CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH and Isaac Chamberlain combined to unleash a British classic on the South Coast. But what are the ingredients that made it such a good fight?We review the fight in detail, alongside Ben Whittaker’s debut and Frazer Clarke’s progress.There’s Michael McKinson’s date with Virgil Ortiz to preview and, in This Week In History, we wonder if Thomas Hearns was ever better than when he was just 21 years old.Please leave us a review and subscribe if you’re enjoying the pod. Learn more ab...
Aug 03, 2022•1 hr 18 min•Season 3Ep. 33
A RISE in PPV prices is the latest subplot in Oleksandr Usyk-Anthony Joshua II. With the economy struggling and purse strings tightening, will fans still pay out? And does it really matter when events are being bankrolled by Saudi money regardless?The enticing domestic showdown between Chris Billiam-Smith and Isaac Chamberlain is previewed in detail and there’s interest on the undercard as Olympians Ben Whittaker, Frazer Clarke and Caroline Dubois star.In This Week In History, we go back to 2014...
Jul 28, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 32
EVERYTHING except the rehydration clause seems to be in place before Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn collide in a huge domestic showdown in October. Alex Steedman and Matt Christie explain why the final hurdle is such a big one.Elsewhere, Ryan Garcia again hinted at his superstar potential while exhibiting the old flaws. But perhaps we expect too much. After all, how many fighters are perfect?Favourite ring outfits and fight venues are also discussed. And, in This Week, one of the last top class ...
Jul 21, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 31
DEREK CHISORA beat Kubrat Pulev over 12 punishing rounds to keep his career alive though concerns remain over his long-term future. Elsewhere, the rumours about a gargantuan domestic showdown between Chris Eubank Jnr and Conor Benn could become firm details very soon.Alex Steedman and Matt Christie discuss both subjects alongside the ongoing issue of the after care system, or lack of, in boxing.This Week goes back to 1986 and the last great 15-rounder, when a young Evander Holyfield outpointed D...
Jul 13, 2022•1 hr 26 min•Season 3Ep. 30
JOE JOYCE walked through Christian Hammer but where is the heavyweight going to end up? Alex Steedman and Matt Christie ponder if he can win the big fight and whether he’ll even secure it.The bizarre Kubrat Pulev-Derek Chisora sequelis previewed as questions are raised about Del Boy’s future in the sport.This week focuses on one of the greatest punchers in history, Ruben Olivares.Please rate, review and subscribe. Your support is always hugely appreciated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Jul 07, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Season 3Ep. 29
THE publicity campaign for the Oleksandr Usyk-Anthony Joshua rematch has started. What, if anything, can we take from the early vocal exchanges and will the result of fight two be any different to fight one?Though the rematch is a welcome one, the setting of Saudi Arabia is certain to create controversy. Should we simply turn a blind eye to the setting?Also on the agenda is the emergence of a potential superstar. ‘Bam’ Rodriguez was in sumptuous form as he hammered Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in eigh...
Jun 30, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Artur Beterbiev turned in a devastating performance last weekend to blow away Joe Smith Jnr. Alex Steedman and Matt Christie reflect on the demolition job and ponder what should come next.Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are making boxing headlines for different reasons as one prepares for a crucial rematch and the other considers fighting again.This Week goes back to the last time Lennox Lewis was in a prize ring, taking on Vitali Klitschko, no less.Thanks for listening to The Opening Bell. Your s...
Jun 21, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 27
TYSON FURY this week teased his return to the ring, barely two months after he promised he was going to retire.Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua signed a huge deal with DAZN ahead of an expected return with Oleksandr Usyk. Also at heavyweight, Daniel Dubois walloped Trevor Bryan in Miami following a scarcely believable fight week.So there’s plenty for Alex Steedman and Matt Christie to discuss before they get to Richard Riakporhe’s latest victory and, in This Week, remember Thomas Hearns’ stunning KO of...
Jun 15, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 26
AFTER a truly sensational weekend in the boxing world, Alex Steedman and Matt Christie reflect on the performances of Naoya Inoue, Devin Haney and Joe Cordina.There’s a close inspection of the rankings and some mouth-watering matchups that might be on the horizon. It’s a boom time for the sport but is the recent fascination with the tag of ‘undisputed’ a trigger for the upswing or a hindrance in the long term?This Week is all about two friends who were once enemies: Larry Holmes and Gerry Cooney...
Jun 08, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Season 3Ep. 25
WHAT a time to be a boxing fan!This week… Anthony Joshua revealed that Robert Garcia will be his new head coach… George Kambosos Jr is teasing Devin Haney… Stephen Fulton prepares for Daniel Roman… Joe Cordina stands on the brink of deliverance… and… wait for it… Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire are on the brink of a rematch we have wanted since 2019.It’s also the week that, in 2014, Carl Froch threw the best, last, and most definitive punch of his entire career against George Groves.Please rate, ...
Jun 02, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 24
CANELO ALVAREZ and Gennadiy Golovkin look set to renew their hostilities on September 17. Alex Steedman and Matt Christie examine the appeal of their trilogy bout and make some early predictions.Last weekend, Joshua Buatsi overcame a spirited Craig Richards in a terrific domestic dust-up while Danny Dignum fell badly when he made a gigantic leap in Las Vegas. We ponder if Buatsi is on track to rule the world while examining why Dignum’s flattering world ranking ultimately did him few favours.The...
May 25, 2022•1 hr 25 min•Season 3Ep. 23
In a new BN podcast that gives you the chance to have your say, host Darren Rees is joined by Boxing News readers and listeners who react to the South London light-heavyweight derby between Joshua Buatsi and Craig Richards. Guest panel: @cornellxx1 Alex Springer, @KristoferBRose Kristofer B Rose and @gpriestman1998 George Priestman. Hosted, produced and music: Darren Rees. Commentary courtesy of DAZN. If you want to get involved in future episodes please contact @ReesBoxing89 on Twitter or email...
May 22, 2022•24 min•Season 3Ep. 22
BRITISH boxing royalty Amir Khan has announced his retirement after a thrilling and brilliant rollercoaster career with more highs than lows. Meanwhile, the four sanctioning bodies - particularly the WBA - continue to stoop lower and lower. After stripping Josh Taylor of his super-welterweight title, they now don’t know what to do so are interviewing their leading six contenders to see if any of them fit the bill for a vacant title fight.We also review the brilliant Charlo-Castano fight, wonder ...
May 18, 2022•1 hr 38 min•Season 3Ep. 21
DMITRY BIVOL turned in a masterclass to outscore Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas at the weekend. Matt Christie and Alex Steedman discuss the performances of both fighters in detail, ponder what comes next and wonder if a rematch would be any different. Then, out of nowhere, Alex turns the world upside down with a stunning confession.The career of the recently retired Kell Brook is reviewed and Felix Trinidad’s bombastic victory over William Joppy is the subject of This Week In History.Please rate, r...
May 11, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 20
THE Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano showdown was truly sensational entertainment from start to finish. The fight and event triggered plenty of talking points…- Was the decision fair?- Is now the time to extend the duration of rounds to three minutes?- What next for Katie Taylor?- What can this teach the men’s code?The impending Canelo Alvarez-Dmitry Bivol showdown is previewed, the glowing performance of Shakur Stevenson is reviewed and, in This Week, the titanic first collision between Diego Corral...
May 04, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 19
DILLIAN WHYTE is struggling to come to terms with his one-sided loss to Tyson Fury, so much so that he’s screaming foul play and demanding a rematch. It seems unlikely he’ll get his wish, even if Fury does fight on. But if he doesn’t, what does the legacy of The Gypsy King look like?From Wembley Stadium to Madison Square Garden, where Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano collide in a historic fight in New York. But who wins and how? The same question applies to another top notch scrap, this time in L...
Apr 27, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Season 3Ep. 18
AT Wembley Stadium, Tyson Fury took out Dillian Whyte in spectacular fashion via sixth round KO. Afterwards, the Gypsy King confirmed his plans to retire from boxing. But is this really the end for Fury? The morning after the night before, Alex Steedman and Matt Christie - who was at Wembley - review Fury’s performance and ‘retirement’.Please rate, review and subscribe. Thanks so much for choosing to listen to The Opening Bell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 24, 2022•47 min•Season 3Ep. 17
EVEN by boxing’s standards, the build-up to Tyson Fury versus Dillian Whyte has been extraordinary. From the radio silence on Whyte’s side to the spectre of Daniel Kinahan and the collapse of MTK Global, it’s been far from ideal. All of that, and the eagerly-anticipated fight itself, is discussed here in detail.There are reflections on the performances of Conor Benn and Errol Spence, and the subject of This Week In History is the first battle between Floyd Mayweather and Jose Luis Castillo.If yo...
Apr 21, 2022•1 hr 34 min•Season 3Ep. 16
THIS week the US Treasury Department sanctioned advisor, Daniel Kinahan. Anyone currently doing business with him has been advised they will be involved in criminal activity if they choose to continue. The net would appear to be closing but what does this mean for the sport of boxing?Last weekend, Gennady Golovkin overcame some sticky moments to hammer the resistance out of Ryota Murata in Japan. His performance is reviewed alongside suggestions that old rival Canelo Alvarez could be next.Next w...
Apr 13, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 15
GENNADIY GOLOVKIN is preparing for his 40th birthday and a date with Ryota Murata the following night. What a weekend approaching for the old master.Here he talks earnestly about getting older and the problems that presents, Saturday’s opponent, and the old enemy, Canelo Alvarez. Also on the agenda this week: - The latest Savannah Marshall demolition job and what that might mean for Claressa Shields.- The declining quality of small hall shows and big fight undercards.- A classic Evander Holyfiel...
Apr 06, 2022•1 hr 26 min•Season 3Ep. 14
DANIEL KINAHAN continues to split opinion in the boxing world. For the boxers he represents, he is a breath of fresh air. Many promoters say he’s a dream to work with. And following Mauricio Sulaiman last week offering Kinahan his full support, the Irishman can add the president of the sport’s most powerful sanctioning body to his list of friends in high places. But what does this mean to the perception of boxing to the outside world? Josh Warrington’s victory over Kiko Martinez is under review ...
Mar 31, 2022•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 13
THE rematch we never knew we wanted but are suddenly very excited about - Kiko Martinez-Josh Warrington II - is examined and previewed in the latest Opening Bell.We also examine the issue of risk and wonder if it’s fair that we, as journalists and fans, expect the fighters to seek out their toughest opponents regardless of the reward. Don King just won’t go away, Zach Parker goes from Marcus Morrison to Demetrius Andrade and David Avanesyan is struggling to get a worthwhile opponent.This Week In...
Mar 23, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 12
THE morning after Leigh Wood scored a stunning come-from-behind last round KO of Michael Conlan, Alex Steedman and Matt Christie reflect on one of the most incredible fights in recent memory.Also digested is the news that judge Ian John-Lewis has been downgraded by the British Boxing Board of Control following his scoring of the Josh Taylor-Jack Catterall fight.In This Week In History, we look back on the rematch between Mike Tyson and Frank Bruno.Please rate, review and subscribe. Learn more ab...
Mar 13, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 11
TYSON FURY has suggested that his next fight with Dillian Whyte will be his last. But as Amir Khan and Kell Brook seem to be proving, talking about retirement is much easier than actually doing it. In this week’s Opening Bell, we examine the complexities of hanging up the gloves.There is the latest developments surrounding the ongoing Josh Taylor-Jack Catterall controversy, Anthony Joshua and an appreciation of Roman Gonzalez following his latest victory. We preview Leigh Wood-Michael Conlan and...
Mar 09, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 10
A SUPERB performance from Jack Catterall was not rewarded with victory. Instead, Josh Taylor was named the winner in one of the most controversial British boxing decisions in recent memory. Robert Smith, General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, explains why the decision has to be investigated and what that investigation will entail. This should be a crucial moment when the industry collectively says enough is enough. It should be the moment when we get sick and tired of accusati...
Mar 02, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Season 3Ep. 9
KELL BROOK rolled back the years, or appeared to, as he pounded the resistance out of a typically courageous Amir Khan. The fight, though largely one-sided, was an exciting spectacle and might just have provided both veterans with the perfect goodbye.Matt Christie, ringside in Manchester, and Alex Steedman reflect on the action and the post-fight scenes and interviews. What will Brook and Khan do next? What should they do next? Two similar questions but two contrasting answers, perhaps.The under...
Feb 23, 2022•1 hr 24 min•Season 3Ep. 8
SEVENTEEN long years after a potential fight between Amir Khan and Kell Brook was first reported, the old enemies are at last going to settle their differences in the ring.Alex Steedman and Matt Christie examine the complexities of predicting the winner of a fight between two past-their-best boxers while unearthing all the clues at their disposal. This is an honest and thorough breakdown that you won’t get anywhere else.John Ryder’s contentious win over Daniel Jacobs is reviewed and, in This Wee...
Feb 16, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 7
THOUGH he handily defeated Liam Williams over 12 rounds, dropping him four times along the way, questions remain regarding Chris Eubank Jr.At 32 years old can he feasibly still get better? Why did he fade so dramatically in the second half of the fight? How good was he in the first half? How far can he feasibly go?This weekend, at Alexandra Palace, John Ryder takes on Daniel Jacobs in a quality super-middleweight 12-rounder. Who wins?Finally, the welterweight showdown between Oscar De La Hoya an...
Feb 09, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 6
AFTER an extended break, boxing returns to Britain this weekend with a tantalising domestic showdown between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Williams in Cardiff.Alex Steedman has a gripping deep and meaningful with Williams, who reveals the roots of the grudge with Eubank and explains how he’s learned to contain his fiery side. Alex and Matt Christie analyse the impending collision in detail and make their predictions.The other big story this week is the not so small matter of Frank Warren’s eye-wateri...
Feb 02, 2022•1 hr 44 min•Season 3Ep. 5
AS the world of boxing waited to see what happened with Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte we caught up with Eddie Hearn to get his view. Hearn, alongside Joe Markowski of DAZN, reflect on the streaming channel’s move into the UK market in 2021 and ahead to their plans for 2022. The topical issue of sanctioning bodies, and their place in the current marketplace, is also discussed.We pay tribute to Brian Hughes MBE and look back on Gary Russell Jnr’s upset loss to Mark M...
Jan 26, 2022•1 hr 48 min•Season 3Ep. 4
