Best Commentators

Captain Hook · Post by **Captain Hook** » 09 Jul 2007, 09:46

I can't look at Rosenthal without seeing the count from Sesame Street...

The Blade · Post by **The Blade** » 09 Jul 2007, 10:19

boxrec wrote:transfer Jonothan Pearce to boxing, that'll liven up dull fights.

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He's capable of knackering any match he watches with his statto on speed shreiking. Please God never let him near boxing.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 10 Jul 2007, 16:37

chinny wrote:I used to like Gary Norman as a presenter years ago on Sky before he was replaced by Dempsey. Baffled about how many others rate Rosenthal I think he’s awful. Saying that, with so many adverts on ITV it doesn’t really matter.
Dempsey is the man as presenter, it’s a real shame he’s over on setanta with nothing to cover. His replacement Dave Clarke is enthusiastic but clearly doesn’t know enough about the game – he’s better suited to reading out loud on the sport news channel.
Johnny Nelson is my favourite analyst because he has an opinion and he’s not afraid to rock the boat.
Think the abuse Adam Smith has had on this thread is a bit unfair – though not as easy on the ear as Darke I rate him – thought his commentary for Corralles Castillo I was excellent.

I agree on Smith, he's alright. Looks a bit funny for a fight presenter (looks way too posh) and didn't like him when he covered for Dempsey's role (the wig added comedy value mind). However, I don't cringe if its him on the commentary - he certainly seems enthusiastic.

I've noticed quite recently when Sky JUST have Nelson as an analyser they don't do a big segment in the analysing. They don't even use replays - its not really that deep, when he is on his own. Working in tandum with Glenn McCory or Jim Watt, he is excellent.

As for Rosenthal, I think he is very good, very professional. Just listening to him inform the public on the Gerald McClellan's deteriorating health just showed how much he is a fan aswell as a presenter. He was holding back the tears. Watching him ringside at the contender show also showed his enthusiasm for the sport. Alot of people who know abit about the figures at Sky have claimed that Dempsey is not a fan of the sport, which does show just how good he is at it.

BigEars · Post by **BigEars** » 10 Jul 2007, 19:58

For me it goes like this ,

Presenter: Paul Dempsey , head and shoulders above the rest for me and I was amazed the first time I heard he wasn't a fan of the sport . It really does show how good he is at what he does . With that said he used to present the ROI football games on Sky and was cack for them........which is odd because he played for UCD(a semi-proffesional football team in Ireland) so presumely he's love football and he has shown his ability as a presenter .

Blow by blow would be Ian Darke for me , just has that perfect voice , knows when to get excited and rarely calls punches incorrectly(unlike Lampley or Rawling) . A runner up would be Showtime's guy .

colour commentator for me would be Al Bernstein , hepoints out all the key things , doesn't hype himself , isn't annoying and does come bring any of the shit that comes with the likes of Atlas commentating .

I'm also a fan of Jim Watt . Makes good key points and although his little phrases that he always uses in fights annoy some people I love them('those are fullbloodedshots coming from......)

Manny Steward is another I like and he fits in well with the HBO way of having several colour commentators so he doesn't have to talk that much , where as Watt and Bernstein are the only other commentator other than the blow by blow guy in their cases .

In studio Analysts for me would be McGuigan before he left Sky , he just bowed to his paymasters at ITV and didn't remember what to do anymore at Setanta because he could speak for himself again .

Nelson is very good and him with Piper and McCrory works well , so those 3 together for me are good .

Interviewer , Larry Merchant . Not afraid to ask the tough questions but still respectful(even when he is being a bit rude 'would you also like to thank the judges') . I also like to hear the little things he has to say in pre fight analysis .

T.M.K · Post by **T.M.K** » 11 Jul 2007, 07:47

Captain Hook wrote:I can't look at Rosenthal without seeing the count from Sesame Street...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

T.M.K · Post by **T.M.K** » 11 Jul 2007, 07:51

Well gents for what it is worth.

I like Ian Darke - top notch. I love the change in his voice when a huge shot lands and a fighters legs wobble, reminds me a bit of Murray Walker when there was a crash in F1 and he'd react to it so naturally (just say what you see), it was just fab. The only thing with Ian Darke was sometimes I'd feel he'd be "polite" about the quality of opponents a little too much and I'd wish he'd say "this is rubbish to be honest" and be a little harsher than try to paper-over it.

I always preferred Glen McCrory to Jim Watt. I'm afraid Jim Watt just gets on my nerves.

Always loved listening to Steve Holdsworth, cracks me up.

Just as an aside, we must remember that TV commentary (which I had a go at many moons ago) is very different from radio commentary, and from presenting, and from analysing. Some guys are great in the studio aftre the fight but awful commentating as it happens.... etc etc

best wishes

"T.M.K"

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 11 Jul 2007, 08:18

One of the common criticism of Watt is that he repeats himself. I don't see it as a problem for two reasons.

1) He does often say "I know I have said this before" or words to that effect.

2). If a fight follows the same pattern (as many do throughout) what is he expected to say, nothing?

Manos de Oro · Post by **Manos de Oro** » 11 Jul 2007, 11:56

I would say Ian Darke is the best UK commentator. He works well with both McCrory and Watt. He is also (off air) personable, approachable and open, yet still manages to be keen. The mode to be of the boxing commentator.

Someone who doesn't get mentioned much is Alex Wallau. He got involved.

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 11 Jul 2007, 15:03

stujones wrote:One of the common criticism of Watt is that he repeats himself. I don't see it as a problem for two reasons.

1) He does often say "I know I have said this before" or words to that effect.

2). If a fight follows the same pattern (as many do throughout) what is he expected to say, nothing?

Watt does sometimes repeat himself, but the point he repeats is 99% of the time correct.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 11 Jul 2007, 17:58

KOJOE90 wrote:
stujones wrote:One of the common criticism of Watt is that he repeats himself. I don't see it as a problem for two reasons.

1) He does often say "I know I have said this before" or words to that effect.

2). If a fight follows the same pattern (as many do throughout) what is he expected to say, nothing?
Watt does sometimes repeat himself, but the point he repeats is 99% of the time correct.

Yep, he is brilliant. He doesn't say what he says is the law, for example if he scored a round with a KD 10-9 he will say that some judges will see it 10-8 (Bunce should take note). Also, his judging of a fight and a fighters body language is spot on.

Watt is the #1 Co-Commentator and #1 Studio analyser IMO. ITV had the right idea in the old days when they would basically get him to do both jobs.

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 13 Jul 2007, 14:35

stujones wrote:
KOJOE90 wrote:
stujones wrote:One of the common criticism of Watt is that he repeats himself. I don't see it as a problem for two reasons.

1) He does often say "I know I have said this before" or words to that effect.

2). If a fight follows the same pattern (as many do throughout) what is he expected to say, nothing?
Watt does sometimes repeat himself, but the point he repeats is 99% of the time correct.
Yep, he is brilliant. He doesn't say what he says is the law, for example if he scored a round with a KD 10-9 he will say that some judges will see it 10-8 (Bunce should take note). Also, his judging of a fight and a fighters body language is spot on.

Watt is the #1 Co-Commentator and #1 Studio analyser IMO. ITV had the right idea in the old days when they would basically get him to do both jobs.

I agree completely

. I have always enjoyed his Boxing TV work right from when he was Reggie G's co-commontator and it's great to see all these years later he still has great passion for the game and as sharp as a tack!! In fact he may well be at his peak this decade.

Jim Watt is the sort of ex-fighter I would love to be able to meet and spend a few hours with talking about Boxing. I just know I would learn so much about the sport, inside and outside of the ropes.

P.S. I know a few people who have met Jim Watt and they all say he is a complete Gent.

Manc_Red · Post by **Manc_Red** » 14 Jul 2007, 15:48

Presenter would have to be Dempsey, Commentry from Darke and Watt, in the studio would be McGuigan and Mcrory :box

Albert · Post by **Albert** » 14 Jul 2007, 19:15

Get Simon Brotherton from the BBC he is good.

DavidPayne · Post by **DavidPayne** » 15 Jul 2007, 01:43

Rosenthal is brilliant as ringside anchor. A classy pro, who's read his research and gets the tone right.

McGuigan tows the line when its an aspiring Warren fighter but puts the boot it when its the opponent or a judging error.

On soft targets he's hard and direct. When it's the paymasters prodigy he's suffering from cherry blossom poisoning.

So, is Khan still the best Lightweight in the UK Barry even though he's now been taken to the brink by a non-punching Super-Featherweight?

"Erm, yes I dink so. Tats tree times better dan (insert boxer's name from the 50's) would have done wit dat fella"

Not a fan of Darkie. Talks too much.

I'd go for dream team of Carpenter & Hagler at ringside, Buncey in the dressing rooms before the fight (though young Ed is excellent) and Gary Newbon asking the questions!!!!!

HairyBoxe24 · Post by **HairyBoxe24** » 15 Jul 2007, 02:55

Rowling is awful, forever contradicting himself and gets his words messed up like a 2 year old toddler.

chinny · Post by **chinny** » 18 Jul 2007, 08:15

Best boxing commentary/presenting moment I remember was in the mid 90s when Gary Mason failed to realise he was on air when Gary Norman from Sky’s Ringside show asked him a question about the fight they’d just shown. “Don’t worry about that” he told Norman, completely disinterested. He then went on to swear and mumble something about his tie before realising the lights were on, before apologising profusely!

Nice bloke but I don’t think I’ve seen him since on sky (or anywhere in that capacity).

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 18 Jul 2007, 09:44

chinny wrote:I used to like Gary Norman as a presenter years ago on Sky

Norman was TERRIBLE!

He used to stare into the camera like he couldn't believe he was actualy on TV - kept expecting him to blurt out Hi Mum! at any moment.

Thank f*** they got rid of him quick.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 18 Jul 2007, 09:58

Didn't get to hear much of Norman... he sounded like Frank Maloney though.

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 18 Jul 2007, 10:36

Bob Mee is a class act...Al Bernstein knows his stuff...Steve Bunce is excitable and adds a bit of enthusiasm...John Rawling is knowledgable and has to walk a fine line; often gives me the impression he can't always say what he thinks (compare his ITV commentary to his work in the Independent for example)...Duke McKenzie tries hard but is lacking...Paul Dempsey does the best studio presentation job...Ian Darke and Jim Watt are a quality double act...Steve Holdsworth makes mistakes but knows his stuff...Johnny Nelson is very good.

ALL THE REST ARE SHIT!!!

Only joking, that's all i can remember.

jim wright · Post by **jim wright** » 18 Jul 2007, 11:39

King Edwards are good; especially when mashed, also, Maris Pipers make good roasties and are solid allrounders. However, it has to be Jersey Royals for this time of year.

chesh · Post by **chesh** » 18 Jul 2007, 13:09

Whatever happened to Gary Jacobs? He was a fairly regular studio guest on Sky in the late 90s. I know he had some legal problems, but don't recall learning of the outcome. Spencer Oliver, too, was a regular, but is now just interviewed ringside once in a while.

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 18 Jul 2007, 13:12

chesh wrote:Whatever happened to Gary Jacobs?

Jacobs got done for benefit fraud and wasn't he also done for driving under the influence of drink or drugs or no licence? Something like that.

chesh · Post by **chesh** » 18 Jul 2007, 13:20

Thanks, Joe. I remembered reading in Boxing News about the drink-driving and, I think, drugs being found in his car. Didn't know about the benefits fraud, though.

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 18 Jul 2007, 13:31

chesh wrote:Thanks, Joe. I remembered reading in Boxing News about the drink-driving and, I think, drugs being found in his car. Didn't know about the benefits fraud, though.

From 2004

Gary Jacobs has been banned from driving - despite trying to impress a sheriff with his glittering past.
Jacobs was disqualified for 12 months after twice refusing to take a breath test.
At Glasgow Sheriff Court, Bobby McCormack, defending, reeled off the highlights of his career in an attempt for leniency on behalf of the troubled ex-European welterweight champion.
He said: "Mr Jacobs is a former champion boxer, who won several titles in his time.
"During his career, he sold out Madison Square Garden in New York for a world title fight.
"He is appearing in court for an incident that has caused embarrassment to him and his family. He simply panicked."
But Sheriff Deirdre MacNeill QC said: "Unfortunately, I am unfamiliar with the boxing scene and Mr Jacobs will be treated the same as anyone else."
The 38-year-old was stopped in April after leaving Babaza nightclub in Glasgow at 4am.
A roadside breath test returned a positive reading but he later refused to take further tests.
The dad-of-three, of Newton Mearns, near Glasgow, pleaded guilty to failing to take the breath test last month.
Mr McCormack said Jacobs was now living on income support.

A few months later he was arrested again for driving a stolen car.