David Diamante: Boxing announcer suffers serious injuries including spinal fractures in motorcycle crash

Diamante is said to have undergone five-hour surgery on his spine on Tuesday and faces a battle to learn how to walk again.

“It’s going to be a tough road,” Diamante told Boxing Scene. “It’s a bad injury and getting better will take some time. This will be a struggle.

“I’ll have to learn to walk again, and right now there’s a risk of complications. But I have a positive attitude and will be back as soon as possible.”

Along with the likes of Michael and Bruce Buffer and Jimmy Lennon Jr, Diamante is a renowned ring announcer known for his work in both the UK and the United States and his famous catchphrase: “The fight starts now”.

Affectionately regarded as the “Voice of Boxing”, Diamante is the official announcer for Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and has also worked in MMA and Muay Thai during his career as well as both NBA and NCAA basketball.

He has also acted in films including 2015 boxing drama Southpaw.

“Prayers up David! Get well soon,” Hearn tweeted on Thursday.

Matchroom said: “The thoughts of everyone @MatchroomBoxing are with @daviddiamante.”