how does a boxing writer...

As a fan of the sport for years I enjoy listening and reading interviews from Joseph Herron. The guy is a class act and allows the boxers to open up and you really learn more from what the boxers say or don't say durning his interviews:good

There are too many people who report with a hidden agenda and that is just not cool in any reporting format in my view. Joseph is straight up and that is the reason I enjoy his writing on ESB and his radio show right here on Sunday and Tuesday nights.

:smoke

 

Liebling, McIlvanney and Hauser the best ones I've read on the sport.

 

Well done for digging this one up from the dead...JG was one of my favourite posters, always coming up with recollections and stories from the boxing past (as I get it he was a bit of a gym rat as far back as the late 60's and 70s) ...this is one of his last threads, wish I knew what happened to him.

JG was one of the last exemplars of genuinely interesting conversation on the site.

 

A clear , concise and vivid picture of the fight , plus absolutely no nut hugging.

 

EDIT -double post

 

I would say the most valuable skill for a would-be boxing journalist have to start with knowing what is worth reporting and what is not, particularly to a coherent sub-segment of boxing fandom. And understand why it is or is not important. If you dont understand why something is or isnt important to your target market, it will be hard to be consistent with creating interesting pieces.

The next most valuable trait, not skill in this case, is probably ability to go see fights in person. Not strictly required these days, but watching a good fight in person from good seats makes it a lot easier to see what is really happening especially compared to a grainy youtube. Being able to hear the impact is also helpful. Sound quality on broadcast fights can be iffy, and even where it seems good can have uneven pickup from different spots and angles in the ring. This also ties in to the "cred" thing, as many people will give writers who attend live events more credibility than yet another youtube junky who likes to share their opinion.

Lastly, I would suggest any aspiring writers to put in some effort regarding their knowledge and usage of the English language (or language of choice). Also, proofread your work. Sadly, the writing quality of most boxing news or opinion pieces on the internet read more like something a middle school kid got a D on than a piece of professional journalism. Avoiding amateurish mistakes in spelling and grammar alone will help set someone apart from the start.

 

Joe does a good job, I am a big fan of the radio show he hosts. I have come to appreciate his stance of not giving anyone crap on the show, it encourages the guest fighters and industry figures to open up. Also, prodding along a conversation and keeping things moving live on the air is actually quite difficult. It looks and sounds easy, but honestly most people cannot do it but Joe is pretty good at it.

 

That is very true brother. Joe has some of the best guest on his show and he makes it seem so easy Joe and JK are the best IMO.
I have been very fortunate to call in and talk with some of the guys and it is unbelievable bro:happy

I like the style and grace Joseph shows on the radio show as well as in his write ups too.

:smoke

 

Haven't seen John around these parts lately. I know he was battling the Big C for some time. Hope he's doing alright.

 

He died November of last year.

http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/articles/17581-rip-joe-qi-will-wink-at-some-homely-girlq

 

Oh ****. You didn't hear, Janes?

JG passed away from the illness back in November.

And he's badly missed around here.

 

Truer words haven't been spoken on these boards, Drew:good. JG was the best.

 

hugh mcllvaney, a master of the english lanuage! Thomas hauser, a truly biased bob arum supporter. This clown actually hung himself in a ring article in feb 2013!

 

The guys who write on the main page here are pretty awful

 

Oh man... that's just... damn. What a great loss for all of us. Not sure how I missed that. RIP to a REAL gentleman and scholar.