Al Bernstein Heading Into Hall of Fame!

October 6, 2009

Interview with boxing analyst as October 24 induction nears

On October 24, the World Boxing Hall of Fame (WBHF) will host their 30th Annual Banquet of Champions and for one new inductee, this milestone is also apropos of his own career.

Boxing analyst Al Bernstein will soon be heading into his own 30th year in boxing. This month’s Hall of Fame induction, held in Los Angeles, is certainly the jewel in the crown during his successful career as a writer, sportscaster, singer, equestrian and of course, what he’s known best for, as a fight commentator.

Living in Nevada with his wife, Connie, and son, Wes, the Las Vegas resident is definitely a “Renaissance” man in his field, from author of “Boxing for Beginners,” to hosting his own radio show, working with ESPN, and even covering boxing in the Summer Olympic Games. The 1983 Marvin Hagler-Roberto Duran bout was Al’s very first PPV broadcast and since then, he’s never looked back.

In the boxing world, he is a rarity in a sport that depends on controversy, brashness and arrogance. The well-versed Bernstein remains humble and, above all, still enthusiastic for the sweet science. Down-to-earth, friendly, respectful and sincere are adjectives most likely used for the highly-regarded boxing color analyst. Cocky, rude, pompous and obnoxious are superlatives that will probably never be used to describe the commentator!

I recently had the opportunity to chat with the world-renowned announcer, who currently mans the mike for Showtime Championship Boxing. We had crossed paths before during Vegas fight weekends and recently at a Palm Springs Showtime broadcast, but during our interview I finally had a chance to learn more about the versatile Al Bernstein. As a veteran of 11 past WBHF banquets myself, I am especially looking forward to Al’s induction this year–and I am not the only one who feels that way. In fact, he made history: Bernstein received the highest number of votes ever in the non-boxer category from the WBHF’s voting panel!

With a knack for a smooth and easy delivery, Bernstein makes his job seem effortless. And with his unbiased insight, viewers can count on Al for giving a clear, concise report of the action inside the ropes. But he doesn’t shy away from voicing his opinion in other matters of the sport, lending support to boxing in his own distinct style. In a video posted on his iBN Sports website, Bernstein took the sports world to task in what he says is a lack of boxing coverage in the U.S by the mainstream media. Clearly, his passion for pugilism has not wavered through the years.

During our conversation, that is the one thing that stood out. The longtime commentator remains wildly enthusiastic for the sport and shows no stopping now. A Showtime ringside analyst since 2003, Bernstein has lots of new plans in the works and is indeed one of the most active and hardest-working men in boxing.

Besides traveling for his cable broadcasts, Bernstein will be in L.A. for the Hall of Fame induction and will also be hosting the “World’s Greatest Ever Boxer” event beginning December 11 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Next year, Al will be entering his third decade in boxing and is arguably one of the best known voices to fans worldwide. He is also involved in charities and other worthwhile endeavors, continuing to give back to the sport he loves.

Read on for a peek into the busy world of Al Bernstein as he talks about his upcoming award, the Showtime Super Six tournament, and why he (surprisingly) watches “chick flicks”!

Michele Chong: Hi Al. Congratulations on your induction into the World Boxing Hall of Fame. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the awards.

Al Bernstein: Thanks, Michele. I’m very honored. It’s very rewarding to begin with–to be involved in something I really love– I have a great affinity for boxing. It’s been a great ride! I first started at ESPN in 1980 as a national sportscaster, and this is the icing on the cake. I’m really, really gratified.

MC: So who will be the first person you thank in your acceptance speech?

AB: Boy, that’s a good question! Not in a hackneyed way, but I’d have to say my wife. She has been a great inspiration to me for many reasons. And David Dinkins Jr., my friend and producer for six years with Showtime, who has provided me with a spark. And others in the world of boxing who were helpful like mentors Gil Clancy and my many partners who helped contribute!

MC: Al, who was your favorite boxer of yesteryear?

AB: Sugar Ray Robinson. He was extraordinary; I grew up watching him on Friday night fights with my dad and those were very special moments.

MC: Do you and your own son watching boxing matches together?

AB: I have a 10-year-old who doesn’t watch boxing. He’s into theater and performing arts, but I love that too.

MC: Of the current fighters, can you name your favorite boxer?

AB: I can name a few. There’s the aggressive, come-forward boxers with skills. Manny Pacquiao is an amazing fighter to watch. Glen Johnson–I love Glen Johnson and everything about him. He puts in an honest day’s effort; I love watching him fight. And I loved Diego Corrales too. That’s just three of many. Oh, and Juan Manuel Marquez, the consummate boxer-puncher. He’s way up there too. And Rafael Marquez and Israel Vazquez! I can watch them a million times individually or together–they are remarkable.

MC: If you weren’t a sportscaster, what other professions would be of interest to you?

AB: A singer or performer. I’ve done it on some level, but not on a full-time basis. And I love riding horses, so something involving the rodeo. I started riding when I was 30 and was in team penning.

MC: I’ve heard you are an accomplished singer and have performed in top casinos to critical acclaim. Any more concerts planned on the horizon?

AB: I wouldn’t rule that out! But in the last three or four years, I haven’t had time to perform.

MC: I also know you were an amateur boxer. Did you ever plan to go pro?

AB: I was with Park District Boxing in the Chicago area. I had about 20 matches; I was not at a high level. I enjoyed the process, but no way was I ever going to be a champion! But it was enough to give me a taste of boxing and an understanding of what the fighters go through.

MC: In your eyes, how has boxing changed through the years?

AB: The sport itself went through an arc in the ’80s. That decade was a very good decade with a lot of big fights on free TV. In an ascendant, there’s now a lot more weight classes. Then in the ’90s, boxing spiraled downward for the casual boxing fan. There were four champions in every weight class! And the sport lost its place on free TV. But then, around 2001, it rebuilt itself and it’s now as good as the ’80s and is better than in the ’90s! So it went through an arc. It needs to innovate itself to reach fans with fewer ruling bodies and weight classes.

MC: How do you feel about the continuing surge of Mixed Martial Arts? Does it hurt or help boxing?

AB: I’ve hosted shows in MMA. I’m not at war with it. Maybe I’m in the minority here, but it helps boxing. Some think it’s crazy and barbaric. But, number one, by gaining acceptance, it has made boxing seem absolutely tame! There were things that were “off limits” to me before because I was linked to boxing, and MMA has now taken that stigma away from boxing. And number two, it has motivated boxing promoters and boxers to step up and be more aware!

MC: The Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight is next month. The odds list Cotto as the “underdog.” Your thoughts on this marquee matchup?

AB: Well, Miguel isn’t really much of an underdog! And if this fight would’ve taken place a couple of years ago things would be different. By far, he’s the true welterweight, and a big puncher and the best fighter that Pacquiao has faced. He’s a true superstar; the Clottey fight was a close decision. Cotto needs to impose his power and strength on Pacquiao. That’s his true advantage, size is a factor. And he’s quicker than most people give him credit for! It’s not an easy task.

Pacquiao has an amazing ability to come up in weight. Pacquiao is a boxer-puncher and is a power puncher in his attacks. He is able to dart in and out, anything is possible. He is so amazing and has reinvented himself at 30 years old. And this version is amazing!

MC: We’re all abuzz about the upcoming World Boxing Classic with the Super Six Middleweight Tournament on Showtime. How did this come together?

AB: It’s a fascinating concept; a round robin and any of these six fighters would be a good match against each other. Everyone ends up a winner. They put themselves on the line–that’s the beauty of it. It’s an amazing thing, it’s really almost impossible. You are guaranteed six, seven, eight or nine really great fights! I give the fighters, Showtime, the promoters, and Ken Hershman all the credit.

MC: The first competition is just around the corner!

AB: Yes, on October 17, it’s a double-header. I’ll be in England with Gus Johnson with Froch-Dirrell (Note: The Arthur Abraham-Jermain Taylor bout will coincide in Germany on the same night)

MC: Besides the Super Six tournament, you’re also involved with your boxing network iBN and a big December celebration.

AB: Yes, on December 10 (with iBN) we will be hosting a dinner for the “Greatest Ever” awards weekend. They are voting worldwide at www.greatestever.com for this.

MC: Heading into your own 30th year in boxing, what do you attribute your successes to?

AB: The one thing, the main point over the 30 years in broadcasting and analyzing fights, is that I never compromised (and I hope people don’t contradict me on this) the ultimate respect I have for boxers! That’s the one rule above all. That’s the worst sin you can commit: A. Don’t ever diminish boxers and B. Don’t ever make it personal. These are important tools.

The key to success for me is you have to be willing to work hard, handle rejection and be willing to accept your rejection! You may not make money and it made not provide immediate rewards. Know your best attributes, have diverse interests, it’s bad to pigeon-hole yourself. And this is really important, you have to have good self-analysis. I will always strive for that. Also, try to do better if things don’t go well, and give credit to yourself when things do go well and know how to repeat it!

MC: Any early mentors?

AB: (Boxing announcer) Don Dunphy and Bob Dunphy were encouraging to me. They were so gracious, so wonderful. I’d talk on the phone with Don and ask him advice. I read in a magazine that I was his favorite boxing announcer. He requested, at the anniversary of Ring magazine for the greatest of all time, that I be the one to present him with his award. That was my greatest thrill.

MC: Your one career accomplishment you are most proud of?

AB: I am most proud that I was the vice-chair and co-founder of The Caring Place (co-founded by his wife and cancer survivor, Connie). It’s a facility that offers non-medicinal support like massage therapy, nutritional therapy and healing arts. It offers emotional and psychological support; it’s a remarkable facility. To be dealt that kind of blow and then to help others. My wife suffered–was touched by cancer–and she now offers free services to others.

MC: I know your associate Nick Charles is currently fighting cancer himself. How is he doing?

AB: It’s bittersweet because I’m sitting in for him for ShoBox. He’s doing okay. He’s had his chemotherapy and is feeling pretty well.

MC: We all wish him the best.

MC: Switching gears, Al, can you tell me one thing about yourself that might surprise your fans?

AB: Broadway theater is a big passion of mine, an orchestra seat for a Broadway show is a major interest of mine! I love watching Westerns and if you ask me what kind of movies I watch other than action movies, I’m more likely to watch what some would call “chick flicks” like “American Quilt,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “Enchanted April,” and “Tea with Mussolini.”

MC: That is surprising! What is it that you like about these films?

AB: There’s dialogue, so that when you leave the theater it gives you something to think about. More men would like these movies if they allowed themselves to watch them!

MC: In your three decades in boxing, you must have enough memorabilia and collectibles to fill a room. You should have a museum by now!

AB: My wife says the same thing! But, no, I’m the worst at saving things! It’s not in the DNA. (He laughs)

MC: Thanks again, Al, nice chatting with you. We will see you at the banquet!

AB: Thanks, Michele!

After our conversation, one thing that is apparent in Bernstein’s DNA is his work ethic, drive and determination that has earned him a bushel full of accolades from his peers, associates and fans of boxing across the land.

The WBHF is proud to be inducting Bernstein for his many achievements in boxing. The full roster of ring immortals in the Boxer Category are Bantamweight champ Orlando Canizales, WBC, NABF, and WBA titlist Rafael Herrera, “The Dutch Destroyer” Lucia Rijker and South African featherweight champ Brian Mitchell. Joining Al Bernstein in the Expanded Category of Inductees are referee and judge Dr. James Jen-Kin and Argentinean trainer Amilcar Brusa. Special posthumous awards will also be presented at this month’s ceremony at the L.A. Airport Marriott in Los Angeles. The public is welcome to join the awards banquet and meet and greet over 50 fighters and champions as we usher in the Class of 2009 Inductees.

I spoke with WBHF President and former fighter Mando Muñiz the other day about the upcoming banquet and our new class of inductees. “As president, having Al Bernstein’s history and name right in front of you is exciting,” the uncrowned welterweight champion tells me of the commentator’s induction. “The committee got it right! Al has a lot of history behind him in broadcasting and boxing.

“A lot of broadcasters think they know a lot about boxing, but Al Bernstein REALLY knows his stuff! He’s an asset to any organization, hands down.”

And hands down, Bernstein has contributed almost 30 years to the sport of boxing and his future induction is more than well-earned.