There are moments in a production career that act as a “north star.” For me, that was my time with the HBO Boxing team. It wasn’t just a job; it was a masterclass in professional excellence that played a pivotal role in my development.

More importantly, it provided the blueprint for how I lead today. The lessons I learned at ringside gave me the high-level standard by which I now run my own company. HBO taught me that excellence isn’t an accident—it’s a requirement.

The Architecture of the Sound

While the world tuned in to see the spectacle, I was focused on the technical dance happening behind the scenes. As the A2 (Audio Assistant) at ringside, my responsibility was to execute  the A1s plan to bring the live experience to millions of viewers around the world and to ensure our broadcast legends—Jim Lampley, Max Kellerman, and Roy Jones Jr.—never missed a beat.

Before the first bell ever rang, the work began with the “plumbing” of the ring. My world revolved around three critical pillars:

• Ring Audio: Wiring the ring to capture the thud of every body shot and the squeak of boots—the sounds that make a viewer feel the impact. Also, to wire the mics the broadcasters used to call the action. 
• Intercoms: The lifeline of the production. If the crew can’t talk, the show doesn’t happen.
• IFB (Interruptible Foldback): Ensuring the talent could hear the producer in the truck and their own cues clearly amidst the roar of a sold-out arena.

The Eyes and Ears for the Truck

Once we went live, my role shifted into a high-stakes game of coordination. I acted as the eyes and ears for our A1, Randy Flick, who was tucked away in the production truck.

In the heat of a fight, I was on the ground making sure the talent transitioned to the right microphones at the exact right moments. I had to be hyper-aware of the environment, signaling to Randy when it was “safe” to bring certain faders up. It was a partnership built on absolute trust; he relied on our feedback from the floor to know what was happening before it even hit his monitors. This taught me the value of communication and being a reliable link in a complex chain—values that are now the cornerstone of my business.

A Front Row Seat to History

This role put me feet away from some of the greatest athletes to ever step into the ring. I was there for the iconic runs of Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao, the clinical masterclasses of Floyd Mayweather, the heavyweight dominance of the Klitschko brothers, and the legendary Lennox Lewis.

Supporting Jim, Max, and Roy was a privilege, but the real education came from the “Legends behind the Camera.” I worked alongside the industry’s best producers and directors, who showed me how to make the best television possible.

The HBO Family

As Jim Lampley beautifully noted in HBO’s final boxing broadcast, this organization was more than a business—it was a family.

I’m still deeply moved when I think of the friends we’ve lost. Handheld cameraman Gordy Sager and audio man Paul Hoggatt weren’t just world-class colleagues; they were close friends, mentors and the heartbeat of our crew. They embodied the craftsmanship and grit that defined the HBO era.

I am incredibly proud to have been a part of the team that brought the theater of the unexpected into living rooms worldwide. To the fighters who gave their souls to the ring, and the crew who taught me everything I know about the craft: Thank you for the ride of a lifetime.

Fernando Delgado CAS

Audio Professional | HBO Boxing Alum

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