@A-privilege-not.a-right]

So much heart brought a grown man to cry

[@mitchellstowers5251]

“ As close as two men could be”that’s a good one. It does bring you closer especially if that’s our lifeline, you kinda meet in the middle and love each other

[@jaycrew6967]

I grew watching Lampley and HBO Boxing telecast and one thing is even more abundantly clear how eloquent Lampley is. His voice and his orating skills are the best I’ve heard to ever comment on boxing. Sad that HBO Boxing abruptly ended in 2018. I definitely enjoyed Jim Lampley, Larry Merchant, Max Kellerman, Emmanuel Stewart, Roy Jones, Lennox Lewis and Harold Letterman.

[@clawmachinetime955]

Jim loves fighters

[@HOTSTUDish]

gatti vs ward best shit I have seen n boxing

[@MrBudcole]

Brother, you ain't kidding! I watched all 3 bouts live, and - especially the first - I had a lump in my throat, almost the entire fight. I'll never forget Manny shouting "Oh my God" during the first fight, and later exclaiming "...as a trainer, you wait your entire career for a fight like this..." Epic!

[@jaybrock6770]

Yeah it's one of the best George foreman and Ron Lyle is another and David tua and ike iabayabuchcci is another one

[@floresaza253]

Emanuel Steward and Jim Lampley made it even more captivating

[@willyhutchtv4911]

Yep, proud to be able to say I was watching that shit as it happened!! History!

[@floresaza253]

@@willyhutchtv4911 Castillo vs Corrales was just as great but with a little more skill and heavy hitters

[@rolltidelbc2832]

Lamps was awesome calling fights!

[@mobilepsycho]

Wonderful sharing by Jim 'All Class' Lampley.

[@vinniegonzalez5679]

Jim is a treasure to the sport of boxing.

[@unclepecos3512]

I love Jim Lampley. He is a treasure to the sport and you can truly feel how much boxing means to him with every word he says. Just like there will never be another trilogy like Gatti/Ward, there will never be another Jim Lampley. Rest in Peace Arturo 'Thunder' Gatti.

[@jennifers6055]

G-damn right.

[@pecodo1124]

why do we not have this man in the world of boxing anymore? he elevates the true reason of why fighting is a noble sport, his commentary has insight into why men pursue greatness while they go through destruction. I miss lampley.

[@matthew-jy5jp]

Jimmy is always a classy guy. I respect him very much

[@simonblanco4864]

Miss your commentary on HBO fight night. Can't wait to see you back. I hope soon.

[@dltguitar6532]

Another thing I loved about Gatti-Ward 1 was how emotional it made Emanuel Steward too. He was a guy who was in the corner and saw thousands of fights and he couldn’t believe it either and got swept up in it just like a fan

[@tonybp]

I miss Jim Lampley and that era of boxing, I mean we have good boxing now but back then I felt this special aura surrounding the sport.

[@1987apa]

Arturo vs Mickey = GREATEST trilogy of all time in combat sports!!!

[@pensfan-vk3bo]

Graziano vs zale those three fights were wars.

[@jake-thegoat]

I recorded fight 1 on vhs back when it originally aired on hbo, got all my boys into it as much as I was, we had to have watched it 15 times... Lampley deserves almost as much credit as Gatti and Ward for the fact that his commentary was epic. So many lines and his emotion during then fight stick out to me. "They're fighting in a phone booth" "Vicious body shot by Gatti" "Fight of the century, not fight of the year" "Frank Cappuccino is gonna let them go" God what a great show. RIP Arturro Gatti

[@buckmayfield99]

Jim Lampley is simply iconic. Some of the boxers were too.

[@chrislimnios9180]

The purest of sports. Those two were gladiators that night. Everything was perfect. Dear God, this fight changed every boxing enthusiast forever.

[@notyourfallguydaddyorson6835]

I love Lampleys raw and pure emotion that surfaces when describing his experience ringside. I get choked up with him. Especially at Gatti Ward.

[@kts5920]

As a boxer myself, I still literally have no idea how Gatti got up from that body shot?!

[@tomtucker1984]

Pure heart brother!

[@dustinmartin8925]

That's my unreal moment too, then staving off ward when tagged him hard about 24 more times to the head.

[@2009600GSXR]

He was “Thunder”, he was a “Blood and Guts Warrior”, he was “The Human Highlight Reel”, he was one of the most exciting boxers who ever laced them gloves. That’s why he got up after that body shot. Rest In Peace my man. Enough!! 🇵🇷❤️

[@Cherokee2A.]

When a warrior looses the strength of his legs, the strength of his heart takes over

[@94462]

The maidana Vs khan bodyshot was bloodcurdling

[@Heavyd103]

Love Lampley’s heart and the way he describes and talks about sports. Not afraid to let his emotions show. When I see a grown man who sees these events in person and is responsible for talking about them gets so emotional, it moves me the same.

[@tbolin25]

Jim Lampley tells us more about what kind of person he is when he's barely able to contain himself talking about Arturo and Micky's contribution to boxing greatness and to their legendary fights, their deep and abiding friendship and Micky giving his brother's eulogy. None of us makes it through this life unstained by what we should or should not have done or the things we deeply regret and would have anything to do over. But when a man is moved by the greatness in others, by friendship and by loss, that tells us all we need to know. We hope life finds you well Mr. Lampley.

[@weedyguitarstudio1715]

Everytime u thought someone was gonna quit they came on when u least expected it awesome

[@powpow9560]

"I always said no one will give me a real fight until I meet myself in the ring, well I think I just met him" - Gatti on Micky Ward

[@regioatl79]

No doubt about it last 2 rounds of fight one I will always keep them in my mind RIP Gatti

[@louisstiles6861]

It's crazy Jim Lampley doesnt even seem like he likes boxing like he sees it as a brutal exhibition but hes a fantastic announcer I love the emotion in his voice. He's a legend.

[@burnttoast2012]

What sticks with me everytime I watch their fights, is the underlying respect and sportsmanship for each others ability and tenacity. When someone asks, "how can you like boxing, it's just men beating each other..." But when all is said and done and the last punch is thrown, these two prove it's so much more than a slug fest. And just tough are they! jesus wept....

[@Burlykim13]

For me the most beautiful thing about fighting sports is the purity in it. There’s nothing that will expose a human being more. Heart. Character. Courage. Resilience. Tenacity. All the things I respect MOST in a human being is on full display in a legitimate professional fight of any type, but especially boxing and MMA for me. My favourite fighters all have those qualities along with respect, humility, and sportsmanship.

[@deanodebo1380]

This is the magic of the sport. I did it as an amateur. It’s awesome when people who didn’t do it understand. Lampley gets it. It’s an emotional thing. It’s reality unlike anything

[@Johnny-uz5dz]

I was in ac when gatti passed it was SO strange Loud yet quiet.. the blood n guts warrior RIP

[@molonlabe3gunn841]

The warrior class. Whenever I need inspiration, I watch Rd 9 of the first fight. Maybe 100 times. I recall watching the fight live on my big box TV. By the 9th round I was on my knees in front of the TV, and amazed what I was witnessing. Thanks to Micky, Arturo, Jim Lampley, Emanuel Stewart, and Larry Merchant.

[@b13-g6i]

Mickey's a true lowell legend!

[@adamdesanti6713]

Gatti/Ward 1 is my favourite fight of all time. It has literally EVERYTHING. I go back to it regularly, like a classic novel or movie I can read or watch once every 2-3 years. Early 2000's Golden Era HBO. Superb commentary. Super hot Lowell Mass crowd. Incredible back-and-forth drama. And two beloved pugilists. 5-for-5. The perfect storm descended in 2002. "ohhh look at THAT! Look at THAT COMBINATION!" "Stop it Frank!! You can stop it anytime!" "This should be the round of the CENTURY!" "Just imagine if you bought a ticket!"

[@kevinbraden798]

Thank you Jim for your heart felt words....they echo how a lot of us feel about those two men and their great boxing trilogy.

[@RandomBoxingGuy]

I can still hear Emmanuel Lewis saying … “And hear comes GATTI back”!!!

[@DavidKFZ]

I got teary watching the first fight, as Jim said it wasn't about who was winning or losing because you got to see the strength of the human spirit

[@theteflonjohn7764]

Arturo Gatti was such a amazing fighter and those fights are legendary Gatti and wards legacies will never die and Jim lampley is the greatest commentator of all time he was so emotionally attached to boxing and the fighters he understands the magic of boxing

[@jorndoff2002]

Gatti was a fighter with guts but not the skills to be at the highest level. Delahoya had an easy night with him

[@chrishoward1378]

Greatest fight(s) of all time imho ward vs gatti. Greatest round in boxing history and greatest overall fight ive ever seen and Ward was so underrated too its crazy to think. And i love how they became brothers from it.

[@dudzi30]

Why do you love boxing? Gatti vs ward. the toughness, the heart, the respect. Everything that is great about this sport

[@sheruffa6032]

I'm italian and love soul of Jim Lampley!

[@Jlnealiii]

My buddy had moved to NYC the year before and was actually there. He called me at least three times to remind me to watch the replay the next week. It was the best fight I have ever seen.

[@TheRaveMusicArchive]

I can't tell you how much I miss HBO Boxing, Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant. It's coming up 4 years since HBO left us. I'm from the UK and HBO will always be my favourite broadcaster of Boxing. I was a HBO man through and through.

[@5trezip23]

Thank you for honoring these two warriors with remembering their battles for us.

[@dontatme1290]

Did to some less than legit forms of cable growing up, I would watch every big fight, these three included, with my father and grandfather. Maybe those memory ones cloud my opinion here, but no one, in any sport, calls the action like Jim Lamply. He was simply the best in the business. I’ve never met the man and probably never will, but he’s a part of some of my favorite memories growing up.

[@Dr.DankensteinM.D.]

We would be supremely lucky to get another round like gatti ward round 9. Once in a lifetime experience. The whole trilogy is something I’m tell my kids about. Two warriors leaving it all in the ring.

[@BrownBomber92181]

I was so happy for Ward that he got the decision for the 1st fight & was finally able to get paid for fights 2 & 3. He made $1 mil in those 2 fights, prior to that Ward was only seeing 5 figure purses

[@CSDonohue11]

This 💪 This is what life is all about 🙏 So Much Respect & Appreciation to Those 2 Men Those 2 Fighters & The Few Men & Women of this world with that Heart & Respect for 1 another & what’s Right . 🙏 RiP Arturo Gatti 🙏

[@thomasowens6041]

Gatti Ward trilogy...what boxing should be and rarely ever is.

[@towedarray7217]

God I fucking love boxing.

[@Capecrusader79]

Lampley has to be one of the greatest announcers of all time. A class act all the way, he made those boxing events so memorable. What people forget is that he was also an NFL play by play announcer for NBC during the early 90s. He was great at that too…

[@iamnotmrpc]

Well said Mr lampley,very true indeed.

[@NoName-ch2wg]

Jim is a great analyst he’s a 💯

[@Myworldmymind908]

Very well said. God I miss the old HBO days with Jim & Larry

[@jesusdominguez8017]

I like when jim lampley talks about this fight he cries every time

[@rrod5336]

Jim Lampley. The very best commentator in boxing! And, perhaps, the very best across all sports, as well.

[@ItsMeCharlieB]

Jim Lampley is a legend. I miss hearing him commentating fights..

[@tspot816]

I had no idea Micky Ward gave his eulogy. I have chills...

[@harveypratt995]

Lampley is the best ringside commentator ever. He’s excellent when he has a former fighter with him. He knows the right questions to ask for why fighter’s are using a certain strategy or what they need to do to make a comeback.

[@FogatasNorteñas]

It was painful to watch him and Larry Merchant describing one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history by saying: "if he gets up, he probably wins the fight".....

[@alessio.123]

You are great, thank you from italy. In love, rip Arturo

[@blackholesupersloth3276]

Love Jim. Emotional dude.

[@cesarsilva1513]

One of,,if not thee best boxing play by play Commentators of all time!!

[@emanijudah6985]

I have a lot more respect for Jim Lampley after this I didn't know was so emotionally connected to the fighters

[@tago69mago]

Amazing how much this happens when two guys give it their all in the ring and grow to admire and respect their opponent because they went through adversity together and regardless of the result come out as equals.

[@ceciliamojica8938]

Jim lamely wishing u the best I’m your big fan

[@gokhanbursa6227]

Gatti ward fight is the fight makes me fall in love boxing arturo is the man I love the most as a boxer not as a talented boxer but a real life rocky and that requires a heart of elephant.Thats why I got the same neck tattoo he got now he will be always with me

[@brob8204]

Jim! Come back, man. I realize he will never see this but sports and the world in general need your sophistication and humanity! I'm sending out the bat signal, Jim.

[@limay-yelsew12]

I miss this guy's fight calls.

[@OfficialHavocOsiris]

Still holds up after all this time, though I think this generation of boxing fans does remember that Mickey lost the trilogy. Not that it matters, because it’s still one of those fights that you watch and you remember the action first.

[@zjdubya22]

Im shocked Arturo did not get up during the autopsy. Forever will be my favorite fighter and never once disappointed me when he was in the ring. RIP Arturo.

[@alfonsecoppola5938]

wow that was a great short video,spoken with true feeling for both fighters

[@R4lee444]

lucky for boxing fans to have Jim Lampley call the fights.... thank you, Jim.

[@jackbo3070]

I have always said "If you're going to lose, then look good losing" to the point where you fought so well, no one would think that you ever lost. Jim underlined that. Gatti/Ward is a solid example!

[@marcusaurelius5149]

Jim Lampley, Max Kellerman, and Roy Jones Jr comprised the greatest trio of ringside commentators in all of boxing history. I still miss HBO boxing.

[@tloonair]

Jim is the goat

[@richardpeck7672]

On an unrelated matter, Lampley showed a cool head when, as was co-anchoring the 11 o’clock news in LA one night, he stared unflinchingly into the camera when his studio (and my bed) was rocked severely by a 5 earthquake. His co-anchor hit the floor

[@celticwarrior6349]

Both Micky Ward and Arturo Gatti were Warriors...Irish Warrior and Italian Warrior... Both more than created a bond...both loved each other as brothers🍀/🇮🇹...Til this day Ward gets chocked up when talking about Arturo... RIP Arturo ✌😑

[@sandspurpatch]

Jim is a treasure trove of Americana. Not just for his superb takes on boxing. Although he called a good fight.

[@bman23Q]

Jim articulated it so well.

[@Malouco]

When Jim walked away I cried

[@commercialrealestatecoach]

Beautiful Competitive Humanity