Jim Lampley, the voice many boxing fans associate with some of the most thrilling bouts in history, will step into the ring once again for PPV.COM, taking on the role of co-host for the Canelo vs Charlo live viewer chat on September 30.
This HBO Boxing veteran whose voice resonates across the sport, will be on location in Las Vegas during the week leading up to the fight, supplying his unique insights through commentary and original video content on PPV.COM’s various digital outlets.
Lampley’s connection to the sport and his commitment to delivering quality content is well-recognized. Dale Hopkins, the woman at the helm of iNDEMAND and PPV.COM, has expressed delight in having such an esteemed boxing journalist onboard. According to her, “Joining forces with Jim Lampley is our way of aligning with the elite in boxing.
Jim’s credibility and warmth are well known, and what sets this partnership apart is that our fans will have the opportunity to engage directly with him via our live chat. Besides our usual high-quality streaming of the main event, fans can also connect with Jim in real-time, posing questions and remarks, and receiving immediate answers. And all of this without any need for a subscription to PPV.COM.”
In response, Lampley shares his excitement about this collaboration. He sees it as a refreshing chance to rekindle bonds with friends and fellow professionals in the boxing scene. Beyond just sharing his insights on the game, Lampley is looking forward to an intimate interaction with fans in a well-mannered and stimulating environment. He also acknowledges the strides made by PPV.COM, stating, “I’m struck by the accomplishments of PPV.COM in less than two years since its start.”
Lampley’s rich legacy in boxing is marked by accolades such as the Boxing Writers Association of America’s Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcasting Journalism and induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015. His three-decade-long association with “HBO World Championship Boxing” and extensive experience covering the Olympic Games further cement his esteemed position in sports broadcasting. Besides, he continues to impart knowledge at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, his alma mater, as an adjunct professor.
But Lampley won’t be alone in this endeavor. Alongside him will be Lance Pugmire, another distinguished boxing journalist and the winner of the BWAA’s 2022 Nat Fleischer Award for Excellence in Boxing Journalism. Pugmire, with previous associations with the Los Angeles Times, The Athletic, and USA Today, is presently PPV.COM’s senior writer and chat host for several boxing spectacles. He too will be actively contributing to PPV.COM’s coverage of Canelo vs. Charlo.
Hopkins couldn’t be more thrilled, remarking, “The fusion of Lance and Jim in our chat represents the dream team for boxing enthusiasts. The depth and breadth of knowledge they bring are unparalleled, and we feel privileged to offer this experience to our PPV.COM customers.”
Canelo vs. Charlo will be available live on PPV.COM in the U.S. and Canada on September 30. Fans can choose to listen to the audio feed in either English or Spanish. The parent company of PPV.COM, iNDEMAND, will also distribute the event across various cable and telco providers in both regions, including but not limited to Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Optimum, Fios in the U.S., and Rogers, Bell, Shaw, SaskTel, and TELUS in Canada.
What The Trainers Say…
RONNIE SHIELDS, Coach of Jermall Charlo, previous Coach of Jermell Charlo, Erislandy Lara, and others:
“This is a golden chance for Jermell, and I’m certain he’ll give it his all. He always aspires to be at the top.
“Lately, Canelo has mentioned his injuries. He’s eager to show he’s still at his peak. He’s driven. He desires the continued support of his fans, which makes me believe he’s entering this fight in stellar form.
Charlo consistently maintains his power during a fight. It’s rare, and Canelo matches that capability. This promises a fantastic fight.
“For Charlo, winning rounds decisively is important. Tight rounds won’t go in his favor against Canelo. Persistence is key. Given Canelo’s solid defense, Charlo needs impeccable stamina to press on relentlessly.
“Few fighters target Canelo’s midsection, mainly because it’s challenging to get near enough. Charlo needs a strategy for this.
“My prediction: Jermell Charlo wins the fight via split-decision.”
BOB SANTOS, 2022 Ring Magazine Coach of the Year, Coach of Mario Barrios, Hector Luis Garcia, among others:
“It promises to be a closely-fought contest. Many claim Canelo’s the bigger fighter, but having observed both, Charlo might be naturally bigger. Canelo’s physique has evolved over years.
“The outcome hinges on determination and strategy execution. Canelo appears more adept at these fights, but Charlo’s size won’t be an issue.
“Canelo seems keen to prove himself. I view his fight against John Ryder skeptically, because sometimes motivation dips when not against top-contender fighters. Canelo realizes the threat Jermell Charlo poses, and I anticipate a peak-performance.
“A mistake could prove fatal. Both have the ability to exploit errors. It’s plausible for either to emerge victorious, with Canelo as my slight favorite. However, Charlo’s precise punches could land.
“I’m inclined 55-45 towards Canelo, but I foresee a knockout.”
CALVIN FORD, Coach of Five-Time World Champion Gervonta Davis:
“Canelo’s revisiting his roots. For Charlo, he’s eagerly awaited this opportunity. His drive is crucial.
“They’re both out to prove themselves. Charlo recognizes the praise that would come with a win. Canelo’s the reigning champ and isn’t keen on losing that title. Their punch power is notable, making the outcome unpredictable.
“If Charlo fights with the attitude of having nothing to lose, he has a shot. Canelo’s preparations have been meticulous, indicating he’s taking this fight to heart.
“With Canelo’s strong defense, Charlo must be relentless. One of them will seize an opportunity, resulting in a knockout.
“One of them will hit the canvas. It remains to be seen who.”
ROBERT GARCIA, 2011 Ring Magazine and 2012 BWAA Coach of the Year, ex-Coach of Mikey Garcia, Abner Mares, and others:
“I’m eagerly awaiting this fight. Canelo will need to be in prime form. By the fight night, their weights should be comparable, leading to a fierce contest.
“Many laud Canelo’s dedication. However, his recent performances have been lackluster, which boosts Charlo’s chances. Charlo won’t hold back.
“While Canelo’s commitment remains unwavering, 18 professional years might be taking its toll. I believe he’ll win, but it won’t be a cakewalk.
“These make-or-break fights are crucial for boxing, and this year has been particularly rewarding.
“Should Charlo win, he’d be a close second to Terence Crawford in the rankings. It’s a fight of significant magnitude.
“Predicting this is tough. A Canelo win might come within eight rounds. In the later stages, Charlo might have an edge. If it lasts the entire duration, Canelo might clinch a narrow victory.”