Michael Buffer is an American boxing announcer and entrepreneur, best known for being one of the greatest ring announcers for boxing and wrestling matches of all time.
He became world-famous for developing his signature catchphrase ‘Let’s Get Ready to Rumble,’ which he uses to introduce fights.
Michael very wisely trademarked his famous phrase, earning hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties over the years.
His distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence have led to roles in various other arenas, including professional wrestling events, World Series baseball games, NBA Finals games, and even popular television shows and movies.
His style and catchphrase have made him one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment.
Net worth | $400 million |
Profession | Boxing announcer, entrepreneur |
Date of birth | November 2, 1944 |
Nationality | American |
Background
Michael was born to a U.S. Navy veteran, Joseph Buffer, during the Vietnam War.
However, when he was 11 months old, his parents divorced, and he was raised by foster parents who gave him the surname Huber.
Michael’s father had a second marriage, and Michael later met his younger half-brother, Bruce Buffer, who is also a ring announcer.
Michael served in the U.S. Army from the age of 20 to 23.
While in the army, he discovered that his last name was ‘Buffer’ after presenting his birth certificate, which led him to retain his original last name.
Michael began modelling at the age of 32 and appeared in many print advertisements.
He also appeared in underwear advertisements.
By the early 1980s, Michael was bored of modelling and was looking for a different line of work.
He heard of the big boom in the gambling industry in Atlantic City and created a fake portfolio to bag his first gig as a ring announcer.
Michael’s half-brother, Bruce, is also a ring announcer, and they reunited many years later and have since worked together as business partners for life.
Net worth
Michael’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 million.
He has built his fortune primarily through his career as a ring announcer and trademarking his famous catchphrase, ‘Let’s Get Ready To Rumble.’
In 1992, Michael successfully trademarked the phrase, giving him exclusive rights to its commercial use.
This has allowed him to license the catchphrase for various purposes, including video games, commercials and merchandise, generating substantial income.
Michael’s catchphrase has become synonymous with excitement and anticipation, making it highly valuable in the world of entertainment.
In addition to his announcing career, Michael has also capitalized on his fame through brand endorsements.
“Let’s Get Ready To Rumble!” catchphrase
Michael’s most famous catchphrase is ‘Let’s Get Ready To Rumble!’
This phrase has become a cultural phenomenon and has been used in countless boxing matches, sports events, movies, TV shows and video games.
Michael earns between $25,000 and $100,000 every time he utters those five famous words, making it the foundation of a multi-million dollar empire.
The catchphrase has become synonymous with excitement and energy, drawing the audience in and building anticipation for what’s to come.
Michael’s distinctive voice and style have made him one of the most recognizable voices in sports and entertainment, earning him numerous accolades and making him a wealthy man.
His success as a ring announcer and entertainer has also led to cameo appearances in movies and TV shows, further solidifying his iconic status.
Endorsement deals
Michael has endorsed a variety of products and services over the years.
Some of the notable endorsements include video games like Ready to Rumble, soft drinks such as Fanta, alcoholic beverages like Let’s Get Ready to Stumble beer, sports equipment including Let’s Get Ready to Rumble.
Michael has also endorsed boxing gloves by Everlast, casinos like the Trump Taj Mahal Casino, automotive brands such as Aston Martin, fitness equipment like Life Fitness and financial services companies like Edward Jones.
Car and watch collection
Michael has a collection of high-end timepieces, including Rolex and Cartier, and is also fond of a one-of-a-kind tourbillon.
He has a garage that holds several luxury cars, including a Mercedes S500 sedan, Mercedes SL55AMG, Cadillac Escalade and Bentley convertible.
Michael’s car collection also includes a Ferrari 296 GT3 valued at $350,000.
In 2023, his 2019 Corvette ZR1 was put up for sale, with bidding expected to start at $200,000.
Boxing announcing
Michael’s journey to becoming a boxing announcer began in the early 1980s when he decided to pursue a career in ring announcing.
This decision was sparked by a moment while watching a boxing match with his son, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the announcer’s performance and his son suggested sending headshots and resumes to Atlantic City hotels.
Michael secured gigs as a ring announcer, particularly with ESPN, which was gaining national prominence at the time and broadcasting fights to millions of homes across the country.
He brought enthusiasm and showmanship to the job, revolutionizing the role of the boxing announcer.
Michael’s trademark catchphrase, Let’s get ready to rumble! became iconic and synonymous with boxing events, elevating him to celebrity status within the sport and beyond.
His career as a ring announcer flourished as he announced fights for major boxing promotions, including Top Rank events and matches at casinos owned by Donald Trump.
Michael’s distinctive voice and charismatic presence extended beyond boxing to other sports like baseball, hockey and football, as well as entertainment platforms like World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Saturday Night Live and American Idol.
His bold initiative, introduction of showmanship to the role, and the creation of his famous catchphrase propelled him to become one of the most recognizable and respected figures in the world of sports entertainment.
Other gigs
In professional wrestling, Michael has announced for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and WWE.
He has also announced the World Series for Major League Baseball, the Stanley Cup finals for hockey and various NFL games.
Michael’s iconic catchphrase, Let’s get ready to rumble, has become synonymous with his introductions and has transcended the realm of boxing, making appearances in movies, TV shows and video games.
Most famous announcements
Michael has announced fights featuring some of the sport’s most prominent boxers, including Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez.
He has been the ring announcer for DAZN fights since 2018 and has previously had deals with HBO and NBC Sports Network.
Michael’s catchphrase has been licensed for use in music, video games, movies, TV shows, and merchandise, generating over $400 million in revenue.
He earns between $25,000 and $100,000 per fight, with occasional payments of up to $1 million.
Michael has also announced the start of several major sporting events, including the Indianapolis 500, NBA Finals, United States Grand Prix, Stanley Cup Finals and National League Championship Series.
Filmography
Michael has appeared in several films and TV shows, often as himself or in a ring announcer role.
In films, he has appeared in Harlem Nights, Homeboy, Rocky V, Virtuosity, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, Grudge Match, Creed II and Rumble among others.
On TV, Michael has appeared in America’s Next Top Model, Cycle 18, The Circuit, Play It to the Bone, Friends, Entourage and Edge of Desire among others.
He has also worked as a ring announcer for professional wrestling promotions such as WWE, AEW, TNA and ROH, and has been involved in various commercials and promotional activities.
Trademark
Michael trademarked the phrase, ‘Let’s get ready to rumble!’, in 1992, which has become a pop culture phenomenon and a key part of his success as a sports announcer.
By securing this trademark, he has been able to protect his intellectual property and turn his catchphrase into a multimillion-dollar empire.
The trademark has allowed him to earn substantial revenue through licensing deals for various uses of the phrase, such as in video games, movies, merchandise and personal appearances.
Michael’s decision to trademark his iconic phrase has been a crucial factor in building a sustainable brand around his voice and catchphrase, highlighting the importance of protecting intellectual property in business ventures.
Personal life
Michael has been married to his wife, Christine Buffer, and has two children from a previous marriage.