Sacred Cows: Bert Sugar's Lost it, Hasn't He?

Carbo · Post by **Carbo** » 02 Nov 2007, 20:54

Bert Sugar is on ESPN's boxing page giving a brief video run-down of the Calzaghe - Kessler fight.

I can't believe how far off the mark Sugar is. He starts well, by saying it has the potential to be a fight of the year contender. Fair enough. But he justifies his call by setting it as a match between Calzaghe, a classical, tall, left-handed fighter with a jab and handspeed and great out-fighting skills, and Kessler the remorseless swarmer who'll win if the fight is fought on the inside.

Did he get the two fighters mixed up? Kessler will almost certainly lose if the fight is fought on the inside; Kessler, not Calzaghe, is the more classical boxer with his long jab, right cross and out-fighting skills; and if Sugar thinks Calzaghe is orthadox in style, he must of seen some pretty wierd fighters from those bourbon-soaked bars he sounds like he spends most of his days in.

I've suspected Sugar has lost the plot for a while now, but this confirms it. The ol' raconteur is wonderful for the sport in terms of the colour and charisma he brings to the table, but these days he's well past his peak when it comes to analysis and journalism. I've no doubt that he's still a brilliant historian, but as far as current fighters are concerned, there are a whole host I trust more when it comes to laying bets.

Has anybody else noticed of late that one of the most respected boxing journalists and fight pickers has completely lost it? And does anybody else think that there's a sacred cow of boxing that should be dispelled? Angello Dundee? Oscar as a promoter? The Ring Magazine? Colin Hart?

Just throwing a few out, and I don't agree with them all, but perhaps some of you guys can think of a few?

Goz · Post by **Goz** » 02 Nov 2007, 21:35

Hmm whenever I've seen Sugar on tv he seems to be trying too hard to convey this image of this old-timer boxing expert/stooge and not really concentrating on what he's talking about.

Poncey · Post by **Poncey** » 03 Nov 2007, 03:58

I lost respect for his punditry since he Picked Mason Dixon over Rocky Balboa. For shame!!!

Hagler2002 · Post by **Hagler2002** » 03 Nov 2007, 04:12

I find him extremely annoying.

E · Post by E » 03 Nov 2007, 04:35

Goz wrote:Hmm whenever I've seen Sugar on tv he seems to be trying too hard to convey this image of this old-timer boxing expert/stooge and not really concentrating on what he's talking about.

Exactly - the man's an idiot. 'Style' over substance with his hat and cigar. Whenever I see him on US boxing documentaries he talks like he is some sage, but what comes out of his mouth is unincicive, cliched drivel.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 03 Nov 2007, 07:22

Bert lost it years ago. He was good when he edited Ring mag in the early 80's - he really brought it to life with some great covers and articles, plus he was pretty funny when it came to ripping the alphabet boys.

But he seemed to lose the plot after that, spouting tired old cliches, like E says. Too many bottles of whiskey seem to have left him a bit punchy.

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 03 Nov 2007, 07:49

When I hear these old pundits talking crap it makes me wonder why in gods name they are getting paid mega bucks to do what we do on here all day, only better!!

We should start our own radio show

Grilling Machine · Post by **Grilling Machine** » 03 Nov 2007, 15:47

I dunno, Kessler is likely a touch stronger and will want to rough Calzaghe up. Much easier said than done. Joe's not an infighter, his hand speed and quick feet just make it look that way; he doesn't linger in front of anyone.

Calzaghe's always been a matador, while Kessler's hungry and relatively young.

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 03 Nov 2007, 16:17

Grilling Machine wrote:I dunno, Kessler is likely a touch stronger and will want to rough Calzaghe up. Much easier said than done. Joe's not an infighter, his hand speed and quick feet just make it look that way; he doesn't linger in front of anyone.

Calzaghe's always been a matador, while Kessler's hungry and relatively young.

Say what you want about the mechanics of the fight and how the styles will mesh, but however you interpret it, in no way is Kessler a 'remorseless swarmer'.

It makes me wonder if the fedora-sporting old fart has ever seen the Dane fight!

Carbo · Post by **Carbo** » 03 Nov 2007, 16:34

TerribleTerry wrote:
Grilling Machine wrote:I dunno, Kessler is likely a touch stronger and will want to rough Calzaghe up. Much easier said than done. Joe's not an infighter, his hand speed and quick feet just make it look that way; he doesn't linger in front of anyone.

Calzaghe's always been a matador, while Kessler's hungry and relatively young.
Say what you want about the mechanics of the fight and how the styles will mesh, but however you interpret it, in no way is Kessler a 'remorseless swarmer'.

It makes me wonder if the fedora-sporting old fart has ever seen the Dane fight!

Remorseless swarmer was probably my spin on Sugar's evaluation, but that was his gist. The fedora sorting old fart, as you so eloquently put it, has definitely not seen Kessler fight so often. You could tell by the way he was groping for words: "They say there's nothing like a Dane, and Kessler is a Dane." Thanks Bert. Now I know EXACTLY how Kessler fights.

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 03 Nov 2007, 17:37

Sugar is past his sell by date. Larry Merchant will probably go the same way soon.

Dirk Kelly · Post by **Dirk Kelly** » 05 Nov 2007, 07:22

Old age comes to us all!