Interview with a familiar emcee of the ring
It can often be a lonely place inside that squared circle. For the boxers going mano y mano, those three minutes can feel like a lifetime. But what about the other individuals upon which the hot glare of the spotlight is also focused on?
A pro fight just wouldn’t be the same without a ring announcer introducing the boxers, revealing the scorecard tallies and so much more. These people who choose announcing as their profession make it look easy. But beneath their calm exterior is an efficient 
tactician rehearsing everything in their head.
Meet one of the most recognizable announcers in the sport, Jim FitzGerald, otherwise known as “Fitz.” The Los Angeles-based emcee is frequently seen in the center of the ring cueing the timekeeper and the ringing of the bell, calling up celebrity guests into the ring, working with the promoter to assess their needs, and adjusting to any last-minute changes in the schedule.
While “ready to rumble” Michael Buffer and the “always classy” Jimmy Lennon Jr. may be the two most well-known announcers out there, Fitz is another tuxedoed “ring master” who loves what he does. A veteran of the sweet science, he’s perfected his own ring generalship with panache and professionalism.
I have known Jim for several years now and have seen him at many boxing shows, awards ceremonies and fight events around town. As you’ll see in these photos, I managed to capture the busy emcee at various recent events and with some familiar faces like Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Alfredo Angulo, female fighter Katarina De La Cruz and a trio of ring card girls!
Always ready at the mike, you can see him in action this weekend during the All-Star Boxing event at the Commerce Casino.
I had a chance to catch up with the popular announcer who is also a well-rounded entertainer as an actor and magician, as well as an avid poker player! Read on as he recalls breaking into the business, how he got those Los Angeles Laker championship rings, and about always being right where the action is–right in the boxing ring!
Michele Chong: Hey Fitz. Please tell us about your early entrance into the world of boxing…
Jim FitzGerald: In 1986 I had the pleasure of working for Dr. Jerry Buss and Forum Boxing. I started out selling Season Seats for the boxing events held at the Fabulous Forum. Soon after I became the Director of Season Seats and also handled advertising and marketing responsibilities. During this time I handled all the VIP seating for individuals such as Ken Thompson, Dr. Joe Noriega, Mando Ramos and Dub Harris. Over the 14 years with Forum Boxing I worked over 260 shows including handling all ticket sales for Oscar De La Hoya’s pro debut. I worked along side many individuals including John Jackson, Antonio Curtis, John Beyrooty, Mike Garrett and Carlos Avilas–not a bad bunch of guys to learn the ropes from!
MC: You also worked at the Forum during Laker games?
JF: Aside from working in the boxing department I also worked selling season tickets to all of the events held at the Forum including the “SHOWTIME” Lakers. During the ’92-’94 seasons I had the honor of substituting for legendary Laker PA Announcer Lawrence Tanner. It was the first time I ever did any type of public speaking–and in front of 17,505 fans!
MC: So how many Laker championship rings do you own?
JF: I have had the pleasure and honor of working with the Los Angeles Lakers organization from 1986-2003. During this time I was able to obtain three NBA Championship rings (1987, 2000, 2001). I also worked for the WNBA Sparks during their first championship run and was given a ring by the team.
MC: And how did you first become a boxing ring announcer?
JF: On an early November morning in 1999 we were promoting a championship fight in Las Vegas. We were having our typical pre-fight meeting when John Jackson had informed us that our famed ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. was going to be arriving late and would be unable to open the show. It was Carlos Avilas that graciously volunteered me to fill in and get the show rolling. Again, I had the opportunity to fill in for a legendary announcer–very tough shoes to fill–but an experience of a lifetime! And I would also like to acknowledge all of the promoters who have given me that opportunity to announce their events; one in particular is Ed Holmes of All-Star Boxing who has helped me tremendously throughout my career.
MC: You were also the emcee at the 2010 California Boxing Hall of Fame Awards. How long have you known Don Fraser?
JF: Actually I have known of Don Fraser for over 20 years. While working for Forum Boxing I had heard the stories of how he brought great shows there in the past. Since I was at every show (over 260) I am sure I met him long ago. But it was about four years 
ago that he asked me to be the emcee for the California Boxing Hall of Fame. Since that time I have also co-emceed for the World Boxing Hall of Fame
MC: Can you tell us about any humorous or memorable stories from events you’ve announced?
JF: One story that comes to mind was early in my career. As an announcer at times it is difficult to watch the fights, you always have someone coming over trying to get you to announce one thing or another. In one bout in particular GARCIA was fighting GRACIA (and to those that were watching) Garcia clearly won on points. When Dean Lohius gave me the decision he inadvertently gave me the wrong name! Well lo and behold as I was announcing Gracia the winner, EVERYONE in the place booed with the exception of Gracia who was jumping with excitement! Now Gracia like everyone else watching had to have known he lost the fight, but it still broke my heart to have to announce the correction and to see the look of disappointment on Gracia’s face although Garcia became very happy!
MC: What is the most challenging aspect about your job?
JF: I would have to say public speaking is a challenge in itself; one flub of a word and your whole night can be out of sync. Also to make sure you are announcing the correct winner. (Laughs)
MC: Who are your favorite past and current fighters?
JF: Like any boxing fan you had to love Ali! But growing up my favorite fighter was Sugar Ray Leonard. He had great charisma and was such a technical boxer. Of course I am a bit biased about Genaro Hernandez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Chiquita Gonzalez, Jorge Paez, and Juan Manuel Marquez since they all fought for Forum Boxing during their prime.
MC: Aside from boxing, you’ve also worked mixed martial arts cards. How long have you been announcing MMA?
JF: In 2001 I was asked to go to Colorado to announce a UFC event. It was the first time I ever announced an MMA fight and it was also the first time I had ever attended an MMA event. Coming from the world of boxing I was shocked to see one fighter pin the other to the ground and proceed to beat him to a pulp. I was thinking, “What happened to the standing 8 count?”
Since that time I have announced many MMA cards including all of the “Born to Fight” events which is one of the biggest MMA shows held every year in San Jose and are put on by three-time world champion Cung Le.
MC: The biggest difference between announcing Boxing and MMA?
JF: I would have to say the decisions. In boxing aside from a split decision it is usually cut and dry who won. In MMA with all of the different tactical moves and holds such as the arm-bar or rear naked choke, at times I’m not even sure who won! And although I enjoy both sports, I prefer a good knockout in boxing over a tap-out in MMA.
MC: Can you name some of the highlights of your careers to date?
JF: Aside from being cast in films and television, I had the honor of announcing “The Legends of Boxing” in Biloxi, Mississippi. The card featured former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes vs. Mike Weaver. Also on the card were “Butterbean” and Jacqueline Frazier. My biggest highlight was recently announcing a face-off in the ring against Tommy Hearns and none other then Sugar Ray Leonard. I felt like I was announcing ‘The Showdown” on September 16, 1981.
MC: You are also an actor. You were in “The Hammer” and a Mac commercial, correct?
JF: Yes. I have been cast as a ring announcer in “Daredevil, as well as the “Get a Mac” commercials. I have also been cast as an announcer in “The Hammer” and several local commercials. Also in my poker career I have been an advisor and actor in “Lucky You,” “Even Money,” “The Unit,” “Lie to Me,” “The West Wing” and even an Oil of Olay commercial.
MC: What are your other interests besides acting and boxing?
JF: I am an avid poker player. I currently own my own school teaching individuals on becoming certified poker dealers as well as teaching individuals on how to play poker. I have dealt to Doyle Brunson, Sammy Farha, Johnny Chan, Chris Moneymaker and Greg Raymer to name a few; all have won the World Series of Poker.
My other interest is MAGIC! I am a full-fledged magician performing at various gigs throughout the year. I won the honor of 2003 S.C.A.M. Close-up Magician of the year. I am a former member of the World Famous Magic Castle.
MC: Any advice to new ring announcers just starting out?
JF: Do your homework. When announcing an event it is your responsibility to make sure the show is professional. Aside from attending the weigh-in, I arrive at an event two and a half hours before the fights begin. It is very important to talk to each and every fighter to make sure you have all of the correct information and most importantly you get the correct pronunciation of their name.
And always be polite to the fans. If it wasn’t for them, there would be no show!
MC: And finally, do you have a catch phrase?
JF: Unfortunately I did not come up with “Let’s get ready to rumble!” but in the days of announcing the Laker games I would say “Heeeeeere we go, it’s time for the fourth and final quarter.” So I have incorporated that into my boxing/MMA announcing: “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, NOW IN THE RING WHAT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR…..HEEEEEEEEERE WE GO IT’S TIME FOR THE MAIN EVENT OF THIS EVENING!!!”
MC: (Laughs) Well now anyone who hears that will know it’s you. Thanks again for your time, Fitz! And see you at the fights.
JF: Thank you and look forward to seeing you at ringside!
Photos by Michele Chong