One thing I noticed (or continue to notice) is how Larry Merchant hates on tacticians. He had so many negative comments before the fight any started, and even once Ward started dismantling Dawson, he made a bunch of back-handed compliments about Ward taking risks and being aggressive that even carried over into the post-fight interview. Why does HBO let this clown constantly insult fighters and the sweet science (of bruising)?
Larry Merchant sucks at interviewing people, he sucks at commentary, and he reeks of liquor. What the **** are they doing having him even on the air? Papa, Jones, Kellerman is a better crew than that. Hell Papa, Atlas, and Jones would be one good commentary crew.
Tend to agree. Merchant and those like him, these so called 'analysts' make the sport look bad. While pulling their own horns they make people believe the guys in the ring are of lesser quality than they actually are and cause new fans to disrespect the sport. Aleast in mma, if the fighter isn't half bad, they will give him plenty if credit and promotion he needs
I watched the fight live with HBO yesterday and today I watched it with skysports. In my eyes the Sky sports team are the far better commentators because they are acually commenting the fight. HBO can talk about stuff that doesn't really matter and totally neglect another mans work and It's getting furstrating. Imo the only one that are any good in the HBO team are Max and steward.
Merchant has been doing this for years. Even when oscar was putting on that masterclass against Trinidad, Merchant was hating the whole damned time. Then Oscar takes a total whooping in the 12th against Mosley, and Merchant is all over his nuts :verysad
It's strange that Larry was a fan of Whitaker. Now Whitaker does get an unfair rep at times for being too defensive (he had a good workrate) and a runner and all that......but he certainly had his share of dull fights and seemed like someone Larry would be harsh on. But Merchant seemed to love Pernell.
Merchant is the man, anyone that hates him is a clown and fraud. Yeah, lets get rid of Merchant, the ONE ****ing guy on either network that calls **** like it is. Who tells you when a fight is boring as **** instead of trying to prop it up just cause it's an HBO fighter. Who tells you when a ref is full of **** instead of say that it's just boxing. Who tells you when the scoring is god awful even if it's the correct result. Who isn't afraid to ask fighters tough questions instead of just asking how they feel about another great win. Yeah, **** Merchant, lets have more goddamned yes men.
Because Pernell didn't run. He was in range and flat footed in most fights, but he still made people miss and let his hands go. Larry offers a casual fan's sentiments and he does so very eloquently. I've grown to really like him because he never minces words.