Larry Merchant vs Max Kellerman

[acb]

Lets have ourselves an official poll to see where we stand. Personally, Im all about Larry Merchant, he is a boxing genious, a shaman of the sweet science.

But I know many here dont like him. So I open up the forum for these misguided souls who think they would be satisfied hearing Max Kellerman for the next 30 years to speak their minds.

[Guru_Too_You]

Lets have ourselves an official poll to see where we stand. Personally, Im all about Larry Merchant, he is a boxing genious, a shaman of the sweet science.

But I know many here dont like him. So I open up the forum for these misguided souls who think they would be satisfied hearing Max Kellerman for the next 30 years to speak their minds.
I'm one of the misguided souls by your definition.

If you can't have Bernstein, its anyone else from the rest of the boxing world. And like it or not, the Kellerman's have been a huge part of boxing history, way before Max, hell way before Larry.

[acb]

I'm one of the misguided souls by your definition.

I know but I dont judge you. Larry Wouldn´t.

[Guru_Too_You]

I know but I dont judge you. Larry Wouldn´t.

Youre right, he would have alreayd made his judgments, which change vastly as time passed by, because he's inconsistent with his opinions, and he would have had an analogy used by a WWI general during a battle that he wrote 6 months ago ready and in hand for the teleprompter, because he's too drunk to remember what he already wrote.

Then of course, even after an unbelievable performance during our meeting, he will shit on me incessively, tell me im worthless, tell me im ruining the sport and continue complaining until he gets back to his drinks.

[acb]

Youre right, he would have alreayd made his judgments, which change vastly as time passed by, because he's inconsistent with his opinions, and he would have had an analogy used by a WWI general during a battle that he wrote 6 months ago ready and in hand for the teleprompter, because he's too drunk to remember what he already wrote.

Then of course, even after an unbelievable performance during our meeting, he will shit on me incessively, tell me im worthless, tell me im ruining the sport and continue complaining until he gets back to his drinks.

These are only some of the reasons I love Larry.

[Zakman]

I like what journalist Bob Raismusen said:

"Replacing Larry Merchant with Max Kellerman would be like replacing Picasso with the guy who sells the velvet Elvises outside of Graceland. Max’s greatest asset is his ability to self-promote. He has fooled more than a few TV and radio suits, who again prove that having a brain is not a prerequisite for becoming a network sports executive. If HBO honchos dump Merchant in favor of Kellerman, it will signal a lowering of journalistic standards, which have always separated HBO Sports from all other TV sports operations.”

Kellerman isn't qualified to pour Merchant's cocktails during the fight. He sure as hell isn't qualified to replace him as an analyst.

If they have to replace Merchant, get someone QUALIFIED like Al Bernstein. Tell HBO yourself if you agree:

[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

[Shpion]

Merchant's fart is more valuable than Kellerman.

[Guru_Too_You]

I like what journalist Bob Raismusen said:

"Replacing Larry Merchant with Max Kellerman would be like replacing Picasso with the guy who sells the velvet Elvises outside of Graceland. MeMax’s greatest asset is his ability to self-promote. He has fooled more than a few TV and radio suits, who again prove that having a brain is not a prerequisite for becoming a network sports executive. If HBO honchos dump Merchant in favor of Kellerman, it will signal a lowering of journalistic standards, which have always separated HBO Sports from all other TV sports operations.”

Kellerman isn't qualified to pour Merchant's cocktails during the fight. He sure as hell isn't qualified to replace him as an analyst.

If they have to replace Merchant, get someone QUALIFIED like Al Bernstein. Tell HBO yourself if you agree:

[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

Pretty sure Al already has a job.

[Zakman]

Pretty sure Al already has a job.

Sure. He works for Showtime. But it's not like HBO can't offer him a better deal. These guys aren't like indentured servants you know. And Merchant could stay on until Al was ready to move, if he wanted to.

Steve Farhood is another guy who's very good - a NY guy btw, so don't confuse my objections to Kellerman with anti-NY bias. Farhood was editor of the Ring for like 15 years, and he's REAL good. That's what comes when you pay your dues covering the sport, insteand of FAKING it.

[acb]

Sure. He works for Showtime. But it's not like HBO can't offer him a better deal. These guys aren't like indentured servants you know. And Merchant could stay on until Al was ready to move, if he wanted to.

Steve Farhood is another guy who's very good - a NY guy btw, so don't confuse my objections to Kellerman with anti-NY bias. Farhood was editor of the Ring for like 15 years, and he's REAL good. That's what comes when you pay your dues covering the sport, insteand of FAKING it.

I love Bernstein, and would also choose Farhood over Kellerman in a few years when Larry is retired.

[Guru_Too_You]

I love Bernstein, and would also choose Farhood over Kellerman in a few years when Larry is retired.

:good

They would be my number one and number two choices. BUT THEY ARE NOT AVAILABLE.

Borges outta Boston would be another great one as well, but like Farhood and Bernstein, I think he's pretty damn happy with where he is at.

[jhar26]

Larry is the man. :bowdown

[Lacey]

Larry is the man. :bowdown

agreed... :bowdown:bowdown:bowdown:bowdown:bowdown:bowdown
:happy :happy :happy

[acb]

:good

They would be my number one and number two choices. BUT THEY ARE NOT AVAILABLE.

Borges outta Boston would be another great one as well, but like Farhood and Bernstein, I think he's pretty damn happy with where he is at.

Do you know how the contracts work over at Showtime, the length, etc.?

I cant help but think Bernstein would rather be on HBO.

[Zakman]

Personally I dont kno why every1 is gettin mad at Kellerman for what he said. B/c if Larry was there that night he would have asked Hatton the same ?'s about Castillo being shot. etc.
Larry would have said the same exact thing.
I can't speak for anyone else, but for me, it has NOTHING to do with that. I've hated Kellerman ever since I first heard the guy on ESPN, when they canned the best commentator in the sport, Al Bernstein, to make room for this unqualified punk.

I cringed when I heard HBO was hiring this clown. Like I said, I'd rather have O'Grady commentating - and that's saying something. Kellerman is THE WORST, the ABSOLUTE worst, commentator in the sport, bar none.

[acb]

I can't speak for anyone else, but for me, it has NOTHING to do with that. I've hated Kellerman ever since I first heard the guy on ESPN, when they canned the best commentator in the sport, Al Bernstein, to make room for this unqualified punk.

I cringed when I heard HBO was hiring this clown. Like I said, I'd rather have O'Grady commentating - and that's saying something. Kellerman is THE WORST, the ABSOLUTE worst, commentator in the sport, bar none.

O´grady is horrible. I would rather have Max. :dead

[vonBanditos]

Sure. He works for Showtime. But it's not like HBO can't offer him a better deal. These guys aren't like indentured servants you know. And Merchant could stay on until Al was ready to move, if he wanted to.

Steve Farhood is another guy who's very good - a NY guy btw, so don't confuse my objections to Kellerman with anti-NY bias. Farhood was editor of the Ring for like 15 years, and he's REAL good. That's what comes when you pay your dues covering the sport, insteand of FAKING it.

I don't know if I would say that Kellerman fakes it, but I would say that his wisdom in the sport isn't up there with his knowledge. It's one thing to know what's happened in a fight, but it's another thing to understand the significance. Larry has always been opinionated, which we all are, but he has a long history with the sport and he's very well spoken so it's not surprising that he's so good.

I don't think that Max is really ready for this role, at least if he's supposed to actually fill the shoes that Larry has walked in, but I hope that he gets better because it looks like we're stuck with him. He enthusiastic, but I'm not really sold by it. I think that he can add that to the team, but it's a huge shame to lose what Larry brought to the table.

The bitterness towards Merchant, by the way, seems to me to be motivated more by his opinions than his quality.

[fightking12]

Larry Merchant:rasta

[Chief_Second]

larry by KO r1

[andyZOR]

Larry ko1 Max

[Zakman]

well your viewpoint is different from evry1 else. You have a personal vendeta against Kellerman. So thats totally different. Lets just look at it this way, he's an intern tryin 2 get better at his job. Give the man a break. I think he handled himself very well quite frankly. ....Give the man a break.

Actually, my viewpoint is pretty consistent with the majority, as the poll results show. The only thing different is I've been a critic of Kellerman since they handed that twerp the job at ESPN when he'd done NOTHING to show he was qualified for it, or deserved such a position. Now, HBO is repeatin the same mistake, and as a long-time boxing fan, I'm outraged. HBO should have the best commentators in the sport - SEASONED professionals who have demonstrated they are qualified for such a position. Someone like Al Bernstein or Steve Farhood fits that bill, Kellerman doesn't.

And most boxing fans know it! Which is why they should send those emails in, demanding that they get rid of Kellerman and get somebody like Bernstein!

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Shpion]

Larry ko Max at the weigh in.

[Sweet Jones]

I voted for Kellerman.

People keep insisting that Larry Merchant is this great fountain of boxing knowledge. And yet, after all these years, NO ONE has ever LEARNED anything from listening to him. Seriously ask yourselves: Has your boxing knowledge EVER been increased at all by anything he’s ever said, either during a fight or in the post fight interview? What nugget of information during a fight has he ever said that gave you some insight into why things were occurring in the ring? Think long and hard about that.

While some people may find his rantings entertaining, I don’t. I tune in to watch fighters fight, and I listen to hear the play-by-play guy describe WHAT is happening and the color commentator to explain WHY things are happening. Merchant adds nothing to that equation, even going so far as to challenge the color man analysis (RJJ, Foreman) and unofficial judges (Lederman), with no back up for his assertions (see the RJJ youtube clip). Does Merchant add ‘drama’ to the event? Nope, only brings attention to himself with his bloviated pontifications. Howard Cosell, he aint.

As I’ve said before, the bottom line is people do not tune in to watchthe watch the interviewer piss off fighters. Holmes, Tyson, BHop, ODLH, Mayweather, RJJ were some of HBOs biggest stars. And for their trouble, all they get was some self righteous idiot harassing them with irrelevant questions.

Kellerman may be a ‘fanboy’, but at least he explains WHY he is a fanboy of certain fighters. Disagree with him all you want to, but everyone knows the EXACT reasons why Kellerman loved Judah, Chris Byrd, Ike Ibeabuchi, RJJ, etc. Kellerman also calls it like he sees it, and manages to do so without putting himself at the center of attention.

And lastly, at least I know Kellerman actually enjoys boxing, and has some appreciation for the varied styles. Merchant has turned himself into this “if-it’s-not-Gatti-Ward-then-it-ain’t-entertaining” caricature.

HBO will improve in quality the DAY he goes off the air.

[sandwichsurgeon]

Someone e-mail HBO a print screen of the poll results

[vonBanditos]

I voted for Kellerman.

People keep insisting that Larry Merchant is this great fountain of boxing knowledge. And yet, after all these years, NO ONE has ever LEARNED anything from listening to him. Seriously ask yourselves: Has your boxing knowledge EVER been increased at all by anything he’s ever said, either during a fight or in the post fight interview? What nugget of information during a fight has he ever said that gave you some insight into why things were occurring in the ring? Think long and hard about that.

HBO will improve in quality the DAY he goes off the air.

I think I understand why some people can like Kellerman, but can you answer your own question in regards to Kellerman? What has he taught you?

I think some of us just kind of appreciate the old man that tells you that things aren't as good as they were in the old days. We really won't have anyone else to say that to us when he's gone.

[Lacyace]

I voted for Kellerman.

People keep insisting that Larry Merchant is this great fountain of boxing knowledge. And yet, after all these years, NO ONE has ever LEARNED anything from listening to him. Seriously ask yourselves: Has your boxing knowledge EVER been increased at all by anything he’s ever said, either during a fight or in the post fight interview? What nugget of information during a fight has he ever said that gave you some insight into why things were occurring in the ring? Think long and hard about that.

While some people may find his rantings entertaining, I don’t. I tune in to watch fighters fight, and I listen to hear the play-by-play guy describe WHAT is happening and the color commentator to explain WHY things are happening. Merchant adds nothing to that equation, even going so far as to challenge the color man analysis (RJJ, Foreman) and unofficial judges (Lederman), with no back up for his assertions (see the RJJ youtube clip). Does Merchant add ‘drama’ to the event? Nope, only brings attention to himself with his bloviated pontifications. Howard Cosell, he aint.

As I’ve said before, the bottom line is people do not tune in to watchthe watch the interviewer piss off fighters. Holmes, Tyson, BHop, ODLH, Mayweather, RJJ were some of HBOs biggest stars. And for their trouble, all they get was some self righteous idiot harassing them with irrelevant questions.

Kellerman may be a ‘fanboy’, but at least he explains WHY he is a fanboy of certain fighters. Disagree with him all you want to, but everyone knows the EXACT reasons why Kellerman loved Judah, Chris Byrd, Ike Ibeabuchi, RJJ, etc. Kellerman also calls it like he sees it, and manages to do so without putting himself at the center of attention.

And lastly, at least I know Kellerman actually enjoys boxing, and has some appreciation for the varied styles. Merchant has turned himself into this “if-it’s-not-Gatti-Ward-then-it-ain’t-entertaining” caricature.

HBO will improve in quality the DAY he goes off the air.

Really great post. My thoughts exactly.

[dangerousity]

Name all the legendary lines from a commentary box and 1/2 of them would probably come from Larry. The guy is a legend. Kellerman is ok but his voice annoys me and IMO, because hes walking into Merchants role...he just seems so pale in comparison.

[Guru_Too_You]

I voted for Kellerman.

People keep insisting that Larry Merchant is this great fountain of boxing knowledge. And yet, after all these years, NO ONE has ever LEARNED anything from listening to him. Seriously ask yourselves: Has your boxing knowledge EVER been increased at all by anything he’s ever said, either during a fight or in the post fight interview? What nugget of information during a fight has he ever said that gave you some insight into why things were occurring in the ring? Think long and hard about that.

While some people may find his rantings entertaining, I don’t. I tune in to watch fighters fight, and I listen to hear the play-by-play guy describe WHAT is happening and the color commentator to explain WHY things are happening. Merchant adds nothing to that equation, even going so far as to challenge the color man analysis (RJJ, Foreman) and unofficial judges (Lederman), with no back up for his assertions (see the RJJ youtube clip). Does Merchant add ‘drama’ to the event? Nope, only brings attention to himself with his bloviated pontifications. Howard Cosell, he aint.

As I’ve said before, the bottom line is people do not tune in to watchthe watch the interviewer piss off fighters. Holmes, Tyson, BHop, ODLH, Mayweather, RJJ were some of HBOs biggest stars. And for their trouble, all they get was some self righteous idiot harassing them with irrelevant questions.

Kellerman may be a ‘fanboy’, but at least he explains WHY he is a fanboy of certain fighters. Disagree with him all you want to, but everyone knows the EXACT reasons why Kellerman loved Judah, Chris Byrd, Ike Ibeabuchi, RJJ, etc. Kellerman also calls it like he sees it, and manages to do so without putting himself at the center of attention.

And lastly, at least I know Kellerman actually enjoys boxing, and has some appreciation for the varied styles. Merchant has turned himself into this “if-it’s-not-Gatti-Ward-then-it-ain’t-entertaining” caricature.

HBO will improve in quality the DAY he goes off the air.

Sweet Jesus (Jones). Thats one helluva post.

[Motor City Sam]

I voted for Kellerman.

People keep insisting that Larry Merchant is this great fountain of boxing knowledge. And yet, after all these years, NO ONE has ever LEARNED anything from listening to him. Seriously ask yourselves: Has your boxing knowledge EVER been increased at all by anything he’s ever said, either during a fight or in the post fight interview? What nugget of information during a fight has he ever said that gave you some insight into why things were occurring in the ring? Think long and hard about that.

While some people may find his rantings entertaining, I don’t. I tune in to watch fighters fight, and I listen to hear the play-by-play guy describe WHAT is happening and the color commentator to explain WHY things are happening. Merchant adds nothing to that equation, even going so far as to challenge the color man analysis (RJJ, Foreman) and unofficial judges (Lederman), with no back up for his assertions (see the RJJ youtube clip). Does Merchant add ‘drama’ to the event? Nope, only brings attention to himself with his bloviated pontifications. Howard Cosell, he aint.

As I’ve said before, the bottom line is people do not tune in to watchthe watch the interviewer piss off fighters. Holmes, Tyson, BHop, ODLH, Mayweather, RJJ were some of HBOs biggest stars. And for their trouble, all they get was some self righteous idiot harassing them with irrelevant questions.

Kellerman may be a ‘fanboy’, but at least he explains WHY he is a fanboy of certain fighters. Disagree with him all you want to, but everyone knows the EXACT reasons why Kellerman loved Judah, Chris Byrd, Ike Ibeabuchi, RJJ, etc. Kellerman also calls it like he sees it, and manages to do so without putting himself at the center of attention.

And lastly, at least I know Kellerman actually enjoys boxing, and has some appreciation for the varied styles. Merchant has turned himself into this “if-it’s-not-Gatti-Ward-then-it-ain’t-entertaining” caricature.

HBO will improve in quality the DAY he goes off the air.

Excellent post. :good

[Danny Ocean]

:thumbsup I voted for Kellerman.

People keep insisting that Larry Merchant is this great fountain of boxing knowledge. And yet, after all these years, NO ONE has ever LEARNED anything from listening to him. Seriously ask yourselves: Has your boxing knowledge EVER been increased at all by anything he’s ever said, either during a fight or in the post fight interview? What nugget of information during a fight has he ever said that gave you some insight into why things were occurring in the ring? Think long and hard about that.

While some people may find his rantings entertaining, I don’t. I tune in to watch fighters fight, and I listen to hear the play-by-play guy describe WHAT is happening and the color commentator to explain WHY things are happening. Merchant adds nothing to that equation, even going so far as to challenge the color man analysis (RJJ, Foreman) and unofficial judges (Lederman), with no back up for his assertions (see the RJJ youtube clip). Does Merchant add ‘drama’ to the event? Nope, only brings attention to himself with his bloviated pontifications. Howard Cosell, he aint.

As I’ve said before, the bottom line is people do not tune in to watchthe watch the interviewer piss off fighters. Holmes, Tyson, BHop, ODLH, Mayweather, RJJ were some of HBOs biggest stars. And for their trouble, all they get was some self righteous idiot harassing them with irrelevant questions.

Kellerman may be a ‘fanboy’, but at least he explains WHY he is a fanboy of certain fighters. Disagree with him all you want to, but everyone knows the EXACT reasons why Kellerman loved Judah, Chris Byrd, Ike Ibeabuchi, RJJ, etc. Kellerman also calls it like he sees it, and manages to do so without putting himself at the center of attention.

And lastly, at least I know Kellerman actually enjoys boxing, and has some appreciation for the varied styles. Merchant has turned himself into this “if-it’s-not-Gatti-Ward-then-it-ain’t-entertaining” caricature.

HBO will improve in quality the DAY he goes off the air.

:good helluva post

[nervousxtian]

Sweet Jones said it best.

Larry is being overrated.

[DamonD]

Something that could never be said for Kellerman.

[Dennis]

Wow..Max did get some votes.:blood

[Zakman]

Wow..Max did get some votes.:blood

Still only under ten, that's pretty dismal. Clearly the vast majority of boxing fans prefer Larry Merchant. I suspect Al Bernstein or Steve Farhood would crush Kellerman in a poll, too - certainly if knowledge, competence, and experience are the criteria, they should!! :nod

[Bazooka]

Max gets no love, LOL

[Martini643]

Merchant KO 1

[acb]

I voted for Kellerman.

People keep insisting that Larry Merchant is this great fountain of boxing knowledge. And yet, after all these years, NO ONE has ever LEARNED anything from listening to him. Seriously ask yourselves: Has your boxing knowledge EVER been increased at all by anything he’s ever said, either during a fight or in the post fight interview? What nugget of information during a fight has he ever said that gave you some insight into why things were occurring in the ring? Think long and hard about that.

While some people may find his rantings entertaining, I don’t. I tune in to watch fighters fight, and I listen to hear the play-by-play guy describe WHAT is happening and the color commentator to explain WHY things are happening. Merchant adds nothing to that equation, even going so far as to challenge the color man analysis (RJJ, Foreman) and unofficial judges (Lederman), with no back up for his assertions (see the RJJ youtube clip). Does Merchant add ‘drama’ to the event? Nope, only brings attention to himself with his bloviated pontifications. Howard Cosell, he aint.

As I’ve said before, the bottom line is people do not tune in to watchthe watch the interviewer piss off fighters. Holmes, Tyson, BHop, ODLH, Mayweather, RJJ were some of HBOs biggest stars. And for their trouble, all they get was some self righteous idiot harassing them with irrelevant questions.

Kellerman may be a ‘fanboy’, but at least he explains WHY he is a fanboy of certain fighters. Disagree with him all you want to, but everyone knows the EXACT reasons why Kellerman loved Judah, Chris Byrd, Ike Ibeabuchi, RJJ, etc. Kellerman also calls it like he sees it, and manages to do so without putting himself at the center of attention.

And lastly, at least I know Kellerman actually enjoys boxing, and has some appreciation for the varied styles. Merchant has turned himself into this “if-it’s-not-Gatti-Ward-then-it-ain’t-entertaining” caricature.

HBO will improve in quality the DAY he goes off the air.

I disagree.

First of all, I dont need some dry boxing 101 clinic from Larry when I watch the fights, thats what the ex-boxer-trainer is there for. And do you really learn anything from Max Kellerman, I mean is he really any better. How many more rounds has Kellerman boxed than Merchant. You guys are averting the issue by saying Larry does not teach anything about boxing, because neither does Max, and this thread is about wheter you want to see Larry or Max as the color person at HBO Boxing. This is a cheap shot, LENNOX LEWIS BARELY ELABORATES on the technicalities of boxing.

A color man like Larry is not there to give you tips on how to properly throw the cross. He is there to explain the larger context of the fight, how it fits into the equation of the sports history, how the fight plays into the lives of the respective boxers, what the impact of respective fights are to the larger fight game.

Larry is a journalist, not a Tae-Bo instructor. He is here to relate boxing to life, and vice-versa. And this he does excelently.

Funny I dont see criticism that Lampley doesnt explain on the technicalities of boxing. :think Oh thats right, thats no his job either. :nono

[Sweet Jones]

I disagree.

First of all, I dont need some dry boxing 101 clinic from Larry when I watch the fights, thats what the ex-boxer-trainer is there for. And do you really learn anything from Max Kellerman, I mean is he really any better. How many more rounds has Kellerman boxed than Merchant. You guys are averting the issue by saying Larry does not teach anything about boxing, because neither does Max, and this thread is about wheter you want to see Larry or Max as the color person at HBO Boxing. This is a cheap shot, LENNOX LEWIS BARELY ELABORATES on the technicalities of boxing.

A color man like Larry is not there to give you tips on how to properly throw the cross. He is there to explain the larger context of the fight, how it fits into the equation of the sports history, how the fight plays into the lives of the respective boxers, what the impact of respective fights are to the larger fight game.

Larry is a journalist, not a Tae-Bo instructor. He is here to relate boxing to life, and vice-versa. And this he does excelently.

Funny I dont see criticism that Lampley doesnt explain on the technicalities of boxing. :think Oh thats right, thats no his job either. :nono

But that’s a big part of the problem. Merchant does NOT put the fight in any larger context or give any (useful) perspective during the fights. He’s too busy expressing his disdain for the action in the ring, over talking the color man, or disagreeing with Harold Lederman.

Take the Baldomir-Mayweather fight for example. It was obvious to all observing the fight that in the middle rounds, PBF was beginning to hit Baldomir at will. Probably on his way to a mercy stoppage. It was also then reported during the fight that PBF hurt his hand, at which time he switched to jab and move mode, and STILL sweeps the last rounds of the fight. The crowd becomes disenchanted and some boo. PBF cruises to an easy victory, and maintains his potential payday with DLH.

Now, IMO, that is the context of what happened in that fight. And what does Merchant do? Even after PBF explains all this (at the start of the post fight interview), Merchant goes to the ‘is this style entertaining’ questions. And PBF, realizing this is a dumb@zz question, let’s Merchant have it.

How can this ‘historian’ frame what was happening in the ring for the fans in this manner? Did Merchant expect the smaller fighter (PBF) with the hurt-hand to slug it out with a bigger guy who’s never been KO’ed? Why even take the line of questions there? Better yet, why not, in his role as provider of ‘context’, express to the viewing audience that what Mayweather was doing in the latter half of the fight (popping and moving) was the smart thing to do under the circumstances and with what potential big fights were on the line. Why not list some other examples of ‘historic’ fighters with hurt hands having to do similar things (much like Sweet Pea did against Ramirez)?

THAT is what I expect from the guy who is supposed to provide ‘context’ to talk about. Where was the historical context? Instead, he took the easy, non-boxing literate way out. That’s not the work of a ‘historian’, that’s what a hack does.

[acb]

But that’s a big part of the problem. Merchant does NOT put the fight in any larger context or give any (useful) perspective during the fights. He’s too busy expressing his disdain for the action in the ring, over talking the color man, or disagreeing with Harold Lederman.

Take the Baldomir-Mayweather fight for example. It was obvious to all observing the fight that in the middle rounds, PBF was beginning to hit Baldomir at will. Probably on his way to a mercy stoppage. It was also then reported during the fight that PBF hurt his hand, at which time he switched to jab and move mode, and STILL sweeps the last rounds of the fight. The crowd becomes disenchanted and some boo. PBF cruises to an easy victory, and maintains his potential payday with DLH.

Now, IMO, that is the context of what happened in that fight. And what does Merchant do? Even after PBF explains all this (at the start of the post fight interview), Merchant goes to the ‘is this style entertaining’ questions. And PBF, realizing this is a dumb@zz question, let’s Merchant have it.

How can this ‘historian’ frame what was happening in the ring for the fans in this manner? Did Merchant expect the smaller fighter (PBF) with the hurt-hand to slug it out with a bigger guy who’s never been KO’ed? Why even take the line of questions there? Better yet, why not, in his role as provider of ‘context’, express to the viewing audience that what Mayweather was doing in the latter half of the fight (popping and moving) was the smart thing to do under the circumstances and with what potential big fights were on the line. Why not list some other examples of ‘historic’ fighters with hurt hands having to do similar things (much like Sweet Pea did against Ramirez)?

THAT is what I expect from the guy who is supposed to provide ‘context’ to talk about. Where was the historical context? Instead, he took the easy, non-boxing literate way out. That’s not the work of a ‘historian’, that’s what a hack does.


I guess we will have to agree to disagree. In the event of the Mayweather vs. Baldo fight, I think Larry provided a perfect context for what was happening.. as you said, Mayweather as cruising toward a larger potential payday while pot shotting Baldomir, and he felt paying boxing fans deserved better. The crowd at the particular event saw through it, and so did much of the viewing audience. Yes, he can put it into the context of past fights (you mentioned Pea vs Ramirez), but that does not change the fact that many fans put down 50$ to watch a pot shotting festival, and most were supreemly disapointed.

On the other hand, in Mayweathers conquest of Corrales, Merchant praised Floyd, and when comparing him to past fighters said something to the effect of him being up there with all the past top fighters, a 9 second sprinter against the field.

I like the context Larry gives, in particular before fights, about the fighters lives, and the meaning of the event. He is not perfect, I admit, but I would take him any day over Max Kellerman.

By the way, welcome to the forum. You have well expressed opionions and we badly need that about right now with all the Jr. High students getting out of school for the summer and coming to ESB.

[thunder06]

Merchant is great. His one-liners make the fights seem just a little better and it provides some laughs.

[RUSKULL]

I can't speak for anyone else, but for me, it has NOTHING to do with that. I've hated Kellerman ever since I first heard the guy on ESPN, when they canned the best commentator in the sport, Al Bernstein, to make room for this unqualified punk.

I cringed when I heard HBO was hiring this clown. Like I said, I'd rather have O'Grady commentating - and that's saying something. Kellerman is THE WORST, the ABSOLUTE worst, commentator in the sport, bar none.

Shit, even that "Colonel" guy from England is better than Max is. I'll take Teddy Atlas, Sean O'Grady or anybody.

[RUSKULL]

I voted for Kellerman.

People keep insisting that Larry Merchant is this great fountain of boxing knowledge. And yet, after all these years, NO ONE has ever LEARNED anything from listening to him. Seriously ask yourselves: Has your boxing knowledge EVER been increased at all by anything he’s ever said, either during a fight or in the post fight interview? What nugget of information during a fight has he ever said that gave you some insight into why things were occurring in the ring? Think long and hard about that.

While some people may find his rantings entertaining, I don’t. I tune in to watch fighters fight, and I listen to hear the play-by-play guy describe WHAT is happening and the color commentator to explain WHY things are happening. Merchant adds nothing to that equation, even going so far as to challenge the color man analysis (RJJ, Foreman) and unofficial judges (Lederman), with no back up for his assertions (see the RJJ youtube clip). Does Merchant add ‘drama’ to the event? Nope, only brings attention to himself with his bloviated pontifications. Howard Cosell, he aint.

As I’ve said before, the bottom line is people do not tune in to watchthe watch the interviewer piss off fighters. Holmes, Tyson, BHop, ODLH, Mayweather, RJJ were some of HBOs biggest stars. And for their trouble, all they get was some self righteous idiot harassing them with irrelevant questions.

Kellerman may be a ‘fanboy’, but at least he explains WHY he is a fanboy of certain fighters. Disagree with him all you want to, but everyone knows the EXACT reasons why Kellerman loved Judah, Chris Byrd, Ike Ibeabuchi, RJJ, etc. Kellerman also calls it like he sees it, and manages to do so without putting himself at the center of attention.

And lastly, at least I know Kellerman actually enjoys boxing, and has some appreciation for the varied styles. Merchant has turned himself into this “if-it’s-not-Gatti-Ward-then-it-ain’t-entertaining” caricature.

HBO will improve in quality the DAY he goes off the air.

Kellerman is an arrogant ass. Like I said before in another thread, he lets his bias show before the fighters even fight. This colors his commentary and I watch boxing to form my own opinions, I don't need Kellerman's opinion hammered into my head by some little punk. That's how his commentary seems to me.

Even worse he puts down the losing fighter as if to say he didn't have the heart or balls to get up. Pathetic. I'll list more examples as he continues to ruin HBO boxing......................

[Shake]

You don't need reasons and entire arguments to prefer a commentator over another. I want to hear anything Larry has to say, and during matches, I can hear myself asking if Kellerman would be so kind as to shut his mouth.

It's true. If Larry Merchant asked a question, and Max in his place asked the same, I'd enjoy the former and be irritated about the latter. It's irrational. I'm simply a fan of Merchant, and Kellerman specifically annoys me to no end.

If Bernstein or Gil Clancy replaced Merchant I'd be sad to see him go, but I'd welcome either, whereas with Kellerman I'd rather have Lampley and Steward commentate by themselves than with Kellerman beside them.

It's just me preference. And I thinks I'm not alone.

[Shake]

ollow the wisdom of the great actor, James Cagney, you hit your mark, you look the other guy in the eye, and you tell the truth.
Larry Merchant

There are too many governing bodies. They're all corrupt. I think they have replaced the old Mobsters with the kind of 'corporate rule' of boxing.
Larry Merchant

Too much youth, hunger, mission, and talent.
Larry Merchant

“Neither guy wanted to yield. It was the third fight of their trilogy, and it was that important.”

“He's so good, you wonder what's wrong with him.”

“I think it all depends on how good this fight is. I don't know how to rank it. If this turns out to be a dramatic fight and Roy wins, people will look back at all three (in a fond way). But he has to win in a theatrical way. That would make it a great trilogy, maybe.”

“The thorough bred against a clamor, or rather the Porsche vs. the pickup truck.”

“I haven't seen Johnson enough in the past to know, but he's a guy who's fought all these years, 16 years, finally gets a title, he's fighting for his biggest payday, he's still fighting back in occasional flurries, just as Jimmy Garcia did when he fought Gabe Ruelas. So he was still fighting back, Every time he went back to the corner he seemed to be going slower and slower. In fact I did mention after the eighth, ninth round that he sorta wobbled onto his stool. So the signs were there and it's in the hands of the referee.”

[fightingmajor]

Max Kellerman makes HBO World Championship Boxing appear bush league. Kellerman is so hard to listen to, I often just cringe when he starts spewing his retarted sounding comments -- no offense meant to retared people.

[Sweet Jones]

I guess we will have to agree to disagree. In the event of the Mayweather vs. Baldo fight, I think Larry provided a perfect context for what was happening.. as you said, Mayweather as cruising toward a larger potential payday while pot shotting Baldomir, and he felt paying boxing fans deserved better. The crowd at the particular event saw through it, and so did much of the viewing audience. Yes, he can put it into the context of past fights (you mentioned Pea vs Ramirez), but that does not change the fact that many fans put down 50$ to watch a pot shotting festival, and most were supreemly disapointed.

On the other hand, in Mayweathers conquest of Corrales, Merchant praised Floyd, and when comparing him to past fighters said something to the effect of him being up there with all the past top fighters, a 9 second sprinter against the field.

I like the context Larry gives, in particular before fights, about the fighters lives, and the meaning of the event. He is not perfect, I admit, but I would take him any day over Max Kellerman.

By the way, welcome to the forum. You have well expressed opionions and we badly need that about right now with all the Jr. High students getting out of school for the summer and coming to ESB.

I'm cool with agreeing to disagree, and thank you for the welcome.

[Ethan Trims]

I voted for Kellerman.

People keep insisting that Larry Merchant is this great fountain of boxing knowledge. And yet, after all these years, NO ONE has ever LEARNED anything from listening to him. Seriously ask yourselves: Has your boxing knowledge EVER been increased at all by anything he’s ever said, either during a fight or in the post fight interview? What nugget of information during a fight has he ever said that gave you some insight into why things were occurring in the ring? Think long and hard about that.

While some people may find his rantings entertaining, I don’t. I tune in to watch fighters fight, and I listen to hear the play-by-play guy describe WHAT is happening and the color commentator to explain WHY things are happening. Merchant adds nothing to that equation, even going so far as to challenge the color man analysis (RJJ, Foreman) and unofficial judges (Lederman), with no back up for his assertions (see the RJJ youtube clip). Does Merchant add ‘drama’ to the event? Nope, only brings attention to himself with his bloviated pontifications. Howard Cosell, he aint.

As I’ve said before, the bottom line is people do not tune in to watchthe watch the interviewer piss off fighters. Holmes, Tyson, BHop, ODLH, Mayweather, RJJ were some of HBOs biggest stars. And for their trouble, all they get was some self righteous idiot harassing them with irrelevant questions.

Kellerman may be a ‘fanboy’, but at least he explains WHY he is a fanboy of certain fighters. Disagree with him all you want to, but everyone knows the EXACT reasons why Kellerman loved Judah, Chris Byrd, Ike Ibeabuchi, RJJ, etc. Kellerman also calls it like he sees it, and manages to do so without putting himself at the center of attention.

And lastly, at least I know Kellerman actually enjoys boxing, and has some appreciation for the varied styles. Merchant has turned himself into this “if-it’s-not-Gatti-Ward-then-it-ain’t-entertaining” caricature.

HBO will improve in quality the DAY he goes off the air.

What the fuck are you learning from kellerman? With his fanboy rants, he doesnt give an boxing knowledge.


Too sum it up, at least merchant is very entertaining. Kellerman is nauseating to listen too.

[acb]

I'm cool with agreeing to disagree, and thank you for the welcome.

Cool. Like I said, I appreciate your post. Stick around here at ESB.

[Ethan Trims]

What the fuck are you learning from kellerman? With his fanboy rants, he doesnt give an boxing knowledge.


Too sum it up, at least merchant is very entertaining. Kellerman is nauseating to listen too.

And to add, you asked if your knowledge has ever been increased by anything he has said in the fight?

Well thinking back one that comes to mind is the recent fight Dirrell vs. Stevens fight. If you saw the fight Stevens had trouble getting on the inside side because he was the smaller shorter man, and when he did he would go for the head instead of breaking Dirrell down by the body.

Merchant mentioned how Stevens had to turn his disadvantage into an advantage (his height) and he appears unable to do so. I thought that was a nice quote. Unless someone says something outlandish or extremely annoying during the fight it doesnt stick out in your mind much.




Oh as for giving advice on techniques and footwork and all. Thats the former boxers job (Emmanuel, George, Lennox) not Larrys.

[Holmes' Jab]

Truth be told Larry Merchant has his faults and annoying points, that said I'll always maintain that he's much, much more preferable to Max Kellerman.

He may be an old wino, however Merchant is still a class above this guy

[fatcity]

Kellerman is just pathetic.Period.
Merchant is the man.The soul of HBO Boxing.:thumbsup

[Sweet Jones]

Is there a reason all the Kellerman threads keep getting deleted?