I agree with this. And it wasn't just to Floyd - all of his leeches were there, too. If it was a punk like Judah instead of Mayweather, then Merchant could've been punched and a crowded ringside brawl isn't without danger. I miss Merchant but he's earned his retirement. He is a real persona and while I don't always agree with him, he says what he thinks. There is no one like him. The team of Merchant, Lampley and Roy Jones is my favorite one ever.
Lemme address the overlooked elephant in the room about Merchant. It's what allowed Sinatra to pack stadiums long after his voice 'n memory were gone: GRAVITAS. Youth, brashness and encyclopedic knowledge, mean nothing. Either ya got it or ya don't: Think Vin Scully 'n Billie Holiday. It's irreplaceble.
No. He was shot by 07. Jim: "I dont think hes going to make it" 20 seconds later Larry: "I don't think hes gonna make it Jim"
Larry Merchant was a ChinChecker of course I miss him. His commentary and interviews were great he asked the tough questions unlike Kellerman who just nuthugs everyone.
Yes. Merchant is from a bygone era of psuedo-racist/condescending broadcasters who spent as much time "putting him in his place" as interviewing some of the most amazing Boxing talents on the planet, much like Cosell. Unfortunately, there isn't anyone out there to diplomatically match wits with Merchant like there was with Cosell, i.e., Ali. (He is also a drunk, much like Cosell.) The Boxing post fight interview is probably one of the most mercurial moments in sports. A guy is awash in adrenaline, exhausted, and is most likely nursing at minimum a mild concussion. That is when Merchant decides to attack with a bunch of condescending passive aggressive vitriolic jabs. Merchant has done this for DECADES to many of the most amazing athletes in Boxing history, RJJ, Sweat Pea, ... FMJ. Unfortunately, media doesn't provide venues for Boxers to defend themselves when calm and fully healthy. Thank God that horse has been put out to pasture. [yt]9Jn8K8EA7-Q[/yt]
Larry Merchant isnt retired. He is going to be on HBO covering Top Ranks new fighter from China, i forget his name.
Oh hell no... the dood was too in love with his own stupid wittycism.... which usually came off convoluted and conflictive... Dood was biased as all get out and took a full minute to gather half a thought.... He did boxing a favor through retiring
You've ranted chapter-n-verse why Merchant infuriates you...'n good riddance!...but not a single word about GRAVITAS. Do you place any value on it, bhs? Does anyone else on the HBO crew have it?...Or on another broadcasting team, for that matter?