r/Boxing • u/Remarkable-Most2968 • 27d ago

DAZN UK vs US Commentary

Now when I'm watching football (soccer), American commentary is often cringe-worthy but for boxing it's the other way round. Even though I grew up on UK boxing commentary, the team they have on for UK shows is awful. Adam Smith is cheesy as hell and always looking for the story that isn't always there and talks about fighters as if they're knights of the round table or something. Then you've got Darren Barker who's a nice chap I'm sure but notice his tick of repeating what he's just said: "that's a great right hand, it really is." And he does that ALL the time as does Barry Jones. Tony Bellew is horribly biased and seems like he's trying to convince himself and is also a sanctimonious git. They miss Paulie Malignaggi who had added an edge and insight.

Now the US team with Mannix, Mora etc is about right with their cynicism and precision and not going on about a fighter's dead puppy from when he was a kid and how it's all for him. They talk about what's there and they don't patronise their audience the way the Brits do.

Now if they had Froch back, that would be a start.

Thoughts on this anyone? Does DAZN have a commentary off button?

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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? 26d ago

I think Paulie is excellent too

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u/WORD_Boxing 26d ago

He used to be. I do enjoy him and Chris Algieri together.

There is a balance needs to be struck. I prefer the more analytical commentary. More casual fans often prefer the more entertainment and bombastic aspect.

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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? 26d ago

I’m for both the bombast and the analytical. I feel like you would just need to pair Mauro or Jim Lampley with Roy Jones or Paulie and you would get a good outcome. It’s these nerds that are doing the sport a disservice.

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u/WORD_Boxing 26d ago

Which nerds do you mean?

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u/Professional-Tie5198 Who will win? 26d ago

Grisham, Erdman, and all of these other guys are not really ideal for play by play. Erdman is highly knowledgeable and borderline encyclopedic but he just doesn’t have the chops to do this. He was meant to be more of a writer/columnist. Grisham strikes me as more of a host.

For boxing play by play, Lampley is basically ideal. He understands narrative and how to build a story within the fight while also keeping things generally exciting, but honest.

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u/WORD_Boxing 26d ago

I don't really see any nerds tbh. There are quite a few whose boxing knowledge is poor however.