5 Live Boxing with Costello & Bunce

Follow 5 Live Boxing with Costello & Bunce
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Two men who’ve spent a lifetime in the boxing game - Mike Costello and Steve Bunce - discuss the latest news and big fight nights, with special guests. New episodes every Monday.

BBC Radio 5 live


    • Jun 23, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 43m AVG DURATION
    • 479 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The 5 Live Boxing with Costello & Bunce podcast is a must-listen for boxing enthusiasts. As a Glaswegian living in Nashville, Tennessee, I truly appreciate the knowledgeable and unbiased opinions of Mike Costello and Steve Bunce. They provide great discussions, interviews, history, and commentary that make each episode worth subscribing to. The professionalism they exhibit is top-notch and far superior to other boxing podcasts out there.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the depth of knowledge displayed by both Mike and Steve. They have been involved in the fight game for years and their experience shines through in every episode. The way they break down fights, analyze boxers' performances, and explore the history of the sport is truly impressive. Additionally, their interviews with current and former fighters bring unique insights that fans won't find anywhere else.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its ability to keep listeners engaged with bonus episodes and special features. Whether it's a bonus podcast after a big fight or a deep dive into classic bouts like Ali vs. Foreman, there is always something new and exciting to look forward to. The hosts' enthusiasm for the sport is infectious and makes each episode enjoyable from start to finish.

    While it's difficult to find any major faults with this podcast, one minor criticism could be that they occasionally focus too much on British boxing or amateur levels from the UK. This may not resonate as strongly with international listeners who are more interested in broader perspectives on the sport. However, this is only a small issue considering the overall quality of content provided.

    In conclusion, The 5 Live Boxing with Costello & Bunce podcast stands out among its peers due to its vast knowledge, engaging discussions, and passionate hosts. It offers an unparalleled listening experience for boxing fans around the world. Whether you're a casual fan or a hardcore enthusiast like myself, this podcast consistently delivers insightful analysis and entertaining content that keeps you coming back for more.



    More podcasts from BBC Radio 5 live

    Search for episodes from 5 Live Boxing with Costello & Bunce with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from 5 Live Boxing with Costello & Bunce

    The Countdown to Canelo-Crawford begins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 52:42


    Former world champion Barry Jones joins Buncey to unpack a busy weekend in boxing. They chat Canelo vs. Crawford as their promotional tour has kicked off ahead of their September fight. Eddie Hearn gives his take on Galal Yafai's first professional loss, and Tiah-Mai Ayton, one of England's most talked-about prospects, reflects on her dramatic debut. And there may be a bit of Jake Paul chat.

    Ellie Scotney - The Queen of Catford

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 29:25


    Buncey sits down with WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine world champion Ellie Scotney as she prepares to head to New York to defend all her belts on the massive Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano card in New York. She explains how the opportunity came about to join Jake Paul's MVP stable and how it is a dream come true. She also tells the tales of how she ended up taking Serrano on the pads when she went over for the press conference last month.

    Rain, Sunshine and Hometown Heroes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 52:50


    Barry Jones joins Buncey to unpack a dramatic weekend of action, as Fabio Wardley delivered a one-punch knockout to stop Justis Huni in a controversial 10th-round finish in Ipswich, while in Barnsley, Callum Simpson stopped Ivan Zucco in the 10th after being dropped twice. We hear from Wardley and Huni's promoter Eddie Hearn. And Buncey chats to Ben Shalom about Simpson's win and what the future holds for Boxxer as their broadcast deal with Sky has expired. Plus, we pay tribute to legendary trainer James Cook, who passed away at the weekend.

    Remembering Ali: Gene Kilroy on the man behind the legend

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 32:33


    Nine years on from Muhammad Ali's death, Buncey sits down with his close friend and longtime business manager, Gene Kilroy, to hear first-hand stories about the man behind the legend. From their first meeting in Germany in 1960 to the way Kilroy has upheld Ali's legacy, they revisit some key moments from an extraordinary life.

    Taylor falls, Itauma rises

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 33:21


    Carl Frampton joins Buncey to look back at a busy night of boxing from Glasgow. Will we see Josh Taylor back in the ring after he lost to Ekow Essuman? And what next for the man from Nottingham? We hear from him and Moses Itauma, who continues to impress following his second-round stoppage of Mike Balogun.

    When a Rhino attacks a Bull

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 29:40


    Barry Jones joins Buncey to dissect Dave Allen's TKO win over Johnny Fisher. Along the way they hear from Allen himself, plus his trainer Jamie Moore and promoter Eddie Hearn. Plus British heavyweight champion David Adeleye shares his views on the fight and tells us what might be next for him. And Dave Allen's girlfriend makes a cameo appearance on the pod!

    Bosh! Fisher and Allen go again at the Copper Box

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 26:28


    Buncey is at the weigh-in to chat to Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen ahead of their rematch this Saturday at the Copper Box. He also hears from Fisher's dad “Big” John, Allen's trainer Jamie Moore, and Matchroom CEO Frank Smith.

    Belfast calling! Cacace stops Wood and demands homecoming fight

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 32:49


    Barry Jones and Carl Frampton join Buncey as Anto Cacace beats Leigh Wood in Nottingham. The boys discuss the fight and what next for both boxers. Is it time for Wood to hang up the gloves? And will Cacace get a homecoming in Belfast against O'Shaquie Foster? We hear from Cacace and his promoter Frank Warren, Plus, Wood's trainer Ben Davison's gives his honest assessment of his figher.

    Boxing's big weekend falls flat

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 40:16


    Anthony Crolla joins Buncey to break down a weekend that failed to live up to the hype. With major cards in New York, Riyadh, and Las Vegas featuring some of boxing's biggest names, it was billed as one of the sport's greatest ever weekends, yet it delivered little of the drama promised. What's going on with Ryan Garcia? Is Canelo showing signs of decline? And was Naoya Inoue the weekend's lone bright spot?

    Usyk v Dubois II: The Rematch

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 26:30


    Buncey is in London to speak to Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois ahead of their undisputed heavyweight world title fight in July. We also hear from promoter Frank Warren, and get analysis from former world champion Barry Jones.

    Eubank v Benn: Fight Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 35:19


    Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to reflect on an extraordinary night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where Chris Eubank Jr beat Conor Benn. We hear from both fighters.

    Eubank v Benn: Eubank fails to make weight

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 34:52


    Buncey is joined by Carl Frampton and Conor Benn's trainer Tony Sims. They discuss the news that Chris Eubank failed to make the 160lbs weight limit, coming in 0.8oz over. We also hear from both fighters.

    Eubank v Benn: Eddie and Bazza

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 28:17


    Buncey sits down with Barry and Eddie Hearn to talk about this weekend's fight and the legendary clashes between their fathers. Barry promoted the first showdown between Eubank and Benn, and now Eddie takes the lead as promoter for Saturday's bout.

    Eubank v Benn: Profiling the Fighters

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 36:07


    Buncey sits down with two people that know both fighters better than most. John Ryder has been part of the same gym as Benn for 10 years, and Harlem Eubank is Eubank Jr's cousin and is part of his team.

    Eubank v Benn: Fight week begins

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 36:17


    Buncey is joined by Barry Jones as Eubank and Benn face off at the grand arrivals in London. They speak with promoters Eddie Hearn and Ben Shalom and dive into the 35-year history behind this rivalry.

    Ben Whittaker stops Liam Cameron

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 33:49


    Buncey is joined by Andy Clarke as Ben Whittaker gets back to winning ways in Birmingham, stopping Liam Cameron in the second round. We hear from Whittaker himself, his opponent Cameron, as well as his coach Andy Lee and promoter Ben Shalom. Plus Frazer Clarke is on the pod after his first-round stoppage of Ebenezer Tetteh.

    Michael's Mile

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 31:27


    Buncey joins Michael Watson as he walks a mile through the streets of London to raise money for charity. Back in 1991, during his fight with Chris Eubank, Watson was caught by a brutal uppercut and collapsed soon after the bout. He spent 40 days in a coma. Surrounded by friends and family as he made his way up The Mall, Buncey chats to Watson himself, as well as Chris Eubank, who reflects on that fateful night and shares his concerns about his son's upcoming bout with Conor Benn. We also hear from Watson's neurosurgeon, Peter Hamlyn, his lawyer, Michael Toohig, and the many supporters who turned out to walk alongside their friend.

    An Audience with Uncle Bob

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 33:38


    Legendary promoter Bob Arum joins Buncey to reflect on his remarkable 70-year journey in boxing. From working with Muhammad Ali to guiding Tyson Fury, he shares some of his most treasured memories from a lifetime in the sport.

    Where next for Joe Joyce?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 45:15


    After suffering four losses in his last five bouts, what lies ahead for Joe Joyce? Barry Jones joins Buncey to debate that very question following his unanimous decision loss to Filip Hrgovic. We hear from both fighters, with Joyce making it clear he's not ready to retire just yet. Promoter Frank Warren also joins the pod, revealing he plans to have a serious conversation with Joyce about what comes next. Plus, we catch up with David Adeleye following his controversial win to claim the vacant British title, and Delicious Orie drops in after successfully navigating his first four-round fight as a professional.

    Mikaela Mayer, Sandy Ryan and Two Best Friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 38:37


    After Mikaela Mayer successfully retained her WBO welterweight belt against Sandy Ryan in Las Vegas on Saturday, Buncey chats to all those involved in the fight at the Fontainebleau. He catches up with a very dejected Sandy Ryan, who is left pondering her future. As for Mayer, could a showdown with Lauren Price for all the belts be next for her?We also hear from Top Rank's Todd duBoef and Matchroom's Frank Smith, who run through the options now for both fighters. Plus, with Frank Warren's Queensberry kicking off its new TV partnership this weekend, both Warren and Eddie Hearn tell us why having the UK's two biggest promoters on the same platform is a game-changer for the sport.

    Red Paint, Bad Blood and Katie Taylor

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 32:52


    Buncey is in Las Vegas for the highly anticipated rematch between Sandy Ryan and Mikaela Mayer, who claimed victory in their first bout via majority decision. That initial fight was clouded by controversy when Ryan had red paint thrown on her as she left her hotel en route to the arena. Buncey catches up with both fighters and Ryan's promoter, Frank Smith. He also sits down with Katie Taylor as she gears up for her trilogy bout against Amanda Serrano. Plus, ESPN's Crystina Poncher joins the pod to share her take on what promises to be a very close fight.

    In Conversation with Andy Lee

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 52:09


    Andy Lee has become one of the most sought-after trainers in boxing. The former Olympian and world champion joins Buncey to reflect on his journey from the early days as a talented amateur to reaching the pinnacle of the sport, and now earning a reputation as one of the game's top trainers. They trace his path from the storied Repton Boxing Club in Bethnal Green, to training under the legendary Emmanuel Steward at Detroit's iconic Kronk Gym, capturing a world title, and now guiding the careers of fighters like Joseph Parker, Ben Whittaker, and Paddy Donovan.

    Farewell to Foreman and Hart

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 41:09


    As the boxing world mourns the loss of Colin Hart and George Foreman, Buncey revisits a special episode of the pod he recorded last year, marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic Rumble in the Jungle. In it, he sat down with Colin to relive his vivid memories of that unforgettable night in Kinshasa, when he was ringside to witness Muhammad Ali knock out Foreman and reclaim the world heavyweight title.

    Remembering George Foreman: The Rumble in the Jungle

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 43:48


    As we pay tribute to George Foreman after his death at the age of 76, Mike Costello and Steve Bunce look back on the most famous fight of them all: Muhammad Ali v George Foreman, Zaire 1974 in the Rumble in the Jungle.Episode first released in 2019.

    Punches, Kicks and Naoya Inoue

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 32:37


    Carl Frampton joins Buncey to discuss Nick Ball's WBA title defense in Liverpool on Saturday. The victory wasn't without controversy as Ball kicked his opponent at the end of the first round and was later docked a point for pushing Doheny to the canvas. Could this pave the way for a dream showdown with Naoya Inoue in December?

    Price beats Jonas & Eddie Hearn weighs in on new boxing league

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2025 28:00


    Ellie Scotney joins Buncey to reflect on a historic night at the Royal Albert Hall. They start with the headline bout, where Lauren Price showcased her skill, outclassing Natasha Jonas to become a unified world champion. Buncey catches up with both fighters. They also break down Caroline Dubois' tough battle against Bo Mi Re Shin, which ended in a hard-fought majority decision victory. Plus, Eddie Hearn joins the podcast to share his reaction to the buzz surrounding the new partnership between Turki Alalshikh and Dana White, which has stirred up the boxing world.

    Unstoppable: Women's Boxing Takes Over the Royal Albert Hall

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 33:10


    Buncey chats to many of the women fighting at the Royal Albert Hall this Friday. He kicks things off with promoter Ben Shalom, who explains why this card is so significant and how it provides a much-needed boost for women's boxing. Along with their trainers, he catches up with both Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price who are headlining the event. Will the experience of Jonas trump the raw talent of Price? We also hear from Caroline Dubois who discusses her world title defence and her ambitions to become undisputed within the next year. And up and coming prospect Francesca Hennessy is also on the pod.

    Belfast, New York and Plenty of Controversy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 37:30


    Barry Jones joins Buncey to break down a weekend filled with controversy. They start in Belfast, where Paddy Donovan was disqualified for landing a shot on Lewis Crocker after the bell. Was referee Marcus McDonald's decision the right one? They also discuss Gervonta Davis, who appeared to take a knee in the ninth round against Lamont Roach, yet the referee didn't rule it a knockdown. Plus, they look ahead to the historic all-female card at the Royal Albert Hall, headlined by Natasha Jonas vs. Lauren Price.

    Eggs, Face-offs, and Fisticuffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 32:00


    Barry Jones joins Buncey at the dramatic launch press conference for Chris Eubank Jr v Conor Benn. During the face-off, Eubank smashed an egg on Benn's face, sparking chaos. Will Eubank face any consequences for his actions? Has he already gotten under Conor Benn's skin? We hear from Benn and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, as well as Eubank's promoter, Ben Shalom.

    Beterbiev v Bivol: The Debrief

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025 37:09


    Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to reflect on an extraordinary night of boxing in Riyadh. Did the main event live up to expectation? Which fight did they enjoy most? They analyse all seven fights of what was billed as one of the best cards ever put together.

    Beterbiev v Bivol: The Big Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 56:29


    Barry Jones joins Buncey for an in-depth breakdown of all seven fights on the card. They analyse where each bout could be won and lost, and which fighter could hold the upper hand. Will the main event deliver the same tactical masterclass as the first? What can we expect from Martin Bakole just hours after he steps of a plane?

    Beterbiev v Bivol: Bakole replaces Dubois

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 36:10


    Barry Jones joins Buncey as Daniel Dubois pulls out of his world title fight against Joseph Parker through illness. They break down the chain of events that led to Martin Bakole stepping in as a last-minute replacement. Can Bakole be fully prepared on such short notice? What are the implications for Joseph Parker? Buncey also catches up with Josh Padley, who received the call to step in on Wednesday to fight Shakur Stevenson after doctors pulled out Floyd Schofield.

    Beterbiev v Bivol: The Promoters

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 43:08


    Buncey speaks to three of the big promoters involved in Saturday's fight. Eddie Hearn tells us about finding a new opponent for Shakur Stevenson after Floyd Schofield was pulled out of the fight. Frank Warren talks Daniel Dubois, building a heavyweight empire and why Hamzah Sheeraz will be a superstar. And Golden Boy's Oscar de la Hoya explains why the Madrimov-Ortiz fight is the one to look out for. And Joe Gallagher sits down with Buncey for a sombre and emotional chat after announcing last week he has cancer.

    Beterbiev v Bivol: Inside Team Parker

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 36:41


    Buncey goes inside Joseph Parker's camp as he prepares for his heavyweight clash with Daniel Dubois. He catches up with trainer Andy Lee, who has been working with Parker for two and a half years, to discuss the fighter's transformation. Parker himself shares why he believes he has what it takes to defeat Dubois. Completing the trio is George Lockhart, the man behind Parker's nutrition, strength, and conditioning.

    Beterbiev v Bivol: Fight Week Begins

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 46:52


    Buncey is back in Riyadh as fight week kicks off for what many consider the greatest card ever. Joined by former world champion Darren Barker, they start with Daniel Dubois, who defends his IBF world heavyweight title against Joseph Parker. Dubois shares his thoughts ahead of the fight. Also on the pod are Artur Beterbiev and Dmitri Bivol, as they prepare to face off once again, with Beterbiev aiming to defend his undisputed light heavyweight crown. They also take a quick look at the rest of the stacked card, agreeing that every fight is a true 50-50 contest. Plus, following Jack Catterall's defeat over the weekend, they ask what went wrong for the Chorley fighter.

    Fight Preview: Jack Catterall v Arnold Barboza

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 32:02


    Buncey is in Manchester ahead of Jack Catterall's fight against Arnold Barboza Jr. He speaks to both fighters with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger for Teofimo Lopez's WBO world title. We also hear from promoter Eddie Hearn and Jack's trainer Jamie Moore.

    Delboy, Delicious and The Village People

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 58:15


    Buncey is joined by Richie Woodhall to look back at Derek Chisora's penultimate fight. They ask where that performance came from as he comprehensively outboxed Otto Wallin on his way to a unanimous points win. They do however question one of the judge's scorecards. And as Delicious Orie prepares to turn professional, Buncey sits down with the 2024 Olympian. Plus, find out why West Ham is Richie's "London" club!

    On the Road with Hearn and Barker

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 54:38


    Buncey takes the show to an amateur boxing club in Essex and is joined by Eddie Hearn and Darren Barker. How close are we to finding out AJ's next move? Eddie updates us on him and the fights he wants to see. They run through some of the upcoming fights in what is a special era for the sport. Olympic silver medallist Pat McCormack and British champion Reece Bolletti also pop along for a chat. And the guys discuss the importance of boxing clubs like the one they are in to local communities.

    Adam Azim, Amir Khan and Del Boy in a bath house!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 35:31


    Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom joins Buncey to look back on a busy night of boxing at Wembley. They hear from Adam Azim, who won the IBO super lightweight belt by stopping former world champion Sergey Lipinets in round nine. His trainer, Shane McGuigan, is also on the pod. Plus, we hear from Callum Simpson following his win, as well as cruiserweight prospect Lucas Roehrig and his trainer George Groves. And, ahead of his 49th and potentially last fight this weekend, Derek Chisora sits down with Buncey for a catch-up.

    One Night in Nottingham

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 33:28


    Barry Jones joins Buncey backstage to look back on a busy night of boxing in Nottingham. They begin with Ellie Scotney, who defended her belts with a gruelling 10-rounder. Ellie is on the pod, as is Dalton Smith, who only needed just one round to defend his European title. And Matchroom CEO Frank Smith also speaks to Buncey.

    Ladies Night at the Royal Albert Hall

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 37:02


    Buncey speaks to many of the fighters involved in the all-female card on March 7th at the Royal Albert Hall. Headlined by Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price, both tell us why they are convinced they'll come out on top. We also hear from Raven Chapman, Kariss Artingstall, Savannah Marshall and promoter Ben Shalom.

    The best card of all time?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 55:59


    Barry Jones joins Buncey to run through the Feb 22nd card in Saudi. They ask whether there has ever been a better line up of fights. They also hear from many of the fighters including Joseph Parker, Hamzah Sheeraz, Callum Smith and Shakur Stevenson.

    Claim 5 Live Boxing with Costello & Bunce

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel