04.12.06 – SANTO DOMINGO–He’s the son of a boxing legend, no doubt. But, in 25 years on his own in the center of the ring, Jimmy Lennon Jr. has proven himself to be a legend in his own right. Often referred to as “The Golden Voice” of boxing, Lennon is a master at setting the stage for classic fights..
On Monday, December 18, the globetrotting Lennon will handle the mike for the Joan Guzman-Antoine Davis WBO super featherweight title bout here. His Dominican debut will make it 21 countries in which Lennon has hosted big boxing shows. Lennon’s appointment was announced jointly by Sports Minister Felipe “Jay” Payano (SEDEFIR) and Jose Nunez of Jay Boxing Promotions.
“Jimmy Lennon is all about class and integrity. Like his famous father, Jimmy Lennon Sr., his pronunciations in Spanish are perfect and he just adds to the overall ambience for Guzman’s homecoming title bout and show,” Nunez said. “We are pleased that Jimmy was able to work this big event into his busy schedule.”
Lennon, who is an acting principal at a West Los Angeles school, said he expects to see a great show and looks forward to introducing some of the many major league baseball stars who will be sitting at ringside.
“I hear that Pedro Martinez, Albert Pujols, David Ortiz and many of the Dominican ballplayers are going to there to cheer their countryman, Guzman, on to victory. That will lend some extra excitement to the whole scene. I know Guzman is an extraordinary talent and I am sure he will go all out to entertain his home crowd,” Lennon said. “
Lennon Sr., who died 14 years ago, was the longtime house ring announcer at the famed Olympic Auditorium. The elder Lennon appeared as a ring announcer in 75 movies, including “Raging Bull,” “Rocky 3,” and “The Main Event.”
His son began his ring announcing at the Forum in 1981. In 1998, Lennon was elected to the World Boxing Hall Of Fame. He was the first foreigner to be allowed to be a ring announcer in Thailand and was chosen as the year’s best ring announcer five times by the World Boxing Association. KO magazine selected him as boxing’s Number One ring announcer.
He has appeared in many TV programs and movies and in a commercial for Pizza Hut.