Bernstein gives the better inside the ring analysis while Lampley catches the magnitude of the moment better. They are both great, I have a fondness for Bernstein, although I prefer HBO's overall telecasts.
I used to think Jim was great but now find his schtick all show. Al is a real pro with solid historical knowledge of the sport with much less fluff.
Bernstein Knows a bit of boxing , Lampley, Merchant know zero can't learn a thing from either,this guy Kellermen is a total joke. Todays best are Teddy Atlas and this Kid Pauly Malinaggi. They know whats goin on in the ring ( every thing ) The BEST ever to call a fight Gil Clancey end of story, Bobby Cyz very good also SRL not bad either, HBO has a bunch guys with no hands on knowledge of the sport ( they tell stores and make noise ) Guess answer Berstein.
Bernstein overall, thanks to his integrity and having few bad nights. Lampley can be great or terrible. He's a little erratic, but when he's on he can really add to a broadcast.
Al Bernstein is better, more level-headed. Lampley is demented, just shoots his mouth off all the time without thinking about what he's about to say.
Showing emotion is fine, but being obviously biased isn't. I can't tell you how many times he's jizzed over a shot that supposedly landed, only in reality it missed by several inches.