Streaming service DAZN is poised to announce a powerhouse team of boxing analysts and announcers.
As previously reported by Sporting News, DAZN is signing boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard and veteran boxing announcer Brian Kenny of MLB Network to call its fights. Kay Adams of NFL Network and Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports will host fight nights, while LZ Granderson of ESPN will serve as a ringside reporter.
The team will debut Sep. 22 in London as world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua takes on Alexander Povetkin for the WBA, WBO and IBF title belts. They will call all Matchroom USA fights on DAZN.
MORE: Join DAZN and watch the Joshua-Povetkin fight for freeThe service previously announced the hiring of Michael Buffer as ring announcer, bringing along his signature "Let's get ready to rumble" pre-fight line.
Leonard, a 1976 Olympic gold medalist, fought legendary matches with Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran. Since retiring from boxing, he has worked for HBO, ESPN, NBC, ABC and Fox. He and Kenny teamed up to call boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s victory over UFC superstar Conor McGregor in Las Vegas last year.
“What DAZN is doing is very exciting for both boxing and sports media,” Leonard said in a statement. “With all of the boxing dates DAZN already has on the calendar, they are going to have me quite busy — and that’s a great thing for fight fans because it means that good fighters are staying active and taking on meaningful challenges.”
MORE: Join DAZN and watch the World Boxing Super Series for free
Meanwhile, veteran broadcaster Todd Grisham and former world champion Sergio Morga will call early action during Matchroom USA fight fight cards. Akin “Ak” Reyes and Barak Bess will handle interviews throughout fight week.
“We’re committed to bringing our subscribers not just top-notch boxing and MMA, but also top-notch production,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN senior vice president (North America) in a statement. “With this broadcast team, viewers will be in good hands and we look forward to introducing a series of innovations to our fight night experience in the coming months.”
DAZN is owned by Sporting News’ parent company, Perform Group.
