BOXING NOT MAINSTREAM SPORT - Larry Merchant - also his take on latest Martinez fight

[aquariusone]

http://youtu.be/Bccm5Dws8eM

Retired, respected World Boxing Hall of Famer Larry Merchant, speaks of Martinez' performance (last Saturday) and the state of Boxing in the world today. Interesting to hear his opinion. A sports analyst for more than 34 years, Larry has covered many outstanding world class boxing events for HBO. He works intermittently on an extended contract with HBO, alternating with Max Kellerman on sports broadcasts.

At the age of 80, he was still as sharp as a razor when he said to Mayweather, "I wish I was 50 years younger so I could kick your ass!"

[Chigaro]

Thanks Aqua, great interview. I've always liked Larry, but I'd love him if he take back 50 years and take care of Mayweather!

[rudee]

Excellent post Aqua.... enjoyed it... you could see he didnt want to get TOO much into specifics... cuz he still has to work at HBO... but
I could smell a Jimmy the Greek statement trying to come out...
Great words from him... especially ab libbing like that..
NO american middleweights.... especially white ones...Actually,, not many white fighters period.
Times are good and there are plenty of other fields to go into... and as we discussed on this forum..
all the attention is given to ranked fighters... and they pretty much just go in circles fighting each other...
don't really give up and comers too much opportunity.
I was in agreement also... not many good middleweights... these brits make martinez look like
a hall of famer... he is not... last two guys he has fought have totally become exhausted in
the later rounds.. lack of training and lack of good strategy... whaddaya think Haglar woulda done to
Martinez? woulda walked right through him.
Anyway... enjoyed the interview.. would love to read a book by him after retirement.. maybe he
is working on one.
Mexicans and Mex/Americans have been around for ages..... they are hungry fighters and love the money and glory
that comes with being a great fighter. its in the genes... I know,, as i stated before.. I drank with many many
ex mexican champions... wish i could count the dough i spent on drinks for them... and wish i remembered all
the great stories they told me.
I remember one Mexican fighter told me he fought willie pep in new orleans... their camp saw this guy train...
immediately sent a guy to his manager... gave him $500 and told him to forget about beating willie pep...
He did....

[aquariusone]

You are both right Chigaro & Rudee!

Few people realize how tough it is being a sports analyst or commentator. The 7-second delay could not save them from any blunder. Every word they utter is out there for all to hear. They can't edit their statements. The post fight interviews are 10 times as tough because they have to remain as objective and neutral as possible while prompting the person they interview to express something of value and great interest to listeners.

One of Larry's most memorable statement was during an interview with Vernon Forrest, I think, when a controversial decision gave him a win over Ike Quartey in 2006. When Forrest was done "thanking all his supporters", without blinking an eye, Larry asked, "Would you also want to thank the judges?" LOL

Yes, for years now there are no great boxers in the heavyweight division. Actually, there is hardly any "well known US international stars" in any division.

Could you name any boxers in the US today that are "household" names like the Klitschko's, Pacquiao's, Calzage's, etc.?

[rokko]

klitschos are so dominant no other heavys get any respect--

[rudee]

Yep... the Klitschos are the "Perfect Storm" ... big, strong, talented and most of all intimidating...
Totally reminding me of Sonny Liston in his prime. You could see the fear in opponents eyes when
they were walking into the ring.
I have always respected Merchants opinions... sometimes the truth does hurt. He is much better
than Lampley and Letterman... Emmanuel is inaudible most of the time.

[rokko]

hey rudee--nice avatar

[aquariusone]

hey rudee--nice avatar

Darn it, Rokko...now I am tempted to get my magnifying glass!

[Chigaro]

ditto that is a nice avatar.