5 Questions for Bob Papa

The following is an interview of Bob Papa, New York Giants announcer, conducted by Andrew Marchand, reporter for the New York Post, that appeared in the Post on May 31, 2002.

Q: You were with the Nets' radio team from 1989 until this year, when CEO Lou Lamoriello wanted to have someone who could call all the games, which you couldn't do because of your New York Giants and boxing commitments. How has watching the Nets' run been for you?

A: I'm having a blast watching it. I'm just so happy for so many people in the organization.

Q: What was it like when you called your first Giant game?

A: In 1995, my first game on play-by-play for the Giants was on Monday night at home vs. Dallas. The Giants were slaughtered. I'll always remember being so excited, but I'll also remember how exciting it was for my parents (who grew up Giants fans in The Bronx), especially for my Dad. I got him a press pass and he sat right behind me for the game. It was the best feeling, having my father sitting behind me. Other than the birth of my two sons, that is the most unbelievable feeling.

Q: What has been the highlight of your career?

A: In 1990, I did the pay-per-view broadcast from the Mirage of the Evander Holyfield-Buster Douglas heavyweight championship fight. I had just turned 26. That and doing play-by-play of Super Bowl XXXV. It doesn't get any bigger than that.

Q: What did you think of Mike Tyson's outburst in Hawaii at the female reporter?

A: The fact that nobody stood up is pretty weak. That's unbelievable. Because he wields so much power, everybody was scared they wouldn't have access. They wanted to make sure they continued to have access. But then I don't want to read these people writing about principles, moral judgements and values when they sat there and were a party to it.

Q: Mike Tyson vs. Lennox Lewis. Who wins?

A: Lennox Lewis. Lennox Lewis is at his best when he is properly trained. Lennox Lewis fights his best when he has a tinge of fear. I think he has a tinge of fear because he knows Tyson can punch with both hands. That's a given. Lewis will throw that jab out there. He'll weather some early little flurrys from Tyson, pound him with the jab and drop that right hand on him and frustrate him. Tyson will be gone by four rounds - if he doesn't get DQed first.

 

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