Emily Austin, a sports and entertainment host with a large following on social media, was recently announced as DAZN’s social presenter for the Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia fight at Barclays Center. With 2.1 million Instagram followers and 512.8K followers on TikTok, Austin has a significant reach that she brought to the highly anticipated event. She conducted interviews with key figures surrounding the fight and helped in the broadcast and promotion of the event. The use of a social media star like Austin was a strategic move by DAZN due to the active social media presence of both Haney and Garcia leading up to the fight.
The lead-up to Saturday’s bout was heavily focused on the non-stop social media activity and vitriol between Garcia and Haney. Both boxers are known for their edgy personalities and constant posting of outlandish comments. Austin’s expertise in leveraging social media to deal with abrasive personas like Garcia and Haney was essential. She believes her assertiveness and experience in handling chaotic environments such as the boxing world allowed her to effectively engage with the fighters and other key figures in the event. With previous experience covering high-profile fights, Austin was well-equipped to navigate the demands of the boxing scene.
While initially focused on sports, particularly basketball and the NBA, Austin has recently delved into politics. An ardent pro-Israel activist, she has been vocal about political issues and has even met with former hostages who were released. Austin’s ability to seamlessly transition from sports to politics and maintain a strong presence in both areas has broadened her appeal and influence across various platforms. Her plans to launch a political show on social media platforms further demonstrate her versatility and willingness to engage in diverse topics.
Austin’s wide-ranging following is highly sought after by boxing promoters and broadcasters looking to attract new and unconventional fans to the sport. Her ability to bridge the gap between sports and politics and engage with a diverse audience makes her a valuable asset in promoting events like the Haney vs. Garcia fight. The partnership between DAZN and Austin appears to be a perfect match, with Austin’s social media presence helping to generate hype and interest in the fight. By leveraging her NBA audience to promote the event, Austin has the potential to attract fans who may not have been initially interested in the fight.
The integration of social media personalities like Austin into the boxing world highlights the evolving nature of sports promotion and coverage. As athletes and entertainers expand their platforms beyond their respective fields, collaborations with individuals like Austin become increasingly important in reaching broader audiences. By embracing social media as a tool to market fights and engage with fans, boxing promoters and broadcasters can capitalize on the influence and reach of personalities like Austin to enhance the overall appeal of the sport. Austin’s unique background and ability to navigate various sectors make her a valuable asset in bridging the gap between different industries and engaging with diverse audiences.
