I fully understand the reasoning behind that. However, it was originally through his Anglocentric orientation that I first gained an awareness of boxing history outside the States. Through his writings, I was first introduced to the careers of British legends like the incredible Nel Tarleton, knowledge which helped me score points with the UK contingent (particularly MDWC) when I first joined ESB Classic. Len Harvey was no world beater, but the recognition he gained through Carpenter's work may have laid the foundation for Harvey's eventual enshrinement in the IBHOF. (Since Harvey got in, I'm certain Tarleton will follow at some point. His story is too good for him to be excluded much longer.)
Murray was a classic. The problem w/ sports today IS the sportswriters. They are more fans than sports reporters. The greats like Murray, Smith, Cannon, Rice, Nack, Kram, Burick, etc. reported and help make the news exciting. These guys were like sports poets who were every bit as good as writers as the athletes they wrote about were athletes. :hat
Katz is an irritating ****, personally. Almost crowned him, neck brace an all, at a press conference in Vegas. What bugs you about him as a writer, BC? Gotta give the devil his due; he has chops.
Bill Heinz is the cream of the crop imo.I like Cannon too , though he was wrong about Ali. Leibling ,Buck,Smith,Rice. were very good. Bromberg,from the UK , ---- - Frank Butler and his father James, George Whiting,and now Mcillvanney.Jack Newfield wrote some interesting stuff.
The late great Red Smith was Papa Hemmingway's fav sports writer and a complete legend in his profession. However, his hatred of Ali was a bit much. His contention that Gene Tunney would easily beat Ali is enough to consider Red someone who didn't know **** about boxing at all.
Pat Putnam - I couldnt stand his ass licking of Sugar ray leonard and and in the current day Kevin Iole is absolutely terrible.
Hate is a strong word but I haven't got anything good to say about Ray Mitchell who was the Australian correspondent for the Ring with his News from Down Under column.
Someone criticizes a Boxing writer on ESB, they type their name in Google and find it and respond. Fantastic.