Teddy Atlas Confirms Removal, Will No Longer Call ESPN Fights

[Ruthless-RKO]

Longtime ESPN boxing analyst Teddy Atlas has confirmed that last weekend's removal from calling live ESPN boxing events will be permanent.

There were countless questions on social media last Saturday, regarding Atlas' absence from the ESPN televised card from The Theater in Madison Square Garden in New York City - headlined by WBO super featherweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko stopping Guillermo Rigondeaux in six rounds.

Atlas has been calling fights on ESPN for 21 years and has at least 2-3 years left on his existing contract with the network.

Last week's broadcasting duties were handled at ringside by newly hired analyst Mark Kriegel, network veteran Joe Tessitore and former world champion Timothy Bradley.

Atlas confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that it doesn't appear that he'll be back to calling live fights for ESPN.

"Doesn't look like it, at least from what I understand is the decision," Atlas said to the paper.

"It wasn't my decision. I can't really talk about it [more] because I'm under contract. I always try to be up-front and honest. I'm not able to speak about it. I don't mean to be vague or be to the point, because that's what I like to be and always try to be, whether people like it or not.

"It wasn't my choice. I've appreciated the 21 years I've been at ESPN and the opportunity I've been given, and I appreciate the opportunity the fans have given me. I still have three more years of a commitment to a company that's been good to me. I'm looking to fulfill my commitment and be true to that. I wish I was able to speak more on it, but I gave my word that I wouldn't."

Atlas has always been an outspoken figure on the network and some of his statements have been controversial.

Sources close to the network told the LA Times that Atlas' behavior during two of their broadcasts was the final straw and led to his removal.

Apparently, ESPN was not happy with Atlas wild eruption during Jeff Horn's disputed victory over Manny Pacquiao in July. Atlas even questioned the validity of the victory during Horn's post fight interview - which created a very awkward situation.

And then last month in Fresno, as part of the Top Rank event headlined by Jose Ramirez, Atlas engaged in an argument with Kriegel and questioned his credentials.

"They gave [Atlas] a bunch of chances," one official said to the paper. "The Fresno show was terrible. He was terrible to Kriegel and it was the straw that broke the camel's back."

Last week, Atlas was used in-studio for some of the pre and post fight features for Lomachenko-Rigondeaux.
According to ESPN executive Stephanie Druley, the network will continue to use Atlas in that type of role.

"Teddy's expertise and knowledge of boxing is unparalleled and he will continue to be a part of our boxing coverage. As we embark upon a new approach with boxing, we are also going to utilize different talent lineups.

For example last week, Teddy contributed a feature on Vasiliy Lomachenko; he will continue to contribute to boxing across our platforms."

[ldlamb]

1) The Horn decision WAS bogus; and

2) Kriegel has NO credentials to be a fight analyst.


But Teddy can be over the top, I guess.

[Freedom2013]

It's good news.

Teddy has mental health issues, and it is not pleasant to hear him lose control and rant.

Tim Bradley is a much better analyst.

[boxing_rocks]

Teddy has a face. He is wrong sometimes, but he is right most of the times. I guess ESPN wants to have a politically correct crowd instead.

[Tanzio]

I do appreciate Teddy’s candid character but I think a change is overdue and Bradley is excellent.

I salute you Mr. Atlas for your hard work and dedication to your job and the sport. Good luck in all your future endeavors.

[punchoutsb]

Great decision. Teddy is definitely among the worst commentators in any sport ever.

[lookingaround87]

I do appreciate Teddy’s candid character but I think a change is overdue and Bradley is excellent.

I salute you Mr. Atlas for your hard work and dedication to your job and the sport. Good luck in all your future endeavors.

I think Bradley is awful. What is it you like about his commentary?

[squiggy]

I can 100% see pulling him because he's ridiculous and annoying as hell. But he just tries to call it like it is, and when he goes off on something, he's usually pretty right on about it.

[BAD INTENTIONS]

Teddy has a face. He is wrong sometimes, but he is right most of the times. I guess ESPN wants to have a politically correct crowd instead.

I think it's this.
Teddy tried to be different, but he is still a ranting maniac.

Anybody got video of when he called the new guy Kriegel out?
I didn't see it.

[Tanzio]

I do appreciate Teddy’s candid character but I think a change is overdue and Bradley is excellent.

I salute you Mr. Atlas for your hard work and dedication to your job and the sport. Good luck in all your future endeavors.

I think Bradley is awful. What is it you like about his commentary?

He doesn’t talk too much. I don’t listen anyway, tbh.

[victor-romeo]

Bradley stinks, get Al Bernstein back ..I wonder what Kellerman is thinking about all this probably thinking about wrangling his way into the ESPN broadcast...Malanaggi very good too..Teddy might have to go , but the guy who replaced him this week stunk..

[Kalan]

I like Antonio Tarver... I used to like Bobby Czyz when he had his shitt together... I liked Bernard Hopkins... I liked Ray Leonard at one time when he was younger... I liked Roy Jones... Max Kellerman is great when he tones down the bullcrap and hero worship... Lampley is an over-the-top fanboy but net real bad...

I can't stand Bernstein, Farhood, Bradley, Malignaggi, Jim Grey, Merchant, Lederman, Atlas, and other BS artists... Bradley isn't a BS artist, but he's not a real good talker.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Teddy atlas is a terrific bore. He spots one thing to highlight, then bangs on and on and on about the same thing again and again, to the detriment of actually following the action. I can't stand listen to him, he also has a really droning quality to his voice.

[RScarf1]

Atlas can be very biased in his commentary. If you haven't seen those fights where he is favoring one boxer and that boxer should be losing, but Atlas makes it seem like he is winning, then you can't say that Atlas is a great commentator. Yes, he has a lot of knowledge about boxing, but he is not always fair and impartial.

[Thomastearns]

1) The Horn decision WAS bogus; and

2) Kriegel has NO credentials to be a fight analyst.


But Teddy can be over the top, I guess.

Exactly. He is a loudmouth and over the top but he's seems sincere and has seen a lot of boxing history. Besides who's better, those paragons of neutrality Stephen A Smith and Max Kellerman? The last thing boxing needs is more Yes Men.

I'd like to see more of guys like Steve Kim, Michael Montero, and Doug Fischer from 10 COUNT. Informed opinion, and to the point.

[Tony1244]

I have mixed feelings on Teddy, but one thing is certain: he doesn't merely broadcast the show, he becomes part of the show.

[SenorPipino]

I will miss Atlas.

Perhaps there will be enough public clamor to force ESPN's hand and bring him back.

But I doubt it since ESPN has become increasingly (and boringly) PC in the recent year and Atlas' outspoken manner undoubtedly ruffled some management feathers.

Yes, Atlas could be over the top at times, but at least he displayed passion and knowledge.

The network seems to prefer some bland "yes men."

Newcomer Kriegel, a veteran journalist adds little. His prolonged dustup with Atlas during the Beterbiev fight was entertaining. Atlas left him flustered and breathless.

Bradley? Nice guy. Pretty good fighter. Just a terrible ringside broadcaster. You have to pry an opinion out of him. He's not comfortable behind the mic and I'm lost as to why ESPN hired him.

Atlas has been a one-of-a-kind. He doesn't hold back. In the parlance of Cosell, he has always told it like it is.

I'm hopeful he returns but I have no doubt that other networks will be eager to lasoo him to a juicy contract.

I'm sure ESPN would allow him to walk from his 2-3 year contract if Atlas is able to find a commentator role elsewhere.

Shame on ESPN for basically letting go one of its most recognized broadcast stars.

No wonder the self-proclaimed "Worldwide leader in Sports Entertainment" has seen its viewership drop drastically in recent years.

Clueless decisions.

[jamesmcdonnell]

1) The Horn decision WAS bogus; and

2) Kriegel has NO credentials to be a fight analyst.


But Teddy can be over the top, I guess.

Exactly. He is a loudmouth and over the top but he's seems sincere and has seen a lot of boxing history. Besides who's better, those paragons of neutrality Stephen A Smith and Max Kellerman? The last thing boxing needs is more Yes Men.

I'd like to see more of guys like Steve Kim, Michael Montero, and Doug Fischer from 10 COUNT. Informed opinion, and to the point.

I'd vouch for Doug all day long. Used to work for maxboxing and Doug is a great writer. Steve Kim, not so much. They both know the sport though.

[jamesmcdonnell]

I will miss Atlas.

Perhaps there will be enough public clamor to force ESPN's hand and bring him back.

But I doubt it since ESPN has become increasingly (and boringly) PC in the recent year and Atlas' outspoken manner undoubtedly ruffled some management feathers.

Yes, Atlas could be over the top at times, but at least he displayed passion and knowledge.

The network seems to prefer some bland "yes men."

Newcomer Kriegel, a veteran journalist adds little. His prolonged dustup with Atlas during the Beterbiev fight was entertaining. Atlas left him flustered and breathless.

Bradley? Nice guy. Pretty good fighter. Just a terrible ringside broadcaster. You have to pry an opinion out of him. He's not comfortable behind the mic and I'm lost as to why ESPN hired him.

Atlas has been a one-of-a-kind. He doesn't hold back. In the parlance of Cosell, he has always told it like it is.

I'm hopeful he returns but I have no doubt that other networks will be eager to lasoo him to a juicy contract.

I'm sure ESPN would allow him to walk from his 2-3 year contract if Atlas is able to find a commentator role elsewhere.

Shame on ESPN for basically letting go one of its most recognized broadcast stars.

No wonder the self-proclaimed "Worldwide leader in Sports Entertainment" has seen its viewership drop drastically in recent years.

Clueless decisions.

Teddy is an awful commentator, he will probably stay with them in a less direct role.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Atlas can be very biased in his commentary. If you haven't seen those fights where he is favoring one boxer and that boxer should be losing, but Atlas makes it seem like he is winning, then you can't say that Atlas is a great commentator. Yes, he has a lot of knowledge about boxing, but he is not always fair and impartial.

Thats my problem, he chooses a position early In the fight and won't shift no matter what happens in the fight.

[ElJefe]

Bradley? Nice guy. Pretty good fighter. Just a terrible ringside broadcaster. You have to pry an opinion out of him. He's not comfortable behind the mic and I'm lost as to why ESPN hired him.

Ironically, I wouldn't be surprised if he was given an opportunity at least in part due to his connection with Atlas.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Bradley? Nice guy. Pretty good fighter. Just a terrible ringside broadcaster. You have to pry an opinion out of him. He's not comfortable behind the mic and I'm lost as to why ESPN hired him.

Ironically, I wouldn't be surprised if he was given an opportunity at least in part due to his connection with Atlas.

That's obviously the case..

[caldo2025]

This just means that ESPN is getting serious about Boxing's potential. For years here in the states, we'd be lucky to get a Boxing update on SportCenter twice a year. Now it looks like they've put their arm around the sport finally as the other major pro sports in states are experiencing a decrease in viewership,

Let's just be honest here. They can't have a slurring...lunatic putting down everything about the sport and decisions. I love Atlas but he has no business ringside announcing for any substantial bout.

[Best Coast]

Atlas can be annoying but I think they should use him periodically since he has 3 years left on his contract.

[punchoutsb]

Atlas can be annoying but I think they should use him periodically since he has 3 years left on his contract.

Maybe just the fights they don't want to do well? The ones where they'd like the audience to be treated to every single stammering reason why they should turn away and watch something else? I could get behind that.