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11/03/2006 Archived Entry: "Ring Announcer Joe York: ‘My Bodyguard’ Experience with Chris ‘Lights Out’ Lytle"
Ring Announcer Joe York: ‘My Bodyguard’ Experience with Chris ‘Lights Out’ Lytle
Photo of Joe York by Juan C. Ayllon
Photo of Chris Lytle courtesy of www.theultimatefighter.tv
Joe York with Shelly, a former ringcard girl, a bartender and regular fixture at Octavius
James' "After Parties" for "One in a Million" boxing events in Merrillville, Indiana
In this business, I meet lots of people. Some remember MY name, but I don’t forget some fans or fighters names because of either their personality or their performance. Some have both, but none more than a firefighter/professional boxer named Chris “Lights Out” Lytle.
For the past 10 + years, I have been a ring announcer for professional and amateur boxing, as well as grappling and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). One of my first promoters often held events in Richmond, Indiana. In those days, I changed into my tuxedo in the same room as the fighters. I wasn’t proud but I felt that I had to pay my dues before I got my own dressing room. It would also give me a chance to interview fighters prior to their fights so I would pronounce their name correctly when I introduced them or offer to spice their introduction up with an impromptu nickname. It was in that dressing room I met a list of future stars, including Chris.
Chris would drive ANYWHERE to fight, including the approximate 4 hour round trip to Richmond from his Indianapolis hometown. Sometimes his wife drove (during and in-between pregnancies), bringing Chris’ own cheering section. His pre-fight demeanor was always respectful, never mean. My initial thoughts were that he had tremendous heart but he might not win in the ring. Was I so very, very wrong! Once people heard about his impressive skills in boxing and MMA, they came to watch him. Once they watched, they were hooked and became fans. Chris and I became friends, joking with each other as friends sometimes do.
My first live televised fight was on May 13, 2000 on HBO World Championship Boxing, featuring Light Heavyweight Champion Roy Jones, Jr. The promoter said that 70 million people worldwide would be tuning in. Topping it off, I didn’t have to travel far because the venue was Conseco Field house in Indianapolis, Indiana.
That evening, my publicist and I were invited to attend (still in my tuxedo) an after-party held in Roy’s honor at Union Station in downtown Indy. As we approached the party’s door, I heard Chris calling my name, running up the street. He said he was catching up to me. He told me he came to the fights and was really proud of the fact that someone he knew was the ring announcer. I was flattered, told him thanks but we had to go to the invitation-only after-party to see Roy, who fights in Chris’s weight class.
Chris replied, “Can I join you?”
I jokingly said, in a direct but firm tone “NO!” and then turned to hide my laughing when I walked away. I then turned around and saw that my prank had worked too well, because Chris was walking the other direction with his head hung low, heartbroken. I laughed and shouted “Chris, come back! We’ll figure out something.”
I told Chris to stand behind me when we got to the door. Once there, my publicist did all the talking, explaining to the lady at the VIP door (she wasn’t a fan and didn’t get to watch the fight at all) who we actually were on the list. We were then admitted and I motioned Chris to enter the party first.
The lady then asked “Hold on. Who’s this guy?”
I ended my silence by saying “He’s my bodyguard.”
She promptly let Chris enter the after-party with us. That night, Chris met Roy Jones, Jr., even had pictures taken with him. They talked a bit, probably about boxing and technique. I never asked. I was just happy my friend got in.
Chris Lytle (right) on the attack in an MMA match
About 2 years later, Chris began his professional boxing career while still improving his MMA skills. Chris has compiled a 13-1-1(7 KO’s) career in boxing, even fought on an Octavius James/One In A Million, Inc. card in Merrillville a few years ago. He became the INBA Indiana State Champion in the Light Heavyweight and Super Middleweight divisions.
Lytle revived his UFC career record (18-12-5) and starred on the hit SPIKE TV Reality series THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER 4: THE COMEBACK. On that program, Chris showcased his MMA skills, with fans & fellow competitors raving about his boxing skills. He won his quarter & semi-final bouts in route to a finals spot.
On Saturday November 11th, Chris “Lights Out” Lytle fights Matt Serra, Live @ 9pm ET on SPIKE TV for the ULTIMATE Finales’ Welterweight division championship, $200,000.00 in promotional contracts and UFC prize money, and a guaranteed title shot at the UFC Welterweight championship. I invite everyone to watch SPIKE TV and cheer on Chris, just as he did for me when I announced that night on HBO.
Not bad for a bodyguard, huh?!
