Larry Merchant - Harness Fan and Boxing Broadcasting Giant

[Calhoun]

I met Larry Merchant at the Breeders Crown at Pompano in the 90's... he had the box next to the one I was sitting.

Very nice man, took a few pictures (no cell phones then) and shook a hundred hands. 

He did boxing on HBO for years.  Back then, HBO boxing shows were a big thing.  Jim Lampley, Barry Tompkins, etc.

He's best known for his post-match interviews where he was relentless in asking questions.  Often, it became contentious.

During one interview, Floyd Maywether got angry and demanded to be interviewed by someone else... Merchant replied,  "I wish I was 50 years younger. I would kick your ass."

He's 92, very sick, hospitalized and in critical care. 

He's one of the true all time great sports broacasters, imo.

Pray for him if you can.  If not, just wish him well.

[The Exporter]

Larry and HBO were big in boxing during those years. I agree, Larry used to love to play tough guy with the tough guys. It was quite provocative and entertaining.
 Best to Larry.

[bello]

Nice post Calhoun. You do know he was Jewish though.

[Calhoun]

Nice post Calhoun. You do know he was Jewish though.

Yes.

You got a point you're poorly trying to make?

You do know he changed his name from Kaufman to its literal translation Merchant?  You know that too?

[dougie]

Praying for Larry Merchant. A true legend!

[MIKE CAMPBELL]

I believe he was in a couple of Rocky movies.

[LAW AND ORDER]

DOESNT MATTER IF HE WAS 50 YEARS YOUNGER OR NOR MAYWEATHER WOULD CRUSHED HIS SKULL LIKE A GRAPEFRUIT. LIL FLOYD NEVER LOST A FIGHT. GREATEST BOXER OF ALL TIME. LARRY MERCHANT PRAYERS TO YOU SIR, BUT THANK GOD THAT YOU WERENT 50 YEARS YOUNGER.  YOU WOULD NOT OF LIVED THIS LONG. GET WELL SOON