Career Fiasco: Ring Announcer Dan Hennessey Steps Down After Major Blunder

Ring announcer Dan Hennessey recently made a career-altering decision to step down from his position following a major blunder at a high-profile fight in Australia. The incident occurred on May 11 at the RAC Arena in Perth, where Hennessey mistakenly declared the wrong winner in a tense competition for the WBA bantamweight belt.

The controversy unfolded when Hennessey read the three judges’ scorecards and announced Nina Hughes as the victor, despite the true winner being Cherneka Johnson. The mistake was quickly rectified, but the damage had been done. Criticism poured in from all sides, with even the fight’s play-by-play announcer, Joe Tessitore, openly chastising Hennessey on-air. The relentless backlash on social media ultimately took a toll on Hennessey’s mental health, prompting him to announce his retirement from ring announcing.

Hennessey’s career in ring announcing began with promise, starting at the Kings of Oceania kickboxing event before achieving a significant breakthrough in 2009 at the David Tua vs. Shane Cameron fight, one of the biggest PPV events in New Zealand at the time. He went on to become the main voice for Duco Events, calling attention to high-profile fights involving boxing legends such as Manny Pacquiao and Andy Ruiz. Despite his successes, the recent blunder at the RAC Arena tarnished his reputation and led to his untimely exit from the profession.

In a heartfelt post on his Facebook page, a somber Hennessey expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support he received following the incident. He acknowledged the overwhelming criticism he faced and the impact it had on his well-being, ultimately concluding that he could no longer withstand the pressure. With a heavy heart, the 56-year-old announcer bid farewell to his role, vowing to cherish the friendships he had forged in the world of combat sports. Despite the abrupt end to his career, Hennessey remains appreciative of the opportunities he had and the recognition he received, such as winning the Gladrap Boxing Awards MC of the Year in 2019.