The Most Entertaining Thing About Pacquiao-Marquez Was Max Kellerman's Awkwardness
Don't beat yourself up if you weren't able to watch last night's Marquez vs. Pacquiao fight. Although highly competitive and controversial, it never really popped off into a frenzy as in previous fights.
What I really enjoyed though was the post fight work of Max Kellerman who was thrust into the lead interviewing role with Larry Merchant sitting this fight out. This is probably something you'll see more often going forward as Kellerman has been groomed for awhile to replace Merchant, who is 80 years old. (Although still full of vigor, just ask Floyd Mayweather.)
The awkwardness started as Kellerman inquired if Pacquiao thought he definitively won the fight as it was pretty damn even in most people's eyes. Unfortunately, the mic cut out abruptly and Kellerman had to restart the interview a minute later when it was clear Pacquiao had spent some time already answering the question.
Another odd issue was Kellerman clearly getting feedback in his ear as he was conducting the interview. After almost every answer that both Marquez or Pacquiao gave, Kellerman would stand there silent for a second or two, clearly listening to some feedback or potential translation before firing off another question. It wasn't a big deal and some didn't notice at first, but it seemed to make the post fight interviews seem less natural. I have no clue if Kellerman was being fed questions or what, but it was odd that it kept recurring and was noticeable throughout.
Things only got better from there as Kellerman conducted a locker room interview with Marquez who decided to do the interview naked but covering up with a massive sombrero. It was an odd visual and something that would be a bit of a distraction given the interview could get risque if Marquez lets his sombrero slip. I wonder if Kellerman actually had his non microphone hand ready to catch it just in case. Only in boxing...
