Max Kellerman

Max Kellerman is a prominent figure in American sports media, recognized for his extensive knowledge of boxing and his skill in sports debate. Kellerman began his broadcasting career at age 16 by launching "Max on Boxing," a public-access cable television show in New York City. He independently produced and hosted the program, which featured fight analysis, historical context, and live caller questions, generating more than 400 episodes while funding the production through part-time work as a waiter.

After graduating from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in history, Kellerman transitioned to national television by joining ESPN as a studio analyst for "Friday Night Fights" on ESPN2. He later became the architect and original host of ESPN's "Around the Horn." Following his departure from ESPN, Kellerman hosted "I, Max" on Fox Sports Net before returning to ESPN in various roles, including co-hosting "SportsNation" with Marcellus Wiley and Michelle Beadle. Kellerman then replaced Skip Bayless on ESPN's "First Take" as co-analyst alongside Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim, where his analytical style and rapid-fire debate became a hallmark of the program.

Kellerman's expertise in boxing broadcasting is well established. He was initially hired for HBO's "Boxing After Dark" telecasts, working with Fran Charles and Lennox Lewis, and later joined the HBO World Championship Boxing main team with Jim Lampley, Harold Lederman, and rotating guest analysts such as Roy Jones Jr. and Emanuel Steward. After HBO exited the boxing business, Kellerman expanded his role in ESPN's boxing coverage, anchoring network coverage from the broadcast desk. His work covering major events, including the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao bout, solidified his reputation as a leading boxing analyst.

In addition to his broadcasting career, Kellerman has appeared in films such as "Rocky Balboa," "Creed," and "Creed II," often portraying himself as a boxing analyst. He departed from "First Take" after a request from Stephen A. Smith and was later laid off from ESPN. Kellerman returned to the broadcast booth as part of Netflix's team for the super middleweight unification bout between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford. He also co-hosts "Inside The Ring," a weekly boxing discussion show produced by The Ring Magazine with Mike Coppinger, streamed on DAZN and The Ring's social channels. Kellerman's enduring commitment to boxing and sports media continues to make him a respected voice in the industry.