PODCAST · sports
Third Man in the Ring
by Popeye Ray
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 [email protected]
Episodes
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Paulie Malignaggi: From Troubled Teen to World Champion
Before he became the “Magic Man,” Paulie Malignaggi was an angry teenager looking for direction. Finding boxing gave him discipline, confidence, and something he didn’t want to lose. Paulie joins Popeye Ray and retired referee Jack Reiss on Third Man in the Ring to share the experiences that…
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Gang Life, Heroin Addiction & Finding Jesus | OnTheTira
Ahmed Bellozo, known as OnTheTira, joins Popeye Ray and Brother Mark to share his story of gang life, 23 years spent in prison, and an addiction that followed him from heroin to prescription pills and fentanyl. Ahmed talks about first using heroin behind bars, facing cancer and severe pain, and...
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Shot, Stabbed & Addicted: How a Former Gang Member Became a Pastor | Mando Vera
Pastor Mando Vera was once known as “Monster”, a gang member caught in violence, addiction, and incarceration. Today, he returns to the same streets with a message of faith, forgiveness, and hope. In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, Popeye Ray sits down with someone he personally knew from...
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Chris Arreola Unfiltered: His Biggest Fights, Regrets & What’s Next
Three-time heavyweight title challenger Chris Arreola joins Ref Popeye Ray on Third Man in the Ring for a candid, funny and unfiltered look back at his life inside and outside the boxing ring. Chris takes us from beginning boxing at seven years old and competing in more than 150 amateur fights to...
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From Prison, Meth & Violence to Jesus | Mark Gonzalez’s Testimony
From prison, violent crime, and meth addiction to a life fully surrendered to Jesus Christ—Mark Gonzalez’s testimony is proof that no one is beyond redemption. In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, Popeye Ray sits down with Mark Gonzalez, also known as Barber Mark, to hear the powerful story...
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Big John McCarthy | UFC’s Original Ref, LAPD Stories & Bare Knuckle
Ref Popeye Ray sits down with legendary MMA referee Big John McCarthy for a wide-ranging conversation about the early days of the UFC, life in law enforcement, what it really takes to be a referee, and why fighter safety matters inside the cage. Big John shares stories from his upbringing, his...
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Pepe Serna on Scarface, American Me & 50 Years of Breaking Barriers in Hollywood
With more than 125 film credits and 300 television appearances, Pepe reflects on growing up in Corpus Christi, discovering his love for performing at an early age, moving to Hollywood, and building a lasting career when opportunities for Latino actors were limited. He shares stories from films...
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God Changed a Violent Man | Pastor Raul Ries
Pastor Raul Ries joins Popeye Ray on Third Man in the Ring for a powerful conversation about his life, his testimony, and the transforming power of Jesus Christ. In this episode, Pastor Raul shares about growing up in a violent home, the anger and bitterness that shaped his early life, his time...
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I Thought I Was Going to Die in the Streets… Now I Live for God
He grew up in gang culture…believed he would die in the streets…and was proud of it. Today, his life looks completely different. In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, Popeye Ray sits down with Jay to talk about a life most people will never understand. From violence, jail, and losing friends…...
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Wrongfully Convicted: He Lost 25 Years for a Crime He Didn’t Commit
In this powerful episode, Ray sits down with Miguel Salorio, who was wrongfully convicted and spent 25 years in prison for a crime he says he did not commit. Miguel shares his journey, the pain of losing years of his life, and what it has been like trying to rebuild after finally coming home.…
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How God Saved Me From Addiction, Jail, and Suicide
In this powerful episode of Third Man in the Ring, Popeye Ray sits down with John from Calvary Chapel Chino Valley to share a story of redemption, grace, and transformation. John grew up in church but eventually fell into rebellion, addiction, and a destructive lifestyle that led him to jail,...
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The Art of Officiating World Title Fights | Robert Hoyle
In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, Popeye Ray sits down with top referee Robert Hoyle to talk about the craft of officiating at the highest level of boxing. Hoyle breaks down what it takes to work championship fights, how referees prepare before stepping into the ring, and how split-second...
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Manny Robles: Discipline, Community, and Building Champions
In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, we sit down with renowned boxing trainer Manny Robles to talk about what it really takes to build champions—inside and outside the ring. If you’re a fighter, coach, or fan who wants the behind-the-scenes truth about boxing, this one is for you.
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Marine Burned 70% of His Body: Faith, Survival & the Battle After War
Marine Staff Sergeant Octavio was leading a convoy in Iraq when a daisy-chain IED of 80mm mortars blew his vehicle apart, killing Captain Maloney and Lance Corporal Help and leaving Octavio with third-degree burns over 70% of his body, a shattered arm, and a long road through ICU, skin grafts…
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From Prison to Purpose: A Tattoo Artist Who Found God
Once caught up in gang life and prison, Jaime’s story is one of redemption and transformation. Now a respected tattoo artist in West Covina, he uses his craft and his testimony to reach others who are struggling with the same darkness he once knew. In this powerful conversation, Jaime opens up...
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Abel Sanchez on Training Legends and the Price of Greatness | Full Interview
In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, Ref Popeye Ray sits down with legendary boxing trainer Abel Sanchez . From his roots in La Puente to building the world-famous Summit Gym in Big Bear, Abel shares how solitude, discipline, and integrity shaped some of boxing’s greatest fighters. Hear...
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Comedy, Culture & Survival | George P. Perez
In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, referee Popeye Ray sits down with stand-up comedian George P. Perez, a one-of-a-kind voice in comedy. George opens up about his upbringing, the struggles that shaped him, and how he went from the streets to performing on Netflix, HBO, Showtime, and MTV....
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Drummer of WAR, Sal Rodriguez, on Finding Faith & Life on Tour
Sal Rodriquez, drummer of the legendary funk band WAR, sits down with me on the Third Man in the Ring Podcast to share his incredible journey through music, fame, and faith. From touring the world with WAR, playing festivals across Europe and the U.S., to finding deeper purpose in life, Sal opens...
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Union Leadership Matters More Than Ever | Eric Tate
In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, we sit down with Eric Tate, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 848. Eric shares his journey, the challenges of union leadership, and what it really takes to fight for workers’ voices. From breaking barriers to building stronger communities, this...
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"I Needed Direction and Purpose" - Guerrero Fitness
Today's episode features a man known as Guerrero Fitness, a man who overcame a tough upbringing and the challenges of street life to build a life centered on motivation and fitness. But his focus goes beyond the physical, he's passionate about spiritual and mental strength as well. This is a...
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MC Blvd
I think today's testimony will bless you guys. Please give a warm welcome to MC Blvd.
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John Molina Jr.
John Molina Jr. was such an exciting fighter. Excited to have him on, everyone please give a warm welcome to John Molina!
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Pat Russell - Let's Teach You to Think Like a Ref
Pat Russell refereed some AMAZING fights. He has retired from refereeing and is not judging. Today we review some of his favorite fights and go over the thought process a ref goes through.
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U.S. Marine Combat Veteran | Ralph Sarabia
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,...
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Randy Cammack | Teamsters Union Local 63
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.
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It's Not About Where You Start or Finish, It's The Journey | Andy Tsarukyan
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 LLP https://remedylawgroup.com/ Sonora Tires https://www.sonoratiresinc.com/
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BEST Boxing Promoter There Is: Roy Englebrecht
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…
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The FUTURE of Boxing: Pita Garcia
Today I interview the future of boxing and the dynasty of the Garcia family. Please welcome my friend, Pita Garcia. https://www.rgbapro.com/
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Joe Martinez - Ring Announcer
Please give a warm welcome to my friend Joe Martinez!
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Mexican Mafia Assassin Saved by Jesus
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.
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Angel Baby
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.
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THE GOAT: Jack Reiss is Retiring
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...
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DJ Cazel
Amazing testimony today from my Friend DJ Cazel. Check out his club "The Souldies Lounge" in Rialto, Ca. https://thesouldieslounge.com/
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27 Years in the Department of Corrections | Ronnie Castro
Ronnie Castro worked for the Department of Corrections here in California for 27 years. Today we hear his story and testimony.
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Tom Loeffler | 360 Promotions: Hollywood Fight Nights
World wide with HUGE fighters, please welcome Tom Loeffler
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Let's Talk Boxing and the BEST Tacos in Southern California | Taco Nazo
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.
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Dr. Paul Wallace | Chief Ringside Physician of California State Athletic Commission
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…
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Co-Founder of the Mongols Motorcycle Club: Big Al
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.
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Beto Duran
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".
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"Ghetto Gunslinger" Cesar Herrera
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.
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Carlos Barragan Jr | House of Boxing
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
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Danny Trejo
No introduction needed for the great Danny Trejo!
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South Central Gang Life to US Navy Master Chief | Raul R. Ramos
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.
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Daniel "Twitch" Franco
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...
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Pro Cutman Jacob Duran aka "Stitch" Duran and Mike Rodriguez
Mike Rodriguez joins me again, this time as cohost with Jacob Duran. These are two of the best cutmen in the business.
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CBN Promotions | Alex Camponovo
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/
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Manny Tapia
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.
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President of Golden Boy Promotions | Eric Gomez
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.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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 [email protected]
HOSTED BY
Popeye Ray
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Third Man in the Ring have?
Third Man in the Ring currently has 80 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Third Man in the Ring about?
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...
How often does Third Man in the Ring release new episodes?
Third Man in the Ring has 80 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Third Man in the Ring?
You can listen to Third Man in the Ring on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Third Man in the Ring?
Third Man in the Ring is created and hosted by Popeye Ray.
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