Zuffa Boxing 3 took place Saturday evening at Meta Apex Arena with eight exciting fights spanning six rounds, featuring commentary team Max Kellerman and Andre Ward in heated debate during one fight: Oswaldo Molina faced Joshua Clark in six rounds; Kellerman likened Molina’s performance against Clark to that of legendary boxers but Ward disagreed strongly with this assessment of Molina.
Kellerman noted on the broadcast, “That is an absolutely beautiful jab by Andre reminiscent of Larry Holmes flick jab that comes quick and snaps out hard… When making comparisons between fighters I often make, this guy reminds me a little of Greg Haugen or Jeff. Not necessarily comparable in level, but there’s definitely some similarity. “
Larry Holmes’ jab was known not just as a stiff, piston-like punch but often thrown with a loose, fast, whip-like motion described as ‘flicking’ it out. This technique allowed for exceptional speed, range control, and often frustrated opponents. Despite Ward’s expertise, he didn’t fully agree with Kellerman’s comparison.
“You know they’re taking you at your word, verbatim,” Ward responded to Kellerman.
Kellerman became defensive and sought to clarify his point. “What did you do, Andre? Do you know what I mean when I say he’s throwing that Larry Holmes jab the way he’s snapping it out?”
Ward acknowledged understanding Kellerman’s perspective but pointed out that audiences might not receive the analogy well. “I know what you mean,” Ward said. “But they’re not going to accept it like that.”
Kellerman dismissed these concerns, stating, “That’s their problem.”
Oswaldo Molina ultimately won the six-round fight by unanimous decision, earning his ninth professional victory and remaining undefeated. For Joshua Clark, the loss was the second of his career, coming after a three-fight winning streak following a previous defeat in September 2022.
Earlier that January, Zuffa Boxing announced its broadcast lineup, appointing veteran ESPN play-by-play announcer Joe Tessitore to ringside duties alongside analysts Max Kellerman and Andre Ward.
Despite his experience, Max Kellerman is a polarizing figure in boxing circles, often drawing criticism for being overly enthusiastic, biased, or inattentive during broadcasts.
Ariel Helwani Criticizes Max Kellerman’s Commentary
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani expressed strong disapproval of Kellerman following the debut Zuffa Boxing broadcast. Helwani accused Kellerman of sacrificing objectivity to promote the event, moving beyond analysis into hype.
“Throughout the broadcast, he is continuously talking about TKO, Dana White, and Nick Khan,” Helwani remarked, referencing Kellerman’s close personal ties to these figures.
Helwani stressed the importance of maintaining credibility during an announcement launch by showing enthusiasm without going over the top or becoming “over the top,” something Helwani found confusing as this over the top tone felt similar to Max Kellerman and made this speech unlistenable.
Kellerman continues to draw interest despite criticism; whether his commentary or opinions may be controversial. For example, when discussing Molina’s jab comparison and whether that comparison should have been used as evidence or was it simply too dramatic?