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Legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer stars in a hilarious new video from Sky Sports, which sees the American get a bizarre welcome to Wigan as he gets upstaged by a cheeky wedding celebrant, a teary football icon and two rugby league mascots.
Following Buffer’s trip to the North West – which saw him help fans celebrate their love on Valentine’s Day – Sky Sports have finally revealed what really went on in the Las Wigan Chapel, just in time for the match between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves in Vegas this Saturday.
The newly released clip opens with Buffer pulling up at the chapel in a bright red Mustang, much to the shock of a stunned passersby outside the Brick Community Stadium.
The 80-year-old then takes centre stage and addresses the room, mic in hand. “Ladies and gentlemen, the officiant is ready, the couple is ready,” he begins, before his claim of “thousands in attendance” is rebuffed by the camera cutting to several empty seats in the 20-seater chapel.
As Buffer continues, several famous rugby league faces are spotted amongst a crowd which also contains Wigan and Warrington’s respective club mascots, Mighty Max and Wolfie, comically squeezed amongst attendees.
Winding up to deliver his iconic catchphrase, the boxing announcer is then interrupted by Warrington head coach Sam Burgess, who seems particularly concerned about catching a flight to Vegas on time. Behind him, Wolfie nods in agreement.
And, with guests’ watch-checking suggesting Buffer’s showmanship might be causing the ceremony to drag a little, he is then ushered aside by a local celebrant, who seems unfazed by his stardom. “Why don’t I take it from here?” she says.
Wigan legend Martin Offiah looks on with confusion, as Buffer can’t believe his treatment.
As the celebrant asks if anyone has any objections to the marriage, Sky Sports presenter Brian Carney is seen rising to his feet. Thankfully though, diehard Warrington fan Stuart Pearce is on hand to yank the Irishman back down before he causes any trouble.
The ceremony is allowed to continue, with bride and groom, Sharon Jukes and John Synott, eventually getting to, “I do,” much to the delight of guests, led by gleefully applauding Sky Sports presenter, Jenna Brooks.
And amongst all the applause, Stuart Peace goes from “psycho" to softy, as he discretely wipes away a happy tear with a handkerchief.
“A match made in heaven. See you in Vegas, Rugby League fans!”, exclaims Buffer, before asking a guest where he can get his hands on “one of those Wigan Kebabs,” not forgetting to check if the local delicacy is vegan.
The couple is then driven off into the sunset (or the grey Wigan horizon) in Buffer’s Mustang, which has the classic “Just married” written on the number plate.
Michael Buffer added: “I had a fantastic day meeting the people of Wigan and hearing how excited they are to have rugby league head over to Las Vegas next month. Alongside Sky Sports, it’s been wonderful to be able to give those fans a taste of what they can expect on the other side of the pond, not least celebrating with John and Sharon on their special day.”
Wigan Warriors vs Warrington Wolves will take place at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday 1 March and will be live on Sky Sports and NOW at 9:30pm in the UK.
Notes to Editors:
T’s & C’s About The Las Vegas Chapel*
