In a significant career move, veteran sports host Molly Qerim has officially returned to television screens, this time venturing into the dynamic world of professional boxing. After her departure from ESPN's popular show First Take, Qerim has secured her first on-air role since leaving the network, joining the broadcast team for Zuffa Boxing's new programming on Paramount+.
A New Chapter in Broadcasting
According to industry reports from Front Office Sports, Molly Qerim has been appointed as the studio host for Zuffa Boxing, a fresh promotion making its debut through a multi-event partnership with Paramount+. This position represents Qerim's initial television appearance following her exit from ESPN, where she spent over a decade as the prominent face of First Take, becoming synonymous with the show's daily sports debates.
Reuniting with Familiar Faces
One of the most compelling aspects of this career transition is the professional reunion it facilitates. Qerim will be working alongside Max Kellerman, her former co-host from First Take, creating a comeback narrative that has pleasantly surprised longtime sports enthusiasts. Kellerman, who previously served as both co-host and boxing analyst on First Take before his own departure from ESPN, is now part of Zerim's established on-air chemistry, developed through years of collaboration, promises to bring immediate familiarity and credibility to Zuffa Boxing's broadcasts, potentially helping the new promotion connect with audiences who followed both personalities during their ESPN tenure.
Expanding Her Hosting Expertise
In her new capacity, Qerim will anchor Zuffa Boxing's comprehensive studio coverage, guiding pre-fight and post-fight discussions while collaborating with a panel of boxing analysts. This role represents a natural evolution for someone who built her reputation managing high-energy debates and skillfully navigating conversations with strong personalities. While her previous work focused on broader sports arguments, her new position shifts the emphasis specifically to fight breakdowns and boxing analysis, showcasing her versatility as a broadcaster.
Building a Strong Broadcast Team
Zuffa Boxing appears to be making a strategic statement with its media lineup, assembling a broadcast team that combines experienced voices from both boxing circles and mainstream sports media. Beyond Qerim and Kellerman, the promotion has recruited additional talent with substantial broadcasting credentials, indicating a serious commitment to producing high-quality coverage that can compete in the crowded sports media landscape.
Qerim's departure from ESPN initially surprised many viewers, given how closely she had been associated with First Take since assuming the full-time host position in 2015. Following her network exit, she maintained a low television profile, which fueled widespread speculation about her next career destination. Her signing with Zuffa Boxing now provides a definitive answer to those questions while opening an exciting new chapter in her broadcasting journey.
