"Larry Merchant and HBO"- Thomas Hauser article

good article. I think the biggest mistake max has made here is being so aggressive with his refusal to be the BAD lead analyst. He's trying to push too high too fast. He should be trying to learn from Larry. And his ambition will create friction among the commenting crew and will alienate him with boxing fans. Nobody would have thought badly of him if he had accepted some of the World championship boxing fights, desk work and the lead on BAD. And said something like "as soon as Larry indicated that he wanted to remain at HBO I was happy to renegotiate my contract, he's a skilled veteran and I would be happy to work and learn from him over the next couple of years." and then something about all good things to those who wait. But instead of billing himself as Larry’s protégée he's making himself look like Larry’s would be conqueror and that just ain't gonna fly with this hack. Moreover, as the article says there will be a third lead analyst at HBO. I can guarantee that he will be better then Max and with MAx under heat from the fans and fighters he'd better watch his ass.

If I was Al Bernstein I'd be submitting a resume right about now.

A couple more points: LArry merchant as BAD match maker!!!!! that would have been unreal! And Ross Greenberg is clearly and idiot and knows nothing about boxing or how boxing is covered. Boxing has always been an outlet for great writers and literary minds that see and relate the drama and majesty of the fight. I mean no other sport has the kind of drama that boxing has. And you need skilled people to put it into pros when covered live. Max was good at the desk thing when he could prepare his comments but to make this **** up as he goes he just hasn't got a clue.

 

Garbage or not it's the truth. Greenburg wants to attract a younger, UFC type of audience. It's all about the ...

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Merchant is the last of a dying breed. A ballsy journalist that tells it exactly like it is. He's more than paid his dues. Not some companyman *******. Kellerman on the otherhand is an insufferable little ***** that knows **** all about the sport.

 

i fukked her.

 

Well-written article that clarified a few things for me. I'm happy Larry Merchant is content, but I still feel that he was grossly mistreated.

On the other hand, this has provided me with some sympathy for Max Kellerman. I still feel that he's a horrible analyst, but now he's a horrible analyst who's career has been ruined by the only guy who wanted to back him. Kellerman will now be directly compared to Merchant and will be seen as an invader by Merchant's fans. That's not Kellerman's fault.

I'm very intrigued by the notion of Larry Merchant doing the match-making. I'm sure he would have done a fine job. He's candid and very well respected because of the institution he is and the fact that he is 76 years old. If he asks a young fighter why he won't fight this other good young fighter, he'll have to look him in the eye and tell the truth, knowing Larry Merchant will in a matter-of-fact fashion relay that truth to the boxing public.

 

**** people dissing Max Kellerman. Max Kellerman at least knows his boxing history and is enthusiastic.

You can like Larry Merchant and NOT hate Max Kellerman, you know. I think they are both good commentators who bring their own thing.

 

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Yes, but I really don't like him. Can I?

His opinions seem to have walked right out of a bar. Drunk.

 

Larry is the man and when HBO tried to **** him over, the people cried for him. The people appear to have won.

Kellerman can't cut it, simple.

Larry tells it like it is. He says what needs to be says. Sometimes he is a bit old school in always wanting blood and guts but generally he is the man.

 

Why can't Kellerman cut it, though? I personally think he's a fine addition, regardless of whether they get rid of Larry or not.

I think people just really have a connection with Larry since he's been around for so long. I don't see why they have to be "anti-Max".

 

No, really, regardless of Merchant, I would rather they bring in a random feller or simply just Lampley and Manny Steward than have Kellerman at ringside. I really dislike having him there, and trust me, so do others. It's what's partly fueled the massive support for Merchant.

 

outstanding Article!!! :T

Merchant is a staple, and you cannot replace him with a loud mouth young buck like Max.

I like max on certain things, but he just doesn't mix well with Lampley, and in the end, he is NO Merchant.

 

I agree. No argument from me. I just happen to believe clueless executives like Greenburg believe getting a younger contemporary host such as Max is going to attract younger clientèle such as the UFC viewership.

UFC is getting more advertising and exposure from corporations than boxing right now. Greenburg sees this and probably wants to take advantage of the financial opportunities however not taking in consideration the insight and admiration boxing fans have for the sport. These CEO's bottom line is always making more money.

 

But they arent on seperate networks, so we cant appreciate them both. HBO was going to can Larry for Max, so they themselves have made us hate Max.

 

Merchand should ditch HBO and work for Showtime, that should teach those ungrateful *******s.

Glad to see that the boxing community seems to recognize Merchant's value.