Can fighters in the ring hear the ringside announcers in recorded pro fights?

Floyd Mayweather jr could.

 

I have personally heard commentators tell another commentator: ""I think he heard you since he's now going downstairs!". Think it was Teddy Atlas involved. So it does seem that commentators can indeed be overheard. In fact, sometimes fighters say things to commentators when they get close to where they are sitting and interject relevant comments into a conversation they are overhearing.

 

I am sure in many cases it can be heard. I noticed in Japan when Tyson fought Tubbs, you heard the punches landing. it was quiet, and on an undercard once, Hearns fought Maynard, and you could hear Hearns grunting when he threw punches. I never knew he grunted until I saw that, since usually he fought the main events and it was loud.. This was when many of the seats were still not occupied and it was quiet, so if you can hear him grunt, I bet the announcers can be heard. in that situation.

 

My personal favourite is Harry Carpenter's commentary on Ali-Foreman:

"Ali looking very tired now... in fact he looks like he can hardly keep his arms up... oh, he's got him with a right hand!"

 

Ali always seemed to have a really keen awareness about his standing during a fight. He seemed to know exactly when he was losing a round, or when he hadn't landed a punch in a while to keep the fans entertained and the judges happy.

I wouldn't be surprised if he was ribbing off of what he heard at ringside.

We all know that Floyd could hear the commentators.

 

Also to add, it must depend on the fighter.

When I first sparred, all background noise was blurred out. I could hear things, but I couldn't listen. Only after some experience could I listen to instructions during the heat of the sparring.

So I imagine to hear the ringside announcers among the crowd noise of tens of thousands of fans, and under the bright lights, it takes some exceptional composure.