The Debate Over the Face of Basketball
There seems to be an absurd debate in basketball concerning who represents the league. Is it LeBron, Luka, Nikola, SGA, or someone else? Ultimately, this conflict is endless, as the figurehead of the league changes frequently, sometimes yearly.
The Voice of Boxing Through the Decades
In boxing, the sport’s face usually represents the pound-for-pound champion, but what about its voice? The voice of boxing transitioned from the graceful Don Dunphy in the 1950s and 60s to Howard Cosell’s polarizing commentary in the 70s and 80s. Jim Lampley held this title from the 90s until HBO exited the boxing scene in December 2018.
Lampley’s Return to Ringside
Recently, Lampley made his comeback to ringside from retirement at an outdoor venue in Times Square. At 76, he admitted he hadn’t practiced blow-by-blow commentary in years but was eager to return to the sport. He called a pay-per-view fight card for DAZN featuring significant matchups like Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero.
Major Fights and Outcomes
The fight card included notable bouts: Teofimo Lopez Jr. successfully defended his title against Arnold Barboza Jr., and Devin Haney secured a win over Jose Ramirez. In a surprising upset, Ryan Garcia lost to Romero, setting back his rematch plans with Haney later this year.
Boxing’s Evolving Landscape
Lampley expressed concerns about the changing landscape of boxing, particularly with major networks like Showtime and HBO backing away from the sport. He recognized Riyadh Season from Saudi Arabia as a significant new player that could reshape boxing’s future, stating that the industry is currently in a state of transition.
Upcoming Memoir and Personal Insights
Alongside his return to boxing, Lampley is set to release his memoir, “It Happened! A Uniquely Lucky Life in Sports Television,” on April 15. The memoir will cover pivotal moments from his life and career, including his early inspiration in boxing and encounters with various notable personalities in sports media.
The Influence of Family and Storytelling
At the heart of Lampley’s journey is his family, particularly his mother and grandmother, who first introduced him to boxing. He credits them for instilling in him the art of storytelling, emphasizing the profound impact they had on his life and career. Lampley reflects on storytelling as a powerful profession and dedicates his book to his family.
