Can anything be done about Adam Smith on commentary?

[Eolaithe]

Adam Smith's high-pitched theatrical delivery of his play-by-play style of commentating of major fights creates the illusion of excitement and drama (for mainstream casual boxing observers).

He's good at entertaining and promotion. He is not paid by broadcasters to provide an objective technically accurate and nuanced analysis of the in-ring action.

However, when I watch PPV boxing on a Saturday night with my mates or my wife, they tend to like him, because for them (mere casual boxing observers), he makes the sport less "boring".

I know enough about boxing to not rely on Adam Smith's "expertise" - I don't need him to hand-hold me so that I understand what's happening inside the ring. But I am pleased that those that watch boxing with me enjoy his work.

Adam Smith doesn't bother me. But if he did, and I was watching boxing alone, then I could easily mute the volume.

[TheLeprechaun]

Adam Smith's high-pitched theatrical delivery of his play-by-play style of commentating of major fights creates the illusion of excitement and drama (for mainstream casual boxing observers).

He's good at entertaining and promotion. He is not paid by broadcasters to provide an objective technically accurate and nuanced analysis of the in-ring action.

However, when I watch PPV boxing on a Saturday night with my mates or my wife, they tend to like him, because for them (mere casual boxing observers), he makes the sport less "boring".

I know enough about boxing to not rely on Adam Smith's "expertise" - I don't need him to hand-hold me so that I understand what's happening inside the ring. But I am pleased that those that watch boxing with me enjoy his work.

Adam Smith doesn't bother me. But if he did, and I was watching boxing alone, then I could easily mute the volume.

Every single time I've watched fights with casuals they have complained about Smiths commentary.

Literally every single time.

He annoys everyone and still manages to stay in his job.

I always have to mute fights and we miss out on the atmosphere. That signicantly reduces the enjoyment of watching the fight. People having to mute the fight are only going to become more agitated at Smith and DAZN for making them miss out on the atmosphere of the fight, which is a big part of watching a fight.

You can barely listen to the corner work without him waffling on about some bullsh*t.

[SeanBrennan]

He’s survived fake cancer so he can survive anything

[Nightmare Roy]

WHERE'S THE RESPECT

[JamesPhilips]

Smith is ridiculously melodramatic, knows nothing about boxing, just repeats tidbits he’s read on the internet, repeats the same phrases every fight, has verbal diarrhoea, cannot read a fight, is very theatrical in his delivery especially with his affected growling, suffers from main character syndrome - it’s all about him, constantly interrupts the more qualified commentators, delivers nothing of substance, and causes knowledgeable boxing fans to listen to the fight commentary in a foreign language because they can’t stand him…… apart from that he is fine and I have no problem with him….

[dookus]

Not until Smith loses on the cobbles, and that's going to take a very long time

[Rezzer1967]

Smith is ridiculously melodramatic, knows nothing about boxing, just repeats tidbits he’s read on the internet, repeats the same phrases every fight, has verbal diarrhoea, cannot read a fight, is very theatrical in his delivery especially with his affected growling, suffers from main character syndrome - it’s all about him, constantly interrupts the more qualified commentators, delivers nothing of substance, and causes knowledgeable boxing fans to listen to the fight commentary in a foreign language because they can’t stand him…… apart from that he is fine and I have no problem with him….

Spot on James Philips. He’s an @rsehole pure and simply. Speaking of casuals, as many have previously, my wife, who’s got no interest in boxing at all, heard his commentary for around 20 seconds the other day and asked me how I could stand watching it with his horrendous delivery. It really is uncomfortable to listen to regardless what he’s saying. In fact I’d go as far as to say that it’s ‘ teak tough ‘ to listen to and I’m not even Ghanian.

[CaptainSpacerod]

Anyone got a lock up ?

[joshj909]

Smith is ridiculously melodramatic, knows nothing about boxing, just repeats tidbits he’s read on the internet, repeats the same phrases every fight, has verbal diarrhoea, cannot read a fight, is very theatrical in his delivery especially with his affected growling, suffers from main character syndrome - it’s all about him, constantly interrupts the more qualified commentators, delivers nothing of substance, and causes knowledgeable boxing fans to listen to the fight commentary in a foreign language because they can’t stand him…… apart from that he is fine and I have no problem with him….

One of the worst things he does if gives his colleagues leading questions while commentating. He'll say things, always positive about the A side such as "He's won basically every round hasn't he?", "I don't know how he's still in there, this guy has power", "How long does the ref give this before he steps in here?" and "Would you be surprised if he didn't win this? He looks like he's done enough". As he was formerly the head of Sky Boxing.and also directing the narrative of the fights. It definitely appeared that he was choosing who should win, from a company and promotional perspective, rather than being objective or even subjective due to allegiances.

[JamesPhilips]

Smith is ridiculously melodramatic, knows nothing about boxing, just repeats tidbits he’s read on the internet, repeats the same phrases every fight, has verbal diarrhoea, cannot read a fight, is very theatrical in his delivery especially with his affected growling, suffers from main character syndrome - it’s all about him, constantly interrupts the more qualified commentators, delivers nothing of substance, and causes knowledgeable boxing fans to listen to the fight commentary in a foreign language because they can’t stand him…… apart from that he is fine and I have no problem with him….

One of the worst things he does if gives his colleagues leading questions while commentating. He'll say things, always positive about the A side such as "He's won basically every round hasn't he?", "I don't know how he's still in there, this guy has power", "How long does the ref give this before he steps in here?" and "Would you be surprised if he didn't win this? He looks like he's done enough". As he was formerly the head of Sky Boxing.and also directing the narrative of the fights. It definitely appeared that he was choosing who should win, from a company and promotional perspective, rather than being objective or even subjective due to allegiances.

Absolutely truth

[JamesPhilips]

Smith is ridiculously melodramatic, knows nothing about boxing, just repeats tidbits he’s read on the internet, repeats the same phrases every fight, has verbal diarrhoea, cannot read a fight, is very theatrical in his delivery especially with his affected growling, suffers from main character syndrome - it’s all about him, constantly interrupts the more qualified commentators, delivers nothing of substance, and causes knowledgeable boxing fans to listen to the fight commentary in a foreign language because they can’t stand him…… apart from that he is fine and I have no problem with him….

Spot on James Philips. He’s an @rsehole pure and simply. Speaking of casuals, as many have previously, my wife, who’s got no interest in boxing at all, heard his commentary for around 20 seconds the other day and asked me how I could stand watching it with his horrendous delivery. It really is uncomfortable to listen to regardless what he’s saying. In fact I’d go as far as to say that it’s ‘ teak tough ‘ to listen to and I’m not even Ghanian.

[stujones]

He’s survived fake cancer so he can survive anything

I know there was a lot of talk from people with an insider knowledge about why he was absent from Sky shows for several months and then just left and I am not suggesting that what people were saying wasn't true (I wouldn't have a clue and won't pretend that I do). However, surely with the level of detail he has discussed his cancer (particularly in more recent times) and dare I say he he looked particularly when he first started to make public appearances would suggest that his cancer was very very real?

I mean if he has lied about his health and that made the media - he would be out of a job in no time due to the backlash

[ardybo]

I actually quite like Smith. Long may he continue in his role.

[Bercli]

He’s survived fake cancer so he can survive anything

Fake cancer?

[TheLeprechaun]

I actually quite like Smith. Long may he continue in his role.

We have a relative of Adam on the forum.

[JamesPhilips]

He’s survived fake cancer so he can survive anything

I know there was a lot of talk from people with an insider knowledge about why he was absent from Sky shows for several months and then just left and I am not suggesting that what people were saying wasn't true (I wouldn't have a clue and won't pretend that I do). However, surely with the level of detail he has discussed his cancer (particularly in more recent times) and dare I say he he looked particularly when he first started to make public appearances would suggest that his cancer was very very real?

I mean if he has lied about his health and that made the media - he would be out of a job in no time due to the backlash

It was a very weird situation. He suddenly disappeared. Sky said nothing for months. If he was ill you’d expect Sky to give the usual ‘thoughts and prayers’ type press release. Smith never appears again on Sky - the cancer story appears months later. No reason ever given for Smith leaving. I mean Sky can’t sack him for having cancer. I’m not sure what the real story is…. the whole situation is a bit of a mystery. Smith did post a photo of him in hospital about a year after he’d disappeared from Sky.

[forcefraser]

Not until Smith loses on the cobbles, and that's going to take a very long time

He's famed for his left hook. "Cobble ready" they called him

I'm pretty sure he was known for his mastery of the 1 inch punch

[JamesPhilips]

I actually quite like Smith. Long may he continue in his role.

We have a relative of Adam on the forum.

That’s Smith’s burner account. 91 posts in almost 15 years. And loads of them about betting (rumours Adam had betting addiction)

[TheLeprechaun]

I actually quite like Smith. Long may he continue in his role.

We have a relative of Adam on the forum.

That’s Smith’s burner account. 91 posts in almost 15 years. And loads of them about betting (rumours Adam had betting addiction)

Agreed. Looked at a few early posts and this one sealed it. The use of the term "he can ill afford" which is one of his signatures

viewtopic.php?p=3949746#p3949746

Plus being pro Smith on commentary is enough of a giveaway as it is.

[MightyWarrior]

Amazing, well spotted both of you, almost certainly this is the boneheaded clown.

Shows how this seemingly “GREAT GUY” Is quite cunning in his own dumb way. The whole thing about the heroic cancer recovery ark was conveniently brought up to distract from the fact that he got fired from sky for being a degenerate gambler.

A terrible gambler no doubt, because he can’t read a fight as he’s too thick.

The way he was hovering around Eddie when he sensed Mike was about to get the boot, (payback favour time ) and the way he leapt to the front of the queue to read at Ricky’s funeral. I’m sure Ricky had no time for the bozo in reality. The kudos for doing that all added to his fake persona.

And Adam, since we know you’re reading this, how about shutting the f*ck up during ring walks for a minute or two? No one likes it you feckless baboon.

[MightyWarrior]

I’m actually starting to feel a bit sorry for him now, which is a first, knowing that he reads this stuff, but Jesus Christ he drives me mad. It’s definitely him: Ardyboy talks about living in and working in Ireland, and sure enough Smith says the same in his biography, according to Google.

He blew his cover with that last post

[JamesPhilips]

I’m actually starting to feel a bit sorry for him now, which is a first, knowing that he reads this stuff, but Jesus Christ he drives me mad. It’s definitely him: Ardyboy talks about living in and working in Ireland, and sure enough Smith says the same in his biography, according to Google.

He blew his cover with that last post

Smith has a house in Ireland

[Flump]

The pity of it is, I really quite like Barry Jones, Frampton, Barker on co-comms, but Smith is really beginning to make fights unwatchable for me, he's gotten worse. How can someone with 30 years experience still not have an understanding of what's happening in front of him? He realises who the company wants to win, and then peddles that narrative through the fight, unless his guy gets badly beaten up. And waffles on incessantly about the fighters 'team', how that every upcoming fight will be 'sizzling'.

It's not that he's marmite, it's that he's incompetent. Amazon prime offered an option during football to remove commentary, couldn't DAZN do the same?

[stujones]

He’s survived fake cancer so he can survive anything

I know there was a lot of talk from people with an insider knowledge about why he was absent from Sky shows for several months and then just left and I am not suggesting that what people were saying wasn't true (I wouldn't have a clue and won't pretend that I do). However, surely with the level of detail he has discussed his cancer (particularly in more recent times) and dare I say he he looked particularly when he first started to make public appearances would suggest that his cancer was very very real?

I mean if he has lied about his health and that made the media - he would be out of a job in no time due to the backlash

It was a very weird situation. He suddenly disappeared. Sky said nothing for months. If he was ill you’d expect Sky to give the usual ‘thoughts and prayers’ type press release. Smith never appears again on Sky - the cancer story appears months later. No reason ever given for Smith leaving. I mean Sky can’t sack him for having cancer. I’m not sure what the real story is…. the whole situation is a bit of a mystery. Smith did post a photo of him in hospital about a year after he’d disappeared from Sky.

Shalom and Johnny Nelson used to speak though about Adam having a health issue - very vague and could have been interpretted as a mental health issue (e.g. an addiction) - and there were alot of comments on those youtube videos of Shalom and Nelson suggesting what the health issue was. However, if Adam did not want it disclosed in detail then you can expect Sky to also keep quiet about it.

Naturally, I am inclined to think "no smoke without fire" given the number of comments about Adam and there might be an element that both might be true. However, surely surely surely the cancer is not a fake story - given how much he has spoken about it now. If it is fake, the threat of it being exposed is surely having a huge impact on him - and I just cannot see that.

But then if you read the Youtube comments while Adam was at Sky and the shear number of comments on Adam's personal life, then maybe I shouldn't have the mindset of "no smoke without fire" as surely that is complete nonsense.

[JamesPhilips]

I know there was a lot of talk from people with an insider knowledge about why he was absent from Sky shows for several months and then just left and I am not suggesting that what people were saying wasn't true (I wouldn't have a clue and won't pretend that I do). However, surely with the level of detail he has discussed his cancer (particularly in more recent times) and dare I say he he looked particularly when he first started to make public appearances would suggest that his cancer was very very real?

I mean if he has lied about his health and that made the media - he would be out of a job in no time due to the backlash

It was a very weird situation. He suddenly disappeared. Sky said nothing for months. If he was ill you’d expect Sky to give the usual ‘thoughts and prayers’ type press release. Smith never appears again on Sky - the cancer story appears months later. No reason ever given for Smith leaving. I mean Sky can’t sack him for having cancer. I’m not sure what the real story is…. the whole situation is a bit of a mystery. Smith did post a photo of him in hospital about a year after he’d disappeared from Sky.

Shalom and Johnny Nelson used to speak though about Adam having a health issue - very vague and could have been interpretted as a mental health issue (e.g. an addiction) - and there were alot of comments on those youtube videos of Shalom and Nelson suggesting what the health issue was. However, if Adam did not want it disclosed in detail then you can expect Sky to also keep quiet about it.

Naturally, I am inclined to think "no smoke without fire" given the number of comments about Adam and there might be an element that both might be true. However, surely surely surely the cancer is not a fake story - given how much he has spoken about it now. If it is fake, the threat of it being exposed is surely having a huge impact on him - and I just cannot see that.

But then if you read the Youtube comments while Adam was at Sky and the shear number of comments on Adam's personal life, then maybe I shouldn't have the mindset of "no smoke without fire" as surely that is complete nonsense.

I mean who can say. Only Sky insiders and Smith will know for sure. But the fact Sky would sack Smith when he is in the middle of a battle against cancer seems very unlikely.