Third Man in the Ring

Third Man in the Ring

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My name is Ray Corona. My friends call me Popeye Ray. I am a professional boxing referee with a few MMA bouts under my belt. Listening to this podcast you will hear from a pro ref's perspective on fighting and life. We will be having professional boxing referees, actors, fighters, and others on as guests. If you have questions for refs on certain fights and certain calls, this is the place to ask. Reach out to us at thirdmanintheringpodcast@gmail.com

Popeye Ray


    • May 26, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 51m AVG DURATION
    • 57 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Third Man in the Ring podcast, hosted by Popeye Ray, is a must-listen for both newcomers to boxing and seasoned fans who have been following the sport for years. With insightful interviews and behind-the-scenes access, this podcast delves into the world of boxing in a way that will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sport.

    One of the best aspects of The Third Man in the Ring podcast is its ability to bring in great guests who provide unique insights into the inner workings of boxing. Popeye Ray's interviews with heads of commissions and other boxing insiders offer a behind-the-scenes look that is hard to find elsewhere. By giving everyday viewers access to these conversations, this podcast allows listeners to gain a deeper understanding of what goes on behind closed doors in the boxing world.

    Popeye Ray does an excellent job at keeping the content relatable and down-to-earth, ensuring that even those who are new to boxing can follow along and understand. This accessibility is crucial in making sure that all listeners can fully appreciate the rich discussions and insights shared on each episode. The "killer cast" approach, as one reviewer aptly put it, makes The Third Man in the Ring stand out among other boxing podcasts.

    While it's hard to find any major flaws with The Third Man in the Ring podcast, one possible drawback could be that some episodes might feel too insider-focused for casual fans. The detailed discussions about rules and regulations within the sport may not be as interesting or engaging for those who are less familiar with these aspects of boxing. However, this minor issue doesn't take away from the overall value and enjoyment that this podcast provides.

    In conclusion, The Third Man in the Ring podcast is undoubtedly one of the best resources available for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of boxing. Popeye Ray's ability to bring together insightful guests and provide behind-the-scenes access sets this podcast apart from others in its genre. Whether you're a boxing newbie or a long-time fan, this podcast is well worth your time and attention.



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    Latest episodes from Third Man in the Ring

    U.S. Marine Combat Veteran | Ralph Sarabia

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 70:47


    https://putasosfightapparel.com/In Honor of the Fallen – 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines    1.    Lance Cpl. Jeremiah A. Baro – KIA: Nov 4, 2004 – Age 21    2.    Sgt. Douglas E. Bascom – KIA: Oct 20, 2004 – Age 25    3.    Lance Cpl. Richard C. Clifton – KIA: Feb 3, 2005 – Age 19    4.    Sgt. Timothy Folmar – KIA: Sep 24, 2004 – Age 21    5.    Lance Cpl. Victor A. Gonzalez – KIA: Oct 13, 2004 – Age 19    6.    Lance Cpl. Andrew Halverson – KIA: Oct 9, 2004 – Age 19    7.    Lance Cpl. Gregory C. Howman – KIA: Sep 15, 2004 – Age 28    8.    Cpl. Jared P. Hubbard – KIA: Nov 4, 2004 – Age 22    9.    Lance Cpl. Sean M. Langley – KIA: Nov 7, 2004 – Age 20    10.    Cpl. Matthew D. Lynch – KIA: Oct 31, 2004 – Age 25    11.    Cpl. Jason T. Poindexter – KIA: Oct 12, 2004 – Age 22    12.    Capt. Patrick M. Rapicault – KIA: Nov 15, 2004 – Age 34    13.    Sgt. Marc T. Ryan – KIA: Nov 15, 2004 – Age 25    14.    1st Sgt. Edward Smith – KIA: Nov 15, 2004 – Age 38    15.    Lance Cpl. Lance M. Thompson – KIA: Nov 15, 2004 – Age 21    16.    Hospitalman Rory Brandon Aguilera – KIA: Nov 15, 2004 – Age 24

    Randy Cammack | Teamsters Union Local 63

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 56:39


    I have been a teamster since 1994. There are different views on unions and I wanted to speak to the Secretary Treasurer of Local 63 in the hopes we can all learn and perhaps get a different perspective.

    It's Not About Where You Start or Finish, It's The Journey | Andy Tsarukyan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 70:33


    Today we here an amazing testimony from Andy Tsarukyan. From being an Armenian immigrant with nothing, to running a successful law firm.Our Sponsors:Remedy Law Group LLPhttps://remedylawgroup.com/Sonora Tireshttps://www.sonoratiresinc.com/

    BEST Boxing Promoter There Is: Roy Englebrecht

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 45:32


    Prior to the formation of Fight Club OC in 2011 Roy promoted the highly successful Battle in the Ballroom professional boxing shows at the Irvine Marriott Hotel for 25 straight years. This bi-monthly professional boxing show was the longest running club pro boxing show in the country. 36 current or former world champions have fought at the Marriott, including Shane Mosley and Johnny Tapia. In 2007 he became one of the first boxing promoters to introduce Mixed Martial Arts shows to his Battle in the Ballroom concept.https://socafights.com/FIGHT PROMOTER UNIVERSITY: https://www.fightpromoteruniversity.com/optin24163023

    The FUTURE of Boxing: Pita Garcia

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 56:13


    Today I interview the future of boxing and the dynasty of the Garcia family. Please welcome my friend, Pita Garcia. https://www.rgbapro.com/

    Joe Martinez - Ring Announcer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 42:35


    Please give a warm welcome to my friend Joe Martinez!

    Mexican Mafia Assassin Saved by Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 56:36


    2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. Today we are joined by Art Blajos. He shares his testimony about being in the Mexican Mafia and giving his life to the Lord while in prison. 

    Angel Baby

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 50:45


    Angel Baby is the host of the Art Laboe Connection, Sundays 6pm-Midnight on 93.5 KDAY. Monday - Thursday 9pm-Midnight he is the host of Old School 104.7 FM Oldies Dedications.

    Patricia Blackstock

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 39:01


    THE GOAT: Jack Reiss is Retiring

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 64:56


    Jack Reiss Training: https://www.solearbiter.com/My good friend and mentor, Jack Reiss, is retiring from his career of being a boxing referee. He isn't completely leaving, he will still be training the next generation of boxing referees and also be a judge. Great conversation today about his career and what is to come. 

    goat retiring jack reiss
    DJ Cazel

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 59:07


    Amazing testimony today from my Friend DJ Cazel. Check out his club "The Souldies Lounge" in Rialto, Ca. https://thesouldieslounge.com/

    27 Years in the Department of Corrections | Ronnie Castro

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 69:43


    Ronnie Castro worked for the Department of Corrections here in California for 27 years. Today we hear his story and testimony.

    Tom Loeffler | 360 Promotions: Hollywood Fight Nights

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 69:55


    World wide with HUGE fighters, please welcome Tom Loeffler

    Let's Talk Boxing and the BEST Tacos in Southern California | Taco Nazo

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 39:03


    Jesse Romero is the Co-owner of Taco Nazo, in my opinion the best tacos in Southern California. Today we are going to talk about how it is to be young and running a business, what it was like running a business during the pandemic, and also talk boxing. 

    Dr. Paul Wallace | Chief Ringside Physician of California State Athletic Commission

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 67:34


    Dr. Wallace was appointed as a CA Ringside Physician in 1989. He is currently the Chief Ringside Physician of the California State Athletic Commission and serves as Chairman of its Medical Advisory Committee.He is also the World Boxing Council's Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board and lectures for the IBF, WBO and is a founding and current board member of the Association of Ringside Physicians and the CA Association of Professional Ringside Physicians.After serving two terms as Chairman of the Association of Boxing Commission's Medical Advisory Board, he served as Chief Ringside Physician and Instructor for the World Series of Boxing; USA Boxing International Team Physician and Instructor at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs.

    Co-Founder of the Mongols Motorcycle Club: Big Al

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 54:30


    I never want to glamorize the gang life or prison life, but what I do want to do is share stories of when someone was a part of that world, and they turned their life around. Please welcome Big Al.

    co founders big al motorcycle clubs mongols motorcycle club
    Beto Duran

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 57:11


    Please welcome one of the top commentators in the world, Beto Duran. Beto Duran does the Lakers pre and post games for ESPN radio. He does the play-by-play for Golden Boy on DAZN and is Co-Host of "Dimecast".

    "Ghetto Gunslinger" Cesar Herrera

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 87:55


    Cesar is a husband, father, a bodyguard, Iraqi War Vet, and so much more. Cesar has some amazing stories and we are here to talk about them. 

    Carlos Barragan Jr | House of Boxing

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 58:43


    Carlos Barragan Jr. is the owner of House of Boxing gym in San Deigo, CA. If you enjoy the content please like and subscribe. Watch the full video on my youtube channel

    Danny Trejo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 67:11


    No introduction needed for the great Danny Trejo!

    South Central Gang Life to US Navy Master Chief | Raul R. Ramos

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 38:11


    This episode we interview Raul R. Ramos, author of "Ese to Master Jefe: From Street Gang Life in South Central Los Angeles to US Navy Master Chief". This is an inspiring story I think we can all learn from. 

    Daniel "Twitch" Franco

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 47:30


    Daniel has gone through a lot during his boxing including holding the IBF Feather Weight Title and also experiencing traumatic brain injury during a fight which lead to being in a coma for ten days. On this episode we talk about the high's and lows of his career and what he is doing now with his boxing gyms. 

    Pro Cutman Jacob Duran aka "Stitch" Duran and Mike Rodriguez

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 66:33


    Mike Rodriguez joins me again, this time as cohost with Jacob Duran. These are two of the best cutmen in the business. 

    CBN Promotions | Alex Camponovo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 63:42


    Today we have an interview with promoter/manager/friend, Alex Camponovo. Today we will talk about who he signs, how he signs them, when he knows to cut someone loose and about CBN Promotions. https://www.cbnpromotions.com/

    Manny Tapia

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 59:45


    Manny Tapia joins us today on the podcast! Manny is the owner of Millennia MMA, has a 12-4 Pro MMA record, is a top 10 ranked fighter, WEC/UFC title contender, former King of the Cage World Champ, and has a black belt in BJJ.

    President of Golden Boy Promotions | Eric Gomez

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 51:39


    President Eric Gomez plays a pivotal role overseeing day-to-day functions of all boxing related aspects and is responsible for organizing some of the most consequential fights of the modern boxing era. 

    A Doctor's Perspective on Boxing | Third Man in the Ring

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 38:17


    On this weeks episode we get a doctor's perspective on boxing. 

    The Blood Business, Cutman and Homicide Detective: Mike Rodriquez

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 48:57


    Mike has been a LA County Sheriff going on 36 years, 20 of those years as a homicide detective. Mike has also worked with dozens of world champions as a cutman.

    Romie Aram | Founder of Millennia MMA

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 39:11


    MY PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/PopeyeRayThis podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  Romie has been an athlete for the entirety of his life, starting with soccer as a kid. He then played football throughout junior high and high school before discovering his passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the age of 16. By age 21, Romie opened Millennia MMA in Pomona, California in 1999. He began his professional career in 2000, won two King of the Cage world championship belts and fought for the UFC. Aram fought until 2004, ending his career at 7-1. He now coaches full time and has produced over 20 UFC and Bellator fighters.

    Henry Ramirez of Raincross Boxing in Riverside, CA

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 43:51


    This podcast can only happen because of our Patreon subscribers, thank you! https://www.patreon.com/PopeyeRayHenry Ramirez is a trainer and manager of some great fighters including professional heavyweight boxer, Chris Arreola. He also does a lot of amazing work with the youth in boxing. Recently he had a video go viral of two young boys who had been sparring and both got bloody noses. It got a lot of attention, positive and negative. Let's talk about it.

    Abner Mares

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2024 42:29


    Abner Mares was a commentator of Showtime boxing and he has held multiple world championships in three weight classes, including the IBF bantamweight title from 2011 to 2012, the WBC super bantamweight title from 2012 to 2013, the WBC featherweight title in 2013, and the WBA (Regular) featherweight title from 2016 to 2018. As an amateur boxer, Mares won numerous medals at international tournaments while representing Mexico.

    Sergio Mora

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 32:49


    This podcast can only happen because of our Patreon subscribers, thank you! https://www.patreon.com/PopeyeRayPlease welcome Sergio Mora from DAZN. The first winner of "The Contender" series. WBC light middleweight champion, and twice challenged for the WBA middleweight title.

    The Man Who Caught the Night Stalker, Gil Carrillo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2024 40:19


    JOIN MY PATREON FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://www.patreon.com/PopeyeRayGil Carrillo is the detective who helped capture the infamous serial killer, Richard Ramirez, who was known as the “Night Stalker” and was recently featured in the Netflix documentary Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer. This is a two part episode. Today, we go over his upbringing, his time in Vietnam, and how he got into law enforcement. On episode 2 we get into the details about the night stalker case. Episode 2 will only be on my patreon. By subscribing to my patreon you will be supporting the podcast and helping me to continue it, thank you!

    3x WORLD CHAMPION Israel "Magnifico" Vazquez

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 49:37


    This podcast couldn't happen without our sponsors and your support, thank you!MERCH: https://thirdmaninthering.bigcartel.com/https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  Israel Vazquez was ALWAYS a fan favorite. Such a great fighter to watch. Please give Israel a warm welcome and enjoy the episode.

    Ben Lira

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2023 49:54


    Ben Lira is a father figure in my life and a legend in the boxing world. Please give him a warm welcome to the podcast!This podcast can only happen with our sponsors and your donations, thank you!https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  MERCH: https://thirdmaninthering.bigcartel.com/

    Emilio Rivera

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2023 39:25


    MERCH: https://thirdmaninthering.bigcartel.com/https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  Emilio Rivera is an actor you may have seen in many major Hollywood productions like The Mayans, Bruce Almighty, and much more. Honored to also call him a friend and sit down with him on the show!

    Alex "Jaws" Garcia

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2023 38:26


    This podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!MERCH: https://thirdmaninthering.bigcartel.com/https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  Please welcome the great Alex "Jaws" Garcia. Funny story, when I was young I almost picked a fight with this guy...thank God I didn't..

    My Pastor, Pastor David Rosales of Calvary Chapel Chino Valley

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2023 57:54


    This podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!MERCH: https://thirdmaninthering.bigcartel.com/https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  A lot of you know my faith is the most important part of my life. I love boxing, I love being a referee, but my walk with God comes first. Pastor David Rosales is who I trust to teach me the word of God. Today we talk about his testimony, boxing, and combative sports as a Christian.

    Manny Jimenez Sr. | From Gangs to Hollywood

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2023 61:08


    This podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!MERCH: https://thirdmaninthering.bigcartel.com/https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  Manny Jimenez Sr. is a writer, director, and creator of Suspect Entertainment. He has a powerful story of changing his life and making it Hollywood. Manny has even got me into some movie's you might have seen. Please welcome Manny Jimenez Sr.#boxingpodcast #boxinglife #thirdmaninthering

    "Sugar" Shane Mosley

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 43:58


    This podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!MERCH: https://thirdmaninthering.bigcartel.com/https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  Shane Mosley often known by his nickname "Sugar" Shane Mosley, is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1993 to 2016. He held multiple world championships in three weight classes, including the IBF lightweight title; the WBA (Super) and WBC welterweight titles; and the WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring magazine light middleweight titles. He was also a lineal champion at welterweight (twice) and light middleweightIn 1998, the Boxing Writers Association of America named Mosley as their Fighter of the Year. He was also given the same honor by the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2000. In 2000 and 2001 he was named the world's best active boxer, pound for pound, by The Ring. 

    Chris Leben | Former MMA Competitor, Now Judge, Referee, and Gym Owner

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2023 56:16


    This podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!MERCH: https://thirdmaninthering.bigcartel.com/https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  Chris Leben is an American former MMA competitor, now judge, referee, and gym owner. Chris first maid his appearance on the show "The Ultimate Fighter."On today's episode Chris open's up about his battle with alcohol, success with sobriety, and about his career. thirdmanintheringpodcast@gmail.com

    Mikey Garcia

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2023 55:28


    Let's give a warm welcome to Mikey Garcia. Mikey held multiple championships in four weight classes.This podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  thirdmanintheringpodcast@gmail.com

    Robert Garcia | IBF Jr Lightweight World Champion and Trainer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2023 60:51


    This podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  Roberto Garcia is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1992 to 2001, and held the IBF junior lightweight title from 1998 to 1999. He has since worked as a boxing trainer, and was voted Trainer of the Year by The Ring magazine in 2011, and by the Boxing Writers Association of America in 2012. thirdmanintheringpodcast@gmail.com.

    LAPD Officer, Boxing Inspector, Judge, and Referee | Ivan Guillermo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2023 52:37


    Ivan Guillermo is an LAPD Officer, a boxing inspector, a boxing judge, and a boxing referee. Today we talk about his career and how he got into the sport of boxing. We also talk about his Scrappy Ramirez fight where a fighter falls out of the ring. This podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  thirdmanintheringpodcast@gmail.com

    Chief Athletic Inspector of California: Mark Relyea

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2023 58:27


    You probably see Mark Relyea at all the fights. As Chief Athletic Inspector of California he is the eyes and ears of the state. Making sure everything is up to code and keeping the fighters safe. Today we talk about his background in law enforcement, gloves, judges, referees and more. A lot of knowledge here!This podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  thirdmanintheringpodcast@gmail.com

    Fernando Vargas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2023 69:40


    Fernando Javier Vargas is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1997 to 2007. He was a two-time light middleweight world champion, having held the IBF title from 1998 to 2000, and the WBA title from 2001 to 2002. Today we talk about boxing and his life.https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray thirdmanintheringpodcast@gmail.com

    "Be the Best FOR Boxing": Referee Russell Mora

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2023 42:12


    This week we welcome professional boxing referee, Russell Mora.This podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  thirdmanintheringpodcast@gmail.com

    Diego Corrales vs Jose Castillo Referee, Tony Weeks

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2023 46:40


    Tony Weeks has done some incredible fights in his career. One that sticks out in my mind is the Diego Corrales vs Jose Castillo fight. Today we speak to him about that as well as how he got into the boxing world.This podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  thirdmanintheringpodcast@gmail.com

    Professional Boxing Judge: Fernando Villarreal

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 49:47


    Fernando Villarreal is a professional boxing judge here in the state of California and all over the world. He has judged over 1,200 fights, this man knows the sport and hopefully we can all learn a little bit on today's podcast.

    Lead Inspector of the California State Athletic Commission | Chuy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2023 54:46


    Jesus Villarruel (Chuy) is the lead inspector for the California State Athletic Commission. This is an amazing episode to learn more about Chuy and what inspectors do in the sport of boxing. This podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  thirdmanintheringpodcast@gmail.com

    Jimmy Lennon Jr. | Legendary Ring Announcer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2023 21:44


    Jimmy Lennon Jr. is an American boxing ring announcer. This man is a living legend and one of the major faces of boxing. Honor to have him on the podcast.This podcast can only happen with the help of our sponsors and your donations, thank you!https://cash.app/$refpopeyerayVenmo: @refpopeyeray  thirdmanintheringpodcast@gmail.com

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