BoxRec

dbf wrote:I think the whole sky sports boxing needs some freshening up - with a spring cleaning of talent. I think its pretty unnecessary to give all the ex boxers they do, so much time. Stick to just a few, the decent ones, and stop trying to create some clever (?) angle and help out all their mates.

The whole production seems either stuck in the early 2000's or desperately trying to imitate HBO or Showtime. I think its time from innovation, and perhaps some more simplicity. Less is more, especially in this case. Mike Costello should have been snapped up by sky years ago, he is the best active boxing commentator we have. Sky need to get over this perceived need to completely over dramatise their production. Costello has the perfect balance of excitement and knowledge, whilst knowing when to pause, plus he knows the sport very well.

BT are producing much better promo's than sky at the moment, and even Matchroom in house ones seem above what Sky do. Its so over polished, trying to hard and stuck in what "TV' used to be. Times have changed and in my opinion sky need to fix up.

Smith is a very large part of whats wrong. His style of commentating with the fake dramatic accent is completely horrendous and you have no choice but to mute it when he's on which is a shame because you miss out on the atmosphere.

I don't really mind Froch all that much, although his knowledge is mostly limited to fighters he's come across himself. Bellew is decent on commentary to be fair. You just can't tolerate listening to Smith though and that's what ruins it.

Interesting comments, not just about that dip stick Smith but Sky sports too. I became really disillusioned with boxing a few years ago, cancelled my subscription to Sky, subscribed to allegedly and fell back in love with the sport.

How anyone would want to watch and listen to a pair of ponces like Smith and Johnny Nelson over Buncey & Barry Jones or Steve Lilis is beyond me.

The acid test between allegedly and Sky was never better demonstrated when one delivered GGG V Alverez to their subscribers at no extra charge and the other came up with Mayweather v McGregor !

I really think its all become a bit tired and dated. I know they are appealing to the boxing casuals but it just lacks finesse as a product. Even Channel 5 with Pougatch (who I actually rate) and someone like Woodhall and one other, is better at times. More functional.

Copying the American style just doesn't work here, Smith unfortunately just goes to OTT with his theatrics and it probably stands out even more because it does in some way feel forced. I appreciate its a fine balance between enough drama to not sound boring but they have added too much. Too much unnecessary talking, which I think McIntosh is guilty of in the WBSS (albeit he has mainly been on his own) and not enough technical analysis.

Having ex pro's isn't always enough, they need passion and understanding of the current scene. Yes some can add value with their insights but its just embarrassing when they haven't heard of half of the opponents boxing on a show. Bellew for all his annoying traits works well in this capacity because he is a huge fan and can add a bit of both. Froch on the other hand really shouldn't be in the commentary role, that just smacks of favours from Sky.

Considering Roy Jones was a once in a generation talent, who could be said was naturally gifted (ok, we know his dad was extremely strict), actually adds a lot to HBO broadcasts. One would expect Jones Jr would find it hard to do this because everything seemed to come so effortllessy to him.

not one of you would have the balls to say this to Left Hook's face

The thing is - Smith is head of sky boxing, so unless he gets sacked (unlikely) or gets promoted (not sure to what - do they want him to ruin another sport?) we’re stuck with him... **the horror**

Actually smith and Bunce might actually work, like chalk and cheese.... in the words of Smith himself we might end up with the Barrera - Morales of the commentating world

And to think there used to be threads on here lamenting the commentary of Jim Watt! He seems sadly missed when compared to Smith.

straali wrote:And to think there used to be threads on here lamenting the commentary of Jim Watt! He seems sadly missed when compared to Smith.

I think watt was good in terms of having the voice for commentary and he was knowledgeable of course but the problem was he wasnt willing to change his opinion on a fight after he'd made it. He came into a fight thinking one thing and his commentary reflected that. As for the comment about Smith being try-hard, that's exactly how I've seen him over the years. Someone who probably knows that he isn't liked or respected in the boxing game, because of his upbringing and having everything handed to him including the job at sky. So he's always had that air of trying way too hard.

If they get him off commentary and replace him with someone good, that's a good start. Andy Scott is probably the best one around in Britain for that role, baring Darke obviously.

Its such a shame we can't watch the likes of froch groves back and have darkes awesome commentary. I was watching the Arthur gomez fight recently and his commentary was just unbelievable.

TheLeprechaun wrote:

straali wrote:And to think there used to be threads on here lamenting the commentary of Jim Watt! He seems sadly missed when compared to Smith.

I think watt was good in terms of having the voice for commentary and he was knowledgeable of course but the problem was he wasnt willing to change his opinion on a fight after he'd made it. He came into a fight thinking one thing and his commentary reflected that. As for the comment about Smith being try-hard, that's exactly how I've seen him over the years. Someone who probably knows that he isn't liked or respected in the boxing game, because of his upbringing and having everything handed to him including the job at sky. So he's always had that air of trying way too hard.

If they get him off commentary and replace him with someone good, that's a good start. Andy Scott is probably the best one around in Britain for that role, baring Darke obviously.

Its such a shame we can't watch the likes of froch groves back and have darkes awesome commentary. I was watching the Arthur gomez fight recently and his commentary was just unbelievable.

If ‘they’ get him off commentary!??? Unfortunately Smith Is head of boxing so that’s not going to happen. He makes the decisions. He went to theatre school. He loves the limelight.

Not going to happen without a sacking or a promotion as I said.

Unfortunately boxing isn't the only sport on Sky to have irritating commentary. Rugby league has had to endure the idiotic toss pot Eddie Hemmings for far too long and I know a lot of people can't stand Stuart Barnes from the rugby union coverage either.

I'm not a massive fan of Adam Smith but reading through the comments it's clear that I don't have the hate for him as some do!

What I hate about Sky's coverage is when they're talking to a fighter after the fight. The poor guy has just gone through 12 rounds of a grueling fight, has had his head and body pounded and the mere slip of a soft swear word and they're bollocked about it and made to feel quite small when they're given their telling off. Imagine the Tony Thompson hip breaking comment on Sky?!
Also, now that they're doing interviews in the ring, there's almost a demand that they speak to the camera and are dragged away from speaking with their team or opponent etc.

I quite liked the BN coverage where you had Buncey or whoever speaking to a fighter in a way that puts them at ease and in language they're used to, none of the pre-scripted and inane shite that you get on Sky.

As has been said, the likes of Paul Dempsey, Iain Darke etc put the Sky lot to shame.