Beats, Boxing and Mayhem

Four-time Sports Emmy winner Jim Lampley will continue his tenure as HBO’s lead boxing voice with the network announcing a new multi-year deal with the veteran broadcaster.

The news was confirmed today via Peter Nelson, executive vice president of HBO Sports.

“For nearly three decades, Jim has been the most prominent television voice in boxing,” said Nelson. “His work is universally recognized as the standard in the sport and we are thrilled to know he will continue in this high visibility role for years to come. Jim’s high journalistic standards, historical knowledge of the sport and enthusiasm for sharing the backstories of the fighters who enter the ring enriches the broadcast experience for the HBO audience.”

Lampley, who called his first HBO bout in 1988 when Mike Tyson faced Tony Tubbs, has been the dramatic voice that’s accompanied some of boxing’s seminal moments, including Gatti-Ward I, Foreman-Moorer and Pacquiao-Marquev IV.

“I’m very lucky to have spent nearly three decades working in HBO’s unique culture, and grateful for the chance to keep doing it,” said Lampley in a prepared statement.  “It’s always been my natural home.”

Under the new deal, Lampley’s will continues his duties doing play-by-play for World Championship Boxing, Boxing After Dark, HBO Pay-Per-View, and The Fight Game.

*****

As much as we joke about Jim’s excitement and catchphrases coming from phantom punches, the man knows how to add to the drama of a fight. Many of us were raised on his commentary and I welcome having him around a few more years. There’s no one else left that has his flair and we’ll definitely miss him when he decides to hang up the mic. Until then, let’s enjoy the HARD RIGHT HANDs! and BANGs! while we can.