Front of the house - DAZN UK

[ElJefe]

Think Laura Woods will pleasantly surprise people. One of the few female presenters/pundits that doesn't grate on you imo. Nice relaxed but professional style and would back her to brush up on the boxing specific knowledge pretty quickly.

[margaret thatcher]

she's got that mean look to her, maybe a monster on the cobbles

[Ruthless-RKO]

Does anyone know how to do a vomit emoji?

Will this do?

Love that episode

[Oiky]

Andy lee and mike costello best out of that lot

[stujones]

Personally I am gutted Costello has been signed up but mainly cos I love his radio commentary when I cannot get to see the fights. I doubt he will continue to host the 5 live podcast for much longer and that is a true gem in terms of promotion. It is a good call from a Dazn perspective as is Andy Lee.

I dont know Laura Woods....rest is a bit meh. Maya Jama is one of the most stunning women in the world currently but i was hoping Dazn werent going for the totty approach. I'm sure Kate Abdo must feel this is a kick in the teeth, she has genuine sporting knowledge, obviously shes been deemed too old for the totty angle

I would have liked to have seen paulie malignaggi have a role or Barry Jones

[tonyevs]

Pretty poor set up to be fair. Obviously appealing to the casuals, and the YouTuber type audience.

Two good looking women to tick the something pretty to look at in-between fights.
The male contingency - aside from the Bellend - are all very monotone though aren't they
I am not saying you need, or definitely not want, a Bunce screeching away .. but none of the men bring any sense of excitement when discussing the fight.

I know Tony Bellend is mates with Eddie; but is he added simply to get fans complaining about his inclusion?

Ultimately - the acid test for DAZN will be once they set their proper subscription price.

[Nightmare Roy]

They just won't leave him alone

[maverick23]

Pretty poor set up to be fair. Obviously appealing to the casuals, and the YouTuber type audience.

Two good looking women to tick the something pretty to look at in-between fights.
The male contingency - aside from the Bellend - are all very monotone though aren't they
I am not saying you need, or definitely not want, a Bunce screeching away .. but none of the men bring any sense of excitement when discussing the fight.

I know Tony Bellend is mates with Eddie; but is he added simply to get fans complaining about his inclusion?

Ultimately - the acid test for DAZN will be once they set their proper subscription price.

Why do you think it’s a poor setup? Who were you hoping for/expecting?

[black panther]

Maya Jama is an awful presenter purely eye candy.

Andy Lee and Mike Costello are top notch that's good choice.

Barker decent and thoroughly nice chap. Rest is meh though I'm not into football so Laura Wood might be a good choice if she knows how to present.

Little gutted they didn't opt for Ian Darke and Paul Dempsey who are both genuine boxing enthusiasts as well as being excellent commentators/presenters respectively.

Back in the days when discussing a fight they wouldn't be afraid to call a spade a spade.

At least Andy Lee calls it how he sees it.

[dbf]

I get where Hearn is coming from appointing Maya Jama, she is a huge personality and has a large following and is a very good presenter. She doesn't need to be a boxing expert to host the presentation.

I don't know much a bout Woods but it sounds like she is a real pro. Interested to see how see and Jama work together and roles they will assume. I think having two females as part of the presentation team is good and in fact necessary, a completely male team would just be weird.

Andy Lee and Costello are obviously excellent appointments. However they both lack a little energy. Whilst Costello is one of the best he is measured as is Lee. I prefer it that way as opposed to the melodramatics of Smith but it may be too subdued for the younger audience that DAZN are trying to reach - they presumably prefer a WWE style commentary.

As a boxing fan though Lee and Costello are near perfect for me.

Bellew is a shocking appointment and clearly just a job for the boys assignment. Nobody was asking for that.

The chuckle brothers Floyd and Barker continue doing their thing, Floyd seems a little stuck between being a banter fuelled side kick and a serious comms/presenter/interviewer. Personally I think its best he focuses on one area rather than trying to do it all. He could be very good though, and good luck to him.

This isn't game changing though. It just shows what state boxing is in in 2021 that we have threads discussing a talent team announcement. The fights are what matter the most and this years fight camp hardly lights it up. It's the same shit different day, dressed up. Hearn really is a master salesman.

His ego might be getting out of control and too many people are falling for his sales hype. Lets judge DAZN's /Matchroom's success by the quality of the fights they give us not the shiny new (recycled) presenters they give us.

We don't want it being all style and no substance.

[Counter-puncher]

yeah but if you do a tweet and then at the end say:

Game. Changed.

with full stops. After both words? well, I think you all know the seriousness and sense of purpose that conveys.

[stujones]

I get where Hearn is coming from appointing Maya Jama, she is a huge personality and has a large following and is a very good presenter. She doesn't need to be a boxing expert to host the presentation.

I don't know much a bout Woods but it sounds like she is a real pro. Interested to see how see and Jama work together and roles they will assume. I think having two females as part of the presentation team is good and in fact necessary, a completely male team would just be weird.

Andy Lee and Costello are obviously excellent appointments. However they both lack a little energy. Whilst Costello is one of the best he is measured as is Lee. I prefer it that way as opposed to the melodramatics of Smith but it may be too subdued for the younger audience that DAZN are trying to reach - they presumably prefer a WWE style commentary.

As a boxing fan though Lee and Costello are near perfect for me.

Bellew is a shocking appointment and clearly just a job for the boys assignment. Nobody was asking for that.

The chuckle brothers Floyd and Barker continue doing their thing, Floyd seems a little stuck between being a banter fuelled side kick and a serious comms/presenter/interviewer. Personally I think its best he focuses on one area rather than trying to do it all. He could be very good though, and good luck to him.

This isn't game changing though. It just shows what state boxing is in in 2021 that we have threads discussing a talent team announcement. The fights are what matter the most and this years fight camp hardly lights it up. It's the same shit different day, dressed up. Hearn really is a master salesman.

His ego might be getting out of control and too many people are falling for his sales hype. Lets judge DAZN's /Matchroom's success by the quality of the fights they give us not the shiny new (recycled) presenters they give us.

We don't want it being all style and no substance.

Great post and I agree - I think you do have to lay alot of this on Eddie - since last year's fight camp he has focused alot of what he says on the presentation and it is a case of press conferences for press conferences sake and the like - making announcements for announcements. Can't really blame boxing fans putting up threads when the UK #1 promoter puts such an emphasis on the "show". - Fight Camp Mark 1 was all about (according to Hearn) the camera work, the views, the presentation - the fights were secondary...... Now it is the same for FIght Camp 2 and DAZN - as much a focus on the presentation as it is the fights. Look at Hearn's post Canelo vs Smith fight stuff - he spends so much time talking about the amazing ring walk and relatively little on the performance.

[Nightmare Roy]

Maya Jama is an awful presenter purely eye candy.

Andy Lee and Mike Costello are top notch that's good choice.

Barker decent and thoroughly nice chap. Rest is meh though I'm not into football so Laura Wood might be a good choice if she knows how to present.

Little gutted they didn't opt for Ian Darke and Paul Dempsey who are both genuine boxing enthusiasts as well as being excellent commentators/presenters respectively.

Back in the days when discussing a fight they wouldn't be afraid to call a spade a spade.

At least Andy Lee calls it how he sees it.

Darke and Depmsey are absolute Don's when it comes to boxing, loved the big nights with them back in the day

[JamesPhilips]

Does anyone know how to do a vomit emoji?

Will this do?

Lol thanks. He looks so smug and chuffed with himself doesn't he?

[magnus]

I have nothing but fond memories of the Darke/Dempsey/Big Glen/Jim Watt days - but it really was back in the day, nearly 30 years ago. Times move on, as do sports commentators.

With the exception of Bellew (and Hearn pretty much admits it's a job for his mate) I can't complain about this - Costello and Lee are excellent, and I think Barker and Lloyd have potential.

Maya Jama has a huge profile and I can absolutely see why DAZN have gone for her in the Anna/Charlie role. The fact I think she's stunning obviously has nothing to do with my view.

Moaning about presenters being for "casuals" is fruitless. The hardcore represent a fraction of the potential audience and will still be paying their £1.99 a month whether it's a girl off Love Island presenting or the ghost of Sam Langford.

[black panther]

I have nothing but fond memories of the Darke/Dempsey/Big Glen/Jim Watt days - but it really was back in the day, nearly 30 years ago. Times move on, as do sports commentators.

With the exception of Bellew (and Hearn pretty much admits it's a job for his mate) I can't complain about this - Costello and Lee are excellent, and I think Barker and Lloyd have potential.

Maya Jama has a huge profile and I can absolutely see why DAZN have gone for her in the Anna/Charlie role. The fact I think she's stunning obviously has nothing to do with my view.

Moaning about presenters being for "casuals" is fruitless. The hardcore represent a fraction of the potential audience and will still be paying their £1.99 a month whether it's a girl off Love Island presenting or the ghost of Sam Langford.

Man you’re making me feel old.

It totally makes sense what you’re saying. I guess at least they do have the mix of real boxing quality (lee/Costello) with new age mass appeal (Jama).

[maverick23]

I have nothing but fond memories of the Darke/Dempsey/Big Glen/Jim Watt days - but it really was back in the day, nearly 30 years ago. Times move on, as do sports commentators.

With the exception of Bellew (and Hearn pretty much admits it's a job for his mate) I can't complain about this - Costello and Lee are excellent, and I think Barker and Lloyd have potential.

Maya Jama has a huge profile and I can absolutely see why DAZN have gone for her in the Anna/Charlie role. The fact I think she's stunning obviously has nothing to do with my view.

Moaning about presenters being for "casuals" is fruitless. The hardcore represent a fraction of the potential audience and will still be paying their £1.99 a month whether it's a girl off Love Island presenting or the ghost of Sam Langford.

Agree fully.

[stujones]

Can see what you are saying Magnus, but also in some ways I disagree. The sky team you mentioned started 30 years ago, but it's only been 4 years I think since Watt retired and Denpsey and Big Glenn are still on other networks. .Dempsey is the face of Bt sport.

Also the Lampley/Merchant combo was very homely and successful for 30 odd years for HBO....

Sometimes change for change sake isnt good. If your good, your good (e.g. Dempsey is still good)

[handsofstone]

If the likes of Harry Carpenter, Reg Gutteridge, Ian Darke and co were doing their thing today, they'd get slaughtered on social media, make no mistake about it, Mike Costello is very good from what ive heard, i dont think ive ever listened to a fight on the radio ever so am in no position to say but from the little ive heard he seems top notch, the boxing world seems unanimous in praise for him but lets have it right, what % have actually heard his work?, it wont be long before the boo boys start to turn on him then they'll just accuse him of towing the company line and selling out


Boxing fans are the biggest bunch of whingers ive heard and im talking more twitter than here on boxrec, nothings ever good enough, they love to complain because if they really got upset about the sport the way they say they do they'd fcvk it off but like schoolgirls they love the drama and to be heard, Johnny Nelson is clearly a dreadful pundit but who gives a fcvk really, what happens in the ring is pretty much all that matters, everything else is flannel


Also 95% of the time in between fights im in the garden having a joint so im never paying attention to what anyone says, i do get that people love the punditry side of it but meh....

[stujones]

Can see what you are saying Magnus, but also in some ways I disagree. The sky team you mentioned started 30 years ago, but it's only been 4 years I think since Watt retired and Denpsey and Big Glenn are still on other networks. .Dempsey is the face of Bt sport.

Also the Lampley/Merchant combo was very homely and successful for 30 odd years for HBO....

Sometimes change for change sake isnt good. If your good, your good (e.g. Dempsey is still good)

[stujones]

If the likes of Harry Carpenter, Reg Gutteridge, Ian Darke and co were doing their thing today, they'd get slaughtered on social media, make no mistake about it, Mike Costello is very good from what ive heard, i dont think ive ever listened to a fight on the radio ever so am in no position to say but from the little ive heard he seems top notch, the boxing world seems unanimous in praise for him but lets have it right, what % have actually heard his work?, it wont be long before the boo boys start to turn on him then they'll just accuse him of towing the company line and selling out


Boxing fans are the biggest bunch of whingers ive heard and im talking more twitter than here on boxrec, nothings ever good enough, they love to complain because if they really got upset about the sport the way they say they do they'd fcvk it off but like schoolgirls they love the drama and to be heard, Johnny Nelson is clearly a dreadful pundit but who gives a fcvk really, what happens in the ring is pretty much all that matters, everything else is flannel


Also 95% of the time in between fights im in the garden having a joint so im never paying attention to what anyone says, i do get that people love the punditry side of it but meh....

Also Radio commentary is very different to tv commentary...to be honest, I like Costello on the radio but I preferred John Rawling....but I dont feel that enthused by Rawling on the tv...hes okay, but was better on radio.

I'll miss the excellent chemistry between Costello and Bunce though

[JimJim2009]

she's got that mean look to her, maybe a monster on the cobbles

I guess they've seen how well that worked with Adam Smith, and have just tried for more of the same but female given its 2021

[milpool]

If the likes of Harry Carpenter, Reg Gutteridge, Ian Darke and co were doing their thing today, they'd get slaughtered on social media, make no mistake about it, Mike Costello is very good from what ive heard, i dont think ive ever listened to a fight on the radio ever so am in no position to say but from the little ive heard he seems top notch, the boxing world seems unanimous in praise for him but lets have it right, what % have actually heard his work?, it wont be long before the boo boys start to turn on him then they'll just accuse him of towing the company line and selling out


Boxing fans are the biggest bunch of whingers ive heard and im talking more twitter than here on boxrec, nothings ever good enough, they love to complain because if they really got upset about the sport the way they say they do they'd fcvk it off but like schoolgirls they love the drama and to be heard, Johnny Nelson is clearly a dreadful pundit but who gives a fcvk really, what happens in the ring is pretty much all that matters, everything else is flannel


Also 95% of the time in between fights im in the garden having a joint so im never paying attention to what anyone says, i do get that people love the punditry side of it but meh....

Also Radio commentary is very different to tv commentary...to be honest, I like Costello on the radio but I preferred John Rawling....but I dont feel that enthused by Rawling on the tv...hes okay, but was better on radio.

I'll miss the excellent chemistry between Costello and Bunce though

I do wonder how Costello will transition from radio to TV. Although doesn't he do TV commentary for the Athletics?

As for Rawling, he's OK but there's too much of a small hall feel with him.

[Boxerbeetle]

I’ve never quite forgiven Rawling for the time he went full-Alan Partridge at a BN show in Russia, where he spent most of his time perving on the ladies in the crowd. Poor Barry Jones was left constantly trying to steer the conversation back to the boxing.

[Counter-puncher]

I’ve never quite forgiven Rawling for the time he went full-Alan Partridge at a BN show in Russia, where he spent most of his time perving on the ladies in the crowd. Poor Barry Jones was left constantly trying to steer the conversation back to the boxing.

To be fair there are always a load of absolute sorts in the average Russian boxing crowd.