Read about Buster's return to the world of boxing in the August Edition of Sports Life Magazine.
Move over Michael Buffer. It’s taken 18 years for Amy Hayes to go from ring girl in Detroit to one of the most recognizable ring announcers in the boxing world and she’s not about to stop now. “The Lady of the Ring,” who travels the globe to announce top tier and championship fights has a heartfelt passion for the sport of boxing. “Boxing is still popular outside of the United States. I’ve announced fights in Europe, Asia and Central American and the arenas are drawing record crowds. I know boxing has seen a decline in popularity in America but I convinced it will come back when the right fighter comes along. Boxing will be around forever. I don’t care if the economy is sluggish or what critics say. I am going to work as hard as I can at every fight I announce to bring the sport back to where it needs to be.
It hasn’t been easy for Amy to break into the all-boys club. “I was in LA at the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Shane Mosley fight at the Staples Center. I was scheduled to announce two fights and was in my dressing room when a staff member said that Michael Buffer was refusing to call his scheduled bouts if I stepped into the ring. After the fight his brother, (Bruce Buffer) called me and said that the incident never happened. Michael would be happy to have me work his undercards! I thought it was a bit funny as I had a television series of my own at the time and had just finished my celebrity Playboy pictorial. I wasn't doing undercards beneath other announcers. I went through make-up and was paid, but wasn’t allowed to announce the fights.” Amy says there is no lingering tension between and the two have worked together since the incident.
Amy Hayes has carved her own niche in the boxing world and has no intention of slowing down. She provides a breath of fresh air for a sport that desperately needs one. Look for “The Lady of the Ring” at a title fight near you.
Amy, who is an avid University of Kentucky basketball fan got to show her “Wildcat Pride” when she posed for the University’s annual hockey poster. Actress Ashley Judd started the tradition when she appeared on the inaugural poster to raise money for the team. Every year another celebrity with Kentucky ties poses for the poster that has become the main fundraiser for the hockey club. “Basketball is King in Kentucky and there isn’t much money to go around for the hockey program. I was honored to get the opportunity to help.” In Kentucky basketball may be king, but it’s the boys in skates that get the girls.
I enjoyed the interviews with both Buster And Amy and hope to talk to them again.
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Rick
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