Most iconic Boxing announcers of all-time

The ring announcer is part of the pageantry of boxing, whipping up the crowd with pizzazz and poetry, engaging those present in the perfect collective state to ensure the action in front of them lives up to its billing.

Even non-sports fans are familiar with Michael Buffer's famous pre-fight call of "Let's get ready to rumble!", believed to have been inspired by Muhammad Ali's line of "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, and rumble, young man, rumble!"

The 80-year-old's elongated intonation is iconic, but there isn't enough Buffer to go around, meaning he isn't the only famous ring announcer on the scene.

In their role as ring announcers, these individuals need to engage and inform the crowd, introduce the fighters, highlight any famous faces ringside and most importantly, get the fighters to the ring and announce the result.

It is a job that requires charisma, knowledge and a big voice, so let's find out about the best in the business.

Michael Buffer

Years Active

(1982 - Present)

The man your mind's eye settles on when you think of the role, former model Michael Buffer first stepped into the ring as an announcer in 1982, working closely with Bob Arum's Top Rank.

His fame grew so much that by 1992, he had trademarked his "Let's get ready to rumble!" catchphrase, a shrewd move as it is believed that the license has earned him $400 million in royalties.

Buffer has even utilised his skills in other arenas, including wrestling, as well as the other major US sports and motor racing. 

The 80-year-old's talents have also been showcased on screen, appearing in both the Rocky and Creed movie franchises, as well as TV shows such as The Simpsons, South Park, and Entourage.

Incredibly, Michael's half-brother Bruce is also in the fight game, working in the UFC as the "Veteran Voice of the Octagon".

David Diamante

Years Active

Unknown - present

Buffer may have his catchphrase, but David Diamante is known as the "voice of Boxing".

The BBC coined that nickname for the 53-year-old, who has been in the sport for over 20 years. Currently tied to Matchroom, Diamante has also worked for all the other major distribution networks, even showcasing his talents in Spanish when required.

Like Buffer, Diamante has worked in other sports, previously serving as the official voice of the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. His fine delivery has also allowed him to crossover into film and media, including Creed III in 2023.

A unique talent and natural broadcaster, Diamante is known for his energy and repetition of fighter names, almost using it as a ploy to remind the crowd about the enormity of the event.

Jimmy Lennon

Years Active

1943-1992

An all-round entertainer, Jimmy Lennon tried his hand across showbusiness before getting his break as an announcer.

Family circumstances meant he knew the value of hard graft and he possessed an incredible work ethic. 

Lennon was the ultimate professional, ensuring he perfected the name of every fighter he called to because, as he told the Los Angeles Times, "a man is entitled to the dignity of his own name."

Not only did Lennon cover boxing, but he too appeared across film and television, notably Robert De Niro's Oscar-winning biopic of Jake La Motta, Raging Bull.

His work in wrestling is also notable, with a split between fans over whether he or Howard Finkel can be called the GOAT.

Jimmy Lennon Jr

Years Active

1981 - present

It must be in the genes, because Jimmy Lennon Jr followed in his father's footsteps when he started announcing fights in 1981.

A promising career in education beckoned, but he caught the boxing announcing bug and, alongside Buffer, set out the requirements for success. The Californian's globetrotting work saw him under the lights in Hawaii, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Mexico.

A professional akin to his dad, Lennon Jr worked hard to perfect fighters' names and even learned local dialects to help boost fan engagement.

Lennon's work with Showtime saw him popularise his catchphrase "It's Showtime!" and he has called the result in some of the sport's biggest ever fights, including both bouts between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.

Chuck Hull

Years Active

1954-1995

A man who was always at home with a microphone in his hand, Chuck Hull was born in Illinois but made his name in Las Vegas, where he first announced fights in 1954.

Hull became a fixture at Caesers Palace, announcing all of their title contests from the late 70s until 1989, retiring in 1995 after working on 130 world championship bouts.

Among his most significant appointments were Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns, Marvelous Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns, Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney and Muhammad Ali vs. Larry Holmes, all of which he handled with trademark style.

Ring announcer at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, Hull was known for his precise delivery, his shock of silver hair, and sharp-cut tuxedos.