Karyn Bryant Joins Showtime boxing

Former CNN Headline News anchor Karyn Bryant has joined the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING announce team as a reporter and correspondent for the February 4 and March 4 telecasts, it was announced today by Ken Hershman, general manager of Showtime Sports & Event Programming.

The talented and versatile Bryant is expected to bring a unique perspective to the boxing series now in its 20th year. She will serve alongside blow-by-blow veteran Steve Albert, respected analysts Al Bernstein and the Emmy Award-winning reporter Jim Gray.

“I am approaching this as a lifetime fight fan,” said Bryant. “I grew up watching boxing on television with my father and I have a great deal of respect for the commitment that fighters have to make. I know that ringside, when two guys are in the thick of it, you can really feel that commitment. That is probably what I am looking forward to the most.”

A graduate of Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and sociology, Bryant has an extensive on-camera resume. At CNN, she anchored the entertainment program “Showbiz Tonight,” live, five nights per week, for nearly a year. Bryant also has hosted, reported and anchored programs for NBC, TNT and MTV at high-profile events including the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards.

“We are thrilled to have Karyn join our announce team,” said SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Executive Producer David Dinkins. “If you have seen Karyn on camera even once, you know that she will bring a unique energy and a magnetic personality to our telecasts.”

As a long-time entertainment television journalist, Bryant will compliment the work of Albert, Bernstein and Gray by delivering a “fan’s perspective” to viewers. Bryant grew up in the Boston area and developed a deep-seeded passion for sports, the Red Sox and Patriots in particular.

“The role of the announce team in conveying the live experience is so crucial in sports television,” added Bryant. “I know Steve, Al and Jim are among the most respected ringside teams in the business. I expect to learn a lot from them.

“And I cannot wait to ruin a designer blouse with the blood and sweat of a warrior during a post-fight interview.”

On Feb. 4, former two-time World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo will face world-ranked Rolando Reyes in the 12-round main event at El Paso, Texas. On March 4 at Manchester, England, undefeated, hard-hitting super middleweight world champions Jeff “Left Hook’’ Lacy (International Boxing Federation) and Joe Calzaghe (World Boxing Organization) will meet in a highly-anticipated showdown for the unified 168-pound world title.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING celebrates 20 years of hard-hitting, explosive programming in 2006. On March 10, 1986, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was born when “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler defeated John “The Beast” Mugabi in a spectacular and unforgettable 11th-round knockout in Las Vegas. Since that time, the network has aired some of the most historic and significant events in the sport including both Holyfield-Tyson bouts.

Always at the forefront of boxing, SHOWTIME has set itself apart by telecasting “great fights, no rights” on the first Saturday of every month. SHOWTIME is the first network to regularly deliver live boxing in High Definition. In addition, SHOWTIME continues to be a pioneer in sports television with a number of interactive features across multiple platforms making SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecasts the most enjoyable, immersive viewing experience for the boxing audience.

For information on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and “ShoBox: The New Generation” telecasts, including complete fighter bios and records, related stories and more, please go the SHOWTIME website at http://www.sho.com/boxing.