Hiring a ring announcer: a promoter's guide

What a ring announcer actually does

Far more than reading names. On a typical fight night your announcer:

• opens the show and sets the tone for the crowd and any stream or broadcast;
• introduces every bout: fighters' names, records, weights, hometowns and corners;
• builds the walk-outs and title fights so the main event feels like a main event;
• reads scorecards and results accurately, including the awkward ones;
• delivers sponsor reads, raffles, VIP mentions and venue announcements;
• keeps the running order moving, and covers delays without the room going dead.

Do you need a licensed MC?

For professional boxing in the UK, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) licenses Masters of Ceremonies, so check your announcer holds a current licence. For amateur, white collar, MMA, kickboxing and wrestling shows the rules vary by governing body. Either way, a licensed MC is a good sign you're hiring someone who knows the officials, the procedures and how a show should run.

What to send your announcer

When you book

• Date, venue and doors and first-bell times.
• Type of show (pro, amateur, white collar, MMA) and roughly how many bouts.
• Whether it's streamed or broadcast, and who's producing.
• Dress code: black tie is standard for boxing, but some shows go themed.

In fight week

• The bout sheet: names, nicknames, records, weights, hometowns and corners.
• Pronunciations for any name that's not obvious. A quick voice note from the fighter is perfect.
• Running order, interval timings and any title or belt details.
• Sponsor list and exact wording for any reads.
• Walk-out music cues if the DJ is working with the announcer.

How to get the most from your MC

Treat them as part of the production. Put your announcer in touch with the DJ, the lead official and the stream producer before the night. Ten minutes together at the venue saves a lot of confusion later.

Plan for changes. Bouts fall through on the day. Tell your announcer as soon as you know, and a good one will rework the build-up without the crowd noticing.

Use the voice for your sponsors. A well-delivered sponsor read in front of a full house is worth more than a banner. Give your announcer the wording and let them make it land.

Book early. Experienced announcers fill their Saturdays months ahead, especially in the autumn and spring seasons.

Cost

Every show is different: the number of bouts, travel, overnight stays and whether it's broadcast all play a part. The best way to know is to ask. Send your date and venue and I'll give you a straight answer.

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