Favorite Blow-By-Blow Boxing Announcer Today?

It is still Jim Lampley for me, and I think his lack of “OH MY GOD!”-level call for Hatton-Pacquiao came in part because like the rest of us, he was just completely stunned by what went down. My RBR has gotten pretty hectic in the past, as I flail away at my keyboard trying to keep up with great action, but on this one I was positively shocked and I don’t know if the moment came across as exciting and insane as it truly was. I think Lamps might’ve been in the same boat.

But I’ll tell you this: I was hoping Gus Johnson would get some kind of great moment as soon as Showtime hired him to replace Steve Albert, and when he got one during Froch-Taylor, he did not disappoint. It was like every bit of pent-up, Gus-style sport euphoria he had remaining from calling some weak March Madness games just came pouring out of him in the 12th round.

Joe Tessitore is damn solid, but he sort of lacks a commentator’s “second gear” a lot of the time. I actually like Brian Kenny more than I do Joe as far as the ESPN guys go. Nick Charles has some nights where he’s pretty decent, and some where you’d think he’s never seen a fight before. He was truly wretched for Holyfield-Valuev, at least until the fight became so bad that his sniping and disgust became the star of the fight.

I love Col. Bob Sheridan’s enthusiasm for calling the fights still, but he’s lost some steps and has an annoying habit of trying too hard to cover for house fighters whose fights stink (Spinks-Phillips getting booed in St. Louis, Flores-Herrera getting booed at March Badness). Barry Tompkins just doesn’t do it for me. Bob Papa is like Tessitore; nothing wrong with him, but he wouldn’t be my pick to call the big fight.

I do quite like Ian Darke from what I’ve heard of him (including the Prescott-Khan fight). I thought Steve Albert was still pretty damn good but get why they bumped Gus into his spot, plus Albert called four of my favorite fights ever (Corrales-Castillo and the Vazquez-Marquez trilogy) and was sensational in all of them.

go watch gatti-ward 1. thats quality commentating right there

I loathe having to sit through Jim Lampley’s pre-fight monologues/montages, but once the action is on nobody really does blow-by-blow better. I could go back and forth about color men and analysts, but he owns the action.

I really like Teddy Atlas. I know he’s wrong sometimes, less than he’s made out to be but more than some. I think part of that is that more than other guys he will very directly say who he thinks will win. There is no fence straddling with Atlas, unlike the entire staff of HBO before Pac v. Hatton. I heard more bullshit: ‘If Hatton’s able to get inside and really make this an ugly fight…‘. That’s not the question.

Also, Teddy’s a guy you could actually see in a boxing gym. Unlike Lampley or god help me Larry Merchant’s ephemeral wandering insanity. You could also see Manny in a boxing gym. But Atlas looks, sounds, has the mannerisms of a trainer or just some kid’s Dad sitting in a boxing gym talking friendly shit. Sometimes talking out of his ass, but never really malicious and always friendly.

Gus Johnson’s good too.

Nick Charles and the other guy on Showtime are abominations. I feel greasy just listening to them. Not greasy in a corrupt way, but like somebody’s trying to sell me a shitty car or Jesus. yuck.

who was the black guy who was replaced by bob papa? i never liked him during his short time with BAD

distant 2nd: Gus Johnson (although he’s quickly growing on me).

Saturday was not his best night, but Lampley still the best. He’s called so many big fights for a reason. His monologues/epilogues are awesome — he’s more than just a play-by-play commentator, he is a true broadcast journalist. He has full command of not only the sport he’s anchoring, but of the written and spoken word as well. Could you imagine Mike Goldberg of The UFC writing a monologue on MMA anywhere near the level of intelligence that Lampley brings to boxing?

Lampley and Co did a HORRIBLE job this past weekend. Especially during the Soto and the other undercard fight. There were silent moments through out. I like Lampley but Merchant and Emanuel Steward have got to go. Even though Soto was clearly winning the fight and outperforming Goudet ( I think that his name) they would not give him his props. What gives?! Gus Johnson is better IMO. He also does a great job in MMA and the NFL. HBO needs to get Lampley, Kellerman and Lennox Lewis on the same team. Enough is enough. Merchant and his slow mo rants are too much to take now. /end mini rant.

IMO, Jimmy Lennon Jr all the way. Best delivery, great oldschool sound, better catch phrase (God do I hate lets get ready to rumble) and hes’ all class.

Ian Darke & Jim Lampley.
I like listening to Teddy at times but i do think he does go on a bit.

And im sorry i cant stand that dinosaur Larry Merchant.

just b/c of his work on Fight Night Round 3. “HE’S FIGHTING ON PURE BOXING INSTINCT!”

I am going to go with the Spanish announcer. They can make a incredibly boring fight seem like a FOTY. Gotta love ’em.

I love Lampley but I think he left alot to be desired in this past PPV.

I love Gus Johnson as well, because it is always nice to have some March Maddess in boxing.

My vote would go to Max Kellerman. He comes off as a boxing fan most importantly and is someone who is articulate. He can also make some off the cuff statements that push buttons and make for some interesting watching.