Jim Lampley

James Lampley (born April 8, 1949) is an American sportscaster, news anchor, film producer, and restaurant owner. He gained recognition as a blow-by-blow announcer on HBO World Championship Boxing for 30 years. Lampley has covered a record 14 Olympic Games on U.S. television, including the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Born in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Lampley was raised by his mother after his father passed away when he was five. He immersed himself in sports, which his mother believed would fulfill his father's role. Lampley graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1971 with a degree in English and also completed coursework towards a Master's in Mass Communications. In 1974, he was chosen by ABC in a talent hunt alongside Don Tollefson for his youthful looks and appeal to college crowds.