After unceremoniously departing from her job at ‘First Take’, former ESPN star Molly Qerim has found herself a new gig.
On Thursday, Qerim was announced as the new host of Zuffa Boxing on Paramount+.
The boxing promotion is a joint venture between TKO – the parent company of the UFC and WWE – and Sela, a company owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
Qerim will be reunited with a familiar face – a fellow former ‘First Take’ desk member, Max Kelllerman.
The rest of the cast ranges from punch-by-punch announcer Joe Tessitore, fight analysts like Andre Ward, Antonio Tarver and Mike Coppinger, to reporters Heidi Androl and Mark Kriegel.
This marks the first on-air work that Qerim has taken up since departing ESPN in the fall.
Molly Qerim has landed her first TV gig since her departure from First Take last fall
She will re-unite with former First Take voice Max Kellerman to call Zuffa Boxing on Paramount
‘After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,’ Qerim wrote in a statement on social media in September.
‘Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports — and with all of you, the best fans in the world.
‘I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes.’
Qerim departed ESPN in September, citing a desire for new work and other opportunities
Qerim has been enjoying some much-deserved time off after her brutal ESPN schedule
In an interview with The Athletic, ESPN’s president of content – Burke Magnus – revealed that both the company and Qerim determined that she would leave the show after her contract had expired at the end of 2025.
Magnus also revealed that both sides were in discussions to renew her contract and stay at the company.
However, he believed that Qerim wished to ‘explore other things’ and that the two sides ‘just weren’t totally aligned.’
