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Lennox Lewis headlines the 2009 induction class into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He enters as a modern era fighter, along with American bantamweight champion Orlando Canizales and South African junior lightweight champion Brian Mitchell.
Larry Merchant also makes it into the Hall.
All very worthy. Its about time Larry gets in. Im happy he will be around to have his moment. Never been a fan of Lennox but he is the last great heavyweight and earned his spot.
Yeh,well deserved!!!!!!!Well done Lewis,you are truly a legend!!:appl::appl:
Well deserved.
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Originally Posted by yvonne
Well said Bro and seconded by myself too:beerchug:
:badass::badass::badass:
Fuck Merchant he doesn't deserve to get in at all, the worst commentator in the sport today.
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Originally Posted by Taeth
I don't think any commentator belongs in the Hall--and I question the inclusion of writers and "observers" whatever in God's name they are. I smell a big dose of politics and the thing that bothers me the most is that they never indicate who voted, how they voted, and why they were selected to vote. Too much secrecy to suit me.
Merchant gets in while guys like Benn and Eubanks and Collins and all the great Asians and Tony DeMarco and Danny "Little Red" Lopez watch from the outside in. No. I can't buy that for one minute. Writers have their own Hall of Fame. Put Merchant in there. I say this one should be restricted to boxers, trainers, referees and maybe promoters. I want the stress to be on those who most impact a fight, and Merchant and his ilk do not do that. They report the fight and comment about it; they do not engage in the fight and that's what the Hall should honor. :confused::banghead::confused:
I never understood how Merchant gets away talking with so much Authority over something he knows so little about.
Agreed...Lennox is a legend...a top 3 maybe top 3 HW of AT.....He deserevs to be there....Quote:
Originally Posted by yvonne
Merchant say what you want about him but he has been a solid for many many years...I am sure a lot of you do not remember him from his days at The Philadelphia Daily News and The New York Post...But he was top notch then as well...
Merchant calls it as he sees it even if he is wrong he is honest....
Have to respect him for that.....
Yes, maybe so, but when he was a reporter, he once wrote some of the crulest things I have ever seen written. For example, re Sonny Liston returning to Philadelphia as a champ and nobody meeting him at the airport. Merchant said something to the effect: "What did he expect? A ticker tape parade. The only thing they could have used as confetti was the paper from his rap sheet." Nice guy--all 140 punds of him. :foruml10gc5:Quote:
Originally Posted by DaxxKahnAgreed...Lennox is a legend...a top 3 maybe top 3 HW of AT.....He deserevs to be there....Quote:
Originally Posted by yvonne
Merchant say what you want about him but he has been a solid for many many years...I am sure a lot of you do not remember him from his days at The Philadelphia Daily News and The New York Post...But he was top notch then as well...
Merchant calls it as he sees it even if he is wrong he is honest....
Have to respect him for that.....
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Originally Posted by yvonne
couldnt of put it better myself
Leeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwiissss
Liston also takes it much from others.Once you get past the "He took a dive & quit,he was a bully.....But he had a mean jab".......Its widespread from some fans and reporters alike but he could fight as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by holmcallYes, maybe so, but when he was a reporter, he once wrote some of the crulest things I have ever seen written. For example, re Sonny Liston returning to Philadelphia as a champ and nobody meeting him at the airport. Merchant said something to the effect: "What did he expect? A ticker tape parade. The only thing they could have used as confetti was the paper from his rap sheet." Nice guy--all 140 punds of him. :foruml10gc5:Quote:
Originally Posted by DaxxKahnAgreed...Lennox is a legend...a top 3 maybe top 3 HW of AT.....He deserevs to be there....Quote:
Originally Posted by yvonne
Merchant say what you want about him but he has been a solid for many many years...I am sure a lot of you do not remember him from his days at The Philadelphia Daily News and The New York Post...But he was top notch then as well...
Merchant calls it as he sees it even if he is wrong he is honest....
Have to respect him for that.....
And I can not stand Merchant.Or Lamply for that matter :ziplip:
Lennox deserves to be in the hall. I have a question about the forum here. I had another name on here but I lost my password and the old email I used to sign up for it.. So I had to make another name. I had over 1100 posts on my old name. By the way, what happened to the rating where we could give a thumbs up or down on the posters? That was great. I notice that is gone now. You could sort of rate people and thier posts.
The both truly deserve the nod.
Me neither. Can't stand either one of them. One is a hype machine and the other is a legend in his own mind.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spicoli surfs 'NawlinsListon also takes it much from others.Once you get past the "He took a dive & quit,he was a bully.....But he had a mean jab".......Its widespread from some fans and reporters alike but he could fight as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by holmcallYes, maybe so, but when he was a reporter, he once wrote some of the crulest things I have ever seen written. For example, re Sonny Liston returning to Philadelphia as a champ and nobody meeting him at the airport. Merchant said something to the effect: "What did he expect? A ticker tape parade. The only thing they could have used as confetti was the paper from his rap sheet." Nice guy--all 140 punds of him. :foruml10gc5:Quote:
Originally Posted by DaxxKahn
And I can not stand Merchant.Or Lamply for that matter :ziplip:
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Originally Posted by holmcallYes, maybe so, but when he was a reporter, he once wrote some of the crulest things I have ever seen written. For example, re Sonny Liston returning to Philadelphia as a champ and nobody meeting him at the airport. Merchant said something to the effect: "What did he expect? A ticker tape parade. The only thing they could have used as confetti was the paper from his rap sheet." Nice guy--all 140 punds of him. :foruml10gc5:Quote:
Originally Posted by DaxxKahnAgreed...Lennox is a legend...a top 3 maybe top 3 HW of AT.....He deserevs to be there....Quote:
Originally Posted by yvonne
Merchant say what you want about him but he has been a solid for many many years...I am sure a lot of you do not remember him from his days at The Philadelphia Daily News and The New York Post...But he was top notch then as well...
Merchant calls it as he sees it even if he is wrong he is honest....
Have to respect him for that.....
May be so but again...You don't have have to like him but respect him for his honesty...In this sport there are not too many guys who say it how they see it..
testQuote:
Originally Posted by DaxxKahnQuote:
Originally Posted by holmcallYes, maybe so, but when he was a reporter, he once wrote some of the crulest things I have ever seen written. For example, re Sonny Liston returning to Philadelphia as a champ and nobody meeting him at the airport. Merchant said something to the effect: "What did he expect? A ticker tape parade. The only thing they could have used as confetti was the paper from his rap sheet." Nice guy--all 140 punds of him. :foruml10gc5:Quote:
Originally Posted by DaxxKahn
May be so but again...You don't have have to like him but respect him for his honesty...In this sport there are not too many guys who say it how they see it..
Point taken on honesty, but---AND I just typed a long reply and somehow lost it so I'll do it later.
Funny you would mention having to respect Merchant. I was just thinking that respect is the one thing Merchant could use a lot more of, respect for champion boxers that is.Quote:
Originally Posted by DaxxKahnAgreed...Lennox is a legend...a top 3 maybe top 3 HW of AT.....He deserevs to be there....Quote:
Originally Posted by yvonne
Merchant say what you want about him but he has been a solid for many many years...I am sure a lot of you do not remember him from his days at The Philadelphia Daily News and The New York Post...But he was top notch then as well...
Merchant calls it as he sees it even if he is wrong he is honest....
Have to respect him for that.....
Great point on respect. I have always sensed that Larry has a somewhat subconcious dislike for boxers. Whether it derives from his diminutive size or feisty attitude, I don't know, but I do know that he never, ever gives lesser known fighters any props. I doubt he even knows who they are. And Larry is the guy who once said Courage Tshabalala would be the next Tyson. Uh huh.
He also commented about Micky Ward's "lack of courage" when Ward fough against Alfonzo Gonzalez on the Whittiker-De La Hoya undercard. Ward shut him and the rest of the team up when he iced the undefeated Mexcican bomber with twoi lethal shots to his liver. Clearyl, Merchant had done no rseearch on Micky and was Aand did not have a clue as to his MO. In my mind, Larry is somewhat lazy and wings it far too often.
Compared to guys like Farhood and Charles, I like Larry, but should he be inducted into a BOXING hall of fame. Give me a break here.
It seems Larry Merchant is not above disrespecting a great champion to his face. For example, his post-fight interview with Lewis after the Klitschko fight. Not blatant mind you, but Lennox sure didn't seem too pleased.
The problem with guys like Merchant, IMO, is that they get a little too hung up on their own delivery. Too busy trying to sound clever and witty. They start to think they are the show, and not the guys they are talking about. Merchant is as much actor/entertainer as anything else. I don't know that he is that much more knowledgeable than the average boxing fan.
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Originally Posted by CGM
He is not!!!!! Most of the posters here know far more than he does. :appl:
And well deserved too.
He is a mainstay of the sport...One of the games most recognizable faces as a non participant......Quote:
Originally Posted by holmcall
I've been around boxing for 44 of my 53 years. I remember when Ali beat Liston. Lennox the lion Lewis is my all time favorite fighter. A Great champion who walked away just at the right time. He retired with all his marbles and money in his pocket.
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Originally Posted by DaxxKahnHe is a mainstay of the sport...One of the games most recognizable faces as a non participant......Quote:
Originally Posted by holmcall
Come on Daxx, you can give me more than that. Ted Bundy had a recognizable face too. My thing is that the Hall should not have an "Observer" section in it. Just boxers, trainers, referees, and maybe promoters. Let the BWAA give Merchant his awards. I will say this, howevere, the feelings on him are pretty split. Some hate him; other love him. Contraversy is not a bad thing.
I suppose that "let's get ready to rumbllllllllle" guy is going to be in the hall too, if he aint already. :-\
Buffer should be, along with Jimmy Lennon JrQuote:
Originally Posted by CGM
Well c'mon now Your starting to open up other things here...You are now saying that you don't think there should a catagory for non participants such as announcers etc....Which is OK and your opinion...You are not the first person I have heard say that and will not be the last I am sure....Quote:
Originally Posted by holmcallQuote:
Originally Posted by DaxxKahnHe is a mainstay of the sport...One of the games most recognizable faces as a non participant......Quote:
Originally Posted by holmcall
Come on Daxx, you can give me more than that. Ted Bundy had a recognizable face too. My thing is that the Hall should not have an "Observer" section in it. Just boxers, trainers, referees, and maybe promoters. Let the BWAA give Merchant his awards. I will say this, howevere, the feelings on him are pretty split. Some hate him; other love him. Contraversy is not a bad thing.
BUT with that being said...
The fact is there is a catagory for those guys and since there is Merchant is someone who fits the bill to be inducted.....
I mean hey I am not a fan of Ryan Seacrest but the guy got a Star on the Walk Of Fame.....Last I knew it was for Movie Stars not a host of 1 fraking singing reality show.....Yet I guess it is "The Walk Of Fame" and the show is probably one of the Highest Rated ever on TV so he is Famous:-\
I know crazy analogy but I think you get the point
Like I said. Merchant can create heated arguments because he is so contraversial. We shall have to agree to disagree on this one--but I do respect your point of view. :lolololol: And I awlways respect a good debate.
HHHhhhmmm. What about Howard Cosell?
Dunno, he covered football too.Quote:
Originally Posted by holmcall
He claimed with disgust that he was finished with boxing after the beating Holmes laid on Cobb. Did he hold true to that claim? I can't recall.
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Originally Posted by CGMDunno, he covered football too.Quote:
Originally Posted by holmcall
He claimed with disgust that he was finished with boxing after the beating Holmes laid on Cobb. Did he hold true to that claim? I can't recall.
Yes. He truly did.
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Originally Posted by holmcall
Sure he should...(Think he is already?)...
Howard was the voice of Boxing in the 70's on television...Some of his interviews with Ali are classic....
Pretty sure he did.MNF was his bread & butter.Seemed to ride The Ali train coming into boxing.Quote:
Originally Posted by CGMDunno, he covered football too.Quote:
Originally Posted by holmcall
He claimed with disgust that he was finished with boxing after the beating Holmes laid on Cobb. Did he hold true to that claim? I can't recall.
The worst Ive seen Merchant was his pompous hollier than thou tirads against Hopkins.Just seemed like it was personal.His call in the Hakkar fight was crap'olla.....as was Hakkar being ranked as a mandatory and HBO seeing fit to OK it for air.
In an odd way,I do admire him for saying what is on his mind....He really could care less what people think it seems??He and Max Kellerman might just come to blows one day ;D
I favor Merchant....He has shown his mean streak in the past....We all remember the fan he turned bitch out for disrupting an interview...Quote:
Originally Posted by Spicoli surfs 'NawlinsPretty sure he did.MNF was his bread & butter.Seemed to ride The Ali train coming into boxing.Quote:
Originally Posted by CGMDunno, he covered football too.Quote:
Originally Posted by holmcall
He claimed with disgust that he was finished with boxing after the beating Holmes laid on Cobb. Did he hold true to that claim? I can't recall.
The worst Ive seen Merchant was his pompous hollier than thou tirads against Hopkins.Just seemed like it was personal.His call in the Hakkar fight was crap'olla.....as was Hakkar being ranked as a mandatory and HBO seeing fit to OK it for air.
In an odd way,I do admire him for saying what is on his mind....He really could care less what people think it seems??He and Max Kellerman might just come to blows one day ;D
Anyone ever see this pic?
http://ac4.yt-thm-a03.yimg.com/image/9b9e9fddf7418108 Old Larry Boy when he still went by Kaufmann..:o
Max doesn't want any of that....Plus Lampley would probably throw in a few sucker shots during the melee and Pick Kellermans wallet..:-X
:lol:...I can see it,probally bite his kneecap as well.Max at his bug eyed best.....>:o <. Larry was abrasive and forced but oddly the majority of my HBO look backs involve him...and Lampley the hype man.First the fighters for sure but they were along for the rideQuote:
Originally Posted by DaxxKahnI favor Merchant....He has shown his mean streak in the past....We all remember the fan he turned bitch out for disrupting an interview...Quote:
Originally Posted by Spicoli surfs 'NawlinsPretty sure he did.MNF was his bread & butter.Seemed to ride The Ali train coming into boxing.Quote:
Originally Posted by CGM
The worst Ive seen Merchant was his pompous hollier than thou tirads against Hopkins.Just seemed like it was personal.His call in the Hakkar fight was crap'olla.....as was Hakkar being ranked as a mandatory and HBO seeing fit to OK it for air.
In an odd way,I do admire him for saying what is on his mind....He really could care less what people think it seems??He and Max Kellerman might just come to blows one day ;D
Anyone ever see this pic?
http://ac4.yt-thm-a03.yimg.com/image/9b9e9fddf7418108 Old Larry Boy when he still went by Kaufmann..:o
Max doesn't want any of that....Plus Lampley would probably throw in a few sucker shots during the melee and Pick Kellermans wallet..:-X
I hate Larry Merchant.
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Originally Posted by DaxxKahnQuote:
Originally Posted by holmcall
Sure he should...(Think he is already?)...
Howard was the voice of Boxing in the 70's on television...Some of his interviews with Ali are classic....
We agree on that one. He is not yet in. He may not get in because of the way he dissed boxing after the Holmes-Cobb fight.
Joe Rein, a former boxing writer, played HS football with Merchant and said he was a holy terror. It was some HS in NYC--maybe Erasmus (sp-?)Quote:
Originally Posted by DaxxKahnI favor Merchant....He has shown his mean streak in the past....We all remember the fan he turned bitch out for disrupting an interview...Quote:
Originally Posted by Spicoli surfs 'NawlinsPretty sure he did.MNF was his bread & butter.Seemed to ride The Ali train coming into boxing.Quote:
Originally Posted by CGM
The worst Ive seen Merchant was his pompous hollier than thou tirads against Hopkins.Just seemed like it was personal.His call in the Hakkar fight was crap'olla.....as was Hakkar being ranked as a mandatory and HBO seeing fit to OK it for air.
In an odd way,I do admire him for saying what is on his mind....He really could care less what people think it seems??He and Max Kellerman might just come to blows one day ;D
Anyone ever see this pic?
http://ac4.yt-thm-a03.yimg.com/image/9b9e9fddf7418108 Old Larry Boy when he still went by Kaufmann..:o
Max doesn't want any of that....Plus Lampley would probably throw in a few sucker shots during the melee and Pick Kellermans wallet..:-X