Former ESPN “First Take” host Molly Qerim is embracing her next chapter in sports media, showcasing Zuffa Boxing merchandise in a recent Instagram post as she gears up for her role with the upstart promotion.
Qerim, 41, posted a series of images on Instagram promoting the new merch available at ZuffaBoxingStore.com. In the caption, she wrote: “New merch is available at ZuffaBoxingStore.com 🚨 In my boxing girl era @ZuffaBoxing this Friday, January 23rd! Live on @ParamountPlus ♀️ Who’s ready?! #ZuffaBoxing01.”
The post, which garnered over 11,600 likes and 443 comments, features Qerim in a gym setting, posing saucily after a workout. She appears sweaty and confident, highlighting her figure in chic athletic attire, though specific Zuffa branding details were not explicitly described in reports. The selfie was captioned as a “lil prep break my happy place,” tying into her preparation for the Zuffa Boxing debut event.
Qerim’s move to Zuffa Boxing marks her first major television role since abruptly leaving ESPN in September 2025. She announced her departure in an emotional Instagram note, citing a desire to close that chapter after a decade on the show. In her new position, Qerim reunites with former “First Take” colleague Max Kellerman to host Zuffa Boxing events on Paramount+.
Zuffa Boxing, founded in June 2025 by UFC president Dana White and Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh, is a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings and Sela Sport. The promotion aims to revitalize boxing with high-profile fights and has signed talents like Callum Walsh and Jose Valenzuela. Its merchandise line, launched in partnership with Fanatics, includes apparel, headwear and accessories sold through ZuffaBoxingStore.com.
Qerim expressed excitement about the role in a statement: “Beyond excited to host Zuffa Boxing – a sport I’ve loved since Friday Night Fights – and to reconnect with so many longtime friends.” She added that the time off after ESPN allowed her to focus on family and travel before diving into this new venture.
The debut event, “Zuffa Boxing 01: Walsh vs. Ocampo,” took place Jan. 23 in Las Vegas, streaming exclusively on Paramount+. Qerim’s desk included analysts like Antonio Tarver and Mike Coppinger.
Qerim, an Emmy Award winner and University of Connecticut graduate, began her career at ESPN in 2006 before stints at NFL Network and a return to host “First Take” in 2015. Her departure from the top-rated sports debate show surprised fans, with speculation about salary and contract issues.
With this post, Qerim signals she’s fully in her “boxing girl era,” blending her journalism background with a passion for the sport as Zuffa Boxing seeks to make waves in the industry.
Flip the pages for the photos, you won’t be disappointed.
