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By Mitch Abramson - The first big fight that Jimmy Lennon Jr. ever announced was Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas in 1990 in Tokyo, Japan. It was perhaps the most significant upset in boxing history and as Lennon entered the ring to announce the decision- a shocking tenth-round knockout for Douglas, it was eerily quiet in the arena of some 35,000 fans. Describing the reason behind the solemn mood, Lennon said: "The Japanese tend to be a quiet and respectful audience.”
That reference would seem to describe Lennon Jr. as an announcer, as well: always deferential and considerate to the fighters, fine with blending into the chaotic background- but always fastidiously prepared, always eloquent and clear with his decisions. A former high school social studies teacher and head master, Lennon is best known for being the “other” famous ring announcer in boxing, next to that “Let’s get ready to rumble” guy, Michael Buffer.
Lennon also has a catchphrase- “It’s Showtime,” a moniker that seems to fit him like the tuxedos he wears on fight night- quick, to the point, not at all overly self-indulgent.
For the past 31 years, Lennon has been announcing fights, a job that has taken him to 32 different countries- he just returned from working a featherweight title gig in Jamaica involving WBA champ, Nicholas Walters on Dec. 18. That gave Lennon 867 title fights, an almost inconceivable number. [Click Here To Read More]
That reference would seem to describe Lennon Jr. as an announcer, as well: always deferential and considerate to the fighters, fine with blending into the chaotic background- but always fastidiously prepared, always eloquent and clear with his decisions. A former high school social studies teacher and head master, Lennon is best known for being the “other” famous ring announcer in boxing, next to that “Let’s get ready to rumble” guy, Michael Buffer.
Lennon also has a catchphrase- “It’s Showtime,” a moniker that seems to fit him like the tuxedos he wears on fight night- quick, to the point, not at all overly self-indulgent.
For the past 31 years, Lennon has been announcing fights, a job that has taken him to 32 different countries- he just returned from working a featherweight title gig in Jamaica involving WBA champ, Nicholas Walters on Dec. 18. That gave Lennon 867 title fights, an almost inconceivable number. [Click Here To Read More]
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