Let’s be honest, the hype train for Canelo vs. Crawford left the station months ago, and now it is thundering down the tracks at full speed. With the September 13 showdown for the undisputed super middleweight title just around the corner, every new detail feels like another log on the fire. We have seen the undercard, we know the start time, and some of us have even winced at the ticket prices. But now, we have the voices that will guide us through the glorious violence.
Netflix, in its grand wisdom, has decided that a fight of this magnitude deserves a broadcast team that’s basically the Avengers of combat sports commentary. And frankly, they might be right. Forget your standard, run-of-the-mill broadcast. They’ve assembled a lineup that blends legendary boxing voices with some of the best from the UFC world, ensuring that whether you’re a boxing purist or a casual fan, you’ll have someone you know and (probably) trust calling the action. Who will win the Canelo vs. Crawford fight?
So, who exactly will be narrating this epic clash at Allegiant Stadium? Let’s take a look at the team that Netflix has put together. It’s a mix of the expected, the surprising, and… A.C. Slater?
Leading the charge on play-by-play is none other than Jon Anik. If you’re a UFC fan, you know this man’s voice is as synonymous with big fights as octagon jitters. Anik brings a level of professionalism and gravitas that can make any moment feel historic. Pulling him over from the UFC is a smart, if not slightly surprising, move.
Joining him in the booth are two guys who’ve forgotten more about boxing than most of us will ever know: Max Kellerman and Andre Ward. Kellerman, a man who has practically lived on ESPN and HBO boxing broadcasts, brings that classic, analytical style. And Andre “S.O.G.” Ward? The undefeated, two-weight world champion provides the kind of insight only a fighter of his caliber can. He’s not ju st going to tell you a punch landed; he’ll tell you why it landed and what the other guy should have done to avoid getting his bell rung.
And what’s a big fight without the legendary pipes of Michael Buffer? Yes, the man behind the iconic “Let’s get ready to rumble!” will be doing his thing, ensuring the main event feels as monumental as it should. It just wouldn’t be a mega-fight without him. Backing him up on the undercard is Joe Martinez, another familiar voice for UFC fans who brings his own distinct energy.
On the ground, we will have roving reporters Jim Gray and Heidi Androl. Gray is a broadcasting legend who has covered everything from Sup er Bowls to a thousand title fights. Androl, a staple of UFC broadcasts, is no stranger to the boxing world either. They’ll be the ones getting those sweaty, adrenaline-fueled post-fight interviews we all crave.
Holding down the desk for Netflix will be a fascinating collection of personalities. Your host for the evening? None other than Mario Lopez. Yes, A.C. Slater from Saved by the Bell. He has been dipping his toes into the combat sports world for a while now, and this is his biggest assignment yet. Can he pull it off? We’ll see. Joining him will be analysts Mark Kriegel, longtime boxing writer Mike Coppinger, and former light heavyweight champ Antonio Tarver. That’s a whole lot of boxing IQ crammed behind one table.
This lineup is a clear statement from Netflix. They aren’t just dipping their toes in the water; they’re doing a cannonball. By blending the best of boxing and MMA broadcasting, they’re aiming to create an experience that appeals to the widest possible audience. It’s a bold strategy for what promises to be a night of unforgettable action. Now, all that’s left is for the fighters to deliver. No pressure, guys.
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