Boxing announcer David Diamante breaks down in tears while leading tribute to tragic Patrick Day
RING announcer David Diamante was praised for his emotional tribute to tragic boxer Patrick Day.
The veteran presence got choked up as he delivered a touching speech in Newcastle for Day, who sadly died earlier this week after suffering injuries on the Oleksandr Usyk undercard.
Watching fans were inspired by Diamante’s kind words, praising his speech as “wonderful” and the announcer as a “class act”.
Jamie Ramage wrote: “That was a lovely tribute, completely heartfelt.”
Alex James added: “Respect to David Diamante there, held it together amazingly.”
Matty McNulty wrote: “David Diamanté is a top boy. Class act.”
And Nick Potter said: “That couldn’t have been easy but well played sir.
“Such a shame to lose these boxers doing something they love and well done to the Newcastle crowd.”
In the wake of his death, Diamante revealed on social media that he’d known Day, 27, since he was just 14.
He wrote on Thursday: “Devastated…
“I have known Patrick Day since he was 14 years old, and every good thing you read about him is true.
“He truly was a special human being. Kind, studious, respectful, hard-working, honest, driven and brave. He was the only fighter I ever saw who sometimes came to weigh-ins and press conferences with books.
“Sometimes he sat and read before he weighed-in. He was an inspiration to so many people. He led by example. Watching him grow and evolve into the man he became was a joy.
“Patrick loved to box and was a fighter at heart.
“I spoke to Patrick and his team many times last week. I announced his open workout, the final pre-fight press conference, his weigh-in, and his tragic last fight.
“I have not stopped for one second thinking about and praying for Patrick and hoping that he would make a miraculous recovery.
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“Today is a terrible day. Please, let us all remember how serious boxing is and always show respect to the men and women who fight.
“Rest in peace, Patrick Day. Knowing you died doing something you loved is the only thing that gives my heart a tiny sliver of comfort.
“I will never forget you, Patrick.”