Stephen A. Smith to debut as boxing analyst for Pacquiao-Vargas PPV card Nov. 5

ESPN's controversial commentator Stephen A. Smith will make his debut as a boxing analyst on Nov. 5 with a quadruple title fight, pay-per-view card headlined by Manny Pacquiao's return against WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

With Top Rank handling its own pay-per-view card, the promotional giant need to come up with a notable broadcast team. Top Rank President Todd duBoef said recently that team would be a big surprise, and he was certainly right on that call.

Longtime boxing broadcaster and current MLB network host Brian Kenny will handle the blow-by-blow action, while Smith will be the color analyst and Charissa Thompson of Fox NFL Kickoff will host the broadcast.

Joining them will be former two-division and five-time world champion Timothy Bradley, who has fought Pacquiao three times and has defeated both Pacquiao and Vargas. He will provide color commentary and inside information on both fighters. Top Rank's Crystina Poncher rounds out the team as a roving reporter.

"We wanted to give the viewers a different perspective that informs and entertains and I think we have accomplished that with this fantastic team," said duBoef. "It's a great combination with Brian, one of television's top TV announcers, color commentary from Stephen A. and Charissa 's balanced hosting style. The expert analysis from Tim will round this out perfectly as he is considered one of the best fighters in the world and has secured victories against both Pacquiao and Vargas."

Timothy Bradley, right, and Manny Pacquiao pose after their weigh-in April 8 for their April 9, 2016 fight. (Photo by Mark J. Rebilas, Paste BN Sports)

Smith currently does his ESPN2 First Take show weekday mornings with another veteran boxing broadcaster, HBO's Max Kellerman.

"To say I'm incredibly excited would be an understatement," said Smith. "Anyone who knows me knows I fell in love with boxing from the time I was three years old, when my dad showed me Muhammad Ali beating Jerry Quarry in October 1970. Ever since that day, boxing has been a passion of mine. But never, ever, in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd ever get a chance to actually call a fight. November 5 can't get here soon enough."

Kenny said he is thrilled to again call a Manny Pacquiao fight.

"Pacquaio remains one of the most exciting athletes in not just boxing, but in all of sports," Kenny said. "After his win over Timothy Bradley, he is also still at the top of the incredibly competitive welterweight division. Jessie Vargas, coming off a tough win over the talented Sadam Ali, will present Pacquaio with a challenge that will test his world class talent."

The show will be produced and distributed live by Top Rank Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET and will be available on all conventional platforms, including all major cable and satellite systems, as well as Top Rank's digital distribution via http://www.TopRank.tv and mobile devices.