Who is Michael Buffer?

Who is Michael Buffer? 
Legendary MC that announced Joshua vs Klitschko at Wembley Stadium

The 72-year-old is famous for his catchphrase 'Let's get ready to rumble' and has been a ring announcer since 1982
 
The legendary MC announced the hotly anticipated heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko on Saturday night May 29th 2017.

Promoter Eddie Hearn often acquires the services of the 72-year-old for his big Matchroom fights and this weekend is no different.

Buffer, known for his iconic phrase “Let’s get ready to rumble” has been in the business since 1982, and was also the ring announcer for World Championship Wrestling.

Here’s everything you need to know about the legend himself.
Who is Michael Buffer?

Michael Buffer is a ring announcer who made his name in boxing and professional wrestling.

He was born in 1944 during World War Two to an enlisted serviceman in the US Navy, but after his parents were divorced before he turned one, was raised by foster parents.

When he was 20 he enlisted in the Army during the height of the Vietnam War, and served until he was 23.

After leaving the army, he became a car salesmen before embarking on a career as a model when he was 32.

What is Michael Buffer known for?

When he was 38 he took the plunge in becoming a ring announcer, and in 1983, just a year into his new line of work was  hired by Bob Arum to be the official announcer for all of his Top Rank boxing shows on ESPN.

He gained worldwide fame with his signature catchphrase “Let’s get ready to rumble” which he has subsequently trademarked.

At the end of the 1980s, Donald Trump made Buffer the exclusive announcer for all the bouts in his casinos.

He now regularly announces Matchroom shows, as well as being the main announcer for HBO, NBC Sports Network and German channel RTL.

Has he just been a boxing announcer?

Buffer had a long association with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and was involved in their main events featuring the likes of Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage.
He was involved with the company until they ceased to exist in 2001.

Buffer and also announced sports finals including the World Series, Stanley Cup, NBA and play-off matches in the NFL.

He has also been in many films, including Rocky V, Rocky Balboa and Creed where he played himself, while he also played the villain in Adam Sandler's You Don't Mess with the Zohan.

Is Michael Buffer the only celebrity in his family?

Buffer's grandfather - Johnny Buff, was a professional boxer and was a bantamweight world champion from 1921 to 1922.

His fame in the 1980s led him to be reunited with his birth-father, where he was introduced to his half-siblings.

One of which - Bruce Buffer is himself a ring announcer, where he is the voice of the Octagon for the UFC.

Michael Buffer is married to his third wife - who he proposed to while on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and has two sons with his first wife.
How much is Michael Buffer worth?

Through his trademark catchphrase and being a veteran of the entertainment world, he is worth a staggering £326million.

His catchphrase has since been used in video games, music albums and TV commercials.