Boxing commentary is a real skill, something that requires a good amount of poise, understanding and understatement. See Harry Carpenter and Ian Darke as good examples of boxing commentary the right way. Now fast forward to today, and the oafish, ignorant, loud Nick Hawling. Shouting only papers over so many cracks, and it's clear this guy has no idea what he's looking at. He has a fear of any silences that causes him to talk constantly, whether it's relevant or not. He's giggled several times at the sight of a KO punch, as obnoxious a thing a boxing commentator can do. Trying to make up for his ineptitude by acting as a cheerleader for British fighters in close fights only makes him more hateful. Sky should try their best to bring back Ian Darke, because it doesn't get much worse than the guy they have now.
Newbon is an absolute tool, but he can be avoided almost completely by boxing fans without missing a fight. Hawling is an inescapable vexation of the mind if you want to watch a fight on Sky Sports.
Smith must have a boss everybody does at sky except Murdoch , he is creepy and I know I'm not the only one that thinks so . His voice and manerisams are really annoying , and he's crap in front of the camera
I''ve always backed it... I can swear that when Benn was in AGONY after the G-Man fight, Newbon was like 'what's up? it didn't hurt that much!' and there wasn't a hint of sarcasm. He is a massive twat.
I remember Mendy, Benn et al going mental at him after I think the DeWitt fight. Newbon has become an elder statesman, I just laugh at his pomposity now a days.
Bring back Dickie Davies I say! The guy who sometimes does undercard/overseas cards for Sky really should be promoted. Can't remember his name.
He is old not clueless. He had a huge input into ITV's excellent coverage post World of Sport until the mid 90s. I suspect he still has got tons of connections that mean he is considered an asset.
I remember Benn almost chinning him after the contentious Galvano fight where he decided to insist on staying in the ring telling Nigel how he may not of won the fight.
To be fair to SKY they did bring the man back in the 90s to do some reminiscing. Although the insight of a former or indeed current pro can help 'paint a picture', unless the whole thing is held together by a professional presenter, the show will lack polish. There is an art to presenting and Davies had it...