What did you think of Larry Merchant as a commentator?

[_Rexy_]

The only fighters I’ve seen Larry attack were black. Does that make him racist. Not necessarily but it certainly tips the scales that way.

No it doesn't. Is that where we are as a society now where you can't criticize someone of a different race than you?

[BoxingIsGreat]

The only fighters I’ve seen Larry attack were black. Does that make him racist. Not necessarily but it certainly tips the scales that way.

You could tell how he resented the careers of top African American fighters, especially Floyd. I also never really cared for his commentary and musings. He was unprofessional, arrogant, and a POS, IMO.

[GhostofDempsey]

Larry grew on me over the years. I started out hating the guy. Over time I came to appreciate some of his insight and post-fight commentary. At times I felt he was an ass towards some fighters, but he also asked the questions that fans wanted the answers to. Now more than ever he is missed in an era where commentators have to kiss the athletes ass and toss them softball questions to tow the network/company line.

[GhostofDempsey]

That's a ****ing ****** response if I've ever seen one. You don't call someone a racist and an evil person, then refuse to elaborate.

Exactly, the term "racist" is now benign and meaningless because it is the default, knee-jerk label affixed to anyone who didn't kiss the ring of Mayweather or certain other black fighters.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

You do have a few good commentators. Showtime has the most, Paulie, ESPN only has a couple.

DANZ by far has the worst bunch of commentators.

The team in ShoBox is probably one of the better ones.

Someone needs to hire Paulie ASAP. He’s one of the very best.

Yeah DAZN is trash, Kenny and Mannix are horrible and even Mora is pretty much just a company stooge. They should go and get Paulie.

Sky sports over here have terrible commentary too. It’s so bias, half the time you’d think there was only one fighter in the ring.

[STREET CLEANER]

Someone needs to hire Paulie ASAP. He’s one of the very best.

Yeah DAZN is trash, Kenny and Mannix are horrible and even Mora is pretty much just a company stooge. They should go and get Paulie.

Sky sports over here have terrible commentary too. It’s so bias, half the time you’d think there was only one fighter in the ring.

That is the thing with most of these networks. They are signed to show some promoter's fighters and they are stuck cheerleading instead of calling the fight. You got to hear how great they are during the fight and the other fighter don't get props.

One of the ESPN announcers before the Loma/Lopez fight said that a fighter was not born yet that could beat Loma and Loma lost that night. It is ridiculous.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

That is the thing with most of these networks. They are signed to show some promoter's fighters and they are stuck cheerleading instead of calling the fight.

Exactly this...

Couldn’t agree more. It’s all about spinning a narrative now instead of just calling the action objectively.

[Tatabanya]

We all can say what we want about Merchant, and I myself am not a fan of his attitude.

However, the "I wish I was 50 years younger and I'd kick your ass" line will be remembered for decades to come. You can't take that away from him.

[BoxingIsGreat]

We all can say what we want about Merchant, and I myself am not a fan of his attitude.

However, the "I wish I was 50 years younger and I'd kick your ass" line will be remembered for decades to come. You can't take that away from him.

Yep, in a negative, unprofessional way.

If he was 50 years younger, Floyd would still **** him up.

[GrandpaBernard]

He was alright

The sh 1 t commentator was jim lampley. Didn’t know crap about boxing and would spread misinformation with his opinions