Ranking Potential Replacements for the Retired Jim Watt on Sky Sports
After decades in the job, Jim Watt has announced his retirement as a boxing commentator.
A former lightweight world champion, the Scotsman started offering opinions from ringside before he'd even stopped throwing punches for a living.
Once he had officially hung up his gloves in 1981, Watt became synonymous with coverage of live fights, first with ITV before moving on to Sky Sports in 1996.
However, the 68-year-old has decided the time is right to give up the microphone.
He said in a statement released by Sky Sports: "I've had the best job in the world and I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, but now is the right time for me to retire."
So, who will replace Watt as the broadcaster's lead analyst during bouts?
Bleacher Report has tried to rank the leading contenders on the proviso Sky will look to fill the void with a permanent figure. As ever, you can have your say via the comments section.
Honourable Mentions
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There are plenty of former—and current, for that matter—fighters who could be considered for the vacancy.
Jamie Moore has worked in television before but may be busy due to his role as a trainer. He does, though, already write a blog for SkySports.com. You can make a strong case for him appearing in the top five, but he just missed out on the final cut.
Richie Woodhall is an experienced analyst who has covered both professional bouts and also amateur action during the Olympics.
If Sky look internally, Johnny Nelson and Glenn McCrory are two strong candidates. However, moving them into the role of permanent co-commentator would leave a void to fill elsewhere in their coverage.
Barry Jones is popular with viewers on BoxNation, yet he would be unlikely to jump ship.
Right, time to move on to the top five. Remember, if you disagree with any of the names, or have an alternative option to offer instead, feel free to have your say.
5. Carl Froch
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Carl Froch quickly switched from fighter to television analyst after hanging up his gloves.
The Cobra is used by Sky Sports to offer pre- and post-fight chatter at ringside, although he has also sat in and offered opinions during live bouts.
He's the right choice because...
As you might expect, Froch is never afraid to offer an opinion. He retired as a world champion and still looks like he could jump straight back in the ring with just a fortnight to prepare.
While he fought at super middleweight, he is a heavyweight name in British boxing. Sky do like to bring in guys with big reputations, as they proved with the signing of Thierry Henry to their football team.
He's the wrong choice because...
Froch seems happy enough in his current role—if it ain't broke, there's no need to try and fix it.
Also, is anyone else concerned that George Groves fight (you know, the one at Wembley Stadium in front of a large crowd) may crop up too often during commentary?
4. Paulie Malignaggi
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Although he is still fighting, Paulie Malignaggi has worked on both sides of the Atlantic as a ringside analyst for television.
The 35-year-old New Yorker's CV includes fights against some famous names, including Adrien Broner, Miguel Cotto, Danny Garcia, Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan.
He's the right choice because...
Malignaggi has shown himself to be a knowledgeable co-commentator, both in Britain and the United States.
His experiences in the ring help give his opinion a little more gravitas. Plus he has a wonderful accent.
He's the wrong choice because...
The Magic Man—who doesn't subscribe to the idea that less is more when it comes to talking—might have to disappear at times due to his career in the ring.
According to Neil Best of Newsday, Malignaggi plans to hang up his gloves either later this year or early in 2017. However, boxers sometimes find it tough to stick to a schedule when it comes to retirement.
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3. Alex Arthur
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Who better to replace a Scotsman than one of his compatriots?
Alex Arthur held the British, Commonwealth and European titles at super featherweight during a professional career that came to an end in June 2013.
He's the right choice because...
Arthur has worked for Sky Sports in the past. He was popular with viewers, too, though his appearances have been infrequent of late.
However, Dillian Whyte is certainly a fan of Arthur's work. The heavyweight tweeted: "I'd like to see Alex Arthur get the commentary role, he's one [of the] most honest and knowledgeable pundit[s]."
He's the wrong choice because...
Arthur told Marc Deanie of Boxing Truth: "I think I’m one of the only pundits that really says it as it is."
That's great, but sometimes speaking the truth doesn't sit well with everyone.
2. Paul Smith
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The eldest of four fighting brothers from Liverpool, England, Paul Smith is a former British super middleweight champion who has had 43 bouts as a pro.
Smigga is still only 33 and is not done with his boxing career just yet. However, he has dabbled in television work with Sky Sports in the past, including working as a ringside analyst for several televised cards.
He's the right choice because...
Smith, who has fought Arthur Abraham, James DeGale, George Groves and Andre Ward, has his finger on the pulse of British boxing.
He is opinionated—which is what you want from an analyst—and not afraid of criticism on social media (just check his Twitter timeline for proof of that).
He's the wrong choice because...
With Callum and Stephen Smith in Matchroom's stable, would it be right to have their big brother on the microphone? And what about his gym-mates who also work with trainer Joe Gallagher?
Smith has revealed on Twitter he intends to step back between the ropes in September. Let him finish fighting first before making a move into the media on a permanent basis.
1. Matthew Macklin
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Matthew Macklin announced his retirement from the ring in May, bringing an end to a career that saw him fight in Europe and also in the United States.
The Birmingham-born fighter fell short against world champions Felix Sturm, Sergio Martinez and Gennady Golovkin, though he is perhaps still best known for his domestic classic against Jamie Moore in 2006.
He owns the MGM gym in Marbella, Spain, and also manages fighters. Super welterweight world champion Liam Smith is one of his clients.
He's the right choice because...
Macklin—who was born in Birmingham but holds an Irish passport—is knowledgeable, experienced and fresh out of the sport.
Boxing journalist John Angus McDonald believes Mack The Knife would be an "excellent replacement" for Watt.
He's the wrong choice because...
Would his other commitments get in the way? There's also a case to say Macklin's soft voice perhaps doesn't quite provide enough emphasis for the dramatic moments.
However, he is in touch with the modern world of boxing and his previous experience in television means he could slot straight into Watt's seat.
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