Promoter Bob Arum’s comments this week about Howard Cosell brought back memories of one of boxing’s most polarizing broadcast figures, a commentator many older fans remember for his blunt honesty as much as his voice.
During an interview on boxing history, Arum praised Cosell’s chemistry with Muhammad Ali and the role he played in helping elevate the sport during the 1970s. But Arum also admitted the relationship with Cosell became more difficult over time.
“Howard Cosell was great for boxing,” Arum said The Sports Page with Bob Case.
Arum then shifted sharply when discussing Cosell’s later years.
“Later he became like a monster,” Arum said. “He was a real jerk.”
Older fans remember Cosell as one of the few boxing commentators willing to openly criticize fighters, promoters, referees and even the sport itself during live broadcasts. His direct New York style set him apart from the smoother, more protective television personalities of that era.
This bluntness was especially visible near the end of his boxing career during Larry Holmes’ one-sided title defense in 1982 against Randall “Tex” Cobb. Cosell openly criticized the mismatch throughout the broadcast, sounding increasingly disgusted by the punishment Cobb absorbed over 15 rounds. Soon after, Cosell announced that he would never call another professional boxing match again.
Despite their famous chemistry, Cosell was also openly critical of Ali later in the heavyweight legend’s career as his skills declined. Rather than getting angry, Ali often enjoyed the verbal battles with Cosell, creating one of the most unusual and compelling relationships in sports television history.
Arum also shared one of his favorite stories about Cosell, recalling how the broadcaster once jumped out of a limo and started a real street fight in St. Louis.
Click here to subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Related Boxing News:
Last updated on 2026/05/07 at 12:09
