Third Man in the Ring

Popeye Ray
  • 4.9 (74)
  • Wrestling
  • Updated Weekly

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 thirdmanintheringpodcast@gmail.com

  1. 3d ago

    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 behind His Barbershop. Mark opens up about the childhood abuse and anger that shaped him, being arrested for assault and attempted murder at 16, spending years in and out of prison, and eventually becoming deeply addicted to meth. He knew Scripture, earned a degree in biblical studies, and even served as an usher at church—but behind the appearance, he was still getting high and committing crimes. Everything changed after the people he trusted arranged a brutal home invasion that nearly took his life. While recovering in the hospital, Mark says God called him to repent. That was the moment he stopped merely playing the part of a Christian and became truly born again. Today, Mark is approaching five years sober, owns His Barbershop in Redlands, and serves his church and community through prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and outreach. In his own words, he once deserved to be in prison because of the monster he had become—but Jesus changed his life. If Mark’s testimony encourages you, share this episode with someone who needs hope and subscribe to Third Man in the Ring for more powerful stories of faith, redemption, and transformation. This episode includes candid discussion of childhood sexual abuse, drug addiction, violence, and incarceration. #ChristianTestimony #JesusChangesLives #ThirdManInTheRing

  2. Jul 6

    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 father’s influence in LAPD and SWAT, his path into law enforcement, training with the Gracies, becoming one of the most recognized officials in combat sports, and how the referee’s role has evolved from the early “no rules” era of MMA. They also talk about Bruce Lee, Gene LeBell, Chuck Norris, bare knuckle fighting, judging, referee training, boxing, and John’s return to officiating. This is a conversation about fighting, discipline, legacy, respect, and the people who helped shape combat sports. Subscribe for more conversations from Third Man in the Ring with Ref Popeye Ray.

  3. Jun 15

    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 including Car Wash, The Jerk, American Me, and Scarface, while discussing the importance of representation and telling stories that reflect the Latino community. Pepe also opens up about his marriage, mentoring young performers, creating his one-man show, his artwork and documentary, and the health challenges he has recently faced. Throughout the conversation, he shares the values that have guided him: staying positive, helping others succeed, supporting the people around you, and finding richness in a life spent doing what you love. More than a conversation about movies, this episode is about perseverance, generosity, purpose, and the legacy Pepe Serna hopes to leave behind.

  4. May 22

    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 serving in Vietnam, and the moment God began to change his heart. What started as a life marked by rage, pain, and violence became a testimony of redemption, ministry, and the grace of God. Popeye Ray and Pastor Raul also talk about Calvary Chapel, the importance of preaching the truth, reaching people who feel too far gone, and how Christians should think biblically about Israel in today’s world.

  5. May 1

    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… to finding purpose, faith, and a new direction. This isn’t just a story about where he came from, it’s about what changed, and why it matters.

  6. Apr 3

    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. This is a conversation about injustice, survival, faith, and starting over.

  7. Mar 6

    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, broken relationships, and even a suicide attempt. At his lowest point, when everything seemed lost, God intervened in a way that would completely change the direction of his life. Today, John serves in ministry alongside Pastor David Rosales, helping lead men and encouraging others who are struggling with addiction, despair, and brokenness. This episode is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. If you or someone you know is struggling, this story is proof that transformation is possible.

  8. Feb 13

    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 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.

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4.9
out of 5
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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 guests. If you have questions for refs on certain fights and certain calls, this is the place to ask. Reach out to us at thirdmanintheringpodcast@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Popeye Ray
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Third Man in the Ring
  • Show Website
    Third Man in the Ring