What's Eating Larry Merchant?

Photo by Holger Keigfel

Larry Merchant, like, Andy Rooney, 92 is by many accounts a grumpy old man who has over stayed his welcome. But, for some odd and fantastic reason this so called relic of yesteryear manages to hang on to a job that for many feel would be far better served by a younger analyst. One might say Merchant is a verbal narcissist who loves the sound of his own words and witticisms. He is HBO Boxing's sordid sage, their skeptic oracle. He says what he means and means what he says. No matter how aggravating it might be to fighters, viewers, or his fellow commentators. If honesty is the best policy, then this might very well explain why Merchant in all his geriatric glory has managed to hang on to his HBO post. 

In his defense, Larry Merchant is the only honest voice among that sorry bunch at HBO. To listen to the HBO Boxing telecast is to listen to a diatribe of delusion. Even the once respected Harold Lederman has fallen victim to the fantastic illusions of Jim Lampley's blow by blow commentary. This is what keeps the old man's ticker ticking. This is what actually makes the grumpy old Merchant relevant. While Lampley and friends are literally hoping to talk a fighter into victory, quick draw Merchant actually bothers to see things as they really are and has no problem chin checking his supposedly expert co-commentators. Hark back to Oscar De la Hoya vs. Fernando Vargas, when then HBO commentator, heavyweight great, George Foreman seemed dead set on not crediting  De la Hoya's then trainer, Floyd Mayweather, Sr. with Oscar's obvious improvements, his newly found right hand, defense, and jab. The same thing occurred when HBO commentators refused to accept Bernard Hopkins utter destruction of Felix "Tito" Trinidad while it was happening right before their very eyes. Again, Merchant emerged as the voice of reason and reality.

So, what in the world was Floyd Mayweather thinking when he leveled a tongue lashing upon Merchant, reminiscent of James Toney’s verbal thrashing and near physical thrashing of Jim Gray? Exactly what he said. Indeed, Merchant has a problem with Floyd Mayweather. In fact, Merchant tends to have a problem with most fighters who seem not to grant him a Rocky movie. Merchant has long been one of the leading voices in this ridiculous campaign to question Mayweather’s legacy. If you’re not a human high light reel, ala the late Arturo Gatti, Merchant like many would rather not be bothered. Mayweather’s undefeated record and plethora of accolades seem not to impress Merchant. The fact that he makes world class fighters look mortal merely welcomes more skepticism from the old man. So, when Mayweather knocked out the younger, bigger, supposedly more powerful Victor Ortiz one would think, finally. Not so. Granted the manner in which the knock out came was considered by Mayweather detractors as dirty, but, that is utter and complete nonsense. Victor Ortiz’ incompetence is not his opponent’s problem. “Protect yourself at all times.” Following Ortiz’ point deduction referee Joe Cortez clearly said, “let’s go!” Victor still felt the need to hug and kiss once more, Floyd Mayweather, the professional, proceeded to remind young Victor that he was in a fight. Oddly, the usually honest Merchant seemed to want to play the faux controversy up in his interview. Odd, when you consider that at the time of the knock out he so accurately described it for what it was. It was disappointing to watch Merchant suddenly turn “song and dance man” and play to the crowd, thus, incurring the wrath of Mayweather. I always thought such a thing to be beneath him. Perhaps, it’s the warning signs of dementia or maybe, he’s become a bit too comfortable with the zombies at HBO.

© 2011