-Photo Courtesy of HBO-

Larry Merchant is currently one of the most recognized faces in boxing.  Not only has he been a commentator with HBO boxing for nearly 30 years, but he has been active in the boxing world for decades.  The 76-year-old has done what few others have done, by having a background in print journalism followed by work in broadcast journalism.

Larry was born in Brooklyn in 1931, and quickly evolved into a sports writer for the Philadelphia Daily News.  But as Merchant points out, he did not plan to have a career in the sport at a young age.

“No ten or twelve-ear-old decides that they want to be a boxing announcer,” says Larry. “It was nothing I ever planned, it evolved in that direction.  I have been very fortunate.”

After working for the New York Post, Larry joined HBO.  During his tenure, Merchant has often been criticized for his style.  Most fans either love him or hate him, and whichever side you happen to be on,  you have to respect the fact that Merchant always says what’s on his mind, he tells it like it is.

During an interview with Vernon Forrest last summer after his questionable victory over Ike Quartey, Vernon thanked God, as well as his friends and family.  Larry countered, “Would you also like to thank the judges?” This rather blunt style is not new for Larry, who has had previous arguments with Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and has even proceeded to refer to certain fights as “crap,” when they simply have been just that.  He has also had confrontations with Hopkins after his  victories over Morrade Hakkar and Oscar De La Hoya.

Larry may be stubborn, however he does admit to his mistakes.  In an interview with Fightfan.com, Larry once said he was covering a fight where he thought “one fighter was a bum.”  However, that fighter surprised everyone, including Merchant, by putting on a great fight.  He has been said to be arrogant, but many would argue that Larry simply states what he believes and voices his opinion with conviction.

A recent example comes to mind the night Jermain Taylor managed to squeak out a decision over Cory Spinks.  Larry asked Taylor if he wanted to fight Pavlik next,  (Pavlik had annihilated Edison Miranda on the under card of the same event).  Taylor responded by saying he would fight anybody. Merchant reiterated, “I know you’ll fight anybody, but I’m talking about him, (Pavlik).  Is that the fight you’re going to command?”  Larry received his answer when Taylor said he would  fight whichever fight would bring the most money to the table whether that was Pavlik or not.

Larry was simply getting an answer to his question, and although some have criticized his approach,  it's fair to say he usually gets an answer to the question he poses.

In 2002, Merchant was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame for his years of hard work and dedication to the sport he loves.

During his residence with HBO, Merchant's slicked back hair has gone from dark brown to bright white, but besides the aging effects, Larry Merchant's broadcasting style has remained intact.  In the process he continues to learn, and points out that boxing is not just about the hits or the gashes.

“To me boxing is not just fierce drama, but it is also a chance to observe human behavior in and out of the ring and that has been rewarding to me.”

Personally, I believe Larry Merchant’s insight to each fight is always intriguing, and although I do not agree with him all the time, I must admit that more often that not he poses a strong argument.  I feel privileged that so many of the fights I watch usually involve him as a commentator, and after his contract extension, I am happy that I can listen to his insight and straight up style for at least another two years.

9-3-2007