Why do Boxing and Martial Arts ring announcers draw the contestants names out?

I was watching some old K1 the other night and the ring anouncer said "... and from the red stage we have Remy Booooooooonjaaaaaaaaskiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii"





Why dont they just say Remy Bonjaski? I have noticed that this happens with both boxing and martial arts fights in the western world. i.e. in Japan they dont seem to do this.





Can anyone explain why?

Why do Boxing and Martial Arts ring announcers draw the contestants names out?
In Japan they don't do that? Have you ever seen a PRIDE MMA ring entrance? Vince McMahon thinks that they're over the top. Lenne Hart, the woman who does the PRIDE announcing is even something of a cult figure for her screeching, excited introductions. She was doing the PRIDE intros long before they started going after the US market, so its definitely not something they're doing to appeal to the west.





It's tradition, its fun and it adds to the excitement and anticipation. You know that when Michael Buffer or the "Classy" Jimmy Lennon, Jr. is announcing the bout that you're seeing a real event (ditto with UFC announcer, Mike's brother Bruce Buffer). What do you expect them to do? Mumble?





Back in the 1980's, one of the TV networks (I think it was NBC) tried an expiriment where they had no announcers for an NFL game. They just showed the game with some on-screen graphics, and the ambient sound from the crowd and the players. It was absolutely brutal--no one ever thought of trying it again because it was so painfully dull. Boxing and MMA are smart enough to know that they're selling an entertainment "event" as well as a sport and that dramatic ring intros and announcement is part of the spectacle.
Reply:I cant explain why, but it does do my nut in.
Reply:It's tradition and it's cool. Oh, and usually those places are so loud, you might not understand the name if it's spoken quickly. It also give people time to cheer for their favorite.





Besides, boxing and martial arts matches have to sell, and drama, conflict, and story-line play heavily into that.
Reply:Well what d'you want them to do, mumble?
Reply:effect