Worst Commentary Performances

[Lampley]

I'm sure I'm setting my guy Lampley up for some abuse here, but rewatching Hopkins vs. Trinidad last night, I'd like to nominate George Foreman.

Foreman embarassingly bought into the Trinidad hype. That was fine for a few rounds, but for the first eight he keeps admonishing Hopkins for things he "better not do against this boy." He advises Bernard to not make Trinidad mad, or to punch with him, or to give Trinidad room to punch, or basically be in there with him at all.

Foreman continually lauds Trinidad for his toughness and determination, completely glossing over a masterclass -- a true masterclass, one of my favorite performances ever -- by Hopkins. Bernard tamed Tito almost from the opening bell, and yet Big George was convinced the fight would turn any second.

Merchant (who was much sharper back then, sad to say) eventually calls him out on it, as well as calling out Lampley for calling shots for Trinidad that Bernard blocked.

By round 9, at least, George started noticing what was happening. By then Bernard was teeing off on Tito, and toward the end, he cruelly abused him. The series of counters in the last 30 seconds of the 10th round, with the grin and step away to go along with it, was vintage Hopkins.

Too bad George didn't notice earlier.

[DamonD]

Bobby Czyz in pretty much any Tyson fight you can think of...I don't have any quotes to hand though, I'm sorry. Though hearing him confidently assert that Tyson had indeed landed flush on Seldon and then stammering his way through the replays was pretty damn memorable.

[Stewbear]

Bobby Czyz in pretty much any Tyson fight you can think of...I don't have any quotes to hand though, I'm sorry. Though hearing him confidently assert that Tyson had indeed landed flush on Seldon and then stammering his way through the replays was pretty damn memorable.

lol there were a few classics in the lewis fight:nut

[Lampley]

Bobby Czyz in pretty much any Tyson fight you can think of...I don't have any quotes to hand though, I'm sorry. Though hearing him confidently assert that Tyson had indeed landed flush on Seldon and then stammering his way through the replays was pretty damn memorable.

Ha ha ha. Good call on the Seldon fight. I remember him saying something like the crowd was booing because they didn't think it was a legit KO, and then being like, "Ughhh, I ugghh, they might be right," or something like that. It was hilarious.

Czyz sounded too punchy to be doing commentary anyway. Always thought they could find someone better.

[Koa]

Max Kellerman butchering Arturo Gatti last week. He just got ktfo, and its true he really was a B, B- fighter but he gave everything he had and was entertaining. I think he could have just commented on his career accomplishments and mentioned what a gift it was to have him in boxing instead of mentioning all the stammering he did when he faced tougher opposition.

Just thought it was inappropriate.

[TBooze]

Anytime McGuigan, McKenzie or Bruno are at the mic...

[Lampley]

Max Kellerman butchering Arturo Gatti last week. He just got ktfo, and its true he really was a B, B- fighter but he gave everything he had and was entertaining. I think he could have just commented on his career accomplishments and mentioned what a gift it was to have him in boxing instead of mentioning all the stammering he did when he faced tougher opposition.

I thought that was a weird sendoff too. I mean, yeah, but no one ever said he was a great fighter. People loved him for his style, not his talent. That was the whole point, which Max (as usual) missed.

[tragicliston]

I'd like to nominate Teddy Atlas for a lifetime achievment award. His theory of commentary seems to be, "Why use five words when you can use 50? Why say something once and move on when you can say it again and again and again?" I have to mute Friday Night Fights.

[tragicliston]

I thought that was a weird sendoff too. I mean, yeah, but no one ever said he was a great fighter. People loved him for his style, not his talent. That was the whole point, which Max (as usual) missed.

Kellerman also has the annoying habit of trying to bullshit the audience into believing they're watching an exciting fight when it's one-sided or a snoozer. He did this at least a few times on B.A.D.

[DamonD]

Anytime McGuigan, McKenzie or Bruno are at the mic...
Nononono, Duke McKenzie's great..."He's gone, Jim!", I love it. Like Foreman, he's as much about the comedy value as the commentary.

[TBooze]

Nononono, Duke McKenzie's great..."He's gone, Jim!", I love it. Like Foreman, he's as much about the comedy value as the commentary.

Duke 'He needs to double up the jab' McKenzie funny...

Well I guess it takes all sorts!;)

[chewy 22]

Mckenzie is a cult hero :good

[TBooze]

Mckenzie is a cult hero :good

I think you misspelled cult..;)

No; McKenzie is harmless enough, and I can see at how being so bad can get him a cult status

[Lampley]

I'd like to nominate Teddy Atlas for a lifetime achievment award. His theory of commentary seems to be, "Why use five words when you can use 50? Why say something once and move on when you can say it again and again and again?" I have to mute Friday Night Fights.
Teddy is the worst kind of guy to run across if you're having a drink by yourself at a bar. I wonder if he waxes philosophical about his lovelife.

"In order to get the cherry ... you have to be willing to make the commitment. ... It's the commitment ... as shown ... through years of training and determination .. that determines whether ... you can get the cherry. ... And if you do get the cherry ... all that commitment ... has paid off."

[Pimp C]

I'm sure I'm setting my guy Lampley up for some abuse here, but rewatching Hopkins vs. Trinidad last night, I'd like to nominate George Foreman.

Foreman embarassingly bought into the Trinidad hype. That was fine for a few rounds, but for the first eight he keeps admonishing Hopkins for things he "better not do against this boy." He advises Bernard to not make Trinidad mad, or to punch with him, or to give Trinidad room to punch, or basically be in there with him at all.

Foreman continually lauds Trinidad for his toughness and determination, completely glossing over a masterclass -- a true masterclass, one of my favorite performances ever -- by Hopkins. Bernard tamed Tito almost from the opening bell, and yet Big George was convinced the fight would turn any second.

Merchant (who was much sharper back then, sad to say) eventually calls him out on it, as well as calling out Lampley for calling shots for Trinidad that Bernard blocked.

By round 9, at least, George started noticing what was happening. By then Bernard was teeing off on Tito, and toward the end, he cruelly abused him. The series of counters in the last 30 seconds of the 10th round, with the grin and step away to go along with it, was vintage Hopkins.

Too bad George didn't notice earlier.
I agreee. I remember watching that fight jumping out of my seat saying George can't be watching the same fight. It was truely his worst performance.

[tragicliston]

"In order to get the cherry ... you have to be willing to make the commitment. ... It's the commitment ... as shown ... through years of training and determination .. that determines whether ... you can get the cherry. ... And if you do get the cherry ... all that commitment ... has paid off."

Ha! Pitch perfect.

[Pimp C]

Teddy is the worst kind of guy to run across if you're having a drink by yourself at a bar. I wonder if he waxes philosophical about his lovelife.

"In order to get the cherry ... you have to be willing to make the commitment. ... It's the commitment ... as shown ... through years of training and determination .. that determines whether ... you can get the cherry. ... And if you do get the cherry ... all that commitment ... has paid off."
:lol: :rofl :lol: :rofl

[Thread Stealer]

Jim Lampley during Chavez-Taylor I, Hopkins-Taylor I and II, Marquez-Barrera.

Larry Merchant during Hopkins-Hakkar.

Ferdie Pacheco: too many fights to name.

The worst interview job I can think of was Tim Smith interviewing Jay Nady after Tszyu-Judah. My god that was an awful interview. You don't have to ask the same question 3 times, especially when the guy has already given you his answer.

[Thread Stealer]

I'm sure I'm setting my guy Lampley up for some abuse here, but rewatching Hopkins vs. Trinidad last night, I'd like to nominate George Foreman.

Foreman embarassingly bought into the Trinidad hype. That was fine for a few rounds, but for the first eight he keeps admonishing Hopkins for things he "better not do against this boy." He advises Bernard to not make Trinidad mad, or to punch with him, or to give Trinidad room to punch, or basically be in there with him at all.

Foreman continually lauds Trinidad for his toughness and determination, completely glossing over a masterclass -- a true masterclass, one of my favorite performances ever -- by Hopkins. Bernard tamed Tito almost from the opening bell, and yet Big George was convinced the fight would turn any second.

Merchant (who was much sharper back then, sad to say) eventually calls him out on it, as well as calling out Lampley for calling shots for Trinidad that Bernard blocked.

By round 9, at least, George started noticing what was happening. By then Bernard was teeing off on Tito, and toward the end, he cruelly abused him. The series of counters in the last 30 seconds of the 10th round, with the grin and step away to go along with it, was vintage Hopkins.

Too bad George didn't notice earlier.

"That referee's speech didn't impress me at all"

"There's a lot of signs (that Hopkins is slowing down)!!!"

Big George was also pretty bad during Hamed-Barrera.

[Lampley]

"That referee's speech didn't impress me at all"

"There's a lot of signs (that Hopkins is slowing down)!!!"

Big George was also pretty bad during Hamed-Barrera.

Oh yeah, the thing about Hopkins slowing down was great, especially as Hopkins was blistering Trinidad all the while.

[Lampley]

Jim Lampley during Chavez-Taylor I, Hopkins-Taylor I and II, Marquez-Barrera.

Larry Merchant during Hopkins-Hakkar.

Ferdie Pacheco: too many fights to name.

The worst interview job I can think of was Tim Smith interviewing Jay Nady after Tszyu-Judah. My god that was an awful interview. You don't have to ask the same question 3 times, especially when the guy has already given you his answer.

I thought Jim was OK in the Taylor/Hopkins fights, although I can see where his excitement for Taylor would have made a Hopkins fan annoyed. But Taylor did throw more punches, and Jim tends to favor the more aggressive guy in his commentary, even if he's inefficient. And Jim made a point to mention "Shades of Holmes vs. Spinks" after the decision was announced in the 2nd fight.

Pacheco was awful for his smugness and arrogance. He said some unfortunate things about McClellan at the time of his collapse vs. Benn. Granted, no one could have known fully what was going on then, but he didn't even allow for the possibility that G-Man was injured.

[fatcity]

Can someone PLEASE blow up the buffoon Col.Bob Sheridan?:tired

[paulfv]

Jim Lampley during Chavez-Taylor I, Hopkins-Taylor I and II

Ferdie Pacheco: too many fights to name.

The worst interview job I can think of was Tim Smith interviewing Jay Nady after Tszyu-Judah


Lampley is an insane HBO homer, just brutal. His latest "MMA" rant was embarrassing.

Pacheco has always sucked. Things always come back to his time with Ali. *yawn*

What did Tim Smith ask? I'm sure it was 'did you stop it too soon?'

[Lampley]

Lampley is an insane HBO homer, just brutal. His latest "MMA" rant was embarrassing.
I find that this accusation usually comes from Hopkins fans or ODLH haters. He has flirted with that at times, even I'll admit, but people only point out what they see as one-sided, never mentioning the stuff he says going in the other direction.

But I agree with you about Jim's diatribes against MMA. I'm not a big fan, either, but he needs to step down from his high horse.

[Boro chris]

Anytime McGuigan, McKenzie or Bruno are at the mic...

Mckenzie is a genius!!


HOW DARE YOU!!!:fire

[paulfv]

I find that this accusation usually comes from Hopkins fans or ODLH haters. He has flirted with that at times, even I'll admit, but people only point out what they see as one-sided, never mentioning the stuff he says going in the other direction

Jim is probably my least-favorite play-by-play guy, and always has been. I would take Tim Ryan, Bob Papa, Steve Albert and several other guys ahead of him. He does not have a good boxing eye, he is incredibly partial to the HBO fighter, and he gets pissy (MMA rants).

He's a very smart guy, and is great at running the 'event' of a big fight. But in terms of actually calling a fight, he sucks. Hard. Forget about ODLH or Hopkins. As someone mentioned, Taylor-Chavez, just to name one. A number of Lennox Lewis fights.

Lampley was, is, and apparently always will be a HBO 'company guy.' And that's probably why he's still announcing after his latest shennanigans.

[Thread Stealer]

What did Tim Smith ask? I'm sure it was 'did you stop it too soon?'

He asked Nady what he felt about Judah going after him, and if he felt threatened.

Nady kept answering him but Smith kept asking the same question.

[TBooze]

Mckenzie is a genius!!


HOW DARE YOU!!!:fire

:D

Statement withdrawn!;)

[josak]

Two words: Lennox Lewis.

[paulfv]

He asked Nady what he felt about Judah going after him, and if he felt threatened.

Nady kept answering him but Smith kept asking the same question.

Ugh.

Thanks

[Lampley]

Jim is probably my least-favorite play-by-play guy, and always has been. I would take Tim Ryan, Bob Papa, Steve Albert and several other guys ahead of him. He does not have a good boxing eye, he is incredibly partial to the HBO fighter, and he gets pissy (MMA rants).

He's a very smart guy, and is great at running the 'event' of a big fight. But in terms of actually calling a fight, he sucks. Hard. Forget about ODLH or Hopkins. As someone mentioned, Taylor-Chavez, just to name one. A number of Lennox Lewis fights.

Lampley was, is, and apparently always will be a HBO 'company guy.' And that's probably why he's still announcing after his latest shennanigans.
Albert over Lampley? Wow. Did you like Fran Charles better as well?

Albert the cornball cliche man, plus he has weatherman skin and horse teeth. Papa is solid but can't convey the enthusiasm it takes to call a big fight. Lamps has the No. 2 spot (behind needledick but very good Costas) for the Olympics for good reason -- he understands how to create narrative and establish subplots. No one else is even close at doing this so well.

No, he isn't a trained analyst of the sport, but that really isn't his job. People who focus on that obviously don't understand what he's supposed to prioritize. Consider this: Working beside Lampley, Lennox Lewis actually sounds slightly coherent. That's not to say Lennox ever will be good, but Lamps understands when to kick it over and how to maximize (and minimize) his comments.

Again, though, I agree on the MMA stuff. That, and his former annoying habit of announcing results from Showtime fights occurring on the same night. That was bushleague. He did this for Lacy/Calzaghe, but fortunately I watched the Showtime fight first anyway.

[Danny Ocean]

merchant on barrera-marquez
foreman at jones-rui hopkins-trinidad

[bill poster]

Whoever commented on the Williams Marquez fight--it wasnt even close like he said!

[Vantage_West]

Anytime McGuigan, McKenzie or Bruno are at the mic...there pretty decent man :think

mcGuigan is a legend when he comes to this he has been commentating longer than his boxing career

mcKenzie is a bit boring but he dosnt know what he can and cant say aint very charismatic but was a fighter and has some credabilty on the mic.

bruno....i dont know .he is a bit punchy and a bit to low in tone to understand what he is saying but he is a funny guy and very witty

[sean]

not that sold on the english commentators at the momemnt compared to harry carpenter and reg gutteridge that were , who i liked .

HBO team have to many cooks , you do not need 4 inputs in the one fight.

watching malinaggi v ndou the other day thanks to dave, and they tend to ramble amongst themselves and do not keep up with whats happening in the ring.

3nlish commentators overplay the action and american commentators underplay.

i like manny steward and jim watt respectivley doing the colour commentary.
also like larry merchant.

but i like the showtime team the best stateside and steve holdsworth the best european .

not a lot of people like him , but i like him despite all his flaws..

[the_what]

The whole HBO team in the Hopkins/Taylor 1st fight.

[Jinx]

Max Kellerman butchering Arturo Gatti last week. He just got ktfo, and its true he really was a B, B- fighter but he gave everything he had and was entertaining. I think he could have just commented on his career accomplishments and mentioned what a gift it was to have him in boxing instead of mentioning all the stammering he did when he faced tougher opposition.

Just thought it was inappropriate.

ANY Kellerman commentary is a joke if it's anything more than ESPN level...

[nervousxtian]

Teddy Atlas everytime he opens his goddamned mouth.

There's nothing like Teddy going into a diatribe about fighting tall or using the jab, when someone in the ring is about to get KTFO, and he just continues on, and then.. oh.. shit.. there's a knockdown...

It's like he gets mad that the fight is taking away from his consant jibber-jabber.

[sues2nd]

I'm sure I'm setting my guy Lampley up for some abuse here, but rewatching Hopkins vs. Trinidad last night, I'd like to nominate George Foreman.

Foreman embarassingly bought into the Trinidad hype. That was fine for a few rounds, but for the first eight he keeps admonishing Hopkins for things he "better not do against this boy." He advises Bernard to not make Trinidad mad, or to punch with him, or to give Trinidad room to punch, or basically be in there with him at all.

Foreman continually lauds Trinidad for his toughness and determination, completely glossing over a masterclass -- a true masterclass, one of my favorite performances ever -- by Hopkins. Bernard tamed Tito almost from the opening bell, and yet Big George was convinced the fight would turn any second.

Merchant (who was much sharper back then, sad to say) eventually calls him out on it, as well as calling out Lampley for calling shots for Trinidad that Bernard blocked.

By round 9, at least, George started noticing what was happening. By then Bernard was teeing off on Tito, and toward the end, he cruelly abused him. The series of counters in the last 30 seconds of the 10th round, with the grin and step away to go along with it, was vintage Hopkins.

Too bad George didn't notice earlier.

Yeah, but at least Foreman took the credit for his missfire. He admitted his wrong in his commentary.

Ya boy is the worst by far for HBO fighters.

De La Hoya - Whitaker was his all time low.

AND ANOTHER BIG FLURRY BY DE LA HOYA!!!! (even tho every shot missed...)

The Taylor - Hopkins 1 fight was just as bad. Misses were hits. Misses were BIG SHOTS!

He also has NO IDEA how to score a fight...of course Merchant and Lederman arent that much better in that department.

[Napoleon]

From the fights i've seen it has to be Lampley on Taylor - Hopkins by far.

[Boro chris]

:D

Statement withdrawn!;)




I should think so to!:bart

[Napoleon]

Another one is those British commentators during Lewis - Grant.

[Rock0052]

Wasn't the worst commentary ever, but the HBO commentary on Hatton-Castillo was pretty abysmal. All it reminded me of was a show where people sit around and bitch about everything- not once did they bother to notice how much focus Hatton was putting on the body, and after one of the best bodyshots in years in a championship fight, their only response was something akin to"I guess the people who said Castillo was shot were absolutely right". No emotion, no anything to try and let the casual fan know that body punch KO's like that don't happen everyday and it was a wicked shot.

I'm sorry, but anytime you spend 2/3rds of a round ignoring the fight happening in front of your eyes and complaining, you're not going to get a good review.

[TBooze]

mcGuigan is a legend when he comes to this he has been commentating longer than his boxing career


McGuigan is just paid to state the bleedin obvious...

As for Bruno being a wit... well again each to their own.

Personally if I want a wit to commentate on boxing I would get Stephen Fry; sure he probably knows next to nothing about boxing, but that has not stopped SKY giving Paul Dempsey a job;)

[Zakman]

In terms of bad commentary performances, NO ONE consistently sinks to the level of the unqualified Max Kellerman. That this know-nothing punk has been tabbed by HBO to succeed Merchant is a travesty.

[.trunzx]

Two words: Lennox Lewis.

Definately!

[Bigcat]

Seldons finest comment..

"Tyson hit me and the punch rattled my eyes, i couldn't continue.."

It fucking rattled my eyes too Bruce, coz i missed the punch landing at all

[Johnnyblaze]

how about jim lampley's biased commentary during taylor/wright? everytime taylor through a punch it was "taylor lands a big punch!!!!" even though it was clearly blocked. the real problem was when winky landed a punch it was "wright feels the need to fire back" or "winky lands a little right hook, but taylor's clearly dominating this round" that shit pissed me off. there were even times where he just stayed silent during a wright 5 punch flurry, but once taylor would throw a punch in return it was a news headline.

[rodney]

Larry the drunk Merchant.
Everytime he opens his mouth.
It looks like he has forgotten what he was going to say.
Total asshole to boot.