Given the vast amounts of Haterade being spat all over the New York Daily News’ sports pages by Bob Raissman in regarding HBO boxing analyst Max Kellerman, you’d think the latter borrowed the former’s copy of EPMD’s “Strictly Business” and returned it in poor condition.
When HBO Sports boss Ross Greenburg changed his mind, deciding to retain the services of veteran boxing analyst Larry Merchant and have him split “World Championship Boxing” duties with Max Kellerman, he also offered Kellerman the opportunity to remain as analyst on “Boxing After Dark.”
MeMax refused.
Kellerman nixing the “BAD” gig will prove to be one of the dumber decisions made by an on-air talent at a network.
Kellerman has essentially invited HBO Sports to hire someone to fill the “BAD” vacancy, someone who might do it better. HBO Sports executives are now out there looking for a voice who will replace Kellerman on “BAD,” a voice who could someday also replace MeMax on “WCB.”
If Kellerman had taken Greenburg’s offer, and continued on “BAD,” he would have slammed the door on any competition.
Greenburg came up with a plan in which Merchant and Kellerman would divide “WCB” assignments. Until he decided to retain Merchant, Greenburg was deservedly pounded in the media. He now should be applauded for changing his mind.
Greenburg might have been breathing a sigh of relief after watching Kellerman’s “WCB” debut on June 23 (Ricky Hatton-Jose Luis Castillo). Kellerman was shrill and out of control. His presence was so annoying it overshadowed his analysis, which was at best mediocre. Kellerman was over-the-top – cartoonish.
There is plenty of room for improvement. That might involve Kellerman taking advice from his HBO colleagues. That’s a longshot. Kellerman, who probably thinks he invented television, radio and boxing, is not big on listening.
GC, I want to spend more time with your family.