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 decisions can change the course of a fight. He discusses studying legends like Richard Steele, observing elite camps in Las Vegas, and earning credibility fight by fight.

From managing intensity in the clinch to knowing when to step in and when to let fighters work, this episode dives deep into the mindset and responsibility of the third man in the ring.

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.

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, and daily wound care.

Today, Pastor Octavio leads Front Sight Military Outreach in Ontario, CA. A church and ministry for veterans and their families, a “city of refuge” for those still fighting battles in their minds and hearts.

If you’re a veteran, active duty, or a family member who’s struggling, you’re not alone.
Reach out to Front Sight Military Outreach:

• Instagram: @FrontSightMilitaryOutreach
• Facebook: Front Sight Military Outreach

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 about his childhood in East L.A., the pull of gang culture in the ’80s and ’90s, his time behind bars, and the moment God changed everything. From backsliding to starting a men’s Bible study that now draws dozens each week, his journey is a raw reminder that no one is too far gone for grace.

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 exclusive stories from inside the camps, what makes a true champion, and how Abel’s philosophy changed the sport.

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. With sharp humor and honest reflections, George shows how comedy became not just a career, but a way to transform his life.

This conversation is about more than just laughs, it’s about resilience, culture, and finding your lane when the odds are against you.

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 up about his experiences on stage, the power of music, and how faith changed everything.

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 conversation pulls back the curtain on the realities of union power and personal sacrifice.