The Opening Bell; A boxing podcast
- Episódios
- 164
- Publicação
- semanal
- Último episódio
- 11 nov 2026
Sobre o podcast
Every Thursday Matt Christie and Alex Steedman look at the latest boxing news headlines, review and preview the big fights and speak to the many fascinating characters who make boxing what it is. Want to get in touch? [email protected] Follow on X Matt = @MattCBoxingNews Alex: @alexsteedman Please follow, subscribe and leave us a review. Get bonus content on Patreon
Episódios 164
GOING LOCO WITH MAYWEATHER vs. GARCIA
Reporting from Acapulco at the WBC Convention, Tris Dixon joins Matt Christie to discuss all things boxing, with the bizarre prospect of Ryan Garcia taking on Floyd Mayweather at the top of the menu. It's the …
Notas do episódio
Reporting from Acapulco at the WBC Convention, Tris Dixon joins Matt Christie to discuss all things boxing, with the bizarre prospect of Ryan Garcia taking on Floyd Mayweather at the top of the menu.
It's the latest in a long line of big-name comebacks but, in 2026, such fights seem more appealing – and easier to make – than at any point in boxing history. Whether Garcia-Mayweather actually happens is almost secondary to the noise it's already generating. Which begs the question: Who in boxing is supposed to stop these fights from happening? And, perhaps more importantly, does that person even exist?
Elsewhere, Willy Hutchinson's victory over Joshua Buatsi has suddenly propelled him into the Canelo Alvarez conversation. A potentially life-changing opportunity for the Scot, but it's hard not to feel some sympathy for Buatsi who, like Chris Billam-Smith, now finds himself at a career crossroads.
Thanks, as always, for listening. And if you enjoy the show, please help us spread the good word of The Opening Bell.
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CANELO, CUTS, BUATSI, BENTLEY, AND BILLAM-SMITH
Canelo Alvarez is back in the winner’s circle after overcoming Christian Mbilli with a performance that offered glimpses of his brilliant best. But how much does the Mexican maestro have left, and where does he …
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Canelo Alvarez is back in the winner’s circle after overcoming Christian Mbilli with a performance that offered glimpses of his brilliant best. But how much does the Mexican maestro have left, and where does he go from here?
On the undercard, Rafael Espinoza’s featherweight title fight ended prematurely when ringside doctor Neil Scott ruled that Ricardo Blandon’s cut was too severe for the contest to continue. Cue criticism from the DAZN commentary team, who questioned the decision. But did they understand the true extent of the injury? We speak to Dr Scott in depth about what he saw, why he stopped the fight and the dangers that were far from obvious to those watching at home.
There's also a packed weekend of boxing to look forward to, with predictions for Joshua Buatsi-Willy Hutchinson, Denzel Bentley-Shane Mosley Jnr and Chris Billam-Smith-Cheavon Clarke.
Enjoy the show? Please leave us a review, spread the word on social media or, better still, support Opening Bell with a paid subscription.
Go well, one and all.
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IS CANELO THE LAST CROSSOVER STAR
Is boxing losing touch with the wider world? And where on earth does the sport go from here? Those are the big questions dominating this week's Opening Bell as we hand the floor to our listeners. There's an …
Notas do episódio
Is boxing losing touch with the wider world? And where on earth does the sport go from here?
Those are the big questions dominating this week's Opening Bell as we hand the floor to our listeners.
There's an argument that boxing has become too niche, thanks largely to its ongoing reliance on paywalls and unsustainable cash injections from outsiders. With that in mind, and with barely anyone outside the boxing bubble seemingly aware that Canelo Alvarez is fighting this weekend, we examine why the sport is finding it so difficult to create genuine crossover stars.
We also discuss what the future might hold for Turki Alalshikh and Sela, assess the progress of Zuffa Boxing, and consider the potential benefits of bringing back same-day weigh-ins.
As always, your support and attention are greatly appreciated. Go well, folks, and we'll be back next week.
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ROBERT SMITH: THE IMPOSSIBLE JOB
Robert Smith, as the General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, has what can only be described as the hardest and most impossible job in British boxing. Never one to duck a question, Robert …
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Robert Smith, as the General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, has what can only be described as the hardest and most impossible job in British boxing.
Never one to duck a question, Robert highlights how hard his role is as we discuss the latest controversial decision to leave observers screaming 'robbery', the actions of a referee who twice opted to ignore the towel after it had been thrown in an effort to stop the fight and we go deep into the process such incidents trigger.
There's the issue of boxers fighting on too long or coming back when it's clear their best days have gone.
PEDs in the sport has been a thorn in Rob's side, whether due to his disappointment with the boxers involved or the legislation he's had little choice but to accept.
And, finally, there's the exit door that he admits is getting closer and closer.
Thanks, one and all, for supporting The Opening Bell.
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AUDLEY HARRISON IN-DEPTH; DUBOIS-WARDLEY II
Audley Harrison has lived an extraordinary life. Yet for so long, his critics focused on what he hadn't achieved rather than what he had. Audley puts the record straight this week as he discusses his journey to …
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Audley Harrison has lived an extraordinary life. Yet for so long, his critics focused on what he hadn't achieved rather than what he had.
Audley puts the record straight this week as he discusses his journey to Olympic glory and, in detail, the rollercoaster professional career that followed.
He reflects on the breakdown he suffered and the panic attacks that followed. The defeats to the likes of David Haye, Deontay Wilder and David Price clearly still niggle, but he accepts that he made some bad decisions along the way, even if he doesn't regret the path he took.
We also celebrate the victories, both personal and professional, and relive that stunning one-armed triumph over Michael Sprott.
There's also a dissection of the impending rematch between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley, we take Audley back in time, and look ahead to what comes next for the one and only A-Force.
Go well, folks, and enjoy The Opening Bell.
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DISSECTING THE SURGEON; MAYWEATHER, CHISORA PLOT RETURNS
What started out as plain sailing for Ben Whittaker hit choppy waters in the late rounds of his battle with Conor Wallace. 'The Surgeon', however, just about stayed afloat to remain unbeaten in his first …
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What started out as plain sailing for Ben Whittaker hit choppy waters in the late rounds of his battle with Conor Wallace. 'The Surgeon', however, just about stayed afloat to remain unbeaten in his first 12-round fight.
As ever with Whittaker, the critics came out in mass. Was the criticism fair? Or was it merely a young fighter finding his way through a tough spot? The referee, Kieran McCann, also received stick. We hear the BBBoC's verdict on his performance.
Joining Matt is up-and-coming journalist Tom Ivers, who was ringside to witness Whittaker, has spent time with him in the gym, and is well-placed to add some balance to the discussion.
We get to hear about Tom's own journey into the sport, from his days as a promising amateur to the stoppage loss that ended his career, through to him making his mark in the world of boxing journalism.
There's also comebacks to discuss, namely those of Derek Chisora and Floyd Mayweather, who may or may not be about to return.
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MIKE COSTELLO ON JOSHUA-FURY
Mike Costello, former BBC and DAZN commentator and one of the wisest figures in boxing, is here to discuss his career, his retirement, and his thoughts on the Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury saga. Costello relives …
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Mike Costello, former BBC and DAZN commentator and one of the wisest figures in boxing, is here to discuss his career, his retirement, and his thoughts on the Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury saga.
Costello relives his experiences at ringside, the life it gave him, and the memories he will always cherish. From his days at the BBC through to the end of his career - as he made the switch from radio to television - Costello was a key voice at some of the most important fights of the modern era.
He turns his attention to Joshua-Fury, and the mayhem behind the scenes, but concludes that the fight's making remains important even at this late stage of the heavyweights' careers. Also discussed is when the fight should have been made, what each now brings to the fight, and who's the likeliest to emerge victorious.
Providing it happens, of course.
There are some sound issues along the way. Apologies for those. We hope you still enjoy it.
Support The Opening Bell by subscribing if you can.
With love and the best of wishes, The OB.
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JOSHUA-FURY IN JEOPARDY?! SERIOUSLY?!
Mere days after Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is confirmed, we're told it's in jeopardy. Matt Christie lets off some steam on the subject and the eternal circus that is the sport of boxing. Support The Opening …
Notas do episódio
Mere days after Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is confirmed, we're told it's in jeopardy.
Matt Christie lets off some steam on the subject and the eternal circus that is the sport of boxing.
Support The Opening Bell by subscribing if you can.
Many thanks!
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Recorded at the EXACT moment when Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury was confirmed as a done deal for December 11 in Cardiff, The Opening Bell has another important announcement to bring you. Our beloved Alex Steedman …
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Recorded at the EXACT moment when Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury was confirmed as a done deal for December 11 in Cardiff, The Opening Bell has another important announcement to bring you.
Our beloved Alex Steedman has chosen to leave the podcast. That's the bad news. And it's horrible, crushing news.
The good news is that The Opening Bell will continue - should, of course, you want it to.
Matt Christie, while paying tribute to the one and only Steed, explains the reasons behind Alex's departure and what he hopes The Opening Bell will look like in the future.
Stay with us, folks, we can get through this.
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RYAN GARCIA TROUNCES CONOR BENN
Ryan Garcia defeated Conor Benn, stopping him in less than five minutes out in Las Vegas. The contest itself was immeasurably shorter than the build-up that focused on Benn's struggle to boil down to 147lbs but …
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Ryan Garcia defeated Conor Benn, stopping him in less than five minutes out in Las Vegas. The contest itself was immeasurably shorter than the build-up that focused on Benn's struggle to boil down to 147lbs but was this really a contest decided by one man's struggle to make weight?
In the Opening Bell studio this week is Tris Dixon, one of the most respected boxing journalists in the business, who answers the pertinent questions regarding Benn's defeat to Garcia. There is, of course, the battle with the scales to consider yet Garcia's triumph was both so emphatic and rapid it would be cruel on the victor to suggest he defeated an already broken man.
Yet it reignites conversation about when fighters should and should not weigh in. Evidence continues to mount that staging them the day before a contest is making the sport more dangerous than it already is. More so, it is only encouraging fighters to compete in a weight class that bears no relation to their actual size come the opening bell.
But was Benn hard done by at the finish? Some suggested it was premature stoppage while others have championed the compassion of the referee.
We look ahead at the rebuild job for Benn and the future of Garcia who, with this victory, finds himself as one of the most marketable fighters in the business.
Thanks, as always, folks for the support.
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GARCIA v BENN, LAS VEGAS PREVIEW
It's fight week in Las Vegas and Chris McKenna, nursing a minor hangover out in Sin City, is this week's guest on The Opening Bell. Garcia makes the first defence of his WBC welterweight title against Benn. The …
Notas do episódio
It's fight week in Las Vegas and Chris McKenna, nursing a minor hangover out in Sin City, is this week's guest on The Opening Bell.
Garcia makes the first defence of his WBC welterweight title against Benn. The fight is interesting for different reasons and worthy of several questions.
Does it feel like a big fight week? Why (oh why) is Benn No. 1 at welterweight with the WBC when he hasn't made 147lbs in four years? With that in mind, is Benn as weight-drained as the recent imagery makes it appear or is he, like Garcia, launching a few mind-game bombs? What does each need to do to win and, finally, who does win?
Fear not, we limit the Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury chat while wondering why Turki Alalshikh and Sela don't just stump up the cash to stage the fight in the UK.
We end on a high, just like Katie Taylor, and focus on her perfect end to a near-perfect career.
Thanks one and all for listening and supporting The Opening Bell!
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THE FALL OF MOSES
In a startling collapse that culminated one of the most dramatic heavyweight fights of the year, Moses Itauma ultimately met his match in the shape of the rugged and unyielding Filip Hrgovic. But what came …
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In a startling collapse that culminated one of the most dramatic heavyweight fights of the year, Moses Itauma ultimately met his match in the shape of the rugged and unyielding Filip Hrgovic. But what came before that fateful ninth round should tell us two things: Hrgovic is built differently to most and Itauma, for different reasons, is also one of a kind.
So, what went wrong? Plenty have suggested that Itauma merely misread his own gas tank and, with crucial experience gained, will come back better and stronger. But one also wonders if it will be as simple as that. The psychological scars could be substantial, after all.
There’s also the performance of Ben Davison to consider. Has he really gone from one of the best trainers around to a clueless buffoon who doesn’t know when to throw a towel? Or is someone like the precocious and instinctive Itauma simply impossible to teach or manage?
Elsewhere, Chantelle Cameron got past Mikaela Mayer, who again believed she deserved more from the scoring judges after an entertaining scrap. And looking ahead, Katie Taylor prepares for her swansong in a Croke Park showcase surely designed to ensure she’s still singing at the end.
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MOSES ITAUMA: THE FUTURE IS NOW
Despite all the noise reverberating from the negotiations between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury – noise that, unfortunately, we must address – a meaningful, and potentially pivotal, heavyweight title clash …
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Despite all the noise reverberating from the negotiations between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury – noise that, unfortunately, we must address – a meaningful, and potentially pivotal, heavyweight title clash occurs this weekend when Moses Itauma duels with Filip Hrgovic.
Will this be the fight when we see Itauma truly tested or, as the oddsmakers suggest, will it be another one-sided triumph for the 21-year-old? And if Itauma does indeed do what is expected and win convincingly, will he then be able to cope with the pressure of being the youngest heavyweight belt-holder since the heady days of Mike Tyson’s peak?
Last weekend, George Liddard aced his latest test when he became the European middleweight champion and, in the States, Teofimo Lopez was handed a get-out-of-jail-free card by Rolly Romero.
We bring you an update on Ringside Charitable Trust, and you can access their website here, before hurtling back to 2013 and the night when cult hero Jhonny Gonzalez marmalized Abner Mares inside one round.
Thank you, as always, for supporting The Opening Bell.
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BACK TO THE FUTURE
What do we want? AJ vs. Fury! Where do want it? At this point, who cares… Dana White this week came out and revealed he’s brokered the TV and site deals for Joshua vs. Fury but the old problem remains: Both …
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What do we want? AJ vs. Fury! Where do want it? At this point, who cares…
Dana White this week came out and revealed he’s brokered the TV and site deals for Joshua vs. Fury but the old problem remains: Both fighters signed contracts with different locations, dates, and terms. Whether it happens or not, we are getting to the point of no return for this heavyweight showdown that, frankly, should already be in the past.
It’s an interesting discussion, though. What does the future for boxing really look like? Can Moses Itauma, for example, ever become a crossover star if he’s forced to fight behind hard-to-find paywalls from this point forth? Furthermore, what becomes of the sport at grassroots level if only those that are already in full bloom are getting any water?
Claressa Shields reminded of her star power at the weekend even if her opponent, Kaye Scott, was overmatched and outclassed from the start. We look ahead to Rolly Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez which undoubtedly is a good fight. But on what planet is it a PPV fight?
Finally, we go back to 2016 and the contest that arguably signalled the start of Errol Spence Jnr’s peak: The beatdown of the gnarled Leonard Bundu in Coney Island, New York.
Keep ringing that Opening Bell, folks. We thank you for your support.
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BROOK BACK: EUBANK NEXT?
Kell Brook this week announced he will be coming back in a ‘massive fight’ later in the year at the age of 40, highlighting once again how difficult peace of mind is to find in the boxing afterlife. Chris …
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Kell Brook this week announced he will be coming back in a ‘massive fight’ later in the year at the age of 40, highlighting once again how difficult peace of mind is to find in the boxing afterlife. Chris Eubank Jnr, who could soon be another case in point, has been rumoured as the opponent and proves, once again, there is little that can be done when ageing boxers, fit and well on the surface, want to keep fighting.
Also bracing himself for a return is Joseph Parker who has served a three-month ban after UKAD examined the heavyweight’s reasoning for having traces of cocaine in his system and deemed them feasible enough.
Callum Simpson gained revenge over Troy Williamson at the weekend, getting by with a little help from new coach Robert McCracken, but also exhibiting that there’s plenty for them to work on. A new ‘world champion’ was crowned in Dublin on Saturday night as Aaron McKenna picked up the IBF-flavoured slice of the middleweight pie but how far away is the Irishman from becoming the world’s best at 160lbs? Probably not as far away as countryman Callum Walsh who, on the Zuffa undercard, passed the Tyler Denny test.
In This Week, get ready to lamp up a fat one and get lost in the hazy days of Smokin’ Bert Cooper. In August 1991, with would-be opponent Bruce Seldon outside the ring and Michael Buffer in glorious voice inside of it, the swarming slugger took on Anthony Wade in an event glowing with 90’s nostalgia.
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START SPREADING THE NEWS
On the week when it looks all but certain that the all-British heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will land in New York, a fight with serious consequences for the current title picture …
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On the week when it looks all but certain that the all-British heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will land in New York, a fight with serious consequences for the current title picture in the division – Moses Itauma and Frank Sanchez on August 29 – was upgraded to an IBF title fight.
The Fury-Joshua news will no doubt make those already in a spin about the location lose their minds completely. But before we put the blame solely at the feet of Netflix and Turki Alalshikh, one crucial thing should be remembered: Nobody is forcing Joshua or Fury to fight outside of the UK. And hey, there are worse places than New York to host heavyweight boxing.
In Dublin there was a contest worthy of any stage in the world as Mark Chamberlain surprised most when he defeated Pierce O’Leary in the kind of topsy-turvy thriller that should buoy us all as to why we’re here. Yet, on the undercard, the fate of Lee Reeves reminds us of the violent nature of the Sport. Over in Las Vegas, meanwhile, William Zepeda proved too good for Lamont Roach.
We preview the weekend’s action with the sequel between Troy Williamson and Callum Simpson leading the way and Zuffa’s trip to Dublin will give Aaron McKenna and Callum Walsh a chance to shine.
Last, but never least, is your weekly dose of nostalgia and a time when Oscar De La Hoya – as he tears through Jorge Paez – was a fresh-faced up-and-comer yet to be scarred by this wackiest of businesses.
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JOSHUA v FURY: OVERCOOKED
After the performances of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury last weekend, there can now be no doubt that the two British heavyweights are both past their best. Furthermore, it is more obvious than ever before that …
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After the performances of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury last weekend, there can now be no doubt that the two British heavyweights are both past their best. Furthermore, it is more obvious than ever before that the fight we wanted all those years ago – when they were 1 and 2 in the heavyweight division – is gone forever.
So, what are we left with? Joshua remains a frightful puncher, that much is clear. But he looks so susceptible these days it’s difficult to imagine him surviving any kind of onslaught from Fury. Whether Fury is these days capable of producing that onslaught, while also avoiding Joshua’s right hand, when he couldn’t avoid that of 46-year-old Marius Wach, likely makes the bout as well-matched as it’s ever been.
Don’t expect either to walk away until this long and winding saga has reached a close, though. Unlike Errol Spence Jnr, who realised against Tim Tszyu that his days as a prize-fighter are over and announced his retirement in the aftermath.
We look ahead to Pierce O’Leary-Mark Chamberlain in Ireland and Lamont Roach-William Zepeda in the US, before kicking back in the DeLorean, setting the flux capacitor to July 1999, and enjoying the last hurrah of Michael Carbajal against Jorge Arce.
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JOSHUA, FURY AND SPENCE TEST FATHER TIME
Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Errol Spence will all this weekend exhibit what is left of themselves. Even if it turns out to be very little, that should still be enough for Joshua and Fury to triumph against …
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Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Errol Spence will all this weekend exhibit what is left of themselves. Even if it turns out to be very little, that should still be enough for Joshua and Fury to triumph against Kristian Prenga and Mariusz Wach respectively. If the point of those exercises is questionable then the task that awaits Spence is, by comparison, somewhat formidable.
He takes on Tim Tszyu in Australia in a bout set at 160lbs. Will Spence show he still has what it takes at 36 or will he become the latest athlete to realise that time is the cruellest opponent of them all?
Elsewhere, Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn reminded everyone how much noise they can make and how hard they can appear.
Thanks for listening and for your support, amigos.
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JOYCE, CHISORA & THE LONG GOODBYE
Joe Joyce was again on the wrong end of a painful loss, one that might, this time, mean the end. But that’s easy for those who merely watch and pass judgement to say. A case in point, when examining how …
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Joe Joyce was again on the wrong end of a painful loss, one that might, this time, mean the end. But that’s easy for those who merely watch and pass judgement to say.
A case in point, when examining how difficult retirement is for a fighter to accept is Derek Chisora who teased another return by going nose-to-nose with Murat Gassiev on the same Russia event where Joyce was defeated.
We examine the latest comings and goings at Zuffa and Matchroom as Johnny Fisher makes the switch. Shakur Stevenson has joined up with Dana White’s men, too plus in This Week, we go back to 1999 when Baby Jake Matlala shocks Michael Carbajal.
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TYSON FURY vs WHO?!
Oleksandr Usyk looks set to fight Deontay Wilder, potentially under the Zuffa umbrella, in a bout that could signal the end of the current heavyweight era. But not before we get Tyson Fury vs Mariusz Wach …
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Oleksandr Usyk looks set to fight Deontay Wilder, potentially under the Zuffa umbrella, in a bout that could signal the end of the current heavyweight era.
But not before we get Tyson Fury vs Mariusz Wach. Whether marking time or just wasting it, Fury's decision to fight a shot 46-year-old is curious.
The good times seem to be just beginning for Abdullah Mason who rebounded from a slow start to stop Albert Bell in the 12th and final round.
In This Week, we set the dial to 1991 and head back for some vintage Tony Lopez action as he takes on Lupe Gutierrez atop a bill that featured a young Lennox Lewis getting the better of Mike Weaver.
Keep listening to The Opening Bell, folks; the sweetest sound in boxing.
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USYK RELINQUISHES, WHAT NOW?
Oleksandr Usyk last week vacated three heavyweight titles to focus on a “last dance”. Who will be Usyk’s final dance partner? Where does his departure leave the rest of the division? And what does this decision …
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Oleksandr Usyk last week vacated three heavyweight titles to focus on a “last dance”. Who will be Usyk’s final dance partner? Where does his departure leave the rest of the division? And what does this decision mean for his legacy?
Jaron ‘Boots” Ennis, meanwhile, at last found a befitting dance partner in Xander Zayas last weekend as the pair unleashed some sumptuous moves in Brooklyn. Ennis wasn’t perfect but reminded the boxing world exactly why he’s been held in high regard for such a long time. But then, with the fight being stuck behind a paywall, it’s easy to wonder if this was a missed opportunity to draw new fans to the sport.
Ben Whittaker dazzled again on the undercard only days after one of British boxing’s most reliable showmen, Chris Eubank Jr, revealed his plans to keep fighting “until the wheels fall off” at the age of 36.
We review Lewis Crocker’s tight loss to Liam Paro before heading back to the 1990s and not one but two “Sugar” Shane Mosley fights. Thanks to some classic Christie chaos we look at his victory over Wilfrido Ruiz in 1998 AND his beatdown of Wilfredo Rivera the following year.
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TURKI TELLS ‘EM
In a week when Ryan Garner scored a glorious victory in a stadium, Moses Itauma signed for his biggest test, and Boots Ennis is preparing for Xander Zayas, the biggest story is the one we know the least about …
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In a week when Ryan Garner scored a glorious victory in a stadium, Moses Itauma signed for his biggest test, and Boots Ennis is preparing for Xander Zayas, the biggest story is the one we know the least about: Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury.
After much squabbling between various promoters about who is in control, when it will take place, and where it will be staged, Turki Alalshikh announced to the world that he is the one calling the shots. But what does the sport look like without Alalshikh in it; a very real possibility considering the recent reports about his health.
Meanwhile, everyone’s ‘next heavyweight champion’ Itauma faced off with Filip Hrgovic to find someone completely unwilling to read the script. Will Hrgovic toe the line when they meet on August 29?
Alex and Matt reflect on Garner’s thrilling triumph inside Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium, we look ahead to Ennis-Zayas, but arguably save the best for last…
This Week is anchored in 1999 and a time when Johnny Tapia was taken by the biggest of surprises by Paulie Ayala. As ever with Tapia fights, this one has a heck of a backstory.
The Opening Bell: Unbiased, unflinching, unmissable.
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BAM V INOUE IS BETTER THAN AJ – FURY
As self-proclaimed President of the Jessie ‘Bam’ Rodriguez appreciation society, we welcome fan favourite commentator and former World Champion boxer Barry Jones to The Opening Bell Pod to assess the latest Bam …
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As self-proclaimed President of the Jessie ‘Bam’ Rodriguez appreciation society, we welcome fan favourite commentator and former World Champion boxer Barry Jones to The Opening Bell Pod to assess the latest Bam performance. Is Inoue a weight too far and a fight too soon? We discuss the latest on the FURY – AJ saga while running the rule over the upcoming fights including Ryan Garner’s title eliminator and Lewis Crocker’s trip down under. Make sure you follow and subscribe to The Opening Bell on socials and check out supporting us on Patreon or Apple + with our thanks.
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ZUFFA vs MATCHROOM
Saturday night saw Eddie Hearn and Dana White go head-to-head, even though miles apart, when they both staged TV shows on UK soil.White likely won that battle, as Chris Billam-Smith and Ryan Rozicki turned …
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Saturday night saw Eddie Hearn and Dana White go head-to-head, even though miles apart, when they both staged TV shows on UK soil.
White likely won that battle, as Chris Billam-Smith and Ryan Rozicki turned their Zuffa colours red with a violent and bloody slugfest. White wasn’t done there, however.
At the post-fight press conference he questioned Hearn’s true influence in world boxing as he claimed to know more about Joshua-Fury than the Matchroom boss. Hearn, in response, took aim at the UFC model that made White’s name.
Before that, Hearn secured a fitting venue, Croke Park, for the great Katie Taylor but is Flora Pili a fitting rival?
We look ahead to ‘Bam’ Rodriguez in the hope victory leads to a mouthwatering showdown with Naoya Inoue.
And, in This Week, dust off your disco balls and join us in 1985 where Pinklon Thomas and Mike Weaver unleash a forgotten thriller at heavyweight.
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THE JOSHUA RELAUNCH
Anthony Joshua faced the media for the first time this week since tragedy turned his life upside down six months ago. Joshua was focused, determined and suitably prickly as he examined Kristian Prenga, his July …
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Anthony Joshua faced the media for the first time this week since tragedy turned his life upside down six months ago. Joshua was focused, determined and suitably prickly as he examined Kristian Prenga, his July 25 opponent. But can the superstar really make it all the way back?
Adam Azim barely broke a sweat on Saturday night as he pummelled Steve Claggett. Now it’s time for the leash to come off.
Meanwhile, Chris Billam-Smith tackles hard man Ryan Rozicki this weekend in a scrap that is unlikely to leave either man fresh faced.
And, in This Week, we hurtle back to 1991 and a collision between Terry Norris and Don Curry that saw one man’s career take flight and the other’s all but end.
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IS THE END NIGH FOR USYK?
Rico Verhoeven almost turned the boxing world upside down on Saturday night until Oleksandr Usyk, at last, found enough of himself to win the fight.But was his sluggish showing merely an abberation, or does …
Notas do episódio
Rico Verhoeven almost turned the boxing world upside down on Saturday night until Oleksandr Usyk, at last, found enough of himself to win the fight.
But was his sluggish showing merely an abberation, or does this mark the beginning of the end for the legendary Usyk?
Joining Matt to dissect the fight, its ending, and potential consequences is Atheltic and BBC boxing journalist, Chris McKenna.
The subject of boxing journalism, or what’s left of it, opens the discussion before all hell breaks loose as Matt and Chris relive a fight that almost changed everything they thought they knew.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
OLEKSANDR USYK vs RICO VERHOEVEN
Is Rico Verhoeven about to do the unthinkable and upset world heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk? Well, no, of course he’s not, but what Usyk ultimately looks like and how he wins are certainly worthwhile …
Notas do episódio
Is Rico Verhoeven about to do the unthinkable and upset world heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk? Well, no, of course he’s not, but what Usyk ultimately looks like and how he wins are certainly worthwhile questions. So too is the status of the belts as, in different ways, each of the WBC, IBF and WBA somehow approve this as a championship contest.
Better is the undercard where Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr meet in a solid heavyweight eliminator and Jack Catterall goes in tough against Shakram Glyasov. Hamzah Sheeraz, however, might have an even easier night than Usyk when he battles Alem Bagic for a vacant title.
The Opening Bell, the independent voice in boxing.
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RYAN GARCIA vs CONOR BENN | CANELO RETURNS | HRGOVIC HAMMERS ALLEN
Though not yet formally announced, Ryan Garcia has signalled that a showdown with Conor Benn, at welterweight, will happen in Las Vegas on September 12. It seems certain to be one of the year’s biggest and most …
Notas do episódio
Though not yet formally announced, Ryan Garcia has signalled that a showdown with Conor Benn, at welterweight, will happen in Las Vegas on September 12. It seems certain to be one of the year’s biggest and most lucrative contests albeit a divisive one given their chequered pasts with drug-testing agencies.
It’s set to occur on the same day that Canelo Alvarez returns, in Saudi Arabia, to challenge for a super middleweight belt against Christian Mbilli. Does this mean that Turki Alalshikh is plotting another all-conquering weekend extravaganza?
Closer to home, in Doncaster, Dave Allen’s place in the heavyweight landscape was again revealed when he was pulled out in three rounds against Filip Hrgovic. The result was predictable, but again brings into focus the role of referees, trainers and doctors when it comes to stopping a fight.
In This Week we go back to 1990, a new decade in its infancy and two of the finest fighters of the time – Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whittaker and Azumah Nelson – making their cases to be recognised among the leaders of the sport.
The Opening Bell, the independent voice in boxing.
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IS DAVE ALLEN IN OVER HIS HEAD (YET AGAIN)?
Filip Hrgovic starts as a huge favourite, and for good reason, against Dave Allen this weekend. But does the affable Brit have any chance to score the upset?Allen’s losses seem to tell the story here but we …
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Filip Hrgovic starts as a huge favourite, and for good reason, against Dave Allen this weekend. But does the affable Brit have any chance to score the upset?
Allen’s losses seem to tell the story here but we highlight why Hrgovic might - and only might - come unstuck.
Steedo, after calling right last week, reveals his bet of the weekend as we look closely at the form lines on the undercard.
As always, friends, go well out there!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
DUBOIS-WARDLEY: NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH
Daniel Dubois stopping Fabio Wardley was a generational thriller but, even so, it’s only fair to ask if the hellacious warfare went too far.There were questions about the timing of the stoppage, with some …
Notas do episódio
Daniel Dubois stopping Fabio Wardley was a generational thriller but, even so, it’s only fair to ask if the hellacious warfare went too far.
There were questions about the timing of the stoppage, with some suggesting it came far too late, as Wardley’s face oozed blood and his battered body betrayed his lust for victory.
Regardless, Dubois again confounded critics as he got off the floor, not one but twice, to regain a portion of the heavyweight crown.
We look back, too, on the build-up and the uncomfortable nature of coverage that seemed to focus a little too cruelly on Dubois’ shortcomings in interviews.
In This Week, we cruise back to 1999 for some Jorge Paez action and a completely unrecognisable Adam Smith showcasing his early commentary style.
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