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Wow, tough crowd. I can't see how anyone says Showtime sucks. IMO, they go out of their way to secure the fights that fans want - or CLAIM to want - to see. HBO will always have the bigger events (from the post-Tyson era onward), but for years Showtime has always made far more out of the budget they're allotted than has been the case with their big brother.
That said, I don't disagree with the opinions on Al Bernstein. I've always argued that he's subtle with his bias since joining Showtime (he was far worse with ESPN), but the most specific example is when a Gary Shaw fighter is on (which is quite often). I've always enjoyed his enthusiasm and passion for the sport, but don't always see the same fight he claims to be the case.
Haven't yet warmed up to Gus Johnson. Never cared for him in any other genre, and he basically sounds the same when calling a fight as when he's doing college basketball or an NFL game.
I have no comment on Karyn Bryant. I guess if HBO will stubbornly keep Lennox Lewis on board, then Showtime has the right to do the same with Bryant. But plugging their shows by interviewing actors who obviously know nothing about boxing - that really needs to go. I don't see them asking Vic Darchinyan what he thinks of Dexter or The Tudors so not quite sure why I need to hear David Zayas' uninformed (and drunken) opinion of the fights we're watching (and he's obviously not watching)
That said, I don't disagree with the opinions on Al Bernstein. I've always argued that he's subtle with his bias since joining Showtime (he was far worse with ESPN), but the most specific example is when a Gary Shaw fighter is on (which is quite often). I've always enjoyed his enthusiasm and passion for the sport, but don't always see the same fight he claims to be the case.
Haven't yet warmed up to Gus Johnson. Never cared for him in any other genre, and he basically sounds the same when calling a fight as when he's doing college basketball or an NFL game.
I have no comment on Karyn Bryant. I guess if HBO will stubbornly keep Lennox Lewis on board, then Showtime has the right to do the same with Bryant. But plugging their shows by interviewing actors who obviously know nothing about boxing - that really needs to go. I don't see them asking Vic Darchinyan what he thinks of Dexter or The Tudors so not quite sure why I need to hear David Zayas' uninformed (and drunken) opinion of the fights we're watching (and he's obviously not watching)
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