No Sport For Old Men

The events which transpired this past Saturday were yet another blight on the already massively marred face of the Sweet Science. Once again, during a major Pay Per View event official incompetence has been the culprit. Who's to blame? Referees who are far beyond their prime. Referees whose officiating of late might cause one to think they are the ones taking the shots instead of the fighters. Pat Russell's hideous officiating is the latest in hideous or at least mediocre officiating that has affected the outcome of a fight, by referees who have obviously over stayed their welcome. Be it Kenny Bayless calling Shane Mosley's near body slam of Manny Pacquiao, a knocked down, in the 10th round of their otherwise uneventful confrontation, Joe Cortez' ADHD style of officiating which aided in the demise of a green Victor Ortiz vs. Floyd Mayweather, to Pat Russell's obvious bout with professional dementia this past Saturday night in calling what was clearly a foul, however unintentional (and I don't believe Dawson's actions were intentional) a TKO, it is becoming abundantly clear that not only is boxing in need of a heavyweight renaissance, but, an officiating one as well. Someone please call Sparkle Lee and Arthur Mercante, Jr.

The greatest offense however is the almost unanimous apathy of the sports world in this matter. Suddenly Bernard Hopkins' conspiracy theory of "them" wanting him out of the game doesn't sound so far fetched after all. Saturday was a travesty for the sport of boxing. Why there are not shouts of outrage from the highest to the lowest rungs of the sport are beyond me. Clearly Hopkins was not faking and for anyone, especially Dawson to make such a claim is absurd. Have we forgotten Hopkins' rematch against the heavy handed Antwon Echols? That was a vivid display of Hopkins' will and courage. After having been picked up and slammed on his shoulder by Echols, who also accused him of faking, Hopkins literally rose to his feet with hell in his eyes and proceeded to punish and eventually knockout Antwon Echols, with one hand. In this mediocre world of ours men like Hopkins are a rare treat. A throwback to men of unapologetic grit. So, no Chad Dawson, Bernard Hopkins was not putting on an act. His balls are firmly embedded on his resume, and if you're half the champion you claim to be or wish to aspire to, it would be advisable that you schedule a rematch expeditiously. Because no matter how much Gary Shaw and his minions whisper in your ears that you don't need him, no matter how silent the press or the California State Athletic Commission attempts to be around this egregious offense, you're a fighter; and try as you might, you cannot lie to yourself. You and every fan knows that this is not how you want to be known for regaining that strap. No matter what Pat Russell and his spectacular idiocy might have ruled, you know full well in places that only God visits you're only a champion on paper. Do the right thing, reschedule a rematch, and erase all doubt.

As for Pat Russell and other officials like him, it is time to hang it up. These are hard financial times for everyone and no fan wants to spend their hard earned cash on a ticket or Pay Per View just to have some official who is clearly not adequate spoil the night. Without a doubt Mr. Russell is one of the greats, but, the party's over, let the lights dim, let the sun set, your time Mr. Russell is up; and if the California State Athletic Commission has any ounce of integrity they will do what is just and strike the loss from Bernard Hopkins' record. The only losers this past Saturday night were the fans.

Copyright 2011

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