Sean O’Grady » May 10, 2021

By Ray Wheatley – World of Boxing

Former WBA light-weight champion Sean O’Grady (81-5, 70 KOs) and legendary broadcaster talks to Peter Maniatis about his profession in boxing and among the excellent folks he has met.

Born right into a boxing household

“My father (Pat) was in boxing earlier than I used to be born. The one job my father had was in boxing. He was a coach, additionally a cutman, and ultimately grew to become a promoter. He promoted my world championship fights. My household enterprise was each two weeks we might have a battle promotion. Earlier than the promotion, I’d name the battle followers and request they got here to the fights. I’d take their orders for the tickets and on the evening of the fights, I used to be in command of the gloves and lots of different issues. I used to be like a stage supervisor – I’d get the fighters able to get within the ring after which get them out of the ring. That was our life – each two weeks.

The Bubble Gum Child

“Once I was working doing roadwork I’d chew bubble gum and it might assist moisten my mouth which was useful. Once I went to weigh-ins you don’t need folks to assume you’re nervous, although I used to be frightened to be going through my opponent, and the bubble gum helped to calm my nerves. On the face-off with my opponent, it helped that I may blow bubbles to point out my opponent I used to be not terrified of him. I used to be, however he didn’t know that. The media gave me the identify ‘The Bubble Gum Bomber’ as a result of I used to be at all times attempting to knock out my opponent.

Sean Gibbons

“My cousin is Sean Gibbons and he may battle. (Gibbons had 20 fights and boxed Mickey Rourke), however he didn’t like to coach. Sean does a terrific job working with Manny Pacquiao because the Normal Supervisor of Manny Pacquiao Promotions.

Boxer and Broadcaster

“The best time of my life was being a boxer. I used to be so proud to be a champion of the world. I wished to be world champion since I used to be a bit boy. However being a broadcaster on Tuesday Night time Fights was spectacular too. I bought to see among the best fights on the earth. I bought to satisfy the boxers and their trainers and the individuals who got here to the fights. I’m nonetheless pals with a lot of them at present. I’ve had a spectacular life.

Sugar Ray Robinson

“Sugar Ray Robinson was one of the best boxer I’ve seen. I met him when he was 65 years of age. I met him on the Major Road Fitness center in Los Angeles. He was terrific to speak to and he advised me one thing I nonetheless carry with me at present. He stated boxers at present don’t have steadiness. He then stated ‘I need you to stroll heel to toe, heel to toe, and stroll all over the place you go. Don’t take the bus or your automobile – I need you to stroll.’ Sugar Ray Robinson is unequivocally primary.

George Foreman

“My hero of all time is George Foreman. When my mom (Jean) died, George referred to as me and stated a prayer with me. That meant a lot. To be that caring when your mom dies. Each my mother and father helped George in his profession.

Joe Frazier

“When Joe Frazier died I cried. He was the best man. Joe was so good to me. He would name me as much as the ring on the fights. I interviewed him at Tuesday Night time Fights. That was an enormous second for me.

Brad Jacobs

“Brad Jacobs was the Producer of Tuesday Night time Fights and is now the Chief Working Officer of Prime Rank. An ideal businessman and a neat man – a terrific particular person. He helps many individuals. Provides folks alternatives. That to me is world championship materials.”