Why don't people like Max Kellerman?

[Taeth]

He's a better judge than Ledderman who seems to score very biasedly for the guy who goes forward regardless of who's landing the better shots. Larry Merchant has never known what he was talking about, and Lampley while important isn't exactly a boxing guru either. Max regardless of being obnoxious and condescending to the audience listening at least knows the sport, and what is going on in a fight which the only other person I've seen like that was guys like RJJ, Lennox, Gil Clancy, etc. I like MAx because he is good for the new people getting to know the sport, and he isn't full of shit like the rest of the HBO commentators.

I also don't know why HBO hasn't gotten the mustache dude from Showtime, he knows the most of any of the current commentators(in North America) the brittish commentators are also a lot better than the HBO guys.

[OumaFan]

Seems like most people either really like or hate him but I'm not really that way, he's ok, he's a lot better than some people (some people is code for Teddy Atlas) but I wouldn't say that I'm a big fan.

I like Roy Jones as a commentator a lot actually and I wasn't actually a huge fan of his as a fighter. He seems to see things coming, has a good understanding of what's going on. Lennox I'm still not sure about.

Max did seem more annoying/obnoxious when he started out so maybe people just dislike him from the beginning.

[SweetPea]

I like Roy Jones as a commentator a lot actually and I wasn't actually a huge fan of his as a fighter. He seems to see things coming, has a good understanding of what's going on. Lennox I'm still not sure about.

Roy Jones was a great announcer who always saw things happening ahead of time. And I wasn't a fan of him as a fighter either. But he really was a great announcer.

As for Max, I think it's a combination of a few things. First, he's following in the footsteps of a legend (Merchant), which is always a tough thing to do. Plus, while Max does have good insights, his voice is somewhat annoying and tough to listen to. I also don't think Lampley is doing Max any favors. I like Lampley, but I sense some tension between Lampley and Max, and I wonder if Lampley is freezing him out because of his loyalty to Merchant.

[El Kabong]

I don't mind Max at all....I think he's a nice guy he knows and respects the sport and he adds some youth to the sportscast.


I think he is a hard fit in the 3 person system HBO uses....I think he can do the play by play and do interviews...he's like a blend of Merchant and Lampley.

When you combine him with Bob Papa I think they find it hard to firgure out who is going to say what and Lennox is a bit awkward at times too.


I think if the chemistry was better during the broadcast I think more people would like him

[Kel]

I think the guys a bit annoying and his voice is uninteresting

[TitoFan]

I like the fact that Max certainly does not lack for enthusiasm. And that IS important for a sport that can certainly use more new fans. He can come across a little comical, with his bugged-out eyes and loud voice, giving the impression he's had wa-a-ay too much caffeine. But he's knowledgeable and obviously loves the sport. Lederman's pretty much useless. The rest of the guys are OK. Lennox I liked as a boxer, but he's a little too bland for me as a broadcaster (the opposite of Max, I guess).

[uptoscratch]

For a while I detested him, either he's gotten better over the last several months or I've gotten more used to him, probably a little of both.

For one, when he gets excited his voice does get really annoying, although I think he's getting better at controlling this. Second, his interview skills need work. I think he forgets that when he's doing an interview, he's not commentating -- he needs to ask a question and let the fighter answer.

He also has the bizarre fetish with referencing old-time boxers -- he's always comparing so-and-so to Billy Conn or Rocky Graziano or whoever. I know he does it to show off his knowledge of the sport -- which I don't doubt he has in abundance -- but in light of his age it just makes him sound ridiculous.

I think mainly he just suffers in comparison to Larry Merchant, who, with all due respect to the OP, does know what he's talking about even if I don't always agree with his opinions.

[LEGION]

Taeth already hit it on the head in regards to my personal dislike for Kreepy Kellerman; he's obnoxious and condescending. And furthermore, he has frog eyes and a voice like Kermit the Frog, which is annoying to listen to. I actually used to like him in ESPN on FNF's, as he didn't seem as absurd as he is now. He seems like he's got some sort of holier than thou attitude. He knows boxing; but I'd rather listen to someone else than him; as I know enough about the sport without needing to listen to his scratch-ass voice squeaking out his opinions. Too bad ole' dude didn't whack him with a hammer instead of his brother. And that ridiculous rap video he made was silly to the point of being criminal.

[Deanrw]

The best two commentators ever to team up were Tim Ryan and Gil Clancy. Back in the 80's, if you watched CBS sports, you got a treat with them two.

They worked off each other perfectly, seamlessly and never tried to hog the mic.

HBO's commentary is too crowded with too many trying to grab airtime. It is a shame, because they are all talented, but just don't work well together.

[Spicoli]

Maybe Im crazy, I like Max. He can be a little goofy and gets real excited But does know His S!!! and history although he can be a little in your face and arrogant with it. He Is a horrible Interviewer but He's not afraid to call out Lampley when he call those invisable Punches and mis states stuff.
IT seems he has spats with Lennox lewis alot ??His work on ESPN was great aside from the "Fonzie" phase he went through with the jackets

[RozzySean]

I like Kellerman. When he's condesending, he's usually on the money. RJJ does a great job as a analyst, better than Lennox. Foreman was OK. Al Bernstein on showtime is still the best.

[El Kabong]

Foreman was a great announcer I loved it when he was on. He called Vitali's KO of Kirk Johnson right before the round started just from hearing what Johnson's corner was telling him to do.


....I am just glad Jim Rome is waaaaaaay far away from boxing

[Swice]

I don't have a problem with Max Kellerman, even though he is not my favorite commentator. His voice can get pretty annoying, which is bad because he is always saying something. He also seems to go out of his way to show off the fact he has knowledge of alot of early boxers. Some people may like that, but it comes off as really obnoxious at times.

I really like Roy Jones Jr. and the way he can predict what will happen. It adds a new element to just commentating on the action in the present tense. I don't really have a problem with Letterman, in fact I used to be a huge fan, but lately are scorecards haven't been matching up like they used to.

[nebraskaheat]

I wasn't aware that any of them were actually liked around here.. Seems they all get bashed evenly...

[:::PSL:::]

Coz he sounds like Jim Roam.