WE genuinely hate to say we told you so, but we did. The WBA have outdone themselves this time by sanctioning an absolute monstrosity of a ‘world heavyweight title fight’ between Trevor Bryan and Jonathan Guidry. We take a deep dive into their clearly rigged rankings and implore the industry to do the right thing.We look back on Joe Smith’s latest victory and preview the latest return of Gary Russell Jnr.This Week In History is Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales II.Please rate, review and subscribe! Le...
Jan 19, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Season 3Ep. 3
BARRY JONES joins us this week as we digest the shock retirement of Kash Farooq. We hear from Farooq, and his manager Iain Wilson, as he prepares for life on the other side of the ropes.Jones goes in-depth on the failed brain scan that interrupted his own boxing career and the misery triggered by retiring at just 26. He has plenty of advice for Kash and other fighters facing the end.This Week In History focuses on Jones’ loss to Acelino Freitas and the Welshman has some terrific tales from behin...
Jan 12, 2022•1 hr 26 min•Season 3Ep. 2
WHO is Jonathan Guidry? That’s the big question this week as the heavyweight emerges from obscurity to land in the latest WBA world rankings.With only one fight since 2019 - an eight round points win over 46-year-old Rodney Moore in August - the WBA have placed Guidry in their world heavyweight top 15, ahead of Joseph Parker and not that far behind Anthony Joshua…We also look back on Luis Ortiz’s win over Charles Martin, have new information on the Board’s decision to make January a non-starter ...
Jan 05, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 1
IN the final episode of 2021, we reflect on the highs - and low - of the last 12 months.Both Alex Steedman and Matt Christie name their own choices for Fighter of the Year and Fight of the Year in the male and female codes while also reflecting on the best prospects, KOs and the year’s biggest upset.We also look ahead to 2022.Please rate, review and subscribe. And we wish you a very happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 20, 2021•54 min•Season 2Ep. 58
IN a special reaction podcast, we look back at the savage slugfest between Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora in Manchester. Parker was excellent yet it was the bravery, resilience and determination of Chisora that stole the headlines.Points discussed: Parker's improvement from fight one and where he goes next; whether or not Chisora should now retire; the industry's duty to retired fighters; whether the fight have been stopped and those truly obscure scorecards. We also look at Artur Beterbiev's b...
Dec 20, 2021•42 min•Season 2Ep. 57
ROBERT SMITH of the British Boxing Board of Control is on hand to answer the questions of Alex Steedman and Matt Christie regarding the recent actions of referee Steve Gray in the Hamzah Sheeraz-Bradley Skeete fight. In that bout, after being whacked at least twice while in a sitting position, Skeete went on to lose the fight.Smith explains the complexities of the rules and the officials' interpretation of them. He reveals why a hearing wasn't called immediately and why, despite apparent mistake...
Dec 16, 2021•1 hr 31 min•Season 2Ep. 56
THE lead news story this week is Tyson Fury being ordered to fight Dillian Whyte by the WBC. A terrific domestic fight but one that pushes Fury-Usyk out of reach for now.The lightweight division is in focus as Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis came through taxing affairs while Vasiliy Lomachenko prepares to make his latest move against Richard Commey this weekend.We applaud the brilliant showing of Anthony Yarde against Lyndon Arthur and bemoan the deeply unsatisfactory conclusion to Hamzah Sheeraz...
Dec 08, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 55
THE astonishing, brilliant and awe-inspiring exploits of George Kambosos Jnr are the focus this week as we look back on his huge upset win over Teofimo Lopez. Kambosos tells us about his post-fight trip to hospital as we ponder his place in the current landscape and beyond.This Week In History goes back to 2018 and Tyson Fury’s incredible fight with Deontay Wilder where Matt Christie shares some behind the scenes tales.Stephen Fulton’s thrilling win over Brandon Figueroa is admired, while this u...
Dec 01, 2021•1 hr 39 min•Season 2Ep. 54
IT is 35 years since Mike Tyson, then barely 20, confirmed his status as the most fearsome heavyweight in the land when he destroyed Trevor Berbick in two unforgettable rounds. But did Tyson fulfil his potential, and where does he belong in the ranks of all-time greats?We build up to the examination of Iron Mike by looking back on Terence Crawford’s stoppage of Shawn Porter and the wider discussion of when is it okay to stop a fight?The performances of Dan Azeez and Richard Riakporhe in the UK, ...
Nov 24, 2021•1 hr 25 min•Season 2Ep. 53
SOME strange things are happening in Mexico City at the WBC Convention. First, Dillian Whyte is left hanging in his quest for a shot at Tyson Fury - leaving The Gypsy King free to choose his next opponent - and, second, Canelo Alvarez signals his intention to take a hop, skip and a jump all the way to cruiserweight. We apologise to Kiko Martinez for picking against him and wonder if Kid Galahad - and Terri Harper - can bounce back from defeat.This weekend there is a terrific welterweight showdow...
Nov 18, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 52
YET again Canelo Alvarez proved he’s in a different league to his peers, this time with a clinical beatdown of the brave Caleb Plant.But Plant was better than many expected beforehand as Canelo was made to work hard until he stopped his opponent in the 11th round. The all-round excellence of Alvarez is under the microscope as we wonder if the Mexican can scale new heights in the future.This Week In History is David Haye’s brilliant victory over Jean Marc Mormeck. We hear from Haye, who describes...
Nov 10, 2021•1 hr 31 min•Season 2Ep. 51
THE main focus this week is the battle for super-middleweight supremacy between Canelo Alvarez and Caleb Plant. It’s a fight the sport needs, between the two leading fighters in the 168lb division, but is it going to be competitive? The strength and weaknesses of each fighter, and potential battle plans, are discussed as Alex Steedman and Matt Christie make their predictions.The bill in Birmingham show featuring Zach Parker, and the enticing Boxxer show are also previewed.In review is Chantelle ...
Nov 03, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 50
IN a fascinating interview with IFL this week, Anthony Joshua admitted he got it wrong against Oleksandr Usyk and plans to put it right ahead of the rematch. There is talk of going back to basics. Talk of changing his team. Unquestionably studious and eager to learn, one naturally wonders if he’s putting too much pressure on himself by jumping straight back into the sequel again. Regardless, Joshua is readying for the challenge of a lifetime with incredible determination to get absolutely everyt...
Oct 28, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 49
TWO issues lead the way this week. Firstly, the old favourite: Pay-per-view. Eddie Hearn recently confirmed that PPV will find its way to DAZN to provoke the questions, What constitutes PPV, is it unavoidable and, more generally, what makes a good boxing show?Secondly, Deontay Wilder’s decision to belatedly congratulate his conqueror, Tyson Fury, drew mixed reviews. His behaviour before and after fights is called into question with an admission that, as fans, we might be expecting too much.The r...
Oct 20, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 48
TYSON FURY and Deontay Wilder cemented their names, and their rivalry, on the walls of boxing history last weekend when they unleashed the mother of all heavyweight slugfests.That classic encounter is reviewed in detail. But what next for Fury after such a high? And can Wilder come again following another punishing loss? Legacy, psychology and sportsmanship are other worthy sub-plots.We also reflect on Troy Williamson’s thrilling win over Ted Cheeseman and Liam Smith beating Anthony Fowler. Last...
Oct 13, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 47
DEONTAY WILDER is without a win in two outings with Tyson Fury so, whichever way you look at it, the ‘Bronze Bomber’ has an almighty task heading into part three.Alex Steedman and Matt Christie preview the third heavyweight encounter, explain what each must do to win, and make their predictions. The weekend’s domestic clashes - Liam Smith-Anthony Fowler and Brad Foster-Craig Cunningham - are also examined.The damming investigation into AIBA and it’s implications is also discussed. So too is Davi...
Oct 06, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 46
OLEKSANDR USYK turned in a performance loaded with class and style to defeat Anthony Joshua last weekend. But what was it like to witness that from ringside? Is he that good or was Joshua that bad? What’s next for the winner and can the loser come back?These questions and many more are answered as we take a deep dive into one of the most impressive heavyweight performances in recent memory and examine the implications of it.Jamie Moore’s brutal and exciting victory over Matt Macklin is This Week...
Sep 30, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 45
ANTHONY JOSHUA is in a confident mood ahead of his mouth-watering heavyweight clash with the unbeaten Oleksandr Usyk.We hear from Joshua as he heads into what would appear his hardest fight on paper since he fought Wladimir Klitschko in 2017. Usyk, however, is unquestionably embarking on the toughest test of his entire career and the feeling is that whoever wins will have to be at their very best.Matt Christie and Alex Steedman offer their own predictions and thoughts on the contest, we also hea...
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 44
FORTY years ago we had one of the greatest fights of all time, Sugar Ray Leonard-Thomas Hearns, and this weekend we had the worst: Vitor Belfort-Evander Holyfield.Matt Christie and Alex Steedman examine how and why a 58-year-old Holyfield was allowed to come back, address that increasingly murky ‘exhibition’ word and hope beyond hope that this latest farce taught the sport a lesson it will actually pay attention to.We review the terrific encounters featuring Sam Eggington and Kerman Lejarraga, c...
Sep 16, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 43
OSCAR VALDEZ will fight this weekend despite a banned substance being discovered in a recent PED test. Matt Christie and Alex Steedman attempt to make some sense of what on the surface appears shambolic situation. Josh Warrington’s anti-climactic rematch with Mauricio Lara is analysed alongside the rest of the Leeds bill.This Week In History remembers Wayne Alexander’s stunning one-punch KO of Takaloo in 2004.Please rate, review and subscribe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic...
Sep 08, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 42
MUCH of the discussion this week centres around Josh Warrington, his balls of steel, and the danger that awaits as he again takes on Mauricio Lara this weekend, just seven months after the Mexican turned his career upside down. The different outcomes are explored alongside what both need to do to win. It promises to be a fascinating encounter.Before that, Alex Steedman and Matt Christie wonder what good - if any - came of two mismatch victories for Anthony Yarde and Daniel Dubois, they examine t...
Sep 01, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 41
WILL Manny Pacquiao retire after his loss to Yordenis Ugas or will he come back?Regardless, the legendary Filipino’s career is in review.This Week In History focuses on a little humdinger between Mike McCallum and Julian Jackson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 27, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 40
AS Manny Pacquiao prepares to take on Yordenis Ugas in a top drawer welterweight contest, David Haye is getting ready to take on Joe Fournier in a ludicrous bout masquerading as a real fight.But who is to blame for the current invasion of pantomime-style encounters like Haye-Fournier? Matt Christie and Alex Steedman look at the trend and wonder whether these kind of contests are a passing phase or the dawn of a new era.Pacquiao-Ugas is previewed and a busy weekend - featuring an impressive Joshu...
Aug 18, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 39
BOXING was a revelation at the Olympic Games. John Dennen joins Alex Steedman and Matt Christie to reveal his Tokyo highlights, star performances and overall best boxer with a nod to what the future holds.Kid Galahad turned in a career-best performance to again beat James ‘Jazza’ Dickens at Fight Camp II while exhibiting the skills that could take him to the top of the featherweight division. Looking ahead, the fascinating encounter between Guillermo Rigondeaux and John Riel Casimero is previewe...
Aug 11, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 38
AFTER a break from the normal weekly show there’s lots to discuss, not least the ever curious excellence of Joe Joyce.The heavyweight’s win over Carlos Takam is reviewed, so too Joyce’s place in the division and the problems he faces to progress. Leigh Wood halting Xu Can in 12 rounds was the biggest story from the first Fight Camp while Kid Galahad’s rematch with Jazza Dickens looks certain to steal the headlines at the second. In the meantime, stars are being born at the Tokyo Olympics.There’s...
Aug 04, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 37
YORK HALL - the spiritual home of british boxing. Join us on an atmospheric deep-dive into the magic of the old venue that’s provided fight fans of all ages with so many special memories.From its 1929 opening as public baths in which Londoners would wash, right through to the present day - via visits from the likes of Tapia and Lomachenko - this audio documentary relives the great nights, fights and events that are pillars of British boxing history.Boxers, promoters, referees, trainers, commenta...
Jul 30, 2021•1 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 36
THE excellent heavyweight matchup between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk was officially announced this week. Okay, it’s not Tyson Fury-Joshua but, as consolation prizes go, this is a terrific fight in the heavyweight division. And a very risky one for Joshua, as Matt Christie and Alex Steedman explain.The Tokyo Olympics is set to start and the boxing tournament promises to be fascinating. The country’s leading authority on amateur boxing, Boxing News’ own John Dennen, is on hand to provide an...
Jul 22, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 35
IN the latest Opening Bell, the postponement of the third fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder takes the lead as the heavyweight division breaks its latest promise.The latest on the BN championship policy is also on the menu alongside reviews of light-heavyweight contenders Lyndon Arthur and Gilberto Ramirez. The top quality 154lbs world championship between Jermell Charlo and Brian Castano is previewed.Perhaps the best (or worst, depending on your viewpoint) is saved for last as the fero...
Jul 14, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 34
BOXING NEWS this week made a huge statement: They will not recognise alphabet titles as genuine world championships anymore.BN editor Matt Christie, alongside the irrepressible Alex Steedman, details exactly why. There’s lots to discuss on this huge move from the world’s oldest boxing publication. The ‘comeback’ of Riddick Bowe is also up for debate while the David Haye-Derek Chisora battle is remembered in This Week In History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice...
Jul 07, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 33
GERVONTA DAVIS was hailed a ‘three-weight world champion’ after his latest victory at the weekend but the truth remains he’s yet to defeat anyone who can claim to be the best in the world.Alex Steedman and Matt Christie examine the complexities of a sport that continues to excite and frustrate in equal measure. The return of Vasiliy Lomachenko is reviewed, so too Mike Costello’s move to DAZN and there’s a tribute to Brian London.This Week In History goes back to a young Julio Cesar Chavez feasti...
Jun 30, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 32
