Michael Buffer

Michael Buffer is an American ring announcer known for his work in boxing, professional wrestling, and NFL events. Buffer pioneered a distinct announcing style, rolling certain letters and adding unique inflections to fighters' names. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War before working in various roles, including as a car salesman, and later began a modeling career before entering the sports entertainment industry as a ring announcer.

Buffer began his career as a ring announcer in the early 1980s and soon became the national voice for boxing matches promoted by Top Rank on ESPN, at a time when ring announcers were typically hired locally. He developed the catchphrase "Let's get ready to rumble!" which gained widespread popularity. After securing a federal trademark for the phrase, Buffer licensed it across video games, movies, toys, and commercials, earning significant royalties, including $100 million from the "Ready 2 Rumble" video game franchise.

Known for his trademark tuxedo, slicked-back hair, and theatrical delivery, Buffer's voice has introduced bouts featuring champions such as Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao, Arturo Gatti, Lennox Lewis, Larry Holmes, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, and Evander Holyfield. Buffer has also announced major sporting events including the MLB World Series, Stanley Cup Final, NBA Finals, Volunteer 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, NFL playoff games, and served as a guest announcer at the Indianapolis 500 and United States Grand Prix.

Buffer has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, World Boxing Hall of Fame, and International Sports Hall of Fame, and has received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the British Boxing Board of Control. He became a permanent ring announcer for HBO's World Championship Boxing.

After being diagnosed with throat cancer, Buffer underwent successful treatment and continued his career with minimal interruption. His catchphrase and presence have made him a recognizable figure in sports and entertainment, with appearances in films and TV series such as "Creed," "Grudge Match," "You Don't Mess with the Zohan," "Rocky Balboa," "Ready to Rumble," "The Simpsons," and "Rocky V." He also appeared in the remake of "Dumbo" as a ringmaster. Buffer has been featured on talk shows hosted by Jay Leno, David Letterman, Arsenio Hall, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jimmy Fallon. With a career spanning more than four decades, Buffer has become a prominent figure in sports entertainment and pop culture.