#50. Quinntessential Questions with Jim Lampley: The Untold Story Behind Boxing's Greatest Voice
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Step inside the mind of Jim Lampley — the legendary voice of HBO Boxing — as he reveals the untold story behind five decades of calling the sport’s most iconic moments. From Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston to Mike Tyson’s shocking defeat in Tokyo, Jim shares never-before-heard stories about fate, legacy, and the fights that defined boxing history.
Hosted by Paul Quinn, this powerful conversation dives deep into Lampley’s new book “It Happened”, his bond with Taylor Sheridan and Jack Nicholson, and emotional memories with Muhammad Ali.
Whether you’re a lifelong fight fan, a martial artist, or a lover of great storytelling, this episode captures the heart, history, and humanity of boxing’s greatest voice.
Guest Bio
Jim Lampley is an American sportscaster, news anchor, film producer, and restaurant owner.
He was best known as a blow-by-blow announcer on HBO World Championship Boxing for 30 years. He had covered a record 14 Olympic Games on U.S. television, most recently the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
Minutes
(00:00) Intro: Paul Quinn x Jim Lampley — the voice of HBO Boxing
(03:02) It Happened: Taylor Sheridan’s foreword and Hollywood connection
(06:30) Antoine Fuqua & Lance Pugmire: Boxing meets film and storytelling
(10:04) Hendersonville Roots: Growing up in North Carolina (13:28) Losing His Father: The loss that shaped empathy and purpose (15:01) Sugar Ray Robinson & Muhammad Ali: The spark that began it all
(17:53) Cassius Clay at the 1960 Olympics: Witnessing greatness born
(19:47) Upsets of the Century: Ali vs Liston & Tyson vs Douglas (22:07) Ali vs Liston I: A 14-year-old’s ringside view of destiny (25:40) ABC Sports: Mentorship under Roone Arledge & Dick Ebersol
(28:52) The Four A’s: Confidence, humility, and on-air mastery (31:43) Munich 1972: Reporting through tragedy
(38:24) Nixon Resignation: Telling America’s story through sport (42:53) Olympic Coverage: Edwin Moses, Carl Lewis & global storytelling
(45:36) “Luck Is the Residue of Design”: Life philosophy behind success
(46:13) Ali vs Liston II: The Phantom Punch mystery
(48:22) Muhammad Ali & Brooke Lampley: Family meets “The Greatest”
(54:53) Brooke’s Valedictorian Speech: Legacy of words and courage
(57:01) Greatest Call in Boxing: Defining HBO’s golden age (1:03:30) Mike Tyson: Rage, redemption & rebirth
(1:11:19) Larry Merchant & Ray Leonard: The HBO dream team (1:15:50) Jack Nicholson: Hollywood friendship ringside (1:18:08) “Boxing Is the Theatre of the Unexpected”: Defining chaos & beauty
(1:20:17) Larry Merchant vs Floyd Mayweather: The moment that went viral
(1:28:16) Arthur Ashe & Billie Jean King: Integrity and equality in sport (1:38:07) HBO Legacy: Merchant, Lederman & Steward’s golden era (1:59:07) Holyfield vs Bowe: The Fan Man fight remembered (2:04:07) George Foreman: The 45-year-old comeback miracle (2:08:42) Emanuel Steward’s Greats: Tommy Hearns & Lennox Lewis
(2:10:33) Roy Jones Jr: The genius of modern boxing
(2:13:03) Boxing Hall of Fame: Reflecting on legacy
(2:15:55) Studio 54: Bianca Jagger, Andy Warhol & Trump nights (2:19:00) Carl Lewis & Edwin Moses: Olympic excellence (2:23:51) Mark Spitz & Jesse Owens: Icons of courage and legacy
(2:24:51) Closing Reflections: Gratitude, fate & storytelling’s powerBehind-The-Scenes
