In N.Y., Bob Raissman cited sources as saying that Marv Albert has the “inside track” to get the “blow-by-blow gig on NBC’s new boxing series.” Albert “would likely work the five prime-time cards on NBC, which will be hosted by Al Michaels.” However, NFL Giants radio play-by-play man Bob Papa “could be the most logical choice.” Papa is the “most recent voice of NBC boxing, which includes his fine Olympic calls.” Sources also noted other possibilities are Fox’ Kenny Albert, Marv's son, and Showtime's Brian Custer (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/18). Meanwhile, YAHOO SPORTS’ Kevin Iole noted Saturday was a “star-making performance” for boxer Deontay Wilder, who became the first American heavyweight champion since '06. Iole: “It would make a lot [of] sense for him to make his first title defense on the new Premier Boxing Champions series on NBC” (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 1/18).
SCORE CARD: GOLF WORLD MONDAY’s Jaime Diaz noted Golf Channel on Saturday marked the net’s 20th anniversary “at the network’s studios in Orlando.” While “parodies ensued” after the net’s launch in '95, it has “become the ‘default channel’ for its target audience.” Golf Channel's Brandel Chamblee “has transformed into an articulate analyst, and David Feherty’s show is a destination for crossover personalities like Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and Samuel L. Jackson” (GOLF WORLD MONDAY, 1/19).
DOWN THE STRETCH HE COMES: The AP’s Tim Reynolds noted longtime horse racing announcer Tom Durkin’s acceptance speech on Saturday at the Eclipse Awards “brought some of the loudest applause and longest laughs of the evening, when he was honored for a lifetime of achievement.” Durkin “called races for 43 years” before his recent retirement (AP, 1/18).
