Ed Robinson - Excellent Interviewer

[chrisfinch]

Gotta agree with everyting thats been said about Ed-top interviewer and possibly the only member of the sky boxing team that the boxing forums doesn't have beef with.

I thought last nights setup was pretty good. Adam smith is a much better presenter than Dave darts, more enthusiastic and knowledgable, and Ian Darke is a better commentator than Smith. Add in Ed doing the interviews, and I'd be happy if all FFN's were like that.

Shame that Darke seems to be reduced to Sky's no.2 boxing commentator now as Football takes priority. On the plus side, Darkie is an excellent Football commentator (in my eyes one of the top 4 in the country) but it means he is missing from the Boxing.

Keep up the good work Ed

EDIT: Ed's "lengthy" career

http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?hu ... &cat=boxer

Don't knock a winning record

[Deserter]

Hey Deserter, it's all so subjective isn't it. What I will say is that we tend to judge fighters on their entire careers, obviously, but sometimes a boxer has that one night, like when Bowe beat Holyfield the first time he was incredible. I wish I'd been there, I think he could have beaten just about anyone that night but he couldn't recreate the magic. When Ricky beat Tyzu he was had that look too. Mayweather's something special obviously but for those big American names I don't really know any more than anyone else. I get to be ringside over there sometimes but it's the British fighters you really get to know. I worked for Frank Maloney when he signed Paul Ingle and I always kind of idolised him but then Frank signed Peter Richardson and Alan Temple at the same time and they were both can't miss prospects who missed. No one could hit Alan as an amateur, Peter beat Vernon Forrest in the Olympics. Talent just doesn't count for as much as people think, it's often those like Clinton Woods who just slip under the radar and make their mark. When I boxed I thought that I'd be able to say that I fought on the same bill as a future World champion, all the other kids on the bill were top prospects. Now I think of them and there aren't many happy endings. It's such a hard unforgiving sport. Boxers who've failed brain scans or gone to prison or suffered cuts or worse. I was trained by Colin Wilson and he has two sons who are great talents but Ian has a terribly bad back and hasn't fought since stopping Henry Castle. Colin junior will make his mark as a trainer but he was a wonderful talent as a boxer. Boxing is a big pyramid and so many kids put everything into it, their only hope of making it is to be completely single minded and selfish, so few reach the top.

I really like this forum, there are so many guys on it who really know their stuff and some good friends. I do have to say that sometimes I think some of you can be a bit hard on the fighters. To make it I think you have to brain wash yourself a bit, be ultra positive. If you didn't, if you really thought 'when I get in the ring tonight I could get hit by a lucky punch and the dream's all over' then how could you do it, you've got to be a bit mad to be a top fighter. Boxers think about their next fight all the time, there's no escape, they're always thinking of their food, always hungry, always tired, all anyone talks to them about is their upcoming fight. They're macho guys, when they fight, everyone they care about is there, paying hard earned money to see them perform. They're risking the ultimate humiliation in getting knocked out. Even the best tennis players get beat each year, a loss changes a fighter, changes everything. Sorry if that all seems a bit melodramatic.

The current crop of talent looks as good as I've ever seen it, if I had to single someone out who hasn't got the attention yet it would be Stephen Smith. I watched him box a top American when he was about 17, he showed so much character to suck it up and get the win and I think he's adapted to the pro's really well.

Thanks Ed. A fantastic reply and really appreciate the insights. It's so true regarding what you said about how a fighter's career is subject to so many variables, and also of such intensity. It's why I've got so much respect for the likes of Calzaghe and Hopkins, as to perform consistently at the highest level for a long period of time is an incredibly tough ask given the physical and mental demands.

[opticald]

Gotta agree with everyting thats been said about Ed-top interviewer and possibly the only member of the sky boxing team that the boxing forums doesn't have beef with.

Well in fairness, how could anyone have a problem with the chap? The best thing about Ed on screen is the sharpness of the questions and the respect for the fighters.

Fantastic post by him too. I think that boxing is definitely a cruel game at times but a beautiful game at others. Boxing has brought us all here on this forum and for one reason or another, deep down, we love the game. For me there is nothing like the feeling I get watching a big fight. When JMM was making his ringwalk last week, I got that electrifying feeling that only boxing can produce. I probably won't get that feeling again until the Pacman Cotto fight.

It's not a fair game at times, but life isn't fair. I also agree with Ed about the mentality of boxers. It's a good point... you have to be extremely over confident beyond reasonable levels if you want to make it to the top in the game.

I have one more question to Ed, are you happy in your current position at Sky? Would you like to be a commentator/presenter? Personally I think you are perfect as a reporter and interviewer. Also, did you go to journalism school or is it just natural talent mate?

[Londonirish]

Ed is the Best about, have yet to hear anyone say a Bad word about him, Not Bumlicking because you've came on here and Posted.
A true Gent

[dbf]

Scrawny little toad is a bit harsh but thanks for the other positive comments! I trawl boxrec every day, I think everyone in the game does, looking for gossip and opinions. I just don't really post because I wouldn't be able to answer the questions and accusations I'd probably be asked, working for Sky. It's a shame because as a fan I've often got a strong opinion about particular topics but it's not really for me to comment. It's like working as a cashier at Natwest and being asked about the bank's global financial responsibilities.

Regarding me boxing pro, I did have a go but just to say I'd done it, for the experience and the adventure. Any delusion's had already been knocked out of me at Reading, Battersea and the Fitzroy Lodge amateur clubs. If I'd carried on I would have called myself 'Average' Ed Robinson. I did win more than I lost as an amateur and a pro but I never even entered the aba's and never boxed someone as a pro with a win on their record - until they met me anyway! I was lucky enough to spar with a lot of future and current pro's, 30 or 40 even, didn't win many rounds though. When I was about to turn over I went back down the Fitzroy Lodge for a spar and David Haye - who must have been about 13 - just boxed my head off, which doesn't do much for your confidence. I am, however, very lucky and proud to say that I moved around with fighters the calibre of Howard Eastman, P.J. Gallagher, Michael Sprott and Herol 'Bomber' Graham. I thought I was doing okay against Herol until he invited someone else into the ring and sparred with us both at the same time.

Even though I knew I wasn't anything special it still really hurt when I lost, I wanted so much to be good! Now I'm very, very fortunate to have the job that I do.

Great post and a fantasdtic insight. Funny the original poster was thinking just the same ass me. I was rwatching the show today on sky+ and thought we need to see more of ED. Great to know that you have boxing exprience aswell! Keep it up

[ed robinson]

No journalism school but I've been at Sky for eleven years and worked full time in boxing since Lewis v Bruno in 1993. I did have a go at commentating but I wasn't good enough, I'm not being modest, I just wasn't. I could never be a presenter, I simply don't have what it takes. Both jobs are much, much harder than they seem. I'm the kind of guy who would dread getting up to make a speech at a wedding. I'm a reporter because it's the only job I could do in boxing full time. Every week I spend a couple of days out the office on shoots with boxers, I spend a day editing, every day is different, I meet some fantastic characters. Doing the live interviews is actually the thing that I've struggled with but I'm slowly getting more confident now, I've made mistakes and suffer from nerves a bit. I once said 'good nuck licky' instead of 'good luck Nicky' at the end of an interview with Nicky Booth and that's one of the less embarrassing instances.

[danandpenny1]

I am, however, very lucky and proud to say that I moved around with fighters the calibre of Howard Eastman, P.J. Gallagher, Michael Sprott and Herol 'Bomber' Graham.


how is it going ed, i would like to say,
i am the locky one, not only to shane a ring with you as a sparring partner,
but also it is a privilege to know you as a very kind knowledgeable person and a very good mate.

and i am sure i speak for everyone that has crossed your path in your boxing career,
and now you time with sky, that i wish you all the look in the world.
if anyone deserves it then it is you and long may it continue, keep up the great work with sky.

god bless you ed

pj gallagher

[MightyWarrior]

I once said 'good nuck licky' instead of 'good luck Nicky' at the end of an interview with Nicky Booth and that's one of the less embarrassing instances.

We didn't notice. Could have been worse, you could have said good licky nicky.

[chinny]

Bl00dy hell this is turning into a right love in, but I'd echo some of the other responses, they were some very insightful comments Ed, thanks.

Agree that last nights FFN line up was much better with Adam Smith much more knowledgable than Dave Darts. I thought the whole show had stepped up a notch actually.

Fair play to sky this 'season' has started really well.

[Finch]

Jesus.

Sorry about that comment Ed.

I have just pissed myself reading this thread !!!

[dazzer]

will be starting the ed robinson, fan club soon

t shirts,hats and badges already at the printers

[Arnie]

Top man is Ed

[REAL_DEAL]

I thought I was doing okay against Herol until he invited someone else into the ring and sparred with us both at the same time

[Spud]

Robinson,

Get my idea on the screens - do a 24/7 on the Rhodes/Moore fight!! - come on do the business!!

[T.M.K]

Hi all,

well I see most have already said it, but: I was 17 when I first met Edwin, and he helped me out no end. Above all else, he always struck me as a true gentleman and someone I was very proud to call a friend (he probably have referred to me as "someone I know" - haha).

Top man, very knowledgable, very humble.....

"T.M.K"/Col

[Matt W]

To make it I think you have to brain wash yourself a bit, be ultra positive. If you didn't, if you really thought 'when I get in the ring tonight I could get hit by a lucky punch and the dream's all over' then how could you do it, you've got to be a bit mad to be a top fighter. Boxers think about their next fight all the time, there's no escape, they're always thinking of their food, always hungry, always tired, all anyone talks to them about is their upcoming fight. They're macho guys, when they fight, everyone they care about is there, paying hard earned money to see them perform. They're risking the ultimate humiliation in getting knocked out. Even the best tennis players get beat each year, a loss changes a fighter, changes everything. Sorry if that all seems a bit melodramatic.

I'm really interested in the psychology of the sport and found the above really interesting. I'm a bit of a geek really and am fascinated by the fine line between self-delusion and self-belief that fighters often seem to tread, extreme examples being modern-day Holyfield and RJJ. Ed's comment here really throws some light on this issue for me.

I do wonder whether today's tendency to hang so much on an unbeaten record, as opposed to even-fights that a fighter may learn more from, has made this more of an issue than it was to fighters of previous eras.

[Scrap]

Ive just realised Ive known Ed 20 years, and He hasnt changed one Bit. Great Chap

[Scrap]

Ed how old are you still look 22, what are you on

[Deserter]

I do wonder whether today's tendency to hang so much on an unbeaten record, as opposed to even-fights that a fighter may learn more from, has made this more of an issue than it was to fighters of previous eras.

I think that's a really good point Matt and I believe it's undoubtedly the case. When the defeat comes, the pyschological impact is surely that much greater if the fighter has been 'artificially' nutured to that point.

[Wales]

what a top bloke

[stujones]

I do wonder whether today's tendency to hang so much on an unbeaten record, as opposed to even-fights that a fighter may learn more from, has made this more of an issue than it was to fighters of previous eras.

I think that's a really good point Matt and I believe it's undoubtedly the case. When the defeat comes, the pyschological impact is surely that much greater if the fighter has been 'artificially' nutured to that point.

To much is made from it for sure, from every perspective. Promotional, TV, and the fighters own mental viewpoint. All involved get swept in the wave of keeping that 0. When the 0 goes, everything get shattered.... well thats the pressure that is put on.

Its not JUST in modern boxing. Even Ali would have been written off had he not beaten the count against Cooper.

[Deserter]

I do wonder whether today's tendency to hang so much on an unbeaten record, as opposed to even-fights that a fighter may learn more from, has made this more of an issue than it was to fighters of previous eras.

I think that's a really good point Matt and I believe it's undoubtedly the case. When the defeat comes, the pyschological impact is surely that much greater if the fighter has been 'artificially' nutured to that point.

To much is made from it for sure, from every perspective. Promotional, TV, and the fighters own mental viewpoint. All involved get swept in the wave of keeping that 0. When the 0 goes, everything get shattered.... well thats the pressure that is put on.

Its not JUST in modern boxing. Even Ali would have been written off had he not beaten the count against Cooper.

But if Ali had been a Fwank fighter the match against Liston that first made his name would never have been made

[DavidPayne]

Terry the unbeaten thing was big, but wasn't it the fact it was two guys who could claim to be THE heavyweight champion facing each other, i.e. Ali never lost the title in the ring? Aside from the politics obviously.

I really enjoyed the set-up at the weekend, Adam was much better suited to asking more leading/telling qustions of Nelson, Ed is great at the mic stuff and Darkie back in the chair.

I hope they give Adam a run at that job.

[stujones]

I guess Ali and his gift of the gab was the starts of it.

[Datsue]

What a fantastic thread.

Ed Robinson = top bloke.