Big Fight Weekend

We're back with a potential exciting junior lightweight battle in Arizona for unification as the most prominent fight of the weekend and some very interesting fight news, too on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter return with their insight and takesPreview Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN card in Glendale, ArizonaEmanuel Navarrete vs. Eduardo Nunez, WBO/IBF junior lightweight unification. Both guys can really punch and also get hit. We have thoughts on the battle. Plus,Tahmir Smalls vs. Abel Ramos, 10 rounds, welterweightsEmiliano Vargas vs. Agustin Quintana, 10 rounds, junior welterweights  News Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao rematch announced Monday for Sept. 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas and on Netflix in a bout that counts on the recrods. Both are in their late 40's and it's 11 years after they fought. What ARE WE DOING HERE?!Conor Benn's one-fight, $15 million fight with Zuffa/Turki Alashikh will be against Regis Prograis in a 10-rounder at 150 pounds on the Tyson Fury-Arslanbek Makhmudov card it was announced on Thursday. Will make him by far the highest paid undercard fight of all time.  Jake Paul announced he had to have a second surgery on the broken jaw he suffered in the sixth-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua on Dec.19. Will we see him again in 2026?Katie Taylor, one of the greatest female boxers of all time, announced she will have a farewell fight later this year in Dublin. We have more.Claressa Shields shutout over Franchon Crews Dezurn on Sunday night to retain the women's undisputed heavyweight title  in their rematch. Huge crowd of about 18,000 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.  WBO/IBF middleweight titleholder Janibek Alimkhanuly was suspended by the WBO for a year – but allowed to keep the title -- and by the Kazakhstan Professional Boxing Federation for six months. This is related to testing positive for the banned substance Meldonium days before he was scheduled to face WBA titlist Erislandy Lara in a three-belt unification fight on Dec. 6. The IBF has yet to rule. He gets to keep the belts?!  Again, WHAT are we doing here?! Also, WBC middleweight titlist Carlos Adames will make his third defense in a rescheduled bout against Austin “Ammo” Williams in the main event of a quickly scheduled Matchroom Boxing card on March 21 (DAZN) at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.  And, finally, the IBF on Monday ordered junior welterweight titlist Richardson Hitchins to next make his mandatory defense against Lindolfo Delgado. This comes days after Hitchins' optional against Oscar Duarte was canceled when Hitchins became ill and was vomiting after breakfast on the morning of the fight. We explain why Duarte isn't getting the title fight, for now.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's a SWERVE in the boxing promotional world as the new start up, Zuffa Boxing, in the U.S. has snatched away British prominent fighter Conor Benn from U.K. based Matchroom Boxing.We had a spirited discussion on this weekend's "Fight Freaks Unite Recap," as host T.J. Rives particularly is criticizing the terms of the signing by Zuffa and how it hypocritically contradicts their supposed "revolutionizing" boxing promotions with their own system, fighter pay model and ignoring the boxing organizations.Insider Dan Rafael provides his counter points, but also agrees and is questioning how Zuffa can justify the apparent ridiculous money that Benn is getting for a "one off" fight with them?Benn is off his career best win defeating Chris Eubank Jr. in their rematch last November. And what about how he left Matchroom, whom had stood by him, including financially, during his PED suspension?Enjoy this portion of the Pod and a reminder to hear the whole show, just click the previous podcast on this feed. And, make sure to follow/subscribe for all the content here on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

A Tremendous performance by Ryan Garcia leads the weekend and we talk about his long awaited world title win on Saturday night in Vegas, plus the rest of the PPV card, a win for Leigh Wood in his all British showdown and some very intriguing fight news too on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.The start with the Ring mag DAZN PPV card Saturday night in Las Vegas ,as Ryan Garcia dominated Mario Barrios over 12 and wins the WBC welterweight crown. It was a great performance by "King Ry" and we dissect why.Next the Richardson Hitchins IBF 140 lb. defense with Oscar Duarte was canceled Saturday late morning in Vegas. Dan has the latest on what happened and why the conspiracy theorists should PIPE DOWN.Also, Gary Antuanne Russell W12 over Andy Hiraoka, and keeps the WBA junior welterweight crownFrank Martin had a draw with Nahir Albright in a junior welterweight clash.Bektemir Melikuziev deeats Sena Agbeko,and keeps WBA "Continental" super middleweight crownPlus Amari Jones and Mohammed Alakel get KOs, but American heayweight Joshua Edwards struggled over six rounds with his opponent, Brandon Colantonio.Next the Matchroom Boxing DAZN main event Saturday in Nottingham, EnglandLeigh Wood won an easy 12 rounder for the most part with Josh Warrington, in their junor lightweight rematch. Could it have been both of their final fights?Next, some NEWSHall of famer Floyd Mayweather, who turns 49 on Tuesday, announces he will exit retirement for an official fight later this summer after his spring exhibition with Mike Tyson slated for Afrrica.... WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!Next, in something of shocker, British welterweight star Conor Benn has signed with Zuffa Boxing, they announced on Friday. Per Dan's sources it is one-fight deal worth a staggering $15 million to fight by the end of May.  There are lots of takes, including T.J. pointing out that Zuffa is not raally revolutionizing anything... they're just like all the other promotions competing for fighters and willing to overpay to do it.And finally unified cruiserweight titleholder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and David Benavidez, the WBC light heavyweight titleholder moving up in weight, met he media on Saturday morning in Las Vegas to officially announce their May 2 PBC on Prime Video PPV fight, which will take place T-Mobile Arena.Dan has some thoughts on the kickoff presser.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's an intriguing weekend of fights and we're ready to go over it all from Las Vegas to England and back to Detroit on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack/Newsletter with their insight and analysis.First, Saturday's Ring magazine DAZN PPV at T-Mobile Arena in Las VegasMario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia, 12 rounds, for Barrios' WBC welterweight title, There are more questions than answers about both of these guys, but mainly for Garcia in this one. What kind of fighter is he still? We're about to find out.The co feature is Richardson Hitchins vs. Oscar Duarte, 12 rounds, for Hitchins' IBF junior welterweight title and Gary Antuanne Russell meets Andy Hiraoka, 12 rounds, for Russell's WBA junior welterweight title. We have takes and could these two meet in a unification bout?Dan also has quick insight on:Frank Martin vs. Nahir Albright, 10 rounds, junior welterweightsBektemir Melikuziev vs. Sena Agbeko, 10 rounds, super middleweightsAmari Jones vs. Luis Arias, 10 rounds, middleweightsJoshua Edwards vs. Brandon Colantonio, 6 rounds, heavyweightsMohammed Alakel vs. David Calabro, 6 rounds, junior lightweightsThen, it's Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN main event in Nottingham, EnglandLeigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington, rematch, 12 rounds, junior lightweights. This will have an atmosphere and let's see if the fight lives up to the build up. Wood won easily the first time. And, also, Sunday's Salita Promotions DAZN main event in DetroitClaressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn, rematch, 10 rounds, for Shields' women's undisputed heavyweight title. She's arguably the top women's fighter of this generation, but she doesn't punch that hard and has had very little challenges recently. This bout is a rematch and let's see if Shields is dominant again. Next, some newsGolden Boy and Team Vergil Ortiz are set for Friday hearing in Las Vegas on their lawsuit battles and the temporary restraining order that GB got to stop Ortiz, for now, from negotiating without him. We have more on the situation. Meanwhile, Golden Boy announces March 14 "one-off" card with DAZN at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California-Arnold Barboza Jr. will move up to welterweight and face Kenneth Sims Jr.in the main eventAlso: WBO/WBA strawweight champion Oscar Collazo defends vs. Jesus Haro but not the three-belt unification originally planned vs. WBC titlist Melvin JerusalemPlus, women's undisputed flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora vs. WBA interim titlist Viviana Ruiz Corredor  Next, the announcement that Manny Pacquiao, age 47, will face former junior welterweight titlist Ruslan Provodnikov in a 10-round welterweight exhibition bout on April 18 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Industry Media and Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions announced on Tuesday night.  Ready? WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!And, Queensberry Promotions had the official announcement that WBO heavyweight titleholder Fabio Wardley will make his first defense against British countryman and former IBF titlist Daniel Dubois on May 9 at Co-Op Live in Manchester, England.It's all on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Coming up Saturday night February 21st in Las Vegas, WBC welterweight champ Mario Barrios returns in a pay per view main event against Ryan Garcia. However, before we get to fight week Barrios spent time with our insider Dan Rafael discussing several subjects.These include his draw last Summer with hall of famer Manny Pacquiao, the feud that Garcia has created with Barrios' trainer Joe Goossen, who was briefly trained by Goossen and what's the future of the welterweight division?Barrios has been in the ring with the likes of Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Keith Thurman, as well as the legend Pacquiao, and now he headlines with the social media star Garcia in a massive financial and career moment, again.Hear him in his own words with Dan, as fight week gets cranked up in Vegas.It's all part our of coverage here on the Big Fight Weekend Podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Coming up Saturday night in Las Vegas, IBF junior welterweight champ Richardson Hitchins will face Oscar Duarte at T-Mobile Arena on the undercard of the Mario Barrios-Ryan Garcia PPV.The bout will be the second IBF defense for Hitchins and before he makes it, he spent some time with our insider Dan Rafael. They discuss the battle with the veteran Duarte and the future for the New Yorker at 140 lb. should he be victorious?Hear it here on our podcast feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's a light weekend in the ring, but there is a heavyweight main event of note, plus, a world champ who's about to defend joins us one on one. All on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter.First, a preview of the Zuffa Boxing Paramount+ card on Sunday at Apex in Las VegasEfe Ajagba vs. Charles Martin, 10 rounds, heavyweights. What do either of these guys have at this stage with both having recent losses and having been relatively inactive? Next, Dan talks with Mario Barrios, as he defends the WBC welterweight title vs. Ryan Garcia in the main event of the Ring magazine DAZN PPV card on Feb. 21 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. And, some newsErrol Spence vs. Tim Tszyu in works for June in Australia? Spence out of a near three year hiatius. Is he really coming back? We discuss.Next- Announced Thursday: Tyson Fury-Arslanbek Mahkmudov will take place at Tottrernham Hotspur Stadium in London for Aprill 11.Also,Osleys Iglesias, a heavy-hitting Cuban southpaw, and Russia's Pavel Silyagin will fight for the vacant IBF super middleweight title April 9 in Montreal in the Eye of the Tiger main event.Baltimore circuit court judge Althea Handy has recalled the arrest warrant issued for Gervonta Davis and instead, at the request of his lawyer, instead issue a summons to appear and order GPS monitoring. Will Davis comply and show up, though? And, his legal troubles are still in progress thre and in South Florida on domestic violence charges.And, a little chit chat on Xander Zayas and Emiliano Vargas being part of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show Sunday night!And, a happy birthday shoutout to legendary HBO broadcaster Larry Merchant for turning an amazing 95 years old!It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We are back off a weekend with world title fights in Mexico and England, including a dramatic KO in the final round for a former champ, who's a champ, again. We have that and fight news, including a hall of famer filing suit for what he says are hundreds of millions owed. It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack And NewsletterFirst we talk Saturday's Queensberry/DAZN main event in LiverpoolFeatherweight Brandon Figueroa scores a dramatic TKO12 over Nick Ball and wins the WBA title. The guys discuss the huge final round, the silliness of Ball's corner and supporters after the fight in the ring and what are the options for Figueroa, now? Then, they talk Friday's Matchroom/BXSTARS/DAZN main event in Guadalajara, MexicoBantamweight Christian Medina wins convincingly over Adrian Curiel by decision, retains WBO title. Next some NewsFlloyd Mayweather sues Showtime, Stephen Espinoza for $340 million and punitive damages late last week saying he's owed for mega-fights with Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor. Dan has the lawsuit and particulars and the boys discuss.Talks under way for Fabio Wardley to defend WBO heavyweight title vs. Daniel Dubois. Dan thinks it's compelling... TJ, not so much.Two-time featherweight title challenger Michael Conlan, the popular two-time Irish Olympian aiming to land another shot, will fight Kevin Walsh in a Belfast, Northern Ireland, hometown bout on March 20 (DAZN) at SSE Arena on an MF Pro card.And, MVP set for first UK card with four women's world title fights with Caroline Dubois-Terri Harper headlining in a lightweight unification bout. We discuss.It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We're back to go over two separate world title main events in both Mexico and England, plus, LOTS of fight news, too on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and NewsletterPreviewsMatchroom/BXSTARS card Friday night on DAZN in Guadalajara, MexicoChristian Medina vs. Adrian Curiel, for Medina's WBO bantamweight title. Should be a highly competitve world title fight.Queensberry card Saturday on DAZN in Liverpool, EnglandNick Ball vs. Brandon Figueroa, for Ball's WBA featherweight title. This fight has the makings of an entertaining, brawling battle. NewsWBC strips Shakur Stevenson of lightweight belt in an apparent sanctioning fee dispute like with Crawford. We HAVE TAKES! Baltimore judge in Gervonta Davis hit and run case issues warrant for his arrest due violating probation terms related the domestic violence case in Miami Gardens, Florida. Will he be doing time again in Baltimore. Bakhram Murtazaliev, who lost the IBF junior middleweight title by majority decision to Josh Kelly last Saturday, has formally asked the IBF to order an immediate rematch. What kind of chance does he have?Lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who became the first current champion to sign with upstart Zuffa Boxing last month and whose first fight with the company was announced for March 8 (Paramount+) at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, will face Brandon Glanton, per source to Dan.Mandatory challenger Liam Paro will have the Australian home advantage when he challenges IBF welterweight titlist Lewis Crocker after his promoter, No Limit Boxing, beat Matchoom Boxing in a purse bid on Tuesday. Dan has the details on how it happened.With Diego Pacheco pulling out of talks with Hamzah Sheeraz for the vacant WBO super middleweight title, Sheeraz will fight Alem Begic (29-0-1, 23 KOs), 38, of Germany, whose record is glittering but whose resume is devoid of a single notable foe. The fight hasn't been announced yet but, per Dan sources, it will take place May 9 in Manchester, England.  NostalgiaFirst-ever HBO “Boxing After Dark” card at the Forum in Inglewood, California, where Marco Antonio Barrera TKO12 Kennedy McKinney in a spectacular war – Feb. 3, 1996 – 30 years ago on Tuesday. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It was an action packed weekend of big time main event fights in the USA and the U.K. and we're ready to go over it all and have some fight news on the latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" podcast!Host T.J..Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to give their takes on the fights and implications for the winners.First, they go over the Ring 6 DAZN PPV card on Saturday night in New York ]Shakur Stevenson dominates over 12 Teofimo Lopez and wins lineal/WBO 140 lb. title. A tremendous boxing exhibition and what's next for Shakur?Also, Keyshawn Davis TKO12 Jamaine Ortiz, 12 rounds, junior welterweights. A bounceback night that the talented Davis needed.Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington KO9 Carlos Castro and wins vacant WBC featherweight crown. Big night for Shu Shu.Plus,Jarrell Miller "loses his lid" in a W10 over Kingsley Ibeh in a heavyweight fight.Austin “Ammo” Williams defeats Wendy Toussaint by decision.Kevin Castillo W8  over Saudi prospect Ziyad Almayouf junior welterweights.Then, the Top Rank card Saturday in San Juan, Puerto RicoXander Zayas W12 split decision over Abass Baraou and unifies WBO/WBA 154 lb. tiles. Huge night for Zayas and what's next?Also, Matchroom Boxing main event on DAZN on Saturday in Newcastle, EnglandJosh Kelly W12 in an upset over Bakhram Murtazaliev, and wins the IBF 154  lb. What a moment for the Brit and what's next? Is it the name Jaron Ennis?Finally, some newsDeontay Wilder-Derek Chisora is official for April 4th at The 02 in London  BWAA and Ring magazine 2025 awards announced and we discussNonito Donaire to fight on in WBA bantamweight eliminator on a big show in Japan March 15th. Why is he continuing?Hear it all on the 'Fight Freaks Unite Recap" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

This is a LOADED weekend of action as multiple world title main events are happening in NYC, Puerto Rico and Newcastle, England. And, we're ready for it all, including some fight news, too, on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter to go over it all.First, a Preview of the Ring magazine DAZN PPV card Saturday in New York CityTeofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson, for Lopez's lineal/WBO junior welterweight title. Shakur moves up against arguably his toughest challenge yet in Lopez. The guys give their thoughts. Plus, a loaded undercard:Keyshawn Davis returns from disgrace to meet Jamaine Ortiz in a10 round  junior welterweight bout.Carlos Adames vs. Austin “Ammo” Williams, for Adames' WBC middleweight title.Local favoririte Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington vs. Carlos Castro, for the vacant WBC featherweight title and Jarrell Miller vs. Kingsley Ibeh, 10 rounds, heavyweights. Plus, Ziyad Almayouf vs. Kevin Castillo, 8 rounds, junior welterweights Next, it's a preview of the Top Rank card Saturday in San Juan on TR Classics FAST channelXander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou, 12 rounds, WBO/WBA junior middleweight unification. A HUGE homecoming fight for the young Zayas, but is Baraou going to be tough? And, rising Rohan Polanco vs. Christian Gomez, 10 rounds, welterweights Then, a preview of the Matchroom Boxing DAZN card Saturday in Newcastle, EnglandBakhram Murtazaliev finally returns after 16 months vs. Josh Kelly, 12 rounds, for Murtazaliev's IBF junior middleweight title. And, a Preview of the Zuffa Boxing Paramount+ card Sunday in Las VegasJose Valenzeula vs. Diego Torres, 10 rounds, lightweightsSerhii Bohachuk vs. Radzhab Butaev, 10 rounds, middleweightsOleksandr Gvozdyk vs. Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic, 10 rounds, light heavyweights  NEWSTyson Fury's ring return is official: He will fight Arslanbek Makhmudov in the headliner of a Ring magazine card on April 11, live on Netflix, at a UK site to be announced. We have more.Gervonta Davis was arrested in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Wednesday, two weeks after a warrant was issued on battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping charges related to an alleged domestic violence incident with a former girlfriend on Oct. 27. Is his career over?The undercard Mario Barrios-Ryan Garcia announced by Turki Alashikh:IBF junior welterweight titlist Richardson Hitchins defends against Oscar Duarte, WBA junior welterweight titlist Gary Antuanne Russell against mandatory Andy Hiraoka, Junior welterweight Frank Martin against Nahir Albright and super middleweight Bektemir Melikuziev against Sena Agbeko.  The WBC announced on Tuesday that Christian Mbilli has been elevated from the organization's interim super middleweight titleholder to the full world titlist. Who is he fighting next?And, Warriors Boxing Top Rank both Told big Dan they have reached an agreement for the IBF heavyweight title eliminator between Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez purse bid canceled. Fight is likely to be on March 28 in Las Vegas on the Sebastian Fundora-Keith Thurman PPV.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Coming up Satruday night in NYC at Madison Square Garden it's the return of WBO junior welterweight champ Teofimo Lopez, as he takes on unbeaten WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson in a Ring/Turki Alashikh PPV main event.But, before fight night, you can hear Teofimo with our insider Dan Rafael on why he took this fight with the fellow American star Stevenson. The New York (Lopez) vs. New Jersey (Stevenson) angle and much more on the possible future for Lopez, if he wins.It's never dull with Teofimo on the show and he's direct with his thoughts on it all.It's all part of our coverage on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We're back to recap the weekend from Las Vegas, including Raymond Muratalla defending his IBF Lightweight Crown, plus the Zuffa Boxing innagural card/broadcast took place on Friday night and we have some fight news too on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter give their takes and insightFirst, a recap of the Saturday Matchroom DAZN card in Las VegasLightweight Raymond Muratalla W12 majority decision over Andy Cruz and retains IBF title. Why was he so good and what's next for Muratalla? Then, on the undercard light heavyweight but massively overweight Khalil Coe wins majority  decision over Jesse Hart,Junior middleweight Israil Madrimov decisions Luis David Salazar and rising junior middleweight Omari Jones decisions Jerome Baxter. Dan gives some analysis. Then, a recap of Friday's Zuffa Boxing debut on Paramount+in Las VegasCallum Walsh decisions Carlos Ocampo, 10 rounds, middleweights, as expected. And, on the undercard middleweight Misael Rodriguez won over Austin Deanda in 10 rounds and Cain Sandoval outpoints Julian Rodrigue in a junior welterweight fight.Plus, they go over some general thoughts on the launch/production/product of Zuffa and the streamer Paramount+Next, some newsLineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who became the first current champion to sign with Zuffa Boxing, will defend the title on March 8 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. But, who's the opponent?Matchroom Boxing will re-sign unified junior bantamweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez. Although he was a free agent, Matchroom retained the right to match any offer and has done so, matching an offer from Zuffa.  Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who announced earlier this month — to the surprise of nobody — that he would end his latest retirement, is being lined up for an April ring return. Who's the likely opponent for him?And, Boxxer's Jan. 31 main event in London, Adam Azim vs. Gustavo Lemos, IBF junior welterweight eliminator for No. 2 spot is postponed after BOTH fighters suffered injuries. It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc. !!

We have some action this weekend in Las Vegas to discuss and the WBO 140 lb. champ joins us too on the "BFW Preview Podcast"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.First they talk the debut of the Zuffa Boxing/Paramount+ card from Las VegasCallum Walsh vs. Carlos Ocampo, 10 rounds, middleweightsMisael Rodriguez vs. Austin Deanda, 10 rounds, middleweightsCain Sandoval vs. Julian Rodriguez, 10 rounds, junior welterweights Then, they preview the Saturday night Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card in Las VegasRaymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz, 12 rounds, for Muratalla's IBF lightweight titleIsrail Madrimov vs. Luis David Salazar, 10 rounds, middleweights Khalil Coe vs. Jesse Hart, 10 rounds, light heavyweights Omari Jones vs. Jerome Baxter, 6 rounds, junior middleweights  Teofimo Lope INTERVIEWHe defends the lineal/WBO junior welterweight title against WBC lightweight titlist Shakur Stevenson on January 31 on a DAZN PPV at New York's Madison Square Garden in a big one Then, some newsThoughts on the Mario Barrios-Ryan Garcia kickoff presse on ThuesdayZuffa Boxing in talks to sign unified heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk?!Heavyweights Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora are finalizing an April 4 fight in London. What is this? Wasn't Wilder fighting Usyk in the USA?WBA strips Gervonta Davis (who's still at large from South Florida authorities) of lightweight title, makes him “champion in recess”Valdez, Top Rank part ways, been together his whole careerTop Rank announces Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou junior middleweight unification fight on January 31 in San Juan will stream live in the United States on its Top Rank Classics FAST channel, still no deal with a broadcaster. There are takes.Hear it all on the "BFW Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreker/Spotify, etc.

We are back with Big Dan Rafael feeling better to go over the light weekend of action and TONS of interesting news on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with Dan to go over it all.First, they recap Friday night's Golden Boy/DAZN card in Palm Desert, Calif.Middleweight Raul Curiel W10 Jordan Panthen. This main event was a mess to make and we explain. Next, some newsCanelo Alvarez and Turki Alashikh announce he will return September 15th in Riyadh. Who's the likely opponent? How many more times do we see Canelo, etc?Next, It's fight week for first Zuffa Boxing and Paramount+ event and on Friday they made a major move, announcing the signing of lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia. That's a BIG move, but what does it mean for his next couple of fights?Then, Vergil Ortiz has sued Golden Boy Promotions and Oscar De La Hoya on Thursday for breach of contract and interference with earnings in U.S. District Court in Nevada. Ortiz seeks that the court upholds his claim that his promotional agreement is terminated and he can make his own deal to fight Jaron "Boots" Ennis if he wants.Also, an arrest warrant issued for Gervonta Davis by Miami Gardens, Florida, police related to the alleged domestic violence incident that led to him being dropped from the Jake Paul exhibition. However, no one can find him.Next, the Mario Barrios-Ryan Garcia PPV main event officially announced for February 21st at T-Mobile Arena in Vegas. Not official yet but Richardson Hitchins-Oscar Duarte and Gary A. Russell-Hiraoka planned for undercard in title bouts at 140 lb.Finally, rising heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma of England injured, fight with Jermaine Franklin that was to take place this coming Saturday was postponed until March 28th. We have more.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Two exciting KOs in main events in both Germany and Brooklyn, NY headline our latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back with their insight and analysis.First, they recap Saturday's Fresh Productions PPV main event from Brooklyn, New YorkDalton Smith TKO5 Subriel Matias, wins WBC junior welterweight title in a wild, short fight. The boys go over the stoppage and what does it mean short term for Smith? Then, a recap of Saturday's Queensberry DAZN fights from Oberhausen, GermanyAgit Kabayel stops Damian Knyba in three rounds for Kabayel's WBC interim heavyweight title. Tremendous atmosphere and Kabayel delivers another KO. Now what for him? Also, earlier on the card Jadier Herrera TKO8 Ricardo Nunez, and wins the vacant WBC interim lightweight title. Big things ahead for the Cuban, Herrera? Also, the guys have a brief recap of Tapia Promotions event on Friday night in Albuquerque, NMTwo of the late Hall of Fame three-division champion Johnny Tapia's sons won their professional debuts, junior middleweight Johnny Tapia Jr. and super middleweight Nicco Tapia. Dan has more. Then, some newsThe Vergil Ortiz-Jaron Ennis disastrous negotiations are more sorted than a week of "Days of Our Lives." Dan goes over the obstacles with $$ for Oscar De La Hoya and his fighter Ortiz at the crux of it.Next, Dana White in an interview with Stephen A. Smith announced the Zuffa Boxing main event for its first Paramount+ card on January 23. It's an underwhelming junior middleweight Callum Walsh vs. former world title challenger Carlos Ocampo  Per Dan;s reporting, unified cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will forgo a tune-up fight and go straight to the massive financial bout May 2nd with David Benavidez  And, the IBF denies Lewis Crocker's request for an optional welterweight title fight, and they will order a Liam Paro mandatory fight instead. Dan explains.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We're back with our first preview show of 2026 with a heavyweight main event in Germany and a world junior welterweight title fight in Brooklyn, NY to discuss on the "BFW Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and NewsletterThey begin with a Preview of the Saturday Queensberry/DAZN card from Oberhausen, GermanyAgit Kabayel vs. Damian Knyba, 12 rounds, for Kabayel's WBC interim heavyweight title. Kabayel is little known in the U.S. but can position himself for a serious payday and possible world title fight with a win. Plus, Jadier Herrera vs. Ricardo Nunez, 12 rounds, for vacant WBC interim lightweight title. Dan hss more on Herrera's potential.Then, they talk Saturday's Fresh Productions PPV card from Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY (yes we've not heard of them either)Subriel Matias vs. Dalton Smith, 12 rounds, for Matias' WBC junior welterweight title. Will the hard hitting Matias get the best of the unbeaten Brit? And, some newsDan is reporting on lineal/unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol's and his plans to return in April following back surgery in August. Plus, whom is he looking at fighting?Next WBA junior lightweight titlist James "Jazza" Dickens, whose defense on the Night of the Samurai card last month was canceled last minute due to opponent injury, will make his first defense against former IBF titlist Anthony Cacace on March 14 (DAZN). This fight is on St. Patrick's Day weekend — at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, Queensberry Promotions announced the show. Also, Canelo Alvarez and now, Jaime Munguia have both turned positions to fight Osleys Iglesias for the vacant IBF super middleweight title. Who will Iglesias end up fightiing?And, Tuesday's IBF final heavyweight eliminator purse bid for the fight between Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr. postponed because they are close to a deal for the fight to likely land on a February or March on a PBC PPV card. Dan has more.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's a brand new year in 2026 and for the first time, our guys are back to recap the weekend action in Puerto Rico and have some fight nrews too on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back to give their takes.First a recap of the Saturday MVP DAZN bouts in San Juan, Puerto RicoFeatherweight Amanda Serrano W10 Reina Tellez, retains WBO/WBA women's title. What's next for one of the women's all time greats? Plus, lightweight Stephanie Han scores tech dec after 7 rounds over Holly Holm and retains WBA women's title. Could she be a Serrano opponent? And, flyweight Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez surprises with a 12 round win over Yankiel Rivera and wins vacant WBA interim title.Also, a recap of the December 31st Shisei Promotions main event in TokyoKazuto Ioka, who was making his bantamweight debut, put himself in position to win a world title in a fifth weight division when he knocked out Maikel Ordosgoitti in the fourth round of a WBA title eliminator. Dan loves him some Japanese boxing and has more!NewsAnthony Joshua injured in a car accident in Nigeria on Monday that killed two of his close friends and members of his training team, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Joshua released from the hospital on Wednesday. Boxing is a distant priority, but does this mean Joshua might not be in the ring for a longer amount of time?Related- To zero surprise, Tyson Fury posted on Instagram that he is coming out of the retirement. ABSOLUTE SHOCKER!  Dand and TJ discuss.Next, Matchroom announced it has signed WBO bantamweight titlist Christian Medina and that he will make his first defense at home in Guadalajara on Feb. 6 (DAZN) vs. countryman Adrian Curiel, 26, a former IBF junior flyweight titlist.  Due to illness, welterweight contender Paddy Donovan has withdrawn from an IBF final eliminator against former junior welterweight titlist Liam Paro scheduled for Jan. 16. No Limit said Paro would remain on the card if a suitable replacement can be found. The winner would have become the mandatory challenger for IBF titlist Lewis Crocker.  Jake Paul is dropped from new WBA cruiserweight rankings.... that he should have never been ranked in. We have more. Also, Terence Crawford officially vacated the WBA super middleweight title, the last one, and WBA has elevated interim titlist Armando Resendiz.  In the IBF it invited No. 1 contender Osleys Iglesias and former champion Canelo Alvarez to fight for the vacant title. Canelo not taking it as he is still sidelined after elbow surgery. Next up to accept the position will be Jamie Mungia. Stay tuned.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's a great debate on what the "Fight of the Year" for 2025 should be and why? And, we're ready to have that debate on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcsat!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafel of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack are back to go over what they think were the best battles in the boxing ring for this year.They discuss:Honorable Mentions first- Pitbull Cruz vs. Angel Fierro in an all action battleBrits Callum Smith-Joshua Buatsi tangle for a light heavyweight great fightChristian Mbilli-Lester Martinez slugged it out on the Canelo-Crawford undercardAbdullah Mason of the USA against Sam Noakes of England in a toe-to-toe slugfestPlus, WBC junior flyweight titlist Carlos Canizales-Panya Pradabsri rematchThen, it's a great conversation on what is the fight of 2025??Chris Eubank Jr.- Conor Benn 1 in London orKenshiro Teragi - Seigo Akui battle for the unified flyweight beltsHear the guys and their takes on these matchups and why they were so good on the "Fight Freaks Unite" podcast feed and find more great content here on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We have come to the end of the calendar year of 2025 and it's time to crank up a debate about which boxer deserves "Figther of the Year" status for work done this year? We're ready to debate on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back to go over it?In a debate of future hall of famers Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue, which resume was better in 2025? And, how much consideration should someone like Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez or Dmitry Bivol be given in the conversation, too?Hear the guys go over it and make their selections for Fighter of the Year on this pod! And, make sure that you follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It's the final weekend of 2025 and we're back to recap the prominent world title card of the weekend in Saudi Arabia and give you some other worldwide fight recaps and news too on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of the Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter have their takes.First a recap of Saturday's Ring V: "Night of the Samurai" DAZN PPV card from Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaJunior featherweight Naoya Inoue scores a one sided unanimous decision over Alan David Picasso, retains undisputed title. Should Inoue have gone harder for the KO? And now....He'll fight new junior featherweight Junto Nakatani, who had a tough battle and won close with Sebastian Hernandez in the co-feature. The guys have more on Nakatani struggling at the higher weight and what does it mean for the Inoue battle in the first part of 2026?Also, on the card- lightweight Eridson Garcia won a 10 round split decision over Taiga Imanaga, plus, junior featherweight Reito Tsutsumi TKO4 Leobardo Quintana.The IBF junior bantamweight title fight with champ Willibaldo Garcia vs. Kenshiro Teraji was canceled after the ceremonial weigh-in, Garcia was ill and hospitalized. Dan has the latest. Also, they recap Saturday's Kameda Promotions main event in Tokoname, JapanFlyweight Masamichi Yabuki TKO12 Felix Alvarado, retains IBF title. Impressive win for Yabuki. And, a brief recap from WednesdayHeavyweight Ike Ibeabuchi, 52, the former top contender, who was in the second fight of his return after 26 years (most spent in prison) suffered his first defeat, a 12-round decision to Nigerian countryman Kabiru Towolawi in Lagos, Nigeria. And, some newsTurki Alashikh announces undercard for Ring VI Teofimo-Shakur event on Jan. 31 at MSGKeyshawn Davis vs. Jamaine Ortiz, 12 rounds, junior welterweightsBruce “Shu Shu” Carrington vs. Carlos Castro, 12 rounds, for vacant WBC featherweight titleCarlos Adames vs. Austin “Ammo” Williams, 12 rounds, for Adames' WBC middleweight titleJarrell Miller vs. Kingsley Ibeh, 10 rounds, heavyweightsZiyad Almayouf vs. Kevin Castillo, 8 rounds, welterweightsNext, Dan is reporting on some fighters signed by Zuffa Boxing for its new league that begins in January:Former WBA junior welterweight titlist Jose ValenzuelaFormer WBA “regular” welterweight titlist Radzhab Butaev, junior lightweight Justin Viloria and lightweight Eridson GarciaAnd, finally Matchroom Boxing's announcement of some more undercard bouts on the Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington 2 show Feb. 21 in Nottingham, EnglandSandy Ryan vs. Karla Zamora, 10 rounds, for vacant WBC women's junior welterweight titleDavid Allen vs. TBA, 10 rounds, heavyweightsTiah Mai Ayton vs. TBA, 8 rounds, female bantamweightsJunaid Bostan vs. TBA, 10 rounds, junior middleweightsWe have it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure for all the great content on this feed to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We are back off the Christmas holiday with a new show as the Riyadh Season card "Ring V- Night of the Samurai" takes place Saturday in Saudi Arabia. We've got the preview and fight news on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast!Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael for the full breakdown.The begin with the Preview of the  Night of the Samurai” card on Saturday (DAZN PPV, 4 a.m. ET) in Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaNaoya "the Monster" Inoue vs. Alan David Picasso, 12 rounds, for Inoue's undisputed junior featherweight titles. It's the fourth time in the ring this year for Inoue and will he deliver the big KO to puncuate his 2025?In the co-feature, Junto Nakatani vs. Sebastian Hernandez Reyes, 12 rounds, junior featherweight battle. Is Nakatani next for the Monster? And, also, Willibaldo Garcia vs. Kenshiro Teraji, 12 rounds, for Garcia's IBF junior bantamweight titleThen, some fight newsNetflix announced the numbers for Jake-Joshua event, including “an estimated average minute audience of 33 million” globally from opening to closing bell. That's another huge number, but what about it relative to Canelo-Crawford, much less, Paul-Tyson in 2024 both on Netflix also?Then, In wake of Terence Crawford's retirement and vacating the WBO super middleweight title, the WBO has ordered Diego Pacheco and Hamzah Sheeraz, the leading available contenders, to meet for the vacant title  Also, Crawford has now formally vacated the IBF title, per IBF announcement. WBA vacating at 168 lb. is imminent  Matchroom Boxing has announced the undercard for its January 24 DAZN card in Las Vegas topped by IBF lightweight titlist Raymond Muratalla's mandatory defense against Andy Cruz. Co-feature will be the return of former WBA junior middleweight titlist Israil Madrimov vs. Luis David Salazar in a 10-round middleweight bout. Dan has more.Per Dan's reporting, IBF featherweight titlist Angelo Leo's second defense against South Africa's Lerato Dlamini on February 21 in the ProBox TV headliner is postponed. Is it injury or scheduling?Also, per Dan's reporting, the overdue fight between WBA junior welterweight titlist Gary Antuanne Russell and mandatory challenger and fellow southpaw Andy Hiraoka is being lined up for the pay-per-view undercard of WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios' defense against Ryan Garcia on Feb. 21 in Las Vegas.We have it all for you headed into the final weekend of the year on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

Coming up Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, it's the "Night of the Samurai" card from Riyadh season feturing a series of fights with Japanese stars and the card is headlined by undisputed junior featherweight champ Naoya "The Monster" Inoue back defending his titles in the main event.However, the second biggest name is former three division world champ himself, Junto Nakatani, Inoue's new potential rival, fighting a non-title, tune up at 122 lb. And, the beileft is that Nakatani will be meeting Inoue in the Tokyo Dome coming in a massive all Japan showdown in 2026.So, with all that in mind, our insider Dan Rafael went to work and scored a one on one conversation with Nakatani prior to him leaving for Saudi Arabia, to talk moving up in weight and possibly fighting Inoue, etc.?Hear the conversation now, as Dan talks to Nakatani through the interpreter on a special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It was KO return for former unified heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua, as he did as expected and kayoed Jake Paul in the Miami main event Friday night. And, we are ready to discuss that fight, the entire card and be joined by a special guest, too on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter return with their takes.The recap is from our early Saturday morning Youtube coverage on our Big Fight Weekend page and you'll hear the discussion of Jake Paul seemingly running throughout the first four rounds and eventually, Joshua got to him with big shots, knockdowns and the knockout. The guys also talk whether Joshua should take another fight before fighting Tyson Fury in 2026? And, they recap the undercard including the Alycia Baumgardner and Caroline Dubois victories. Then, hear Dan with former bantamweight champ Junto Nakatani, as he moves up to 122 lb. for a non-title, tune up with Sebastian Hernandez Saturday night on the "Night of the Samuri Card" from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Naoya "the Monster' Inoue defends the four 122 lb. titles in the main event and Nakatani may be his next opponent in a Japanese mega fight. It's all covered through an interpreter on the pod!It's the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaer/Spotify, etc.

We've reached the fight weekend and the Friday night Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua heavyweight bout in Miami is happening and we're ready to discuss that bout, the undercard and have somee MASSIVE retirement news, too on the latest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with Insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter with their insight and analysis.They begin with the preview of Friday night's MVP/Netflix cardJake Paul is meeting former unified champ Anthony Joshua, 8 rounds, heavyweights. Is this a "foregone conclusion" that Joshua wipes out the social media/Youtube star turned fighter? The guys have their takes. Also, Alycia Baumgardner vs. Leila Beaudoin, 12 rounds, for Baumgardner's WBO/IBF/WBA women's junior lightweight title is the co-feature. And, there is potentially a bigger bout on the horizon for Baumgardner if she gets the expected win.Also MMA stars Anderson Silva vs. Tyron Woodley, 6 rounds, cruiserweightsAnd, highly regarded prospect Jahmal Harvey vs. Kevin Cervantes, 6 rounds, junior lightweights  Then we have the recaps from Wednesday's Teiken Promotions card in TokyoSeiya Tsutsumi decisions Nonito Donaire, and keeps the WBA bantamweight crown. An entertaining bout. Dan has more.Plus, Rene Santiago W12 over Kyosuke Takami and unifies the WBO/WBA 108 lb. titles. Plus, Anthony Olascuaga TKO4 Taku Kuwahara and keeps the WBO flyweight title. Also, in the No Limit Boxing main event in Sydney, AustraliaTim Tszyu W10 Anthony Velazquez, 157 lb. catchweight fight. Does Tszyu have a future getting back to major title contention or not? Then, some newsBombshell- Terence Crawford retires on top.... but is it for real and could he be back by the middle of next year?An update that WBO/WBA women's featherweight champion Amanda Serrano will now face Reina Tellez January 3 instead of Erika Cruz due to Cruz's “atypical” drug test result. Dan has the latest. Badou Jack went to the hospital after losing WBC cruiserweight title to Noel Mikaelian last Saturday  night in L.A. due to a broken cheekbone.And, Japanese junior lightweight Hayato Tsutsumi has suffered a fractured orbital bone during training, forcing his fight with WBA titlist James Dickens to be canceled from the “Ring V: Night of the Samurai” card on Dec. 27 (DAZN PPV) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.We cover it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

Coming up Friday night in Miami the hyped heavyweight bout between Jake Paul and former unified champ Anthony Joshua is really happening. The fighters have arrived in South Florida and appear ready to go. And, we have a special guest, who's on the blow by blow call of the bout for Netflix, in veteran broadcaster Crystina Poncher on this "BFW Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives has the conversation with Crystina about how she got involved with this matchup in Miami? What does she think about the risks for both Jake and Joshua in this one? Also, there are a couple of talented world champion women's fighters on the card, as well, in Alycia Baumgardner defending her 130 lb. titles and England's Caroline Dubois defending her WBC lightweight crown.Crystina gives thoughts on them in action and the rise of women's boxing through signings by Most Valuable Promotions.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe for more great content on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

The buildup is now fully in gear for Friday night's heavyweight spectacle in Miami, as social media star turned boxer Jake Paul takes on his biggest challenge to date (literally) in former unified heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua in Miami.And, we're giving you an early preview on a special "BFW Preview Podcast" with host T.J. Rives and guests Ricky Carroll of BFW website and David Payne of Roundtable Sports Boxing coverage.The guys go over a couple of interesting angles:As Ricky and David are in the U.K. and Europe, what's the interest there for this bout?Also, will this be Joshua hammering Paul quickly or will there be some caution and then, suspicion rising?How big a risk is Joshua taking that it could mess up the Tyson Fury fight for him for 2026, if he some how loses this one?It's all part of this special conversation on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It was a busy weekend in California with two prominent fight cards and even one in Dubai of interest and we're hear to recap it all and give you some fight news too on the newest "Fight Fraks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with Insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to cover it all.They start with the recap of Saturday's Bash Boxing PPV main event from Los AngelesCruiserweight Noel Mikaelian W12 Badou Jack, rematch, regains WBC title and now, IBF cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia immediately calls Mikaelian out for unification. We break it down. Then, a recap of Saturday's Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card from Stockton, Calif.Super middleweight Diego Pacheco fortunate to survive a knockdown and beat Kevin Lele Sadjo. What's Pacheco's prospects off this win?Plus, Lightweight Joe Cordina W12 Gabriel Flores Jr., in a WBO 135 eliminator.Junior welterweight Tito Mercado impressive KO6 Antonio MoranJunior featherweight Skye Nicolson W10 Yuliahn Luna, wins vacant WBC women's interim title And, a recap Friday's IBA Pro main event from Dubai, United Arab EmiratesHeavyweight Murat Gassiev BIG KO6 Kubrat Pulev, wins WBA “regular” title and is Moses Itauma Next?Plus, Middleweight Nico Ali Walsh decisions Jeremiah Sserwadda over six rounds.Some NewsTurki Alashikh said thru Ring magazine that Joshua-Fury is made for 2026 and they both will have interim bouts (not including Joshua-Jake Paul that takes place Friday)  Per Dan's reporting, plans for unified cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez are in limbo. He may take the January 16 tune-up fight or go directly to the huge May 2nd fight with David Benavidez.O'Shaquie Foster notified the WBC that he has vacated the interim lightweight title he won vs. Stephen Fulton and will retain his junior lightweight title   Fulton, who badly missed weight for the 130 bout, has vacated the WBC featherweight title  WBA featherweight titlist Nick Ball will make his fourth defense against mandatory challenger and former featherweight and junior featherweight titlist Brandon Figueroa on Feb. 7 (DAZN) at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England, Ball's hometown.  Free agent IBF junior welterweight titlist Richardson Hitchins and Matchroom Boxing promoter have reunited and he will defend on the Teofimo Lopez-Shakur Stevenson card on Jan. 31 at Madison Square Garden. Opponent is TBA.Catch it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are ready for the weekend and a world title fight in L.A. + fight news all over the globe on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.They preview Saturday's Integrated Sports PPV, PPV.COM main event in Los AngelesBadou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelian, rematch, for Jack's WBC cruiserweight title. Will we get an exciting battle in this one and what's the future at cruiserweight?Next, a preview Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN card in Stockton, Calif.Diego Pacheco vs. Kevin Lele Sadjo, 12 rounds, super middleweights. A good challenge for the young Pachecho?? Plus,Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Joe Cordina, 12 rounds, WBO lightweight eliminatorSkye Nicolson vs. Yuliahn Luna, 10 rounds, for vacant WBC women's interim junior featherweight title Ernesto “Tito” Mercado vs. Antonio Moran, 10 rounds, junior welterweights  Next, some newsTeofimo Lopez-Shakur Stevenson kickoff press conference for their Jan. 31 fight was Wednesday at Madison Square GardenCruiserweight Huseyin Cinkara was released from the hospital on Tuesday after being admitted with various injuries following a titanic eighth-round knockout loss in a mandatory fight against lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia on Saturday in Broadbeach, Australia.TKO announced on an earnings call this week that the first Zuffa Boxing card of the Paramount+ deal will be on Jan. 23 No. 1 women's pound-for-pound and undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields announced her next defense will be a rematch with former undisputed super middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn on Feb. 22 (DAZN) at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. They fought each other in their 2016 pro debut with Shields winning a four-round decision.  WBC lightweight titlist Caroline Dubois is latest to leave Boxxer after the end of its Sky Sports deal. She has signed with MVP and will defend against Camila Panatta on the Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua card Dec. 19 in Miami.  And, WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios announced that he has split from trainer Bob Santos and will be trained by Joe Goossen for the Feb. 21 fight vs. Ryan Garcia.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Saturday night in Los Angeles, WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack returns in an immediate rematch of a close decision over former titlist Noel Mikaelian. The bout is the headliner of an Inegrated Sports PPV card in Los Angeles. But, before the action heats back up, Jack is one on one with our insider Dan Rafael.What does he think of having to battle Mikaelian again? Also, Jack is in position for a possible unification battle with either IBF champ Jai Opetaia or down the road maybe the winner of the upcoming "Zurdo Ramirez" vs. David Benavidez WBA/WBO unified fight set for May.It's all part of the discussion on the "Big Fight Weekend Podcast" feed found on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

A very busy but P.R. damaged PPV took place in San Antonio, TX, and we're ready to recap it all, plus, hear from a cruiserweight world champ and more on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.They have a full recap of the "PBC on Prime Video" PPV card on Saturday Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz draw with Lamont Roach and keeps WBC interim 140 lb. title. Was this a just draw or not? Will they meet again?O'Shaquie Foster dominates Stephen Fulton and wins vacant WBC interim 135 lb. title. Yes, you read right. The WBC now just makes up interim title fights the day before fight cards. We explain the comedy and debate. Foster also has options in multiple weight divisions, now too.Then, a dreadful Erislandy Lara decision over late replacement Johan Gonzalez and keeps WBA 160 lb. A boring defense.And, Jesus Ramos decisions Shane Mosley Jr., in an action packed bout and wiins the vacant WBC interim 160 lb title.Also, on the free PrelimsA HUGE KO! Frank Martin in the 4th over Rances Barthelemy, junior welterweightsIsaac Lucero decisions Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in a good fight.And, junior middleweights Luis Nunez looks good against Hector Sosa in a featherweight decision. Next, a recap of Saturday's Tasman Fighters main event in Broadbeach, AustraliaHUUUUUUUUGE KO Jai Opetaia with one punch in the eigth over Huseyin Cinkara. Opetaia retains lineal/IBF cruiserweight title and has a big future coming. Next an interview with WBC Cruiserweight Champ BADOU JACK He defends vs. former titlist Noel Mikaelian on Saturday in Los Angeles on PPV in a rematch of their close fight in May on the Canelo-Scull card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.And, some newsTyson Fury social media post indicates he is headed out of retirement –SHOCKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yes, Dan approved all those !'sA deal has been made for vacant WBO interim light heavyweight title bout between Callum Smith and David Morrell, and the purse bid that was due to take place this past Friday was canceled  And, finally, MVP added junior lightweight Jahmal Harvey, a 2024 U.S. Olympian, to the main card of Paul-Joshua on January 19th.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are back and ready for an intriguing PPV card in San Antonio, TX and have some interesting fight news and Boxing Hall of Fame new members, too, on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" podcast.Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter and they're ready to go over it all.They begin with the preview of Saturday's PBC on Prime Video PPV in San AntonioIsaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach Jr.,  for Cruz's WBC interim junior welterweight title. In the co-featured O'Shaquie Foster vs. Stephen Fulton, for Foster's WBC junior lightweight title.Also, Erislandy Lara vs. Johan Gonzalez, for Lara's WBA middleweight title, as Janibek is out of the fight due to a positive PED test. And, Jesus Ramos vs. Shane Mosley Jr., for the vacant WBC interim middleweight title.Also, the free prelims on Prime videoFrank Martin vs. Rances Barthelemy, 10 rounds, junior welterweightsIsaac Lucero vs. Roberto Valenzuela Jr., 10 rounds, junior middleweightsLuis Nunez vs. Hector Sosa, 10 rounds, featherweights Then, they preview Tasman Fighters main event on Saturday in Broadbeach, Australia (UFC Fight Pass in the US with card start at 2 a.m. ET)Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara, 12 rounds, for Opetaia's lineal/IBF cruiserweight title. He's a tremendous punching champ looking for another big KO. Then some News: Thammanoon Niyomtrong wins in 12 rounds over Junior Zarate to win the vacant WBC junior flyweight title on Thursday at the Imperial Queens Park Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. This was part of the WBC convention.Also, from the convention the WBC strips Terence Crawford of super middleweight title and Crawford goes off in IG video! The boys discuss both sides of this.More stuff from the convention on mandatories/eliminators orders – Oleksandr Usyk wants to fight Deontay Wilder, and more, Conor Benn made welter mandatory by the organization. What. Are. We. Doing. Here?Next, the International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2026 announced, including GGG, Antonio Tarver and Nigel Benn. Dan has thoughtsTeofimo Lopez-Shakur Stevenson official for Jan. 31 in NY, with a presser coming on Wednesday.And, heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. notified the IBF in writing that he has accepted a position in a final title eliminator against Frank Sanchez to produce the organization's mandatory challenger.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!!

Coming up on Saturday night in the "Lonestar State" WBC featherweight champion Stephen Fulton is moving up to challenge O'Shaquie Foster for his WBC junior lightweight title on the "PBC on Prime Video" undercard of Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach main event.But, before fight week cranks up, you can hear from the Philly star Fulton one on one with our insider Dan Rafael on this special conversation.Fulton is moving up to 130 lb. to battle the Texan Foster in a compelling U.S. champ vs. U.S. champ matchup. How does he feel about the extra weight and would he remain at junior lightweight with the win? Also, Fulton famously was kayoed by one of the best fighters in the sport Naoya Inoue, though he deserves credit for having fought "The Monster" in Japan. He relays what that experience against a great fighter meant to helping him the rest of his career.It's all part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe for all of the content on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc. 

Coming up on Saturday night in San Antonio, TX, Lamont Roach will battle interim junior welterweight titlist Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz in the "PBC on Prime Video" PPV main event.On this edition of the podcast hear Roach with our insider Dan Rafael discussing moving up to 140 lb. for a significant showdown with Cruz. Plus, will Roach eventually get the chance to rematch Gervonta "Tank" Davis, whom he fought to a controversial draw with for Davis' WBA lightweight title earlier this year?Will the D.C. native Roach, who hasn't lost a fight in six years, score big this weekend and set himself up for a more lucrative battle in the first part of 2026?We cover it all on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" conversation and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Some fight action in England and California and a world champ readying to move up and fight for antother world title in another weight division joins us on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are backFirst a recap of the Saturday Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event at Birmingham, EnglandLight heavyweight Ben Whittaker massive KO1 Benjamin Gavazi. Was this really even a test? What's next for the flamboyant Whittaker? Next we recap Saturday's Boxxer/BBC main event at Derby, England Heavyweight Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva upsets Frazer Clarke by decision and wins vacant British title. Dan has more.  Plus, a quick recap from the Saturday Manny Pacquiao Promotions ESPN Knock Out bout at Temecula, Calif.Lightweight Manny Pacquiao Jr. Draw  over four rounds with Brendan Lally (both making pro debuts). Not good for Pac-man son's debut.Then, WBC featherweight champion Stephen Fulton is on the Pod as he is moving up to challenge O'Shaquie Foster for his WBC junior lightweight title this Saturday in San Antonio on the PBC on Prime Video PPV undercard of Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach Jr.Foster-Fulton was originally scheduled on the Octover 25th FUNDORA-THURMAN undercard, but that main event was postponed. So now it's on this show inTexas. And, we have this conversation from earlier.   Some fight news:An update on Teofimo Lopez slated to meet Shakur Stevenson. Dan has the latest on when and where?Zurdo Ramirez's decision to face David Benavidez in May angers Cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia and his team.And, four division titleholder Kazuto Ioka, who announced in late October that he would move up to bantamweight in pursuit of a title in fifth weight class, will make his debut in at 118 pounds in a WBA title eliminator Maikel Ordosgoitti on Dec. 31 in Tokyo. Dan has the latest.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Preview Saturday's Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event in Birmingham, EnglandBen Whittaker vs. Benjamin Gavazi, 10 rounds, light heavyweightsOff the Thanksgiving Thursday, we're BACK with a quick preview, a special guest with Dan and some fight news on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over everything from Turkey Day eats to the fights!They start with a preview of Saturday's Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event in Birmingham, EnglandBen Whittaker returns vs. Benjamin Gavazi, 10 rounds, light heavyweights. Will he start to live up to the talking he does, etc?!Next, a preview of Saturday's Boxxer main event in Derby, England (available on TrillerTV+ in U.S.)Frazer Clarke vs. Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva, 12 rounds, for vacant British heavyweight title  Preview. Clarke is recently known for getting blitzed by Fabio Wardley, but he's trying to get back into contention. Then, Saturday's 1st Manny Pacquiao Promotions U.S. card in Temecula, Calif. (ESPN Deportes & ESPN+)The main event is Lorenzo Parra vs. Elijah Pierce, 12 rounds, featherweightsBut bigger is the pro debut of Manny Pacquiao Jr. vs. Brendan Lally, 4 rounds, lightweights in the co-feature  Also, a brief recap of Monday's Teiken card on TokyoTakuma Inoue (Naoya younger brother) W12 Tenshin Nasukawa, wins vacant WBC  bantamweight title.  American Ra'eese Aleem W12 Mikito Nakano, IBF feather title eliminator (now Angelo Leo's mandatory challenger) Junior bantamweight Tomoya Tsuboi (now 3-0, 2 KO) TKO8 former titlist Carlos Cuadras, after which Cuadras announced his retirement  Next a LAMONT ROACH Jr. interviewHe challenges WBC interim junior welterweight titlist Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz December 6th in PBC on Prime Video PPV main event in San Antonio. Next, some quick newsThe death on Sunday of Vanes Martirosyan, a 2004 U.S. Olympian and three-time world title challenger against Gennadiy Golovkin, Erislandy Lara and Demetrius Andrade, from skin cancer, which he battled for about two years. He was 39. Dan has more on his career.Finally, the Subriel Matias-Dalton Smith main event probably will move forward January 10, despite the adverse finding Matias returned for Ostarine in a VADA test. Dan explains the "why?" and the finding below the allowable threshold in NY.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's a special mid-week edition of the podcast, as host T.J. Rives is back with special guests around the "Ring IV- Night of Champions" ppv card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Both Saadeq Ahmed (who covered the card live) and Managing Editor for Big Fight Weekend.com, Ricky Carroll are aboard for their perspectives and analysis.The guys talk in order:Saadeq sharing the bizaare' timeline for the show, that saw the main event happen at after 5am Saudi time early into Sunday a.m. The guys also go over the fights starting with Abdul Mason's power punching win over Sam Noakes for the WBO lightweight crown. Mason is on the rise and at 21 years old is boxing's youngest world champ. So, what's in store for him?Next, it was a huge night for Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez to become unified at 115 lb. with a domination of Fernando Martinez for 8 rounds and then flattened him for good with a big left hook in the 9th for the KO. Is Bam deserving of a top 5 pound for pound grade?Continuing, Saadeq gives more insight on how the Bam fight took some life out of the building and even though he was in control with a second round knock down, Devin Haney couldn't overwhelm WBO welterweigh champ, Brian Norman. So, it was a little unsatisfying, even though the still unbeaten Haney was much better than the champ and got the decision win.And, finally, David Benavidez made easy work out of Anthony Yarde by brutally pounding him over 7 rounds and eventual TKO stoppage. Benavide wants curiserweight unfied champ, Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramires, next in Las Vegas in May. We'll see if it happens?Hear from our guys on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" on this Big Fight Weekend Podcast" feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify!

It was an action packed Saturday night (early Sunday a.m. there) in Saudi Arabia, as the "Ring IV- Night of Champions" played out with four world title fights and we're ready to go over all of it, including the winners and what's potentially next for them on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast"This pod originally aired as a live recap show on the Big Fight Weekend Youtube page Saturday night!Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter to go over the action and give their analysis.They discuss:David Benavidez retaining his WBC light heavyweigh crown with a dominant stoppage of Anthony Yarde. We break it down and what's next for one of the better bigger fighters in U.S. boxing?Next, Devin Haney became a world champ in his thrid weight division with an impressive decision win over Brian Norman taking the WBO welterweight crown. Haney got an early knockdown and controlled the bout. Now, what's next for him at 147 lb.?Meanwhile, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez continues to surge, as defended the WBC/WBO 115lb. crowns and added the WBA title with a one-sided bludgeoning of Fernando Martinez. It ultimately resulted in a 9th round KO for Bam. He's clearly the best small weight fighter in the U.S. and what's next for him? The guys go over it.And, the fourth title fight was TREMENDOUS as American Abdullah Mason out-slugged England's Sam Noakes over 12 rounds to become the new WBO lightweight champ and boxing's youngest world champ at 21 years old. It looks like a big future for Mason.And, you'll hear some interaction from exclusive Youtube audience with the guys from Saturday night, too.It's all part of this podcast feed and the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" and make sure to subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's arguably the biggest fight card of the entire year, as the "Ring IV- Night of Champions" pay per view comes off in Saudi Arabia and we're ready to preview it  and have more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast.Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to go over all the title action coming up as they preview Saturday's DAZN PPV card from RiyadhDavid Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde, 12 rounds, for Benavidez's WBC and WBA “regular” light heavyweight titles. A big moment for Benavidez in trying to get an undisputed shot with Dmitry Bivol.Next, Brian Norman Jr. vs. Devin Haney, 12 rounds, for Norman's WBO welterweight title in a showdown with two unbeaten American stars. Can Haney take the welteerweight punch and how will Norman fare against his best opponent to date?Also, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs. Fernando Martinez, 12 rounds, WBC/WBO/WBA junior bantamweight titles. A highly underrated showdown in this one. Can Bam continue the roll he's been on?And unbeatens Abdullah Mason vs. Sam Noakes, 12 rounds, for vacant WBO lightweight title and the fourth of the four world title fights that lead the main card.Then, some newsAn official announcement of Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua, Dec. 19 on Netflix at Kaseya Center in Miami. The kickoff news conference is on Friday at the arena. We have takes.Next, Ryan Garcia went on social in a video and said he signed deal to fight Mario Barrios for his WBC welterweight title Feb. 21. But…there's still a lot to iron out.And, Oleksandr Usyk makes a mild surprise and vacates WBO title. Therefore, he gives up undisputed status for second time; Fabio Wardley elevated to full WBO titleholder, but whom would he fight next?Staying with the heavyweights, Daniel Dubois pulled out of Frank Sanchez IBF heavyweight purse bid scheduled for Thursday. What does this mean for Sanchez.Next, former WBO junior middleweight titlist Tim Tszyu will return vs. Anthony Velazquez in a 10-round middleweight Dec. 17 in his hometown of Sydney, Australia, No Limit Boxing announced.  We discuss.And, finally, Golden Boy Boxing kicks off its 2026 schedule Jan. 16 with the discussed rematch between welterweight contenders Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. They battled to a majority draw in an action-packed battle last December. The co-feature is also a rematch of a July 24 draw between junior featherweights “Gucci” Manny Flores and Jorge Chavez. Dan gives you the latest.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Coming up Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, newly elevated WBC light heavyweight champ David Benavidez will defend against Britain's Anthony Yarde in a 12 round main event. Benavidez is headlining the Ring Magazine/ DAZN PPV that is probably the deepest and most interesting card of title fights in the final four months of the year.But, before we get to Saturday, Benavidez is with our insider Dan Rafael to talk more about this bout with Yarde, his future at 175 lb. which might include an undisputed title shot with unified champ Dmitry Bivol and more.Hear it all as part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify for more great content.

Off the weekend and the compelling Conor Benn rematch win over Chris Eubank Jr. and Rafael Espinoza battering another opponent in a WBO title defense we're ready to recap it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter have their takes here. First, they recap Saturday's Ring magazine DAZN PPV card in LondonConor Benn W12 Chris Eubank Jr. in a rematch, where the Benn's finally get a win over the Eubanks. Where do both go from here? Also, on the undercardJack Catterall scores a KO12 of Ekow Essuman and wins WBO GlobalPlus, 147 lb. contender Adam Azim TKO12 against Kurt Scoby and wins vacant WBO Intercontinental 140Next a Recap of  Saturday's Top Rank/Zanfer card in San Luis Potosi, MexicoFeatherweight Rafael Espinoza TKO11 Arnold Khegai, retains WBO featherweight title. A brutal beating of Khegai that should have been stopped sooner. And on the undercard,Junior welterweight Emiliano Vargas W10 Jonathan Montrel and Junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado W12 split Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, IBF title eliminator –with controversy! And, Heavyweight Richard Torrez TKO1 against Tomas Salek. Torrez need better competition.  NewsFormer WBO heavyweight titleholder Joseph Parker tested positive for cocaine in a urine test administered on the day that he suffered an 11th-round knockout loss to Fabio Wardley last month that cost him the WBO interim belt and a due mandatory shot at undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.Turki Alasheikh/Eddie Hearn hinted at Fury-Joshua in September during the Benn-Eubank show. September?? Really? And, Matchroom and DAZN announce four Jan/Feb main events, which includes:IBF lightweight titlist Raymond Muratalla vs. mandatory challenger Andy Cruz  IBF junior middleweight titlist Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. mandatory challenger Josh Kelly  Junior lightweight rematch between former featherweight titleholders Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington  Junior lightweight unification fight pairing WBO titlist Emanuel Navarrete and IBF titlist Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez.Dan has more on these.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We're back and we finally have a weekend with multiple compelling fights on separate cards in both London and Mexico and we're ready to preview those, plus a bonafide light heavyweight star is on the show for the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all. They start with the preview of the Boxxer/Matchroom DAZN PPV card Saturday in LondonChris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn, rematch, 12 rounds, middleweights. It was an amazing first fight in April and now, they are back again before the end of 2025 to slug it out again. The gents discuss.There's also more on the undercard with Jack Catterall vs. Ekow Essuman, 12 rounds, welterweights and Adam Azim vs. Kurt Scoby, 12 rounds, junior welterweights.Next, we preview the Zanfer Promotions/Top Rank card on TR Classics FAST channel in San Luis Potosi, MexicoRafael Espinoza returns to meet Arnold Khegai, 12 rounds, for Espinoza's WBO featherweight title. This is a true height mismatch and will Espinoza roll in his home country defense. We discuss.The co-feature has Lindolfo Delgado vs. Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, 12 rounds, IBF junior welterweight eliminator. Plus, Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Tomas Salek, 10 rounds, heavyweights Emiliano Vargas vs. Jonathan Montrel, 10 rounds, junior welterweights Next it's Dan and David Benavidez in conversation.Benavidez defends WBC and WBA “regular” light heavyweight belts vs. Anthony Yarde in the main event of the Ring magazing DAZN PPV on Nov. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Benavidez is in position for a massive fight potentially with Dmitry Bivol for all the 175 lb. titles.  NewsDeal near for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua on either Dec. 9 or Dec. 16 – Dan and T.J. want to know- What are we doing here?!? What is the "realism" of this actually happening?Next, heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma back in action to face battle-tested Jermain Franklin in the main event of a Queensberry DAZN card Jan. 24 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.Also, in the wake of KO1 loss to Vergil Ortiz, Erickson Lubin addressed his future via social media, writng he will return and move up to middleweight.Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya said the hope is unified cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will return to action in February and then to get him a much bigger fight.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!  

Coming up on Saturday night November 22nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, unbeaten U.S. lightweight contender Abdullah Mason will go for his first world title. That's when he battles England's Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO 135 lb. crown.But, before that happens he spoke with our insider Dan Rafael in a one on one conversation.Find out more about what the Cleveland, OH, native thinks about this big moment in his career, what kind of threat Noakes will be and more, as part of our preview coverage of this great card.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Conversation podcast with Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It was a quick and decisive night for Vergil Ortiz in the Golden Boy main event, Dan talks with a rising lightweight star and we have fight news, too, on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of the Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter with "The Tea." (good info/takes)First a Recap of the Saturday Golden Boy / DAZN card in Fort Worth, TexasVergil Ortiz scores quick TKO2 over Erickson Lubin, for Ortiz's WBC interim 154 lb. title.The guys iscuss prospect of Ortiz-Jaron Ennis next and do we believe them?Next, what turned out to be a terrible undercardDarius Fulghum D10 David Stevens in a boring bout.Amari Jones TKO3 Shady Gamhou middleweights.Joshua Edwards heavyweight win over Zeno VoorisRobin Safar W10 Derick Miller Jr., cruiserweight bout Also a quick recap of the Friday night ProBox main event in Lakeland, FloridaWelterweight Tiger Johnson, the Top Rank-promoted 2020 U.S. Olympian, pummeled Nicklaus Flaz in a TKO4. Dan has more.Then hear from Abdullah Mason, the unbeaten U.S. lightweight with Dan who battles unbeaten English contender Sam Noakes on 11/22 in the massive Riyadh Season PPV. And, some news:WBO junior middleweight titlist Xander Zayas and WBA counterpart Abass Baraou will meet in a title unification fight on Jan. 31 in San Juan, according to the WBO and confirmed by Zayas promoter Top Rank. Is this possibly going to be the first fight card for Top Rank's new fight deal with a broadcaster.WBA bantamweight titleholder Seiya Tsutsumi will defend against interim titlist and surefire future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire, age 42, on Dec.17 in Tokyo, Teiken Promotions announced  And, undisputed women's heavyweight champion and female No. 1 pound-for-pound Claressa Shields, who had become a promotional free agent, has re-signed with Salita Promotions as and brought on Wynn Records as a co-promoter, in an $8 million multi-fight partnership We go over the deal.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We are back and ready for an intriguing weekend of action in Texas headlined by the return of hard punching Vergil Ortiz in the main event. Plus, we have some news involving the likes of Jake Paul, Ryan Garcia and other fights being finalized, etc. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael and they are ready to go over it all.We start with the preview of the Golden Boy/DAZN card Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas with Ortiz taking on former world title challenger Erickson Lubin for Ortiz's WBC interim junior middleweight title. Ortiz is ready for a title shot himself, but the veteran Lubin will pose a threat.Plus, Dan goes over the undercard:Darius Fulghum vs. David Stevens, 10 rounds, super middleweightsAmari Jones vs. Shady Gamhour, 10 rounds, middleweightsJoshua Edwards vs. Zeno Vooris, 6 rounds, heavyweightsRobin Safar vs. Derick Miller Jr., 10 rounds, cruiserweights Then some news:Jake Paul destroys Gervonta Davis on social media for being all the things that everyone knew he was, but now, the "fight" with Davsi is off and it's time to tell the truth. We discuss.Next, the WBC lifts its ban on Ryan Garcia, clearing a major hurdle toward Marios Barrios defending the WBC welterweight title against him in early 2026. There's "healthy debate" about this.Dan, marks the death this week of polarizing PED guru Victor Conte, who was heavily involved in boxing, but also eventually put in prison for his actions/drug cheating etc. He died this week at age 75 from pancreatic cancer. Dan go to know him pretty well over the past several years. and shares the complex part of whether Conte should be viewed differently at the end of his life.  Next, the heavys and the IBF has scheduled a Nov. 13 purse bid for the final heavyweight title eliminator between Frank Sanchez and former titlist Daniel Dubois. But, will this fight happen? Also, Dan is reporting that despite Queensberry promoter Frank Warren and British heavyweights Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte talking up a third fight and it being penciled in to headline a DAZN PPV event on December 13, the fight has been scrapped.Finally, Golden Boy working to finalize a January rematch between welterweight contenders Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel, who fought a blazing draw this past December. And there are plans in the works for super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga to challenge WBA interim titlist Armando Resendiz on a PBC show in early 2026.Hear us talk it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Off of a weekend that hsd controversial action in England, up and coming fighters in Orlando, FL and more we are back on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return with their insight and takes.First, a recap of Saturday Queensberry DAZN main event in ManchesterLight heavyweight Joshua Buatsi decision over Zach Parker in what Dan says was a horrendous fight and worse decisio! We go over it. Then, a recap of the Saturday Matchroom DAZN card in Orlando, Fla.Heavyweight Lenier Pero decisions Jordan Thompson over 10.Junior middleweight prospect Omari Jones TKO3 against Yusuph Metu and  Cruiserweight Pat Brown KO2 Felix Valera.Also, Mikaela Mayer wins an easy decision over Mary Spencer to win her WBA, but also the vacant WBC/WBO women's 154 lb. titles. T.J. has an issue with the two additional belts being "bestowed" on Mayer for no reason. Finally, some newsA deal is close for a deal for Ryan Garcia to challenge WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios in the first quarter of 2026 in Las Vegas in a joint DAZN/PBC PPV. Dan has the lastest. But, could Garcia have another option because.....The Jake Paul-Tank Davis November 14 exhibition is in jeopardy because of Davis' latest domestic violence accusations, MVP looking for a replacement and likely to change the date.Meanwhile, Eddie Hearn said on the DAZN show when asked by Mannix if Joshua would fight this year and he said “Yes” Hmmmm. We have thoughts.Also, Matchroom Boxing is planning to the IBF lightweight title fight between Raymond Muratalla and mandatory challenger Andy Cruz for Jan. 24 to headline on DAZN at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. We discuss.And, Manny Pacquiao confirmed this week that he is indeed in talks for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather. The guys go over it.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreker/Spotify, etc.!

Some action on two continents to go over, will aged, legends rematch next year and more is all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael return with their takes on everything.First, they preview Saturday's Queensberry Promotions/DAZN main event from Manchester, England.Joshua Buatsi vs. Zach Parker, 12 rounds, light heavyweights. Buatsii is looking to get a title shot with a main event win here. Will Parker provide a challenge? Next a preview briefly Saturday's Matchrooom/Boxlab/DAZN from Orlando, FloridaCuban Lenier Pero vs. Jordan Thompson, 10 rounds, heavyweightsProspect Omari Jones vs. Yusuph Metu, 6 rounds, junior middleweights and prospect Pat Brown vs. Felix Valera, 10 rounds, cruiserweights. Dan has more on the whole card. NewsFloyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao 2 talks are advanced down the road for first part of next year.... What are we doing here 11 years after their first fight?!Top Rank and Matchroom Boxing are in talks for junior lightweight unification fight between WBO titlist Emanuel Navarrete and WBO titlist Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez for early 2026. Dan explains why it's likely to happen.A deal has been made for IBF junior middleweight titlist Bakhram Murtazaliev and mandatory challenger Josh Kelly to meet in January in England. This, as this week's purse bid was canceled. We finally see Bakhram return after he destroyed Tim Tszyu more than 15 months before this fight.PBC finalizes the Pitbull-Roach card for December 6 by rescheduling O'Shaquie Foster WBC junior lightweight title defense vs. Stephen Fulton. This is an impressive card.And, lightweight contender Floyd Schofield Jr. has suffered a wrist injury and withdrawn from a scheduled 10-rounder against former junior lightweight titlist Joseph Diaz Jr. That bout was to have served as the co-feature of the Vergil Ortiz-Erickson Lubin card on Nov. 8 It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

A thrilling main event in London leads our show as Fabio Wardley has become the WBO's interim champ at heavyweight and we're ready to go over the win and the impiclications on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back to go over it all.First, it's the recap of the Queensberry/DAZN PPV main event from Londonand Wardley's TKO of Parker to win the WBO interim strap. Dan and T.J. disagree about the stoppage and it's a healthy debate! Plus, will Wardley get a shot at undisputed champ Oleksandr Usyk around March or at all?Then, some news:Queensberry Promotions is trying to finalize a fight between British former heavyweight world title challengers Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte, which would headline a DAZN PPV card on Dec. 13 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Likely moves Moses Itauma's next fight into February. But, why not have Itauma fight quicker and maybe fight Wardley at the beginning of part of 2026?Also, Queensberry announces it is going to begin putting on events in Germany beginning with the talented WBC interim heavyweight titlist Agit Kabayel defending vs. opponent TBA. Dan has more on why?Next, he's reporting that the Janibek Alimkhanuly-Erislandy Lara three-belt middleweight unification fight is signed for December 6th and will be the co-feature on the "PBC on Prime Video" PPV card headlined by Pitbull Cruz-Lamont Roach Jr. in San Antonio, TX.Also, former WBO junior middleweight titlist Tim Tszyu, months after he got dominated and stopped by Sebastian Fundora in their Jully rematch, says he has parted ways with career-long trainer Igor Goloubev and will now train in Miami with Pedro Diaz. What about this move for Tszyu?And, Manny Pacquiao's son, 24-year-old lightweight Manny “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr., will turn pro on November 29 on the first Manny Pacquiao Promotions card in the United States at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. He's in a four-rounder vs. Brendan Lally, who is also turning pro.We also briefly talk Thursday's Eye of the Tiger/Top Rank main event from Montreal, asMary Spencer meets Mikaela Mayer, for Spencer's WBA women's junior middleweight titleFinally, a little NostalgiaOctober 25, 1990 — 35 years ago on Saturday – Evander Holyfield kayoed Buster Douglas with one shot to win the undisputed heavyweight title. We relive how Douglas went from the highest of highs in the upset of Tyson that February to being 25 lbs. overweight and done as a champ forever eight months later. And, it was the begining of Holyfield's long run as a hall of fame heavvyweight, too.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

A very intriguing heavyweight main event in England leads our show and we got lots of news incluidng on the heavyweight division's top stars on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to give their takes.First a preview of Saturday's Queensberry/DAZN PPV main event from LondonJoseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley, 12 rounds, for Parker's WBO interim heavyweight title. It's a significant risk for Parker against the hard punching Wardley, when he's already in line to be the full WBO champ or get the undisputed title shot with Oleksandr Usyk next year. Then, some NewsWe are recapping Danny Garcia's KO4 of Daniel Rodriguez last Saturday night in Brooklyn, NY. Is Danny done and is he a HOFer?Next, Usyk says he is back in training after back injury, plans to fight in 2026 and wants to fight for three more years (until he is 41). We're not so sure on that last one.Meanwhile, Tyson Fury strongly reiterated his retirement (yet, again) in an interview with YouTube channel FurociTV. We still don't believe him at this point.And, then that leaves... After teasing a December return for Anthony Joshua, Eddie Hearn has said he won't be back until at least February and perhaps, in Africa. Will Joshua end up fighting Fury??Next, Matchroom Boxing on Thursday won the purse bid for the fight between IBF lightweight titlist Raymond Muratalla and Matchroom-promoted mandatory challenger Andy Cruz. Dan has the latest.Former IBF welterweight titlist Kell Brook is ending a four-year retirement an will fight on February 13 to honor his friend Ricky Hatton. He fights Eisa Al Dah, who was supposed to fight Hatton in December, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  And, finally, Top Rank has no deal for a platform yet but announced that it will show the Mary Spencer-Mikaela Mayer card from Montreal that headlines an Eye of the Tiger Promotions card on its Top Rank Classics channel, which is free on major FAST hubs, including Tubi, Pluto and Roku. We have more on that.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Coming up Saturday night in London, the interim WBO heavyweight champ will risk his position and interim belt in a Queensberry Promotions main event. But, before that happens, hear from Joseph Paker with our insider Dan Rafael on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"Parker Defends his WBO interim heavyweight title vs. England's Fabio Wardley at The O2 In London headlining the DAZN PPV event. At stake for both, is a possible pathway to fight undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in a massive opportunity. At the minimum, the winner would eventually be promoted to the full WBO title, if Usyk won't him.Dan goes over it all and talks with Parker, 36-3, about his string of recent impressive wins over former WBC heavweight champ Deontay Wilder, massive Chinese contender Zhilei Zhang and a quick KO of Martin Bakole earlier this year. Wardley is dangerous with a 19-0-1 record and couple of large recent KOs on his resume' that make him a threat to Parker.Hear it all as part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify!  

It's yet another light weekend worldwide in the sport, but there is a decent name coming back in the ring in New York and the WBO interim heavyweight champ Joseph Parker is also our guest on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast.Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter. First, a preview of the Saturday's Swift Promotions main at Barclays Center/Brooklyn on Million.co PPV, as Junior middleweight Danny Garcia returns vs. Daniel Gonzalez, 10 rounds in his supposed farewell fight. Dan talked to Garcia recently and gives more. Then, the Parker Interview, as he meets Fabio Wardley October 25th at The O2 Arena In London headlining a Queensberry Promotions DAZN PPV event. Parker taking a significant risk, when he could be fighting Oleksandr Usyk next by sitting tight. Next, some NewsTop Rank confirms the November show in Mexico with their fighters fighting on the Zanfier Promotions card headlined by Rafael Espinoza defending his WBO Featherweight crown. We have the latest.Next, an Update on the Itauama/Pulev-Gassiev heavyweight situation with the WBA. Dan explains.The California athletic commission on Wednesday voted 6-0 to endorse the TKO/Zuffa-based "Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act." There's good back and forth on the situation.Also, Amanda Serrano will return to featherweight to defend her unified WBO/WBA women's titles against Erika Cruz in a rematch of their epic battle in 2023. The fight tops the MVP card on January 3rd on DAZN in San Juan.Back to the always comical WBA, as they ordered newly elevated welterweight titleholder Rolando Romero and mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov to meet next. Rolly supposed to, however, fight Manny Pacquiao in January.They have also ordered WBA featherweight titlist Nick Ball to next face mandatory challenger Brandon Figueroa, which is a much better fight, if it comes off.And, Matchroom announced super middleweight contenders Diego Pacheco and Kevin Lele Sadjo will meet in the main event Dec. 13 (DAZN) at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton, California. Meanwhile, WBC cruiserweight titlist Badou Jack and former titlist Noel Mikaelian will meet in a rematch on Dec.13 at a venue to be announced in Los Angeles. First fight was a highly disputed decision in May.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast