Jim Lampley’s return to prime time was many years in the making.
The longtime boxing announcer is one of sport’s greatest orators, blessed with timely quips, an analytical mind, and a passion for the sweet science like few others, Lampley made himself an indispensable part of boxing fans’ viewing experience for the better part of 40 years.
And still, he has plenty left in the tank. He’ll lead the broadcast for DAZN’s coverage of Ryan Garcia’s second bout with Rolly Romero on Friday night, live from Times Square.
With that, here’s a look back at the greatest moments of Lampley’s still burgeoning career.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
How old is Jim Lampley?
Lampley is 76, having been born on April 8, 1949. A veteran of the sweet science, Lampley has enjoyed a nearly 40-year career covering boxing matches. His signature cadence, marked by an enthusiastic tone and an assortment of ear worm-like catchphrases, has made him a formative figure in pugilism’s resurgence.
MORE: Follow Times Square fights LIVE
Jim Lampley career timeline
1974: Lampley lands first major gig with ABC Sports
Lampley’s professional career started in earnest in 1974. A North Carolina graduate, Lampley was, alongside future television anchor Don Tollefsen, selected in a “talent hunt” conducted by the network. He went on to spend 13 years with the broadcaster, covering two Indy 500s, five Olympics, the USFL, and the “Wide World of Sports.”
In 1985, Lampley co-anchored (alongside Al Michaels) ABC’s coverage of Super Bowl 19 — the network’s first Super Bowl. He was tasked with conducting interviews when the 49ers were presented with the Lombardi Trophy.
1987: Lampley moves to CBS
Lampley swapped ABC for CBS’ banner in 1987, filling in as the network’s co-anchor for its daily news program. He also served as one of the channel’s correspondents, a useful distinction given what was on his horizon in the years to come.
1988: Lampley joins HBO
Lampley had settled into a non-sporting role during his time at CBS. He got a chance to quench his thirst for athletics in 1988 when he became a part of HBO’s boxing coverage, lending his distinctive vocals to HBO World Championship Boxing. He’d also become a fixture in the channel’s pay-per-view telecasts, teaming with famed trainers Emmanuel Steward and Tony Atlas to form one of the best broadcast trios in sports.
For his efforts with the network, Lampley was awarded the prestigious Sam Taub Award in 1992. He also captured three Emmys for his work on “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,” another flagship HBO program.
February 11, 1990: Buster Douglas stuns Mike Tyson
Lampley was on the call during Mike Tyson’s duel with heavyweight journeyman James “Buster” Douglas from the Tokyo Dome. Lampley, like most pundits, expected Tyson to dispatch Douglas quickly. “The Baddest Man of the Planet” had turned 33 of his 37 opponents into ashes before his meeting with Douglas, most of which came in the first round. With No. 1 contender Evander Holyfield waiting in the wings, the matchup with Douglas was viewed as little more than a tune-up match.
At least until the duo strode into the ring.
Douglas was more than equal to Tyson in terms of footwork and power. Employing a precise jab that found a home on Tyson’s chin, the hulking Douglas found his rhythm in the early rounds. Despite crashing to the canvas following an inch-perfect uppercut from his adversary at the end of the eighth round, Douglas persisted.
In the 10th, Douglas dropped Tyson with a four-punch combination. Despite Iron Mike’s best efforts, he was unable to continue. Douglas had secured the biggest upset in boxing history, and Lampley was there to christen the moment as such.
March 17, 1990: ‘Thunder Meets Lightning’
Lampley put those dulcet tones to good use on March 17, 1990 — the day famed Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez downed Meldrick Taylor in the joust’s final seconds. Chavez, the WBC light welterweight champion, trailed Taylor, an Olympic gold medalist and the IBF light welterweight champ, on two of three scorecards and was headed for a decisive decision loss in the 12th and final round.
In the round’s waning moments, Chavez stunned Taylor with a piston-like right hand. He poured on the pressure in the final 20 or so seconds, cutting down “The Kid” with another right hand from hell. Taylor stood, dazed and confused, as time leaked away. However, referee Richard Steele deemed that Chavez was unable to continue. There were four seconds left on the clock.
“Unbelievable, unbelievable, Richard Steele stopped the fight with fewer than five seconds left to go,” Lampley crooned. “This is one of the most unusual calls by a referee in the whole history of the sport.”
1992: Lampley moves to NBC
Lampley joined yet another major broadcaster in 1992, agreeing to a deal with NBC that saw him cover a host of high-profile sporting events. During his nearly two-decade time with the company, Lampley covered an additional five Olympics.
1995: George Foreman shocks Michael Moorer
Lampley was also on the call during George Foreman’s legendary bout with heavyweight champion Michael Moorer. The bout looked an uneven affair — Foreman was 45 and more than a decade past his prime, while Moorer looked as dangerous a prospect as there was in the heavyweight division.
But a well-timed right hand can drop any and all foes. Foreman put Moorer’s lights out with a precise blow to the head, becoming the heavyweight division’s oldest-ever champion in the process.
“It happened…IT HAPPENED!” Lampley exclaimed.
2015: Lampley inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame
Lampley’s work ringside was formally recognized in 2015. That year, he earned a spot in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, joining other notable voices like Howard Cosell and his longtime colleagues, Atlas and Steward, in boxing immortality.
2018: HBO drops boxing
Lampley’s HBO career came to a close in December 2018 when his longtime employers announced that they were folding their boxing operation.
2024: Lampley restarts broadcast career with PPV.com
Lampley couldn’t be away from the broadcast booth for too long. In 2024, he wielded a microphone once more, lending his voice to PPV.com’s live boxing coverage.
2025: Lampley releases book
Lampley’s most recent flourish saw him release an autobiography, aptly titled “It Happened! A Uniquely Lucky Life in Sports Television.” The Simon & Schuster-published memoir sees Lampley dish on all things related to his 50-year broadcasting career, from the innocuous to the incomprehensible. It’s available for purchase on a number of platforms, including Thrift Books.
Read the full article here