On Friday, at 8 p.m. ET, boxing fans tuned in worldwide to watch the highly anticipated showdown between 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Fans expected an action-packed night full of taunting and intense competition, but one unexpected element of the broadcast caught many off guard — the presence of Oscar-nominated actress and longtime boxing enthusiast Rosie Perez.
Known for her acting and choreography talents, Perez brought her deep passion for boxing to the broadcast booth, offering unique insight into the fight and adding a layer of expertise that surprised many viewers. Here’s everything you need to know about Rosie Perez’s long-standing love for the sport and her new role in the world of boxing commentary.
Who is Rosie Perez?
Rosie Perez is a renowned actress, choreographer, and performer who has earned critical acclaim for her work in both the entertainment and sports industries. Her most famous role came in 1993 when she earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film Fearless. Although she lost the Oscar to Anna Paquin for The Piano, Perez’s work in the film cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. She also received a Golden Globe nomination for the same performance.
Perez’s career extends beyond acting. She is a highly skilled choreographer, having worked with music legends such as Janet Jackson, Bobby Brown, and LL Cool J. Her choreographic contributions to the hit show In Living Color earned her three Emmy nominations (1990, 1992, and 1993) for Outstanding Choreography.
In 2021, Perez received an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Megan Briscoe in The Flight Attendant.
Rosie Perez’s Passion for Boxing
Despite her high-profile career in entertainment, boxing has always been a significant part of Rosie Perez’s life. Her passion for the sport began at a young age, although she didn’t always feel comfortable expressing it. In a candid conversation with Mike Tyson, Perez explained that she was initially hesitant to share her love for boxing due to the negative stigma surrounding the sport. “When I mentioned it (to people), they would say, ‘How can you support a barbaric sport?'” she revealed.
However, despite these criticisms, Perez’s love for boxing persisted. She described it as a “cultural thing” that was deeply ingrained in her upbringing. Growing up in Puerto Rico, Perez was surrounded by boxing. “When I grew up, it seemed like if you were Puerto Rican, you were always watching boxing,” she told The New York Times in 2018. “We watched boxing and baseball, but boxing just spoke to me in a certain way as a young kid. And it still does.”
As an adult, Perez has remained an active participant in the boxing community. She can often be seen ringside at local boxing events, particularly in New York, her home state. Her love for the sport even led her to learn how to box herself after experiencing bullying in her younger years. “I learned how to box because I used to get beat up a lot. And I was scrappy. I would always fight back all the time, even though I would lose,” she shared with The Guardian in 2022. Although she no longer competes, Perez continues to train in boxing, earning her the nickname “The First Lady of Boxing” due to her deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport.
The Tyson vs. Paul Broadcast Team
For the highly anticipated Tyson vs. Paul fight, Perez was a key part of the broadcast team, offering commentary alongside a group of distinguished boxing figures. Joining her in the commentary booth was Mauro Ranallo, a Canadian play-by-play announcer known for his work in combat sports, and former heavyweight champion Roy Jones Jr., who faced Tyson in a 2020 exhibition match.
Perez’s deep understanding of boxing, combined with her genuine passion for the sport, made her a unique and compelling addition to the team. Tyson’s son, Amir Tyson, also served as a ringside reporter for the event. Additionally, British sportscaster Kate Scott hosted the event, with former boxing champion Andre Ward leading the booth as the main analyst. Popular combat sports reporter Ariel Helwani also contributed with on-the-ground reporting.
Perez’s Impact on Boxing Culture
Perez’s presence in the boxing world, particularly as a commentator for major events, serves to highlight the growing appreciation of boxing among diverse audiences. Her journey from a fan to an active participant in the sport, and now to a respected voice in its broadcast, underscores the broad appeal of boxing beyond the ring.
Her enthusiasm for the sport has helped elevate its cultural significance, with her being an influential figure in both the entertainment and sports communities. Fans of both Tyson and Paul were treated to a unique and insightful perspective, making the fight an even more unforgettable experience.
