“Colonel” Bob Sheridan was a boxing and MMA commentator who broadcast more than 10,000 fights for radio and television and was called the “Voice of Boxing.”
- Died: September 27, 2023 (Who else died on September 27?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 79.
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Bob Sheridan’s legacy
Sheridan reported on boxing matches from the 1970s until recently, years during which he saw some legendary fights. He was there for the 1974 Rumble in the Jungle, when Muhammad Ali (1942–2016) bested George Foreman. The following year, he told the world as Ali beat Joe Frazier (1944–2011) in the Thrilla in Manila. Sheridan was there for the notorious 1997 fight when Mike Tyson bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear. And he witnessed thousands of other bouts.
Sheridan frequently worked with boxing promoter Don King, reporting on his events since 1973. His high-energy commentary let fans feel they were there at the fight, and some of his play-by-play is legendary, as when he called the 1990 match in which Buster Douglas won the heavyweight championship against Tyson:
Oh, nice uppercut by Buster Douglas! Look at this! He’s knocked Mike Tyson down! For the first time in his career, Mike Tyson has hit the canvas! He’s in big trouble! He may not be able to recover! He’s up to seven! And eight! He’s not gonna be able to make it! Unbelievable! Unbelievable! Buster Douglas is the new… heavyweight champion of the world! This has got to be… this must be… one of the biggest upsets in the history of boxing! Buster Douglas… the new undisputed heavyweight champion of the world!
Sheridan was a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.
Tributes to Bob Sheridan
Full obituary: Fightnews.com
