Who are the 10 best boxing ring announcers right now? Top details

Who are the 10 best boxing ring announcers right now? Top details

Helix Odhiambo
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:27 PM

Boxing is a high-octane sport followed by millions of people globally. While the focus is often on the two combatants fighting in the ring, the role of boxing ring announcers is also crucial. They are experts who keep remote audiences updated on what is happening in the ring. So, who are the best boxing ring announcers of all time? Let's find out!

ESPN boxing ring announcers
A general view of the arena as Tommy Fury and Jake Paul fight at Diriyah Arena. Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, on 25 February 2023. Photo: Erick W. Rasco
Source: Getty Images

Over the years, the sport has produced exceptionally gifted announcers who are entertaining, informative and enjoyable to listen to when on duty. Some have made millions of fortunes through salaries, bonuses and endorsements.

Top boxing ring announcers

Ring announcers serve as emcees for fighting events. They often work closely with judges and referees to announce their decisions to the fans. Commentators make the event lively by hyping the fighters and the bout.

Qualities of a good commentator

Top boxing ring announcers
UFC commentator Bruce Buffer introduces Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz in their UFC light heavyweight fight at T-Mobile Arena on 10 December 2022 in Las Vegas. Photo: Chris Unger
Source: Getty Images

The role of the announcer is unique. It involves generating excitement during the opening and closing of fights. The job requires a high level of creativity to win the audience. Here are some key factors to consider if you want to succeed in your career.

  • Have strong love and passion for the sport
  • Attend several events to nurture your announcing and presentation skills
  • Doing extensive research about fighters and statistics
  • Hone your appearance and announcing style with confidence
  • Add signature vocal inflexions for dramatic effect

Below is a list of boxing ring announcers who are highly rated and loved by many fans. Some died, but others are still alive and active.

10. Setrak Ejdaharian

Ejdaharian, known by his stage name, Ed Derian, was one of the most famous ring announcers during his time. He died at 77 but left a lasting legacy in his career. In 2010, Ejdaharian got inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame.

9. Howard Cosell

Best boxing ring announcers
ABC's sports media commentator Howard Cosell posing for a photo during the 1970s. He was one of the best professionals on the job. Photo: Focus on Sport
Source: Getty Images

The legendary sportscaster is one of the old boxing ring announcers on our list. He commentated on some of the most significant bouts in history, including the George Foreman and Joe Frazier fight. In 1993, Cosell won the 'All-Time Best Sportscaster' title for his exceptional skills.

8. Sal Marchiano

Marchiano was a well-travelled sportscaster and one of the best behind the mic during the 1970s and 1980s. His famous phrase "Goodnight, Sweet Prince" made headlines whenever a fighter got knocked out. Marchiano was an all-rounder who also presented in baseball, basketball, and football.

7. Al Bernstein

List of boxing ring announcers
Sportscaster Al Bernstein speaks as he is inducted into the Nevada Hall of Fame at the Monte Carlo Resort on 10 August 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Ethan Miller
Source: Getty Images

The award-winning sports commentator entertained millions of spectators with his charming words during the 1980s. He is among the legendary showtime boxing ring announcers of all time. Al Bernstein also worked for ESPN and Great Britain's Channel 5. He joined other legends in the Hall of Fame.

6. Kenny Albert

Albert is the only commentator who does play-by-play for all of the major pro sports leagues in the US and Canada. He is the son of former commentator Marv Albert, who commentated 11 fights on NBC in 2015.

5. Reg Gutteridge

Old boxing ring announcers
Veteran boxing correspondent, broadcaster and journalist Reg Gutteridge spoke in 1996. He died on 24 January 2009, aged 84, after a short illness. Photo: Philip Brown
Source: Getty Images

Arguably one of the best boxing ring announcers the UK has produced, Gutteridge formed a great partnership with Jim Watt. Many people consider Reg Gutteridge the most knowledgeable British commentator ever in the sport.

4. Harold Lederman

Harold Lederman was born in 1940 and has enjoyed a glittering career that began in 1967 after receiving certification. He started his career as a judge and later became famous as a ring announcer. Lederman worked at HBO for many years until 2018, when he stopped appearing in fighting events. In 2016, he got inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

3. Jim Lampley

Who is the best ring announcer for boxing?
Jim Lampley, HBO commentator during the WBC Eliminator Middleweight fight. Kelly Pavlik won the battle with a seventh-round TKO at FedExForum on 19 May 2007 in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo: Joe Murphy
Source: Getty Images

The American has over 30 years of experience in the arena as a commentator. Lampley has often shown great enthusiasm and passion in his commentaries. He is known for his role in the HBO boxing show.

2. Larry Merchant

Larry Merchant is one of the familiar boxing commentator names you will encounter. He is a legendary HBO sports presenter and HBO World Championship commentator. Thanks to his hilarious lines, Merchant has earned his reputation as one of the most outstanding analysts.

Who is the best ring announcer for boxing?

How much does a boxing ring announcer get paid?
American ring announcer Michael Buffer introduces Jelly Roll at Bridgestone Arena on 9 December 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin
Source: Getty Images

Michael Buffer is considered the most famous announcer of modern times. He has made over $400 million in the arena, thanks to his legendary catchphrase, "Let's get ready to rumble!"

1. Michael Buffer

The American is one of the longest-serving ESPN boxing ring announcers, having worked at the station for over 35 years. Buffer has introduced many great bouts, including superstars Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, and Matt Hardy, and a YouTube bout between Logan Paul & KSI.

How much does a boxing ring announcer get paid?

The commentators and announcers receive hefty pay depending on experience. The highest-paid is Michael Buffer, who takes home around $1 million annually. He also pockets around $100k per view match and $550k as an annual base salary in UFC. Bruce Buffer also earns up to $1 million annually. Here is a breakdown of the top-earning announcers in boxing.

Commentator

Category

Annual income

Michael Buffer

Boxing

$1 million

Bruce Buffer

UFC

$1 million

Bob Alexander

Boxing

$750k

Mike Rome

WWE

$500k

Kayla Braxton

WWE

$500k

Alicia Taylor

WWE

$500k

David Diamante

Boxing

$500k

Jimmy Lennon Jr.

"

$500k

Ricky Wright

"

$350k

Dennis Arnell

"

$350k

Boxing ring announcers are influential figures in the sport. They can make a bout entertaining before the combatants start fighting. Legends like Michael Buffer have also inspired the young generation with their talents.

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Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.