By Ed Ludwig

15.03 - I had the pleasure of speaking with Amy Hayes. She is one of the most popular ring announcers in the sport of boxing today. Amy is earning respect from fighters and promoters as she continues to excel. Amy was a successful model for many years and in 1995 she was a graduate of Specs Howard School Of Broadcast Arts. She has recently appeared in Maxim and Playboy magazines. Amy has signed a contract with Goossen Tutor Promotions and she is now part of the new Fox Sports Net Sunday Night Fight Series. The next telecast will take place on April 7th from San Jacinto, California. I would like to thank Amy for her time.

Ed Ludwig: When did your career as a ring announcer begin?

Amy Hayes: I started trying it out, gosh about 1988 but I didn't really get involved until a year ago. I got the bug after sitting ringside. I was hired to be a ring card girl in Detroit.

EL: Have you always been a boxing fan?

AH: Yes and no. I knew who the major players were as I was growing up but it wasn't until recently that I began to really learn and know what was going on in the ring.

EL: What have been some of your fondest moments thus far?

AH: Definitely announcing my second televised card on ESPN2 from the Playboy Mansion. My bag was lost and our bus was late getting to the mansion and I almost had to go into the ring with no shoes on.

EL: Is ring announcing a full time job?

AH: It is now. I just signed an exclusive agreement with Goossen Tutor Promotions for all of their television fights. I just got back from my first show in Las Vegas and it will be shown many more times. My next Fox show is April 7th.

EL: Is there tension between you and Michael Buffer? I read that he threatened to walk when you both appeared on the same card?

AH: Well that is what I was told by very reliable sources. I did not talk to Mr. Buffer on that night. Recently his brother Bruce Buffer called me and said no such thing ever happened. He also said that he and Michael had talked about it and that Mr. Buffer was willing to help me and even let me do his under-cards sometime. But the only problem now is that I don't do under-cards! All I can present is that I was hired for a fight, a big fight! Mosley vs. De La Hoya I was paid. I received hair and makeup that night and I didn't get to announce? What do you think?

EL: What are your thoughts on women's boxing?

AH: I think it's fine. I don't like how some women's bouts are a joke but on the other hand look at how pitiful some of the men's are.

EL: What did you think of the so-called celebrity boxing match between Tonya Harding and Paula Jones?

AH: I did watch it. I can't believe that they directed the commentators to be so serious. Mr. Buffer was seriously the best part of the show. I don't think he looked overly serious. He was there to entertain the people.

EL: Does something like that taint the image of boxing?

AH: No. It really had nothing to do with pro boxing.

EL: You will be doing ring announcing duties Fox Sports Net's new boxing series. Will you be announcing the entire card?

AH: Yes, I will be announcing full cards.

EL: What are your favourite sports?

AH: I love college basketball. Go Kentucky Wildcats! I hope they can focus and execute. We have the talent but sometimes they are not focused and look a little out of shape.

EL: Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

AH: I will be hosting a sports or entertainment television show.

EL: You are featured in the March 2002 edition of Playboy. What was that like?

AH: Fun! I really enjoyed being at Gleason's Gym in New York because there is a lot of history in that place and now I am a part of it.

EL: What was the reaction from your family?

AH: They are used to it.

EL: Three New York City firefighters appeared at your Playboy photo shoot. They have since passed away trying to save lives from the September 11th attack. You have started an auction to help the families. Can you tell the readers how they can help?

AH: Playboy has already sold the clothes. I received a thank you card from the firefighters of NYC.

EL: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

AH: Thank you. I am truly excited about developing into a successful announcer. With support from the fans I believe I will get there.

For more info on Amy Hayes please visit www.amyhayes.com