David Diamante is a famous name in the boxing world, tasked with introducing the fighters and getting the crowd pumped up as the ring walks commence, to create an even better atmosphere than there already is.

He is one of the most famous announcers there is in the sport, with him and Michael Buffer getting the major gigs when it comes to boxing.

Obviously, he has to bring his own style to the role to make him unique from those wanting his job, and he has his own gimmicks, with one in particular intriguing to fans.

Who is David Diamante?

The Baltimore born announcer has been in the profession now for almost two decades, working in a range of disciplines, with boxing and MMA being the key ones for him.

A motorcycle enthusiast, Diamante is known for his trademark dreadlocks and his ‘The fight starts now’ catchphrase.

On top of his announcer work, he has also featured in multiple films such as, Southpaw, Counterounch, Out of the Ring, Ringside and Hardy.

MANCHESTER, NH - NOVEMBER 19: Announcer David Diamante introduces Demetrius Andrade and Jason Quigley before the WBO middleweight title bout at SNHU Arena on November 19, 2021 in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)

Why does David Diamante repeat fighters’ surnames?

A question boxing fans probably scratch their head about, without being able to think of a logical reason, is why does Diamante famously repeat the surnames of the fighters when announcing them?

After announcing the fighter in full, he follows it up with the surname again but quieter, and he has opened up as to why he does it, saying: “Growing up I loved it when guys did it. My two favourite announcers were Mark Bureau and Ed Derian and they didn’t do the huge fights, but they were great announcers.

“They would always repeat the surnames and I always loved that as a kid. It was one of those things – I grew up watching the fights and loving the fights. Hearing that with the music just sounds right to me.

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - AUGUST 20: Ramla Ali celebrates their victory against Crystal Garcia Nova in the Super-Bantamweight fight with Eddie Hearn, Boxing Promoter and Chairman of Matchroom Sport and David Diamante during the Rage on the Red Sea Heavyweight Title Fight at King Abdullah Sports City Arena on August 20, 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

“[Saying the names twice] originally started many, many years ago. Back in the day some of the of the speaker systems weren’t that great and guys would call out the name once and then do it [again to a different part of the arena], so guys can hear it on the other side.”

So there we have it, that’s the reason he does it, in homage to his favourite announcers growing up, with the gimmick likely to stick for those budding announcers who look up to Diamante, the same way he once did.