Boxing Legend Larry Merchant Rushed To Hospital In Critical Condition

Larry Merchant was rushed to the hospital following a "medical emergency" and is currently in critical condition.

Sources have claimed that the renowned boxing broadcaster is in critical care at a Los Angeles area hospital. The situation is still unfolding.

Merchant was hospitalized around 6 pm on Thursday, although the specific cause of the emergency has not been disclosed.

Promoter and former HBO executive Lou DiBella expressed his concern on social media, leading to an outpouring of support for Merchant. DiBella shared via social media, "Prayers up for a great man, my dear friend Larry." 

According to reports, Merchant is being kept in the critical care unit and it remains unknown what triggered the health scare.

While fans wait for the next update on the HBO boxing commentator, it is worth noting that the 92-year-old has been a prominent figure in the boxing world, often referred to as "The greatest television boxing analyst of all time." 

Merchant is well-known for his iconic moments in boxing, including a post-fight argument with Floyd Mayweather Jr., showcasing his unflappable demeanor in the face of Mayweather's outburst.

Even though Merchant, born Larry Kaufman, retired from broadcasting after the December 15, 2012 telecast of HBO's "World Championship Boxing," he is still remembered for his exceptional broadcasting skills. 

In addition to his contributions to boxing, Merchant has showcased his acting talent in Hollywood films such as "I Spy," "Rocky Balboa," and "The Fighter." Additionally, he was awarded the Sam Taub Memorial Award for Excellence in Boxing Broadcast Journalism by the BWAA in 1985.

Digging into the often controversial boxing analyst's 2012 retirement after a remarkable three-decade run with HBO, his final fight was part of a "World Championship Boxing" card in Houston, Texas. 

Merchant, who was 81 at the time, and HBO decided to part ways amicably as his contract was set to expire. Speaking on the development amid the then-impending expiration of the sportswriter's contract with the pay television network, one source claimed:

"Both sides decided it was as good a time as any to do this. They will part company on good terms."

Merchant, commencing his sports career as a columnist, rose to become boxing's most prominent and controversial figure during his 35-year tenure at HBO Sports. 

As an analyst, ringside commentator, and post-fight interviewer, he engaged in heated disputes with notable figures like Mike Tyson, Mayweather, and Oscar De La Hoya.

It is well known that the Brooklyn native shot back at Mayweather on that night in 2011 when the former professional boxer knocked out Victor Ortiz which exemplifies what made him special. 

The 46-year-old said to Merchant, "You never give me a fair shake. They can put somebody else up here to give me an interview. HBO need to fire you. You don't know s–t about boxing. You ain't s— All of these boxing experts — how can you be a boxing expert if you never had a fight before?"

In response, the father of two declared, "I wish I was 50 years younger and I'd kick your a—." In the midst of all the controversy, Merchant was undoubtedly one of the most respected boxing minds in the business.

According to Bleacher Report, ESPN's Dan Rafael has, on multiple occasions, called Merchant "the greatest television boxing analyst of all time." 

Merchant's tenure with the Warner Bros.-owned company included commentary teamwork with Sugar Ray Leonard, Max Kellerman, George Foreman, Lennox Lewis, Roy Jones Jr., and a host of others.

Our prayers are with Larry Merchant.