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Max Kellerman
Max Kellerman
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Max Kellerman (born August 6, 1973) is an American sports television personality and boxing commentator. Until his departure from ESPN in June 2023, he was the host of This Just In with Max Kellerman and the co-host of Keyshawn, JWill and Max on ESPN Radio. He previously was a co-host of ESPN talk show First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim. He also previously was the co-host of the sports radio talk show Max & Marcellus, with Marcellus Wiley, on ESPNLA. Kellerman hosted the ESPN panel talk show Around the Horn from the show's inception in 2002 until 2004 and co-hosted the sports comedy talk show SportsNation, alongside Wiley and Michelle Beadle, from 2013 until 2016. He was also a studio commentator with Brian Kenny on Friday Night Fights and a color commentator for HBO World Championship Boxing and Boxing After Dark.

Key Information

Career

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Sports broadcasting

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Kellerman's first broadcasting experience was as a teenager on a New York City public-access television cable TV program on professional boxing called Max on Boxing. Given the medium, the show was quite simple but nevertheless caught the attention of the boxing community, including a young Mike Tyson.

In the late 1990s after graduating from Columbia University with a degree in history, Kellerman was hired as an analyst on ESPN's boxing series Friday Night Fights where he met future radio partner Brian Kenny. In November 2002 he was given his own show and, influenced by Pardon the Interruption, became the architect and original host of ESPN's Around the Horn. While the show was incredibly popular, Kellerman and ESPN could not reach an agreement for him to remain with the network, and Kellerman left the network in early 2004 to host a new show called I, Max on Fox Sports Net. He would discuss sports news with Michael Holley, former Around the Horn panelist, and Bill Wolff.

Max took time off from the show after the death of his brother. He later returned, but despite his show garnering the network's highest ratings for a period of time, it was canceled by Fox. The last I, Max show aired on February 18, 2005. Max also was the co-host of Spike TV's 2006 series, King of Vegas.

In 2005, Tucker Carlson announced that Kellerman would be a permanent contributor on his MSNBC show Tucker. On a segment of the show called "The Outsider", Kellerman generally took the position selected by Carlson. Frequently, Carlson introduced Kellerman with a bio containing a humorously enthusiastic compliment. The show was canceled in March 2008.

Starting in the week of August 21, 2006, Kellerman did at least two nights of audition shows at 7 pm for WEPN, a ESPN Radio station in New York City, hosting one night with Sid Rosenberg. On August 28, 2006, it was announced that Brandon Tierney would be taking over at 7 pm, which temporarily left Kellerman without a timeslot. On October 23, 2006, Max began hosting the 10 am to noon program on WEPN, replacing ESPN's nationally broadcast Colin Cowherd program.

In September 2007, Kellerman began hosting a third hour, extending the show to 1 pm. Two months later, ESPNEWS and SportsCenter host Brian Kenny joined the show as co-host. On February 4, 2008, the show was added to XM Radio on ESPN Xtra. In the fall of 2008, Kenny left the radio program to attend to his SportsCenter duties and the program was again named The Max Kellerman Show.

Kellerman and ESPN Radio mutually ended their relationship on March 9, 2009. Evening host Brandon Tierney temporarily filled in Kellerman, and Colin Cowherd took his timeslot.[1][2]

Kellerman continued his boxing broadcast work at HBO. He was originally hired for the network's Boxing After Dark telecasts, working alongside Fran Charles and Lennox Lewis. In 2007, Kellerman moved up to the HBO World Championship Boxing main team alongside Jim Lampley, Harold Lederman, and a rotating guest analyst, usually Roy Jones Jr. or Emanuel Steward.

On May 12, 2010, it was announced Kellerman had been hired by CNN: "Kellerman will weigh in on sports and pop culture issues on CNN American Morning and other programs. He has previously served as a contributor to MSNBC."[3]

Kellerman was announced in December 2010 as the new midday host at ESPN Radio station KSPN in Los Angeles, alongside former NFL player co-host Marcellus Wiley, replacing LA Sports Live with Andrew Siciliano and former NBA player Mychal Thompson. Program director Mike Thompson (no relation to Mychal Thompson), who hired Kellerman, had worked with Kellerman at WEPN.[4]

In May 2015, Kellerman covered the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao boxing match for HBO.[5] He received criticism online for his post-match interview with Manny Pacquiao.[6] The Guardian stated that his line of questioning was, "interpreted as patronizing" as his wording to Pacquiao was "You thought you won today, Why?" However, Kellerman retorted that he "had to ask him" about his disagreement with the judges' adjudication.[7]

Kellerman replaced Skip Bayless on ESPN's First Take as co-analyst alongside Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim, effective July 25, 2016.[8]

Kellerman (right) at ESPN First Take, 2018

With HBO leaving the boxing business at the end of 2018, Kellerman signed a multiyear contract with ESPN which greatly expanded his role in the network's boxing coverage. However, in contrast to his color-commentary role with HBO, for ESPN he presided over network coverage from the broadcast desk rather than at ringside.[9]

Kellerman departed from First Take in September 2021 after Stephen A. Smith requested his removal, citing a lack of chemistry necessary for the show’s long-term success.[10][11] Kellerman was subsequently laid off from ESPN in June 2023.[12]

In June 2025, Dana White announced that Kellerman would provide commentary for Netflix's presentation of the Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight card on September 13, 2025. The event marked Kellerman's first broadcasting appearance since his departure from ESPN. [13][14]

Acting

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Kellerman made a brief appearance in the 2006 film Rocky Balboa alongside Lampley and Merchant, who served as the broadcast team for the fight between Rocky and Mason "The Line" Dixon. He would also make an appearance in the 2015 film Creed, as the reporter interviewing Donnie Creed at the conclusion of his fight with "Pretty" Ricky Conlan. Kellerman played himself in the short film The Wedding Bout.[15]

Kellerman played himself in Real Husbands of Hollywood.[16]

Personal life

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Kellerman was born in The Bronx, and grew up in the Greenwich Village area of New York City. He graduated from New York City's PS 41 in Greenwich Village, Hunter College High School in 1991 and, later, Columbia University in 1998.

His younger brother Sam was a freelance writer who also covered professional boxing.[17] In 2004, Sam's body was found inside his apartment in Los Angeles. As a result of the ensuing investigation, former boxer James Butler was arrested and charged with Sam's murder. He later confessed to voluntary manslaughter and arson and was given a 29-year sentence.[17]

Kellerman and his wife have three daughters.[18]

Kellerman pointed out on Tucker that "Max" is not short for anything, and that he does not have a middle name. He is active in Jewish cultural activities and, according to The Forward and the Yiddish Book Center, speaks Yiddish.[19] A hip hop fan, evidenced by his intro music on his ESPN Radio show, Kellerman's favorite artists include the Wu-Tang Clan, having stated on his radio show that Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... is one of his favorite albums. He was a member of a hip-hop group with his brother Sam, under the name "Max and Sam". They were signed under Columbia Records in 1994 and recorded a music video titled "Young Man Rumble".

Kellerman has a small permanent scar on the left side of his mouth from a childhood accident with an electrical outlet.[20]

Kellerman is a fan of the New York Giants and New York Yankees.[21][22]

References

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from Grokipedia
Max Kellerman (born August 6, 1973) is an American sports television personality, radio host, and commentator renowned for his analytical style and extensive career in sports media, particularly in and formats. Kellerman's career began at age 16 when he launched Max on Boxing, a public access cable television show in focused on the sport, which he hosted for eight years and produced over 400 segments while working as a waiter to cover costs. He graduated from in 1998 with a degree in , after which he quickly transitioned to national television by joining as a studio analyst for Friday Night Fights on , co-hosting with Brian Kenny starting in October 1998. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Kellerman expanded his roles at , hosting from 2002 to 2004, SportsNation from 2013 to 2016, and co-hosting the Los Angeles-based radio show Max & Marcellus with . He also gained prominence in commentary as a color analyst and host for HBO's World Championship Boxing, Boxing After Dark, and Face Off with Max Kellerman, covering major events and earning respect for his deep knowledge of the sport's history and tactics. From 2016 to 2021, Kellerman co-hosted ESPN's flagship debate show First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, where his contrarian opinions and rapid-fire analysis became a signature element of the program. Following that, he hosted the television show This Just In with Max Kellerman and co-hosted the ESPN Radio program Keyshawn, JWill & Max until his departure from the network in June 2023 amid a wave of layoffs. Since leaving , Kellerman has refocused on , serving as a commentator for high-profile bouts including the 2025 Canelo Alvarez vs. fight and contributing to Inside The Ring on The Ring's platform. In November 2025, he announced a new partnership with sports agent , set to debut on The Ringer network under ' production, marking his return to broader sports media discussions.

Early life

Family background

Max Kellerman was born on August 6, 1973, in the borough of . He was raised in , , where his family lived in two apartments on . Kellerman grew up in a Jewish family of Eastern European descent, with his paternal grandfather having fled persecution in . His parents were Henry Kellerman, a renowned psychoanalyst, and Linda Kellerman, an artist. The family emphasized culture; Kellerman became fluent in the language through exposure at home, including from his grandmother (Bobe), and by attending the Khayke Klebonsky school on Saturdays. He also participated in summer programs at and Yidish-Vokh retreats alongside his siblings. As the eldest of four brothers—Sam, Harry, and Jack—Kellerman shared a particularly close bond with his younger brother Sam, a future . The siblings formed a tight-knit group known playfully as MaSaHaJa Inc., collaborating on early creative pursuits like under the name Young Man Rumble, and engaging in spirited debates that strengthened their relationship. Kellerman often acted as a protector to his brothers, them in subjects like history from a young age. Kellerman's early passion for sports was nurtured within the family, particularly through , which his father introduced to him at age eight via lessons at a local . This exposure, amid New York's vibrant sports scene, ignited his lifelong interest in the sport and local teams, though his mother later prohibited the lessons following the 1982 death of boxer Duk Koo Kim.

Education

Kellerman attended , a public elementary school in New York City's Greenwich Village neighborhood. He later graduated from the prestigious in 1991. Kellerman enrolled at , where he pursued a degree in , graduating in 1998. During his time at Columbia, Kellerman engaged in self-study of boxing history, immersing himself in the sport's past through extensive personal research, which cultivated his early expertise in the field. This academic foundation in history, combined with his independent explorations, honed his analytical approach to complex subjects, influencing his intellectual development.

Broadcasting career

Early work

Kellerman began his broadcasting career as a teenager, launching the show Max on Boxing in at age 16 in 1989. The half-hour program, which he produced and hosted independently, focused on analysis, featuring discussions of fights, fighters, and historical context while taking live caller questions in a simple studio setup with a blue screen backdrop. Over eight years, Kellerman created more than 400 episodes, funding the production himself through part-time work as a waiter to cover basic costs like a $32 weekly phone line. The show's insightful commentary, drawing on Kellerman's deep knowledge of boxing history honed during his studies in history at Columbia University, quickly built a local following among boxing enthusiasts in the early 1990s. His precocious expertise as a high schooler led to notable local television appearances, including a segment on The Late Show with David Letterman, where a producer spotted his public-access work and invited him to discuss boxing topics. These early exposures highlighted his articulate, analytical style and helped establish his reputation in New York's sports media scene. In the mid-1990s, Kellerman expanded into freelance analysis, providing independent commentary for various outlets and events beyond his public-access show. This work included on-air contributions to local sports programs and informal gigs analyzing matches for boxing promoters and fans, solidifying his role as a go-to voice for the sport in New York. By the late , these independent efforts transitioned him toward broader national recognition, as he compiled demo tapes from Max on Boxing to pitch to major networks, marking the end of his phase and the start of professional opportunities.

ESPN tenure

Max Kellerman joined ESPN in 1998 as a studio analyst for the boxing series Friday Night Fights, marking his entry into major network television at age 25 following his independent boxing commentary work. His role involved providing analysis alongside play-by-play announcer Brian Kenny, quickly earning praise for his deep knowledge and passionate delivery on the program. In November 2002, Kellerman transitioned to hosting duties on ESPN's new debate show , which debuted as a fast-paced featuring columnists from across the U.S. time zones. He moderated segments with a distinctive style that included point awards and deductions, though it drew early criticism for being overly aggressive and gimmicky, contributing to the show's initial "30 minutes of hell" reputation. Kellerman hosted until January 2004, helping build viewership before stepping down amid ESPN's refusal to match a competing offer. Following his exit from Around the Horn, Kellerman briefly left in 2004 to launch and host I, Max on Fox Sports Net, a nightly commentary show co-starring that emphasized opinionated sports debates but was canceled after nine months due to low ratings. He returned to in 2006 to host The Max Kellerman Show on ESPN Radio's WEPN in , a three-hour afternoon drive program that ran until 2009 and focused on sports talk with guest appearances, though it ended over contractual disputes. Kellerman rejoined ESPN's television lineup in the mid-2010s, co-hosting SportsNation before taking on a prominent role on First Take in July 2016, where he replaced as the analytical counterpoint to Stephen A. Smith's bombastic style. During this period, he also co-hosted the afternoon radio show Max & Marcellus with on ESPN LA 710. The show, airing weekdays on ESPN, evolved under their pairing to emphasize heated, two-on-one debates on hot topics like NFL controversies and NBA trades, with Kellerman often challenging Smith's opinions through data-driven arguments, such as his defense of Colin Kaepernick's protests or critiques of ' team choices. This dynamic boosted ratings but sparked internal tensions, as Smith later admitted disliking their on-air chemistry and pushing for Kellerman's removal by late 2020, citing a lack of personal rapport despite professional success. In August 2021, Kellerman departed amid the reported rift, transitioning to host the new daily news and opinion program This Just In on , which premiered on and aired live from 2 to 3 p.m. ET, covering breaking sports stories with expert guests. Concurrently, he expanded into by co-hosting the morning drive show Keyshawn, JWill & Max with and Jay Williams, starting in September 2021; the trio's banter on topics like realignment and MLB labor issues helped it become a staple in ESPN's audio lineup. Throughout his ESPN tenure, Kellerman's combative debate style—praised for intellectual rigor but criticized as overly smug or interruptive—fueled notable on-air clashes, including a 2018 First Take exchange where he accused Smith of bias in NFL quarterback rankings, and broader critiques of his "know-it-all" persona dating back to . These elements defined his contributions but also contributed to his exit in June 2023, when ESPN laid him off as part of cost-cutting measures affecting This Just In and Keyshawn, JWill & Max.

Post-ESPN developments

Kellerman's tenure at ESPN concluded in June 2023, when he was laid off as part of a broader wave of cost-cutting measures and contract restructurings at the network, though he remained under contract and compensated through at least mid-2025. In the ensuing period from 2023 to 2024, Kellerman focused on independent ventures, including keynote speaking engagements on topics such as , sports analysis, and athlete performance, delivered through agencies like AAE Speakers Bureau. These activities allowed him to stay engaged with the industry while maintaining a relatively low public profile outside of ESPN obligations. Kellerman reemerged prominently in 2025 by joining The Ring magazine as co-host of the weekly boxing program Inside the Ring on DAZN, alongside Mike Coppinger, which premiered on September 10 and features breaking news, in-depth analysis, and social media-distributed content tied to major fight nights. The show incorporates live discussions and contributor panels to cover ongoing developments in professional boxing. Further marking his return to broadcasting, Kellerman was announced in June 2025 as part of the commentary team for the vs. unified title fight, streamed live on from on September 13, 2025, where he served as a color analyst alongside play-by-play announcer and fellow analyst . These boxing-focused roles have positioned Kellerman for potential expansion into wider sports media, including explorations in podcasting and radio; notably, in November 2025, The Ringer announced a new podcast featuring Kellerman and sports agent , slated to debut later that month under ' production. His established ESPN legacy in debate-driven sports commentary has influenced these opportunities, bridging his boxing expertise with broader audience appeal.

Other media pursuits

Boxing commentary

Kellerman developed his early expertise through extensive self-study beginning in his teenage years, immersing himself in the sport's history, techniques, and fighters without formal training. At age 16 in 1989, he launched "Max on ," a show in New York where he analyzed professional bouts, interviewed guests, and built a reputation among boxing enthusiasts over eight years and more than 400 episodes. In 2006, Kellerman joined as a for its premier series, including World Championship Boxing and Boxing After Dark, providing in-depth analysis alongside play-by-play announcer . His role involved breaking down fighters' strategies and historical context during high-profile events, earning praise for his articulate and knowledgeable commentary; he renewed his contract in a multi-year deal in 2015. Notable among his HBO calls was the 2015 pay-per-view megafight between Floyd Mayweather and , where he offered real-time insights into the tactical chess match, later reflecting on Pacquiao's aggressive style versus Mayweather's defensive mastery. Transitioning to ESPN after HBO ceased its boxing programming in 2018, Kellerman expanded his role as an analyst and host for major fights on ESPN and cards, while continuing as a studio analyst on programs like Friday Night Fights, a position he had held since 1998. During his ESPN tenure, he provided commentary for significant bouts, emphasizing themes of legacy and pound-for-pound greatness in his post-fight breakdowns. Following HBO's cessation of boxing programming and ESPN's partnerships with promoters like Top Rank, Kellerman maintained an active presence in ESPN's boxing coverage through 2023, contributing to telecasts that highlighted emerging talents and championship defenses. His departure from ESPN in June 2023 marked a brief hiatus from live commentary, though he remained a voice in boxing discussions. In a significant milestone, Kellerman returned to the broadcast booth in September 2025 as part of Netflix's team for the super middleweight unification bout between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford, delivering analysis for one of the year's most anticipated fights. Since September 2025, he has co-hosted Inside The Ring, a weekly boxing discussion show produced by The Ring Magazine with Mike Coppinger, streamed on DAZN and The Ring's social channels.

Acting roles

Kellerman made his acting debut as an HBO commentator in the film Rocky Balboa (2006), where he appeared alongside fellow broadcasters Jim Lampley and Larry Merchant as part of the ringside broadcast team for the climactic boxing match. He later portrayed a sports commentator in Creed (2015), a boxing drama directed by Ryan Coogler that served as a sequel to the Rocky franchise, drawing on his real-life expertise to lend authenticity to the role. Kellerman reprised a similar commentator role in Creed II (2018), the follow-up film directed by Steven Caple Jr., again contributing to the broadcast scenes amid the story's intense boxing narrative. In television, he made a as himself in the episode "Karma's a Mitch" of the comedy series (2013), featuring in a storyline involving a match with Sugar . Kellerman's acting career has remained limited in scope, consisting primarily of cameo-style contributions in boxing-themed projects that leverage his established sports persona, with no major leading roles to date.

Personal life

Family

Max Kellerman has been married to attorney Erin Manning since 1994. The couple has three daughters: Esther, born in 2008; Sam, born in 2012 and named in honor of Kellerman's late brother; and Mira. The family resides primarily in New York City, with a summer home in East Hampton, maintaining stability in the area since their marriage. In October 2004, Kellerman's younger brother, Sam Kellerman, a 29-year-old aspiring , was murdered in his apartment by professional boxer James , whom Sam had befriended and invited to stay during a difficult period. beat Sam to death using a hammer and other blunt objects before attempting to set the body on fire to the ; the attack stemmed from a sudden altercation, though later claimed it was not premeditated . Police arrested shortly after, linking him through blood evidence and witness accounts; he initially pleaded not guilty to and charges but in 2006 entered a guilty plea to . was sentenced to 29 years in prison, a term symbolically matching Sam's age at death. The profoundly impacted Kellerman and his family, leaving Max with lasting grief and a sense of unresolved loss that he has described as haunting his daily life and worldview. The emotional toll strained family dynamics during the investigation and trial, exacerbating feelings of vulnerability and prompting deeper reflection on trust and violence, though the Kellermans have since focused on healing through private support and honoring Sam's memory. Kellerman and his family lead a private life, rarely sharing details about their personal routines or children's upbringing beyond occasional mentions in interviews.

Interests and affiliations

Kellerman is a dedicated fan of New York sports teams, particularly the of the , as evidenced by his discussions on platforms about the team's performance and his longstanding fandom. He has also expressed enthusiasm for the New York Yankees of MLB, praising their lineup as one of the strongest in during on-air segments. Beyond his professional work, Kellerman maintains a profound personal passion for boxing history, treating the sport as a "religion" and immersing himself in its archives, such as studying flyweight divisions from the 1970s. He describes himself as a "walking encyclopedia" of boxing, a interest sparked at age eight by reading Muhammad Ali's biography and sustained through lifelong study despite never competing professionally after an early ban. Kellerman is actively involved in Jewish cultural activities, including fluency in , which he learned through childhood attendance at the Khayke Klebonsky Yiddish school on Saturdays and summers at Camp Kinderland, a Yiddishist camp tied to leftist Jewish traditions. His grandmother, or bobe, further influenced this affinity by exposing him to Yiddish through her interactions with writers like Ber Green, fostering a family-rooted appreciation that shaped his early interests. He participates in immersion programs, such as the annual "Yidish-Vokh" retreat and a summer Yiddish course at , and has advocated for Yiddish's enduring power, likening it to a force that transcends time and place in oral histories. Kellerman has publicly expressed views on the intersection of sports and society, supporting athletes' protests during the as an inherently American act of dissent. He has criticized the lack of white players joining racial justice demonstrations, citing historical examples like Pee Wee Reese's alliance with to underscore the need for cross-racial solidarity in sports. Additionally, he has commented on political influences in athletics, such as labeling certain fan bases as susceptible to propaganda under figures like , and critiqued the movement's platform for potentially undermining its goals through controversial stances.

References

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