Big Fight Weekend

Although it's a lighter weekend of action, there are a couple of solid contender main events and we've aslo got some interesting fight news and more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all.They begin with the preview of the Matchroom/DAZN main event Saturday in LondonJohnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen, rematch in a 10 round heavyweight battle. Will Fisher step up this time and decisively win over the veteran Allen? Also, they preview the 360 Promotions/UFC Fight Pass main event in Commerce, Calif.Contender Serhii Bohachuk meets. Mykel Fox, who's stepping up to junior middleweight in the main event. Bohachuk wants to get in the 154 lb. title picture with a big win. Can the crafty, southpaw Fox create problems? News Wait, the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford mega-fight, announced for September 12th for  Las Vegas isn't going to be on that date and maybe, not in Vegas?? Dan isn't so sure. The guys go over it. Also, the presser on Thursday in NYC for Turki Alashikh's July 12 Ring mag / DAZN PPV that will take place at Louis Armstrong Stadium tennis stadium in Queens, NY. Plenty of talk between Shakur Stevenson and top contender William Zepeda along with Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz at the presser.  And, Turki tells Dan he is unsure, if he will proceed with Garcia-Haney 2 right away and may look to get Garcia another fight first. Next, the California commission says Charli Suarez has appealed the technical decision loss to Emanuel Navarrete last Saturday night and the hearing is on agenda for June 2 commission meeting. Meanwhile, Bob Arum tells me he would like to do the immediate rematch in October in Manila to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila, Ali-Fraizer 3, which he also promoted  Top Rank/Golden Boy/Zanfer made deal, avoid purse bid for vacant WBO junior middleweight title bout between Xander Zayas and Jorge Garcia. Dan's reporting is it is likely going to be July 26 at TBA. And, this would be on final Top Rank/ESPN card as their contract expires July 31. Hall of Famer Holly Holm has signed with MVP and is coming back to boxing for first time since 2013 (she went UFC and became a champion) to fight Yolanda Vega, who also signed with MVP, on Jake Paul-Chavez PPV on June 28.  NostalgiaMay 14, 2005 — 20 years ago on Wednesday – Winky Wright W12 Felix Trinidad domination. Big Dan was ringside andMay 15, 2044 -- 21 years ago Thursday – in the light heavyweight title rematch Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver KO2 Roy Jones in gargantuan shocker. WATCH these famous fight recaps on our BFW Youtube page here: https://www.youtube.com/@bigfightweekend9132And, make sure to be following/subscribed to our pod content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Some controversy in San Diego, another big showing for Anthony Cacace in the U.K. and a tremendous under the radar Japanese title fight Sunday were all part of the weekend for us to go over on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack to talk it all.They Recap the Top Rank / ESPN show Saturday in San DiegoEmanuel Navarrete wins a Tech Decision over Charly Suarez and retains the WBO junior lightweight title. But, was it a punch or a butt that caused the Navarrete cut that stopped the fight. And, will this verdict be overturned by the California commission now? The boys go in detail about it and their opinions on what should be done?In the co-feature, Raymond Muratalla decisioned Zaur Abdullaev and wins vacant IBF interim lightweight title. What's next... Loma?? Then, a recap from the Queensberry DAZN main event Saturday in Nottingham, EnglandAnthony Cacace again gets an impressive with a TKO9 over hometown fave Leigh Wood. Third staight significant win for Cacace and was it the end for the popular Wood?A brief recap of the ProBox main event Saturday in Kissimmee, Fla. as Erickson Lubin TKO11 against Ardreal Holmes in an IBF junior middleweight eliminator. Not a thrilling fight, but Lubin helps himself with the win. Finally, the boys recap the main event in Tokyo on Sunday morning USA time, as Fernando  "Puma" Martinez wins another action packed decision with Kazuto Ioka in their rematch. And, Martinez, who got off the canvas late, retains WBA junior bantamweight title. Then, some NewsDan is reporting on plans in works for Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez to return this Summer ahead of a probable junior bantamweight title shot. Chocolatito is No. 1 in the WBO, WBC and WBA rankings.And, if the Pacquiao-Barrios happens for July 19. It will have not only the Fundora-Tszyu 2 junior middleweight rematch, but also a possible for undercard so is Pitbull Cruz vs. Angel Fierro 2, as well.Nostalgia (Go to our BFW Youtube page for:May 12, 2001 – 24 years ago on Monday – Felix Trinidad TKO5 William Joppy to win the WBA middleweight title in the Don King's and HBO's middleweight tournament semis. Dan was ringside for top 2-3 atmospheres he's ever been in. MSG was on fire inside and outside that night. Incredible memories!Go WATCH here:  https://www.youtube.com/@bigfightweekend9132/featuredAnd make sure to follow/subscribe to this podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify! 

We get ready for a wekkend with action all over the globe- from San Diego, CA to Nottingham, England and then, back over to Tokyo, Japan and we're ready to go over it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael for their takes and insight.They begin with the preview of the Top Rank ESPN card Saturday in San DiegoMexican star Emanuel Navarrete returns against unbeaten but largely unknown Charly Suarez for Navarrete's WBO junior lightweight title and in the co-feature unbeaten Raymond Muratalla takes on Zaur Abdullaev for the vacant IBF interim lightweight title. The boys discuss both.Earlier Saturday, U.S. time, the Queensberry DAZN main event from Nottingham, England sees Anthony Cacace battle Leigh Wood in a junior lightweight showdown of popular prominent fighters in the U.K. There's a brief preview of the ProBox TV card Saturday in Kissimmee, Fla.  as Erickson Lubin returns with Ardreal Holmes in an IBF junior middleweight eliminator  And, much more interesting a preview of the Sunday fight in Tokyo (Sunday a.m. in U.S.) with Fernando "Puma" Martinez rematching Kazuto Ioka, for Martinez's WBA junior bantamweight title. Get all the takes and opinions on these matchups. Then, some NewsDan has more on the likely July 19th return of now 46 year old Manny Pacquiao to meet WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios. #WhatAreWeDoingHereDan is further reporting that Canelo-Crawford likely will be on Netflix - not PPV for Friday night Sept. 12th and explains more about it.And, they talk briefly on the announcement that Claressa Shields will defend the women's undisputed heavyweight title vs. IBF light heavy titlist Lani Daniels on July 26 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on DAZNNostalgiaMay 8, 2004 – 21 years ago on Thursday – Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez battle to a draw in the first fight of their epic four-fight series. Was for Marquez's IBF and Manny's lineal featherweight titles and Dan was there in Las Vegas.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!Also, if you did not WATCH it. Go see our great recap of Diego Corrales-Jose Luis Castillo I from 20 years ago in Vegas on our Youtube page on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7k-7TbU0Jo

It was a CRAZY weekend of fights that thankfully saved the best for last as "The Monster" Naoya Inoue had to get off the canvas himself to rally and score a Sunday night KO. We are ready to go over his win and the upset of Ryan Garcia and a lackluster Canelo performance in Saudi Arabia on the latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap podcast!Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all.They start with Inoue's dramatics in Las Vegas defeating little known Ramon Cardenas to retain the four undisputed 122 lb. belts. WOW. What a fight and it saved a lackluster weekend. Dan and T.J. have thoughts on that and the Rafael Espinoza title win at featherweight in the co-feature.Then, they back up to recap Friday's Ring / Times Square DAZN PPVRolando Romero upsets Ryan Garcia by decision and wins his biggest fight to date. What happened to Garcia?And while Devin Haney won in 12 over Jose Ramirez, he looked shaky too. Now, he's still supposed to fight Garcia in a arematch next??Meantime, Teofimo Lopez looked solid and beat Arnold Barboza, to keep his lineal/WBO 140 lb titleThen to Saturday's Riyadh Season DAZN PPV in Saudi Arabia, as Canelo Alvarez beat William Scull and again, becomes undisputed at 168 lb. But, this was far from a great performance with Scull running all fight long. Concerns from Dan on Canelo?The guys discuss Canelo-Crawford announced for Sept.12 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. And go over the undercard with Badou Jack and Jaime Munguia winning. However a disgusting draw for heavyweight Efe Ajagba in a fight he clearly won with Martin Bakole.We have News:Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia says he will have elbow surgery and will be sidelined 6-8 weeks. Fury fight now significantly delayed.  And, as expected, the WBO stripped Sebastian Fundora of its junior middleweight world title on Thursday for failing to comply with its order of a mandatory defense against Xander Zayas. What's next for Zayas?Nostalgia May 5, 2007 – 18 years ago on Monday – Mayweather W12 Oscar biggest money fight in history to that point. Rafael ringside. We have taped it.  May 7, 2005 – 20 years ago Wednesday – greatest fight ever Corrales TKO10 Castillo to unify lightweight titles. Rafael ringside. Hear it all as part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

A HUGE weekend of action to go over from NYC to Saudi Arabia and back to Las Vegas with massive names headlining and we'll go over it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are ready to mix it up and analze the rare three fight nights in a row to start the month of MayThe begin with the preview of Friday Turki Alashikh/DAZN PPV in New York's Times SquareRyan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero, for vacant WBA “regular” welterweight titleDevin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez, welterweightsTeofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza, for Lopez's lineal/WBO junior welterweight title Next, in order, a preview of the Saturday Riyadh Season / DAZN PPV in Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCanelo Alvarez vs. William Scull, 12 rounds, WBC/WBO/WBA/IBF super middleweight unificationBadou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelian, 12 rounds, for Jack's WBC cruiserweight titleBruno Surace vs. Jaime Munguia, rematch, 12 rounds, super middleweightsEfe Ajagba vs. Martin Bakole, 10 rounds, heavyweights And finally, another preview for the Sunday Top Rank/ ESPN card in Las VegasNaoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas, 12 rounds, for Inoue's undisputed junior featherweight titleRafael Espinoza vs. Edward Vazquez, 12 rounds, for Espinoza's WBO featherweight title Then, some News:Change of PBC summer plans: Out Tim Tszyu-Keith Thurman and Sebastian Funora-Xander Zayas, In Fundora-Tszyu rematch, as Fundora will vacate WBO title and Zayas will fight for the vacant title. Dan goes over why?Former WBC heavyweight champ Tyson Fury posts social media video with SugarHill Steward that basically says he is ending his his retirement. We all knew that he was trying to fight Anthony Joshua this Summer all along.Meanwhile, heavyweight Jarrell Miller is out of a Fabio Wardley fight with supposed shoulder injury, Queensberry finalizing paperwork with replacement Justis Huni of Australia per Dan's reporting.And, Matchroom and DAZN make four events official: --May 28 in Yokohama, Japan, Eduardo Nunez vs. Masanori Rikiihsi, for vacant IBF junior lightweight title--May 30: Guadalajara, Mexico, Manuel Gallegos vs. Khalil Coe, rematch, light heavyweights--June 14: New York, Richardson Hitchins vs. George Kambosos, for Hitchins' IBF jr welterweight--July 19: Frisco, Texas, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs. Phumelele Cafu, WBC/WBO junior bantamweight unification and Diego Pacheco vs. Trevor McCumby, super middleweights Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to get all of our pod content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify and find our video content on Youtube/Big Fight Weekend! 

Canelo Alvarez gets set to make his 2025 ring debut in a new place for him, Saudi Arabia. And, before his super middleweight title fight, he's here to discuss why it's there and more with our insider Dan Rafael on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"Canelo talks why he did the multi-fight deal with Turki Alashikh and the Saudi Entertainment Authority and will fight in the Middle East for the first time in Riyadh early Sunday a.m. there time. Alvarez will take on little known/newly crowned IBF 168 lb. champ William Scull in a bid to be the undisputed champ for the second time.Hear the full conversation as part of this podcast feed and make sure to follow/subscribe for all the content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc! 

We are ready to go with the recap of what may end up being the Fight of the Year for 2025, as Chris Eubank Jr. outslugged Conor Benn in their London main event Saturday night. Plus, you'll hear from one of the active legends of the sport, Canelo Alvarez as he readies to return to the ring this weekend in Saudi Arabia. It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns to break it down with insider Dan Rafael of the Fight Freaks Unite Substack and NewsletterThey begin with Saturday's DAZN PPV in Londonas Eubank Jr. and Benn waged such a great battle that reminded of their father's two fights in the early 1990's. The guys go over it all and will we see it again later this Fall.Also, the rest of the undercard is reviewed including:Light heavyweight Anthony Yarde decisioning Lyndon Arthur in their third fight (Yarde now 2-1). What's next for Yarde?Middleweight Aaron McKenna gets the best "named win" over his career yet by beating vetern Liam Smith by decision. And  Cruiserweights Viddal Riley and Chris Billam-Smith were also victorious. Then, hear CANELO in his own words with Big Dan before he headlines on Saturday's PPV vs. IBF 168 titlist William Scull for the undisputed title. Canelo has lot to detail about why he did the multi-fight deal with Turki Alishikh etc. Next, some newsSunday it was announced that Oleksandr Usyk will fight Daniel Dubois in a rematch for undisputed heavyweight title as deal is done for July 19 at Wembley Stadium. We have the latest. And, Top Rank announces WBO welterweight titlist Brian Norman Jr. is in fact headed to Japan to make his second defense vs. Jin Sasaki on June 19 (ESPN+ in the U.S) at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo.Nostalgia -- for more on:April 29, 2017 – 8 years ago on Tuesday – Anthony Joshua TKO11 Wladimir Klitschko to retain IBF and win vacant WBA heavyweight title at Wembley with Dan at ringside for that awesome scene.April 29, 2000 – 25 years ago on Tuesday – Lennox Lewis KO2 Michael Grant to retain the linea/WBC/IBF heavyweight title. Dan's ringside for first ever live fight coverage as the USA Today fulltime national writer.Go watch those nostalgia videos on our Big Fight Weekend youtube page here: https://www.youtube.com/@bigfightweekend9132/featuredAnd, make sure to follow and subscribe to this podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We are ready for a classic, British "grudge match" that is over two years in the making, as host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"They start with a preview of Saturday's Turki Alahiikh/DAZN card in LondonRivals Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr., finally meet after an over two year delay due to Benn failing a PED test prior to their 2022 bout. Will we see fireworks like the elder Eubank battling the elder Benn in the early 1990s?? The guys discuss.It's a solid undercard with veteran Liam Smith meeting unbeaten but untested Aaron McKenna in a  middleweight showdown.Also, Anthony Yarde takes on Lyndon Arthur in their third fight, as the light heavyweights have split their two meetings. The winner stays relevant in the contender picture, too.Alos, former WBO cruiser weight champ Chris Billam-Smith is back on this show.Then, some NewsDan is reporting on Tank Davis-Lamont Roach 2, which was penciled in for June 21 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will still take place but will move into July or August. Also, Dan has learned that Top Rank and PBC have an agreement to put on WBC junior lightweight titlist O'Shaquie Foster defending against WBC featherweight titlist Steven Fulton that isn't signed yet, but there's a plan to have it as the Tank-Roach 2 co-feature assuming it gets finalized.  The IBF officially ordered the Daniel Dubois heavyweight mandatory vs. Derek Chisora. But, Dubois can get out of for the next fight if the Oleksandr Usyk unification is finalized before the purse bid is ordered.  Comically, the WBA outlined its welterweight title situation – approved (as fully expected) Ryan Garcia-Rolando Romero for the vacant “regular” title on May 2. Jaron Ennis, now the “super” champion, ordered to fight mandatory Shakhram Giyasov next. WBA said Ennis-Giyasov winner will be mandated to face the Garcia-Romero winner (but highly unlikely next since it's going to be Garcia-Devin Haney II in the fall if they win May 2).  Finally, Dan is also reporting that Top Rank and Ohashi Promotions are discussions WBO welterweight titlist Brian Norman vs. Japanese contender Jin Sasaki in Japan or might the Ennis unification still happen?Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/ Spreaker/Spotify.And, SEE our nostalgia fights for this weekend on the Big Fight Weekend Youtube page, as well!

Fight Cards all over the globe, all weekend and we're ready to recap them with host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael on the latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"The guys being with a recap of the Sunday Boxxer/Sky Sports main event in Birmingham, EnglandLight heavyweight Ben Whittaker TKO2 Liam Cameron, rematch of their technical draw, with Whittaker causing controversy with his behavior post-TKO. Next, it's a recap Saturday Golden Boy/DAZN in Oceanside, Calif.Flyweight Gabriela Fundora stops Marilyn Badillo and retains undisputed women's title. She has a bright future. In the co-feature, junior middleweight Jorge Garcia Perez stuns contender Charles Conwell in a split decision. How damaged is Conwell now? Also, there's a recap Saturday of the Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card in Sheffield, EnglandJunior welterweight Dalton Smith scored a dominant decision over Mathieu Germain, but couldn't put him away. Smith has a title shot coming at 140 lb. Plus, junior lightweight Josh Warrington ended his brief "retirement" beating Asad Asif Khan And, a nostalgic recap Friday in a main event in Chelyabinsk, RussiaOnce fearsome three-time and former unified light heavyweight titleholder and longtime pound-for-pound list entrant Sergey Kovalev, in what he said would be the final fight of his 16-year career, scored two knockdowns and stopped former cruiserweight title challenger Artur Mann in the seventh round in a cruiserweight bout. Dan refelcts on it all. Then, some NewsTurki Al-Sheikh announces a July 12 NYC card: Edgar Berlanga vs. Hamzah Sheeraz, WBC super middleweight eliminator,  Shakur Stevenson battles William Zepeda, for Stevenson's WBC lightweight title + Alberto Puello vs. Subriel Matias, for Puello's WBC junior welterweight title and David Morrell vs. Imam Khataev, light heavyweights. This is LOADED for July.Next, Jake Paul-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. PPV announced for June 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. MVP is doing the event with Golden Boy, which has the co-feature in WBO/WBA cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez defending against mandatory challenger and former two-time titlist Yuniel Dorticos. The guys aren't jiving with this Jake Paul choice of opponent.Finally, WBC bantamweight titlist Junto Nakatani and IBF titlist Ryosuke Nishida will meet to unify their belts on June 8 (ESPN+ in the U.S.) at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Dan has more on the significanceNostalgiaApril 20, 2002 – 23 years ago Sunday --- Floyd Mayweather won a close decision over Jose Luis Castillo to win WBC lightweight title via controversial decision in their first fight. Did Floyd really lose?April 20, 2013 – 12 years ago Sunday – Canelo Alvarez defeated unbeaten Austin Trout to unify the WBC and WBA 154 titles and win the vacant Ring title. Big Dan has a tremendous reason for not being there that night in San Antonio, TX.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify!

We're back with another busy weekend of main event fight cards on two continents, we have some fight news and some heavyweight nostalgia too on the latest "The Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return with insight and takes on it all.First, they preview the Saturday Matchroom Boxing DAZN card at Sheffield, EnglandDalton Smith returns vs. Mathieu Germain in a 12 rounds junior welterweight battle. Is Smith ready to take big steps. Plus, wasn't Josh Warrington retired??? Apparently not, as he'll meet someone named  Asad Asif Khan in the  junior lightweight co-feature. Next, we look at the Saturday from Golden Boy / DAZN at Oceanside, Calif., whereGabriela Fundora is already back to meet Marilyn Badillo for Fundora's undisputed women's flyweight title. The exciting sister of Sebastian Fundora can really punch, as well. Also, unbeaten Charles Conwell is in the junior middleweight co-feature. And, we also preview Sunday Boxxer card on Sjy Sports in UK and TrillerTV+ in US in Birmingham, EnglandCocky Ben Whittaker rematches Liam Cameron in a light heavyweight bout. We discuss whether Whittaker's act is a little too much for his lack of accomplishment. Then, some newsDan is reporting that Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is working to get a deal done for WBC junior bantamweight titlist Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and WBO titlist Phumelele Cafu to meet to unify their belts in the main event of a DAZN card eyed for July 19 in Dallas. He gives us all the info.Plus, it looks like Heavyweights Frank Sanchez and Filip Hrgovic, the two highest-ranked available contenders in the IBF ratings, are ready to fight.Also, Eddie Hearn said after Boots-Stanionis bout last weekend that he is talking to Top Rank/Bob Arum about Ennis-Brian Norman for later this Summer.Hamzah Sheeraz, who is moving up to super middleweight after his disappointing draw challenging WBC middleweight titlist Carlos Adames in February, announced he will do so with a new trainer in Andy Lee.And, Top Rank made Keyshawn Davis WBO lightweight defense vs. Edwin De Los Santos official on Thursday. It will be June 7the at the Scope in Norfolk, Virginia.Also announced co-feature: lightweight prospect Abdullah Mason stepping up in class against Jeremia Nakathila.  NostalgiaApril 19, 1991 – 34 years ago on Saturday -- Evander Holyfield decisioned George Foreman to retain the undisputed heavyweight title. This was a HUGE fight in more ways than one. The guys go over it all.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's the greatest opening round in boxing history as Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Thomas "Hitman" Hearns blasted each other on April 15th, 1985 in Las Vegas. And, our guys Dan Rafael and T.J. Rives are ready to remember it all with legendary, hall of fame broadcasters Al Bernstein and Barry Tompkins.The future International Boxing Hall of Famer Bernstein was on the closed circuit/PPV call with also later legend, Al Michaels, that night. Meanwhile, fellow future hall of famer Tompkins was on the tape delayed call with Sugar Ray Leonard and Larry Merchant for HBO.Both guys reminisce about the mayhem of that short fight, as Hagler and Hearns bombed away from the opening bell and eventually, Marvin kayoed Hearns in the third round for the signature moment of his career. Hear their stories and memories, including some things that you likely didn't know about that night in the desert, etc.It's all part of our "Big Fight Weekend Podcast" coverage for this special anniversary and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Off a weekend that saw a big win for a star in the welterweight division we recap the Matchroom card, go over some fight news and have some excellent nostalgia on tap, as well. It's part of the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to break it all down.They start with a recap of Saturday's Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card in Atlantic City, NJ. That saw welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis wipe out Eimantas Stanionis to unifiy the IBF/WBA titles and win the vacant Ring Magazine belt. Just how good was Ennis and of course, what is likely to do next?On the undercard, junior lightweight Raymond Ford beat Thomas Mattice in garbage fight for the ages. New pro/junior middleweight Omari Jones racks up an easy KO1 over William Jackson. Plus, welterweight Shakhram Giyasov KO4 Franco Ocampo (He's Ennis' due WBA mandatory)Then, some NewsWBC cruiserweight titlist Badou Jack has a new challenger in Noel Mikaelian, the “champion in recess,” who replaces injured mandatory challenger Ryan Rozicki on the Canelo Alvarez-William Scull undercard on May 3 in Riyadh.The WBO announced it has granted an extension to the purse bid deadline for the fight between WBO/WBC junior middleweight titlist Sebastian Fundora and WBO mandatory challenger Xander Zayas at the request of both sides as they get closer to a deal. We discuss the likelihood that they'll meet soon.Top Rank and PBC are in discussions for WBC junior lightweight titlist O'Shaquie Foster to defend against WBC featherweight titlist Stephen Fulton, who would move up.  And, Dan is interested, as the WBC unveiled several details of its four-division Grand Prix, whose first stage runs April 17-20 in Riyadh with early round bouts. Those will be in the four divisions having tournaments -- featherweight, junior welterweight, middleweight and heavyweight.  NostalgiaApril 12, 1997 – In a battle of legends in the making, Oscar De La Hoya defeats Pernell Whitaker. It started the real run of great fighters that De La Hoya would repeatedly meet and mostly, defeat in his career over the next decade.April 16, 2011 – 14 years ago on Wednesday – Victor Ortiz decisioned Andre Berto to win the WBC welterweight title in a wild fight of the year contender with both guys down twice!  Big Dan was ringside at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

One of the top unbeaten fighters in the U.S. is back in action Saturday night and we're ready to preview the unified welterweight title showdown, give you some other fight news and some heavyweight title nostalgia too on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael for the takes and insight.First, we preview Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card Saturday in Atlantic City, N.J.Jaron “Boots” Ennis battles. Eimantas Stanionis, 12 rounds, IBF/WBA welterweight unification bout. Who wins and why? In the co-feature Raymond Ford takes on Thomas Mattice in a junior lightweight battle. What's Ford's future at 130 lb.? Plus, USA Olympian Omari Jones is already back and rounds, Shakhram Giyasov is in action waiting for possible title shot with the Ennis-Stanionis winner. Then, some NewsTop Rank is planning WBO lightweight titleholder Keyshawn Davis' first defense for June 7 (ESPN) against Edwin De Los Santos in Davis' hometown of Norfolk, Virginia.Dmtiry Bivol vacates the WBC light heavyweight title, will got ahea and fight trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev. And, David Benavidez is now elevated to full WBC titleholder. Was it a duck???  HOF trainer Kenny Adams died Monday at 84. He worked with 20+ world champions, head coach of decorated 1988 U.S. Olympic team, assistant for legendary 1984 Olympic team. Dan has great storiesAnd, the WBC orders mandatory fight between lightweight titlist Shakur Stevenson and interim titleholder William Zepeda. Purse bid May 6 if no deal. Will it happen?Finally, MVP goes on a women's signing binge, and additions to Taylor-Serrano 3 card for this Summer.NostalgiaApril 9, 1988 – 33 years ago on Wednesday – Evander Holyfield TKO8 Carlos De Leon to unify and become the first ever undisputed cruiserweight title before moving up to heavyweight in his next fight. We discuss his early greatness in the 1980s.April 10, 2004 -- 21 years ago on Thursday – Lamon Brewster TKO5 Wladimir Klitschko in a massive upset to win the vacant WBO heavyweight title in their first fight & on same HBO card Cory Spinks W12 Zab Judah to retain the undisputed welterweight title in their first fight. Dan was ringside at Mandalay Bay and tells great stories of how the loss haunted Klitschko throughout the rest of his career.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe for all the content on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

On a new edition of the show, our insider Dan Rafael goes one on one with Jaron "Boots" Ennis in advance of his latest title fight coming this weekend. Ennis faces Eimantas Stanionis on April 12th on DAZN at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in an IBF/WBA welterweight unification fight. And, we're talking all about it on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."Ennis elaborates on his plans, including does he really want to have all the belts at 147 lb. after he turned down a lucrative offer to fight Vergil Ortiz on PPV in Saudi Arabia at 154 lb. late last year? Also, this bout is regionally close to Ennis' home of Philadelphia in Atlantic City and it's expected to have a large fan base for him. What does he think abou that, as well?Hear him on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

A very busy weekend of action all over the globe and we've got plenty of takes and insight on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack to go over it all.They start with the "PBC on Prime" show in Newcastle, Australia, as Tim Tszyu wiped out Joey Spencer in four rounds in his return after a tough set of losses. What's next- Keith Thurman?Then, we talk the Queensberry on DAZN show in Manchester, England with heavyweight Filip Hrgovic pounding Joe Joyce for 10 rounds and decision win. Who's Hrgovic gonna fight and should Joyce continue despite reapeated beatings he's taken in the last two years? Next, we move on to the Top Rank on ESPN+ show in Las Vegas with Richard Torrez headlining and wins over Italian Guido Vianello. Frustrating fight for Torrez with all of Vianello's holding, but it's a solid win.The boys discuss and Dan goes over the Lindolfo Delgado and Abdullah Mason victories on the undercard, too. And finally on the the recaps from Astana, Kazakhstan Janibek Alimkhanuly squashes Anauel Ngamissengue in five rounds and retains the IBF/WBO middleweight titles. What's next in a barren middleweight division? Plus, Bakhodir Jalolov defeats Ihor Shevadzutskyi in a heavyweight bout, but Dan wants more from Jalolov.News:Jai Opetaia has an injury that has caused his May 13 cruiserweight title defense against Claudio Squeo to be postponed until June 8 in Australia on DAZN.Heavyweights Fabio Wardley and Jarrell Miller will fight in the main event of a Queensberry Promotions card on June 7 (DAZN) at Portman Stadium in Wardley's hometown of Ipswich, England.The bout will be for vacant WBA interim belt. Presser on Monday in Ipswich, England.  And, Pro boxing will take place in Cuba for the first time in over 60 years with a card on April 11 featuring  pro fights with several Cuban Olympic medalists. Pro boxing was banned there from 1962-2022. Dan has moreNostalgiaApril 8, 2006 – 19 years ago on Tuesday – Floyd Mayweather defeats Zab Judah to win the welterweight title in a huge promotion and wild fight with a melee in the ring. Big Dan was ringside and remembers the mayheam on this "Money May" win.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow and subscribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's a tremendous weekend of main event fights all over the globe and we're ready to go over it all. And, you'll hear from an unbeaten welterweight star champ, who's going for a unified title next weekend, as well, on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all.There are tons of Saturday previewsIn the "PBC on Prime" main event from Newcastle, AustraliaJunior middleweight Tim Tszyu meets American Joey Spencer in a 10 round battle. Can Tszyu regain his form and set up bigger things? Next, the Top Rank Boxing card on ESPN+ in Las VegasUnbeaten Heavyweight prospect Richard Torrez Jr. meets Guido Vianello in a main event schedlued for 10 rounds. Plus, Junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado and sensational lightwewight prospect Abdullah Mason are also in action. Then, it's Nomad Boxing with Top Rank on ESPN+  from Astana, KazakhstanJanibek Alimkhanuly takes on little known Anauel Ngamissengue, for Alimkhanuly's IBF/WBO titles. It should be an easy night for Janibek, but we'll see. Plus, heavyweight gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov meets Ihor Shevadzutskyi in a 10 rounderFinally, we go to the Queensberry Promotions on DAZN show in Manchester, England with Heavyweights Joe Joyce and Filip Hrgovic meeting in the main event. Do either of them have much left to get back into contention.Then, a conversation with Jaron "Boots" Ennis, as he faces Eimantas Stanionis on April 12th (DAZN) at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in an IBF/WBA welterweight unification fight. "Boots" gives his side of why he's stayed at 147 lb. and not moved up for seemingly more lucrative fights.Then, some NewsWe have the Announcement of PBC on Prime card May 31 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas:Caleb Plant defends WBA interim super middleweight title vs. Armando Resendiz. And,Jermall Charlo ends 18-month layoff vs. Thomas LaManna in 10-round super middleweight co-feature. PBC makes it clear this is ahead of a Plant-Charlo fight later this year if they winMVP announces newly signed women's undisputed junior lightweight champion Alycia Baumgardner will make a mandatory defense vs. Jennifer Miranda in the KatieTaylor-Amanda Serrano 3 co-feature July 11 on Netflix at MSGAnd, Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani appeared together this week at the Japanese Boxing Commission awards ceremony and when Inoue accepted hs seventh consecutive Japanese boxer of the year award he challenged Nakatani to a fight next year. Would probably be the biggest all-Japanese fight in history.Finally, GREAT  NostalgiaApril 6, 1987 – 38 years ago on Sunday – Sugar Ray Leonard comes out of three year retirement and defeats Marvin Hagler to win the linea/WBC middleweight title in one of the biggest fights in boxing history. Ray was the rightful winner...so say T.J. and Dan. But, why did they not rematch?Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

On this edition of the show, former WBO 154 lb. champ Tim Tszyu of Australia is back and he took time recently to be with our Dan Rafael as part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast." Tszyu is coming off a hard KO loss to Bakhram Murtazaliev in an IBF world title fight last October- his second straight loss.This after his gruesome head gash that hampered him a decision loss earlier in the year to Sebastian Fundora.Now, Tszyu faces American Joey Spencer in junior middleweight headliner of "PBC on Pime" on April 5 (USA time) in Newcastle, Australia  (where it will be afternoon of April 6 there). Tszyu is candid about what has happened previously and what he needs to do coming up to get back in the world title picture.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" as part of this feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are back off a weekend that has seen some significant main event rematches in Las Vegas and Cancun, Mexico to analyze and give our takes 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 and give the insight.They start with the Saturday Top Rank card on ESPN in Las Vegas, as Mikaela Mayer once again beats Sandy Ryan and retains WBO women's welterweight title. An impressive showing from Mayer and what's possibly next?In the co-feature, newly crowned Brian Norman smashes Derrieck Cuevas and retains his WBO welterweight title. Big fight in the offing for Norman at 147 lb. And, on the undercard Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington TKOs Jose Enrique Vivas early in the WBC featherweight final eliminatorAlso, the Saturday Golden Boy card on DAZN in Cancun, Mexico with William Zepeda repeating a decision win by majority over Tevin Farmer and he remains the WBC interim lightweight champ. Plus, Oscar Collazo stops Edwin Cano in the 5th round and retains WBO/WBA strawweight titles. Collazo is rolling.Then, on Sunday in Japan: Melvin Jerusalem decisioned Yudai Shigeoka in their rematch to kee p the WBC strawweight title – Maybe he'll fight Collazo in Rematch to unify??We turn to news with former WBC heavyweight king Deontay Wilder set to return to ring on June 27 after year layoff and four losses in his last five fights. Yes, T.J. asks "What are we doing here?!  Next, the IBF orders Lewis Crocker-Paddy Donovan 2 in a welterweight final eliminator after Donovan was controversially DQ'd in the eighth round after a punch KO'd Crocker a split second after the bell  in their fight earlier this month.We discuss.And, we have a rescheduled rematch between WBA junior bantamweight titlist Fernando Martinez and former four-division titlist Kazuto Ioka announced for May 11 in Tokyo. Had been set for Dec. 31 but Martinez became ill during fight week. Their first fight was epic 2024 fight of the year contender.Finally, some NostalgiaApril 1, 2000 – 25 years ago on Tuesday – Chris Byrd TKO9 Vitali Klitschko to win the WBO heavyweight title as a short notice replacement in a monumental upset in Berlin, Germany. April 1, 2006 – 19 years ago on Monday – Sergei Liakhovich W12 Lamon Brewster to win the WBO heavyweight title in probably the best heavyweight title title fight of the decade outside Lewis-Klitschko.  Lots of big heavyweight drama in these fights!It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed for all of our content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We roll into the final weekend of March with two different compelling fight cards in Mexico and Las Vegas. A former world champion at 154 lb. joins us and more on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack to go over it all.They preview the Saturday night Golden Boy DAZN card in Cancun, Mexico with William Zepeda vs. Tevin Farmer in a rematch for Zepeda's WBC interim lightweight title. Zepeda is #1 in all four organizations and it was a close/compelling bout late last year. In the co-feature Oscar Collazo meets Edwin Cano for Collazo's unified strawweight titles. Collazo has been an active and entertaining champ.Next it's the Saturday night Top Rank card in Las Vegas that has Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan in another immediate rematch for Mayer's WBO women's welterweight title. A close battle with some controversy out of the ring the first time late last year. The co-feature has Brian Norman fighting little known Derrieck Cuevas for Norman's WBO welterweight title in his first defense. And, also, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington starts the TV card with Jose Enrique Vivas in a WBC featherweight eliminator. Next it's Tim Tszyu with Dan. He's coming off a hard KO loss to Bakhram in an IBF world title fight last October- his second straight loss. Tszyu faces Joey Spencer in junior middleweight headliner of PBC on Pime on April 5 (USA time) in Newcastle, Australia  (where it will be afternoon of April 6). Tszyu is candid about what has happened and what he needs to do coming up. Then, some News:The May 10th Top Rank card in San Diego is official: WBO junior lightweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete defends vs. Charly Suarez and Raymond Muratalla vs. Zaur Abdullaev for the vacant IBF interim lightweight title in co-feature and in an ESPN+ prelim announced welterweight contender Giovani Santillan vs. Angel Beltran.Next, the WBO officially appointed No. 1-ranked Xander Zayas as junior middleweight mandatory and ordered the fight with Sebastian Fundora. Sides are talking about a summer fightPlus, undisputed women's flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora (Sebastian's sister) will defend against IBF mandatory challenger Marilyn Badillo in the main event of a Golden Boy card on April 19 (DAZN) at in Oceanside, California, Golden Boy announced. In the co-feature junior middleweight contender Charles Conwell vs. Jorge Garcia Perez in a 12-rounder.With former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. beating Jake Wyllie last Saturday, plans are in the work for him to challenge IBF titlist Richardson Hitchins, June 21 is a possible date in NYC And, renowned British boxing journalist Colin Hart, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013, died on Saturday at 89. A legend. Dan covered a lot of fights with him and reminisces. Finally, NostalgiaMarch 28, 1998 — 27 years ago on Friday – Lennox Lewis KO5 Shannon Briggs to retain the WBC heavyweight title AND win the lineal title Briggs has controversially won from George Foreman. We discuss.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe for all of our content on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's a jammed packed recap off the weekend that starts with sad news about the death of a boxing legend and in the ring has title defense for "The Towering Inferno" in Vegas and a prominent featherweight contender talks with us 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.We start with news of George Foreman's death at age 76 Friday. An iconic heavyweight, in the hall of fame and tremendous away from the ring. We give this lots of time and reminiscing.Then, we recap Saturday night's PBC on Prime Video card in Las Vegas, as junior middleweight Sebastian Fundora blasts out Chordale Booker and retains WBC/WBO title. What's next for Fundora off the win?Plus, junior middleweight Jesus Ramos Jr. stops Guido Emmanuel Schramm and maybe in the title picture and the awful middleweight undercard bout with Elijah Garcia W10 split decision over Terrell Gausha that was an awful verdict.Also, a recap of Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN main event from Sydney, Australia with junior welterweight George Kambosos Jr. beating late replacement Jake Wyllie.Then, we hear from featherweight contender Bruce "Shu Shu" Carrington as he faces Jose Enrique Vivas in a WBC featherweight final eliminator on Saturday in Las Vegas on the Top Rank card. His bout is the final prelim on the ESPN+ part of the show headlined by Mikaela Mayer-Sandy Ryan rematch.Some news: Eddy Reynoso tells Dan he is not longer training Teofimo Lopez or Ryan Garcia and is not involved in their prep for their May 2 bouts on the Times Square card  Also, Terence Crawford tells WBO he is vacating the interim belt and will not fight at 154 again. And, NostalgiaMarch 23, 1996 – 29 years ago on Sunday – Arturo Gatti KO6 Wilson Rodriguez in first IBF junior lightweight title defense. Star-making shootout and classic Gatti comeback KO in an all-time awesome fight. Dan ranks it the best Gatti fight against somebody other than Micky Ward.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!!

We are ready for the weekend, as junior welterweight unification title fight in Vegas tops the show and a welterweight world champ joins us, too. It's all part of the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast"Host T.J. Rives is back from his travel chaos this weekend and is joined, as always, by insider Dan Rafael to go over everything.They start with:Saturday night's  "PBC on Prime Video" at Mandalay Bay in Las VegasSeabstian Fundora vs. Chordale Booker, for Fundora's WBC/WBO junior middleweight titles. Fundora returns after a 12 month layoff after upsetting Tim Tszyu in a gory, split decision. The guys also talk the two other bouts on the show- Jesus Ramos Jr. vs. Guido Emmanuel Schramm, 10 rounds, junior middleweights and also, Elijah Garcia vs. Terrell Gausha, 10 rounds, middleweights. Saturday Matchroom DAZN card early morning Saturday from Sydney, Australia as George Kambosos Jr. returns vs. Jake Wyllie, 12 rounds, junior welterweights. Then, it's our BRIAN NORMAN JR. INTERVIEW with Dan. He makes his first WBO welterweight title defense Derrieck Cuevas on March 29 as the Mayer-Ryan 2 co-feature on the Top Rank Boxing card in Las Vegas. Norman is off a long layoff NewsDan has the latest on the Tank Davis-Lamont Roach rematch that appears to be on the fast track.Next, the IOC executive board takes pivotal vote to include boxing in the 2028 LA Olympics after there was a lot of doubt. It still has to pass a vote of full IOC but that is a formality once the board recommends.Also, Turki Alishikh announces the full Canelo Alvarez-William Scull undercard for May 3.Dan is also reporting that WBO junior lightweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete will defend vs. Charly Suarez on a Top Rank Boxing on ESPN world title doubleheader on May 10 in the main event in San Diego.  (Raymond Muratalla-Zaur Abdullaev co-feature for vacant IBF interim lightweight title will also be on the card).We give our good wishes for Iran Barley, 64, who won world titles at middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight, and twice defeated legend Thomas Hearns in title bouts. Iran suffered a minor stroke last week in New York and is recovering.And, NostalgiaMarch 17, 1990 – 35 years ago on Monday – Julio Cesar Chavez TKO12 over MeldrickTaylor. Two words- "Two seconds." It remains one of the most dramatic, controversial stoppages in the history of the sport.And, March 19, 2005 – 20 years ago Wednesday – Erik Morales W12 Manny Pacquiao in a supreme fight, the first of their trilogy. We reminisce.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Well....it's been a CRAZY weekend of travel Sunday afternoon/night and into Monday for T.J. Rives, so we have shortened up the pod off the week. However, even though there's not a recap conversation of the fights this weekend, the unified junior middleweight champion for the WBC/WBO is on the show with our insider, Dan Rafael.It's the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" with Sebastain Fundora before he headlines the PBC on Prime main event in Las Vegas Saturday night.Dan talks with Fundora about his upset win a year ago over Tim Tszyu, the broken nose he suffered, the long layoff until now and his opponent, veteran Chordale Booker for Saturday night.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Another big week and weekend of fights unfolding and we're back with the newest edition of the show, as it spans with action Wednesday and Thursday from Australia to Japan to England and even, Orlando, FL, coming this weekend. It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back to go over it all.First, they recap Wednesday No Limit Boxing main event in Sydney, Australia (PBC YouTube in US) with the successful return of Keith Thurman with a KO3 over Brock Jarvis, junior middleweights – Now, a Tim Tszyu fight is probably next if Tszyu wins his April 5th bout vs. Joey Spencer. Next a recap of the Thursday Teiken Promotions card on ESPN+ in Tokyo and a fantastic battle that saw Kenshiro Teraji TKO12 Seigo Yuri Akui,  and heunifies WBC/WBA flyweight titles. Amazing action and drama, as Teraji was behind on 2 cards but got the stoppage in the final two minutes for the win. Dan also believes that he's now a serious hall of fame contender.Then, they preview Queensberry main event Saturday in Liverpool, England on DAZN. This hasNick Ball vs. TJ Doheny, for Ball's WBA featherweight title in a 12 rounder. The popular Ball is favored to roll in this one. And, there's more on the Matchroom card Saturday in Orlando, Fla. on DAZN.  Austin "Ammo" Williams meets Patrice Volny in a 12 round middleweight bout. And, Edgar Berlanga takes Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz, in the super middleweight co feature. Plus, U.S. Olympic medalist Omari Jones makes his pro debut vs. Alessio Mastronunzio for 6 rounds as junior middleweights. Then News:Undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue's next defense made official vs. San Antonio's Ramon Cardenas in the main event of a Top Rank/ESPN card May 4 — a Sunday — at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.Dan also reported WBO featherweight titlist Rafael Espinoza defends against Edward Vazquez co-feature. And, the plan is 4 fights for Inoue this year – He KO'd Kim in Jan, this May 4th fight, then Sept.14th in Japan in a WBA mandatory vs. MJ Akhmadaliev. And, hei'll finally fight in December in Riyadh.  The guys discuss it all.Next the WBO orders Oleksandr Usyk to face interim champion Joseph Parker but Usyk's team is already negotiating a Daniel Dubois rematch.And, the British Boxing Board of Control fined Chis Eubank £100,000 for smashing an egg in the face of Conor Benn at their kickoff news conference on Feb. 25 in Manchester, England. Big enough fine? Too much? The guys have takes.Finally, NostalgiaMarch 13, 1999 – 26 years ago on Thursday – Lennox Lewis robbed for a draw with Evander Holyfield in unification for the undisputed heavyweight crown in one of worst decisions in boxing history. It was an ugly fight with an uglier set of scorecards. We re-live it.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

On this edition of the show, insider Dan Rafael is back and has a tremendous guest who's now part of a new "disrupting" promotional partnership witht the Saudis. Hear from THE Dana White on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."The UFC President and CEO finally enters boxing after saying he would for years. He will run the new TKO Boxing promotion announced last Wednesday. Turki Alalshikh and the Saudis are funding it, while White and his team will over see it.Why and why now? Dana talks to Dan all about it.Hear them on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We're back off the weekend to recap the women's unified welterweight title showdown in London and we have an American Olympic prospect ready to make his pro debut with us, as well as, fight news and some Ali-Frazier nostalgia 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.First, it's a recap of the Boxxer main event from Friday in London, as Lauren Price won over Natasha Jonas and unifies the WBC/IBF/WBA/IBO women's welterweight crowns. Price was younger, faster and better. What's her future?They also recap the ProBox main event from Saturday in Long Beach, Calif. with featherweight Joet Gonzalez decisioning Arnold Khegai in close, exciting finish to a 10 round bout  Next, we have previews for the Wednesday No Limit Boxing main event in Sydney, Australia: Brock Jarvis meets former unified welterweight champ, Keith Thurman over 10 rounds in a junior middleweight main event. There are big plans for Thurman after this, but does he have anything left after another long layoff?Then, on Thursday it's the Teiken Promotions main event in Tokyo: with Kenshiro Teraji taking on Seigo Yuri Akui for the WBC/WBA flyweight unification. This should be an all action battle with Teraji being a huge fan favorite, as well.Then, hear from Omari Jones, who turns pro with Matchroom Boxing on DAZN on March 15 card in his hometown of Orlando, Florida, This is on the Ammo Williams-Patrice Volny main event with Edgard Berlanaga in the co-feature  Then, some news:The NYSAC on Friday declined to overturn Tank Davis-Lamont Roach result and the draw will stand. The guys have takes. Also, Canelo Alvarez and the unknown William Scull met the media in NY on Thursday for the kickoff presser of the May bout that Canelo could sleep walk through. And, also, heavyweights Efe Ajagba and Martin Bakole will fight on the May 3rd on the Canelo-Scull undercard. The bout just wont be an IBF eliminator like it was supposed to be when it was on May 2 on the Times Square card.  We wrap with Nostalgia:March 8, 1971 – 54 years ago on Saturday – Smokin' Joe Frazier defeats the Greatest Muhammad Ali at famed Madison Square Garden. Arguably, it's the biggest fight in boxing history. There's lots to go over.March 9, 2013 — 12 years ago Sunday – Bernard Hopkins Hopkins outpointed Tavoris Cloud to win the IBF light heavyweight world title to, at 48, become the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a world title. That broke the record he set at age 46 with his historic light heavyweight title victory over Jean Pascal. We reminisce.

We are back and ready for the second weekend in March with ladies action in England headlining and we've got the scoop on the new Saudis Deal that involves UFC CEO Dana White....from Dana himself. Itls all part of the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack to go over everything.They begin with a preview of the Boxxer all-female card in London (Sky Sports in UK, TrillerTV+ in US)England's Natasha Jonas meets Lauren Price for the WBC/IBF/WBA women's welterweight unification battle and also, fan favorite Caroline Dubos takes on Bo Mi Re Shin, for Dubois' WBC women's lightweight title.Then, the big news in the sport outside of the ring is the Wednesday announcement of the new promotion that is a multi-year deal between TKO (parent company of UFC and WWE) and Turki Alashikh and the Saudis with UFC president Dana White running it along with WWE president Nick Khan. This is a major move for the financial part of the sport and with fights coming to the USA.To follow it up, Dan has a one one interview with Dana White ihimself. The UFC boss finally enters boxing after saying he would for years. He explains the new TKO boxing promotion and his role(s). Plus, Turki and the Saudis are partners with White and his team who will oversee it. Dana has great insight on the deal and how it came together. More newsLamont Roach and his team have filed an offical appeal with the New York Commission and want him declared the winner of last weekend lightweight PPV world title main event. Dan has the latest on the errors made in the ring and outside of it and whether Roach really has a chance at this or not?Next, is the Thursday announcement by MVP Promotions of Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano III for July 11 at Madison Square Garden live on Netflix. They will run back the latest bout after two tremendous fights that ended in narrow Taylor decision wins. This, after MVP and Serrano announce her lifetime contract with MVP on Wednesday.Famed broadaster Jim Lampley is back calling fight for first time since HBO ended in Dec. 2018. He's been hired by Turki to call the May 2 Times Square "Fatal Fury" card. The guys have thoughts.Heavyweight Dillian Whyte hand injury and is out of Joe Joyce bout that was to headline Queensberry first date of its new DAZN deal on April 5. New opponent needed for Joyce. Golden Boy Promotions announces unified strawweight champion Oscar Collazo will defend vs. Edwin Cano on March 29 in Cancun, Mexico, on the William Zepeda-Tevin Farmer 2 co-feature. And, Dan is reporting that WBA/WBO cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will make WBA mandatory vs. former titleholder Yuniel Dorticos next. Planned for June 28 for Golden Boy. Finally, NostalgiaMarch 7, 2015 – Keith Thurman W12 Robert Guerrero to retain WBA welterweight title for the first time headlining the first-ever PBC event. Rafael ringside at MGM Grand and they discuss the start of PBC and how it's now basically fizzled out.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's definitely a charged up edition of our show after the 'was it or wasn't a knockdown' in the narrow split draw for the Tank Davis-Lamont Roach PBC main event. And, our guys are ready to go over it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Substack and Newsletter and they are LOADED UP for their takes!They get right to the recap of the PBC on Prime Video PPV from Brooklyn, as Gervonta Davis retained his WBA title with a draw over Lamont Roach Jr. What was THAT in the 9th round as Davis took a knee and then illegally went back to his corner and threw the ropes to have his eyes and face wiped, while the round was going on? The boys go over it the controversy and Dan has fresh insight on the dispute abou whether the NY commission and the alternate ref actually had a clear look at the events in the 9th round or not?! On the undercard, Gary Antuanne Russell dominated Jose Valenzuela over 12 rounds and wins the WBA 140 lb. crown. Meanwhile, Alberto Puello likewise decisioned Sandor Martin and keeps his WBC version at 140 lb. Will these two be fighting next?Also, Yoenis Tellez looked great in beating former world champ Julian Williams to win the vacant WBA interim 154 lb. crown and Johan Gonzalez defeated by decision and retires Jarrett Hurd on this card, too. Next they stay in the same division nad briefly recap Salita Promotions main event from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, as Subriel Matias TKO 8 against Gabriel Valenzuela and is now the IBF top fighter at 140 lb.And, there was more controversy with the Matchroom Boxing main event from Belfast, Northern Ireland as Lewis Crocker won while on the canvas in an eigth round DQ for Paddy Donovan for hitting him after the bell. It was wild with Donovan on the ground in tears at the verdict We go over the incompetence of it all.Next is NewsTurki Alalshikh announces the May 2 PPV tripleheader in NY's Times Square:Ryan Garcia vs. Rolano Romero for vacant WBA regular welterweight titleDevin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez, both moving up to welterweight Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. in mandatory WBO junior welterweight title defenseAlso, the  WBC announced some status updates for its divisions, including ordering Bivol-Benavidez, and a date for Inoue  And we wrap with NostalgiaMarch 3, 2000 – 25 years ago on Monday – Felix Trinidad W12 against David Reid to win WBA junior middleweight as he moves up in weight and destroys the unbeaten Olympic gold medalist to his title and to begina brief but devastaing run through the division.  And, March 1, 2008 – 17 years ago on Saturday – Israel Vazquez W12 over Rafael Marquez in their epic third fight of their four bouts. It was the 2008 fight of the year, as Vazquez retains lineal/WBC junior featherweight title. We discuss the greatness.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 to go for a PBC on Prime (And PPV.com) pay per view, as Gervonta Davis returns defending his lightweight crown. We go over that card, fight news and some Juan Manuel Marquez outstanding nostalgia on the latest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael have their takes and insight.First, it's a brief recap of Teiken Promotions world title card on Monday in Tokyo, Japan, as Junto Nakatani bombed David Cuellar in 3 rounds to retain the WBC bantamweight title. Off the win unification is probably next vs. IBF titleholder Ryosuke Nishida. Plus, Japanese bantamweight Tenshin Nasukawa, the former kickboxing star now committed to a boxing career, stepped up in class and won a hard-fought decision up against former WBO bantamweight titlist Jason Moloney.   And in a terrific fight Seiya Tsutsumi won the final four rounds on all three scorecards to pull out a draw as he retained the WBA bantamweight title in an action-packed rematch with Japanese countryman Daigo Higa, a former WBC flyweight titlist.  Dan has a lot on this card.Next it's the previewsFirst, the PBC on Prime Video PPV on Saturday in Brooklyn, N.Y.Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr., for Davis' WBA lightweight title. This is a D.C./Baltimore rivalry headed to NYC. We give you more. And, two title fights on the undercard:Jose Valenzuela vs. Gary Antuanne Russell, for Valenzuela's WBA junior welterweight title and Alberto Puello vs. Sandor Martin, for Puello's WBC junior welterweight title. Is this set up for the winners to meet for unification at 140 lb. down the road?  Plus, Cuban Yoenis Tellez meets Julian "J Rock" Williams, for vacant WBA interim junior middleweight title, as well. There's also brief talk on the Saturday on DAZN show from Fajardo, Puerto Rico with Subriel Matias meeting Gabriel Valenzuela in an IBF junior welterweight eliminator. On the news front: Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn kickoff press conference on Tuesday in Manchester (another was Thursday in London). Egg smash for Eubank on Benn?!? Yes, we have more.Plus, former three-time world titlist Greg Huagen dies of cancer at 64. We remeber him. And, Tim Tszyu is set to return from two losses in a row to fight in Australia vs. Joey Spencer. Will be PBC on Prime Video event on April 5. Finally, nostalgiaFeb. 28, 2009 — 16 years ago on Friday – Juan Manuel Marquez KO9 Juan Diaz to retain lineal and win the vacant WBO and WBA lightweight titles in the 2009 fight of the year. Dan was ringside in Houston for this tremendous battle.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

On this edition of the podcast hear WBA super featherweight champ Lamont Roach prior to his Saturday night PPV battle in Brooklyn, NY with Gervonta “Tank” Davis, as he joins our Dan Rafael one on one on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."Roach is set to battle Davis for the WBA Lightweight World Championship headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. And, as a reigning 130-pound world champion, Roach will move up to lightweight to challenge the undefeated Davis and reignite a regional D.C. vs. Baltimore rivalry that dates back to the pair's multiple amateur clashes. Riding a six-fight winning streak, Roach has much to say to Dan about his confidence going into this bout against one of the premier fighters in the sport.Hear it all as part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It was a massive pay per view in Saudi Arabia on Saturday afternoon/night and we're ready to go over the Riyadh Season "Last Crescendo" results on our newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter have returned to give their insight and takes.They cover:Dmitry Bivol W12 against Artur Beterbiev in their rematch to win the undisputed 175 lb. crown. How did Bivol get it done? And, will there be a third fight before someone like David Benavidez gets a shot at the four belt crown?Joseph Parker TKO2 over Martin Bakole, as he keeps  theWBO interim heavyweight title. Bakole was a late add and got toppled by a single right to the top of the head. What's next for Parker, now?Also, Shakur Stevenson scored a TKO over late replacement Josh Padley, for Stevenson's WBC lightweight title. Shakur did what he needed to, but is he injured also?Then, Carlos Adames was robbed of decision win against Hamzah Sheeraz, for Adames' WBC middleweight crown. Instead, the bout was delared a draw. The boys have takes.The card continued with Vergil Ortiz Jr. defeating Israil Madrimov by decision and keeps WBC interim 154 lb. belt. Did Ortiz earn a bigger title bout/payday?Plus, Agit Kabayel kayoed Zhilei Zhang to win the vacant WBC interim heavyweight crown in the biggest named win of his career. And, we take a breath and still cover what might have been the most action packed bout on the card as Callum Smith beat Joshua Buatsi in 12 to win the WBO interim 175 lb. crown. Some quick news:Claressa Shields is temporarily suspended by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission, pending a hearing, for testing positive for marijuana in the wake of a one-sided decision win over Danielle Perkins on Feb. 2 in her hometown of Flint, Michigan. We have many questions about this.Also, Boxxer's deal with Peacock to stream its cards in the U.S. is over. This was never announced but it is done, unless the put out an occasional card down the road. NostalgiaFeb. 22, 2020 – 5 years ago on Saturday – Tyson Fury TKO7 of Deontay Wilder to win retain the lineal and win the WBC heavyweight title in the rematch of their trilogy. Dan was ringside at MGM Grand and we discuss how that night was the beginning of the end of Wilder.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscrbie on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!!

We are ready to go with one of the biggest PPV cards of 2025 already in just the second month of the year, as the Riyadh Season PPV takes place Satruday afternoon. And, we go over the massive bout sheet and have an interview with the man battling Tank Davis, as well. It's all on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return with their thoughts.First, the breaking news all week that there are new opponents for Joseph Parker and Shakur Stevenson, as both Floyd Schofield and Daniel Dubois are ill and could not compete. Dan goes over the craziness and how little known Josh Padley will now fight Shakur. However, hard hitting heavyweight Martin Bakole is in front of Parker, as part of the PPV. We then continue the Previews coming Saturday via DAZN PPV and PPV.COM:Headling are Artur Beterbiev and. Dmitry Bivol in a rematch for Beterbiev's undisputed light heavyweight title. It was a very close decision win for Beterbiev just four months ago. Will this be different for his countryman Bivol?  Then, the guys breakdown the WBC lightweight title Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz, for Adames' WBC middleweight title. This has great potential as it could have fireworks early. Next, unbeaten hard hitting Texan Vergil Ortiz Jr. takes Israil Madrimov, for Ortiz's WBC interim junior middleweight title. Dan explains why this could be THE fight of the undercard. Also, heavyweights Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel will tangle for vacant WBC interim heavyweight title. Will Kabayel solve the Chinese veteran's size and big left hand? And, Brits Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith meet for Buatsi's WBO interim light heavyweight title, too. It's a tremndous show on papter.Then, hear from Lamont Roach who challenges WBA lightweight titlist Gervonta Davis on March 1 in the PBC on Prime PPV main event in Brooklyn. He talks with Dan about the challenge and the biggest moment of his career.Finally, we have Nostalgia:Feb. 20, 1993 – 32 years ago on Thusday – Julio Cesar Chavez Kayoed Greg Haugen in five rounds to retain the WBC junior welterweight title before the all-time biggest boxing crowd of 132,247 at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in the headliner of a the “Grand Slam of Boxing” PPV. An amazing crowd and night in Chavez's prime.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 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand's Joseph Parker goes for a portion of the heavyweight crown, when he squares off with England's Daniel Dubois for the IBF title. And, before the battle in the Middle East, hear from Parker with our Dan Rafael on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."The 33 year old Parker has won the two biggest fights of his career, back to back, as he defeated former WBC champ Deontay Wilder and then, massive Chinese star Zhelei Zhang in March of last year. Now, he enters the ring looking for an even bigger upset against the hard punching Dubois. Dubois is off the win of his career, himself, as he destroyed former unified heavyweight champ Anthony Johsua back in September in his last bout.Hear Parker discuss being the underdog, yet again and more on this edition of the show. It's the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify! 

Coming up Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the massive PPV, former WBA light heavyweight champ will look to get his belt and acquire the other three in an undisputed title rematch with his fellow Russian Artur Beterbiev. And, here you get a chance to hear from Bivol about what he intends to do differently, as he spoke with our insider Dan Rafael on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."If Bivol gets the win, then his options open wide to potentially fight American David Benavidez, rematch Canelo Alvarez potentially down the road and there could also be a third fight with Bivol, as well. Hear from Bivol with us on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It was a fight filled weekend with a world title win for Keyshawn Davis, a dramatic decision win for Arnold Barboza in England and in the same division a KO for Oscar Duarte in California, too. And, we're ready to recap it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter with their insight and takes.They start with the Friday Top Rank/ESPN card in NYC as Davis kayoed Denys Berinchyk to win the WBO lightweight title. Davis has massive upside. In the co-feature junior middleweight rising star Xander Zayas stopped Slawa Spomer of Germany in arguably his biggest win to date. Dan also recaps the rest of the card with:  Vito Mielnicki, Abdullah Mason Rohan Polanco and even, Jared Anderson back but not looking good. Then, the Saturday Matchroom/DAZN card in Manchester, EnglandJunior welterweight Arnold Barboza Jr. scores a mlild upset over fan favorite Jack Catterall, wins vacant WBO 140 lb. interim title. Big win for Barboza. And, the Saturday Golden Boy/DAZN card in Anaheim, CaliforniaJunior welterweight Oscar Duarte punished and stopped Miguel Madueno in their junior welterweight main event. Could Duarte possibly fight...Barboza?Some NewsFriday night Top Rank announced interesting heavyweight main event for April 5 at Palms in Las Vegas: Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Guido Vianello. Co-feature wasn't formally announced but Top Rank told Dan it's junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado vs. Elvis Rodriguez. The guys break it down.Golden Boy announced WBC interim lightweight titlist William Zepeda will make his first defense in an immediate rematch with Tevin Farmer on March 29 in Cancun, Mexico. It's a very intriguing rematch.Also Sportico, an online publication that covers sports business, put out its fourth annual “100 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World” for the calendar year 2024. Six boxers in the top 100 (purses plus endorsements). Tyson Fury was No. 3 ($147 million) for example. The guys talk $$$. Shout out to British top trainer Joe Gallagher, who announced he has been diagnosed with stage four bowel and liver cancer. Ring magazine trainer of the year in 2015. Has worked with lots of top Brits. We wish him well. And, announced the IBF junior middleweight final eliminator between Erickson Lubin and Ardreal Holmes Jr. set for May 10 (ProBox TV) at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida Finally, NostalgiaFeb. 19, 2000 – 25 years ago on Wednesday – Erik Morales decisions Marco Antonio Barrera in the first fight of their all-time legendary trilogy. WBC/WBO junior featherweight unification fight. Tremendous battle as the guys go over and... it was only the beginning!Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's a jammed packed edition of the show, as a lightweight world title fight happens in NYC, a top 140 lb. contender battle takes place in Manchester, England and former world title holder at light heavyweight Dmitry Bivol joins us on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all.First it's the previews, as Friday night in the Top Rank/ESPN card in New York Denys Berinchyk takes on unbeaten American star Keyshawn Davis for Berinchyk's WBO lightweight title. Is it Keyshawn's time? In the co-feature Xander Zayas meets veteran Slawa Spomer in a 10 round  junior middleweight battle.The rest of the undercard has the likes of: Vito Mielnicki Jr., Abdullah Mason Rohan Polanco and the return of Jared Anderson, too. Dan goes over those fights. Next on Saturday it's the Matchroom/DAZN card in Manchester, England withJack Catterall meeting Arnold Barboza Jr. for 12 rounds and ther vacant WBO interim junior welterweight title. Winner may get Teofimo Lopez or become the full champ themselves, later. And, also Saturday in the Golden Boy/DAZN main event in Anaheim, Calif.veteran Oscar Duarte against fellow vet Miguel Madueno in the junior welterweight main event. Then, Dan with Dmitry Bivol with his rematch with undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev coming on Feb. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. What will be different this time in this Russian vs. Russian battle? Next some News:Super middleweights Bruno Surace and Jaime Munguia rematch will take place May 3rd in Riyadh on the Canelo-William Scull undercard, as was announced by Riyadh Season.Also, Raymond Muratalla and Zaur Abdullaev will fight for the vacant IBF interim lightweight title in the main event of a Top Rank Boxing on ESPN card on May 10 at Pechanga Arena in San Diego,And, super middleweight Edgar Berlanga returns March 15 for first fight since loss to Canelo. He will face Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz on the Ammo Williams undercard. And, PBC announces non-PPV card for March 22 at Mandalay Bay: Sebastian Fundora defends his WBC/WBO junior middleweight titles for the first time in main event vs. Chordale Booker. Also: junior middleweight Jesus Ramos Jr. against Kevin Salgado in the co-feature and middleweight Elijah Garcia versus Terrell Gausha in the opener.NostalgiaMuhammad Ali's fight-worn trunks from the “Thrilla in Manila” sold for $1.2 million this past weekend at a Sotheby's auction.And February 13, 1999 – 26 years ago Thursday – Oscar De La Hoya decisioned Ike Quartey to retain the WBC welterweight title in a memorable, wild final round in their big time PPV fight in Las Vegas. We go over it.It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Coming up Friday night at the Madison Square Garden Theater in NYC, unbeaten lightweight contender Keyshawn Davis goes for his first world title in the main event. But, before he battles Denys Berinchyk for the WBO world title, the entertaining Davis spoke to our Dan Rafael on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."Keyshawn is looking forward to taking the next big step in his boxing career after having won the silver medal in the 2021 delayed Tokyo Summer games. What are his thougts on the opponent and his short term future?And, might this include Davis hoping to rematch his amateur nemisis Andy Cruz of Cuba in a professional title fight?He's one of the rising stars in the sport and you'll hear from him before Friday night's title bout on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure tor all the great content that you are subscribed to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Off a light weekend in the ring, we recap the biggest main event in the world (from England), we hear from a prominent heavyweight contender and have the latest on Canelo's new deal with the Saudis all 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 everything.First, they recap Saturday's Queensberry main event from Manchester, England, as Derek Chisora got his decisioned Otto Wallin to become the IBF No. 2 contender. Should Chisora keep fighting on? The boys discuss.Then, hear from Joseph Parker with Dan, who challenges Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title on Feb. 22 in the Beterbiev-Bivol 2 co-feature. Parker has some important wins lately and has a shot to win a portion of the crown.Then, the news:Canelo Alvarez's deal with Riyadh Season for four fights, beginning May 3 in Saudi Arabia against new IBF 168 lb. champ William Scull for the undisputed title. What about the Jake Paul fallout? And, is it confirmed that Terence Crawford will be in September?Dan has preliminary numbers that the Benavidez-Morrell PPV did between 150k-160k buys. What does it mean in the current boxing financial landscape?Dan is also reporting that at a Queensberry presser on Monday in Manchester they'll announce Joe Joyce vs Dillian Whyte for April as the main event of their first show on their new DAZN deal. Heavyweight fight between former bridgerweight and cruiserweight titlist Lawrence Okolie & former cruiserweight title challenger Richard Riakporhe, who is moving up, is the co-feature.  Nostalgia Feb. 9, 1991 – 34 years ago on Sunday – Terry Norris defeated the great Sugar Ray Leonard easily over 12 rounds to retain the WBC junior middleweight title, as Leonard comes out of retirement for his only Showtime and MSG appearance. Norris gave him a beating in the one-sided decision loss in the 2nd-to-last fight of Sugar Ray's career.  it's all on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We're ready for the second weekend in February with a heayweight main event in England, plus, star lightweight Keyshawn Davis joins us on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return for their insight and takes.First, the preview Saturday's Queensberry main event from Manchester, England, asDerek "War" Chisora takes on Otto Wallin in an IBF heavyweight eliminator for the  No. 2 position. Both are vets with Chisora being a British fan favorite and we'll see if some good action comes of it?Then, Dan talks with Keyshawn Davis, who hedlines the Feb. 14 Top Rank ESPN card at Theater at MSG and he challenges Denys Berinchyk for his WBO lightweight title. Hear Keyshawn's mindset headed into his first world title shot and his goals should he be victorious this weekend. Next in the News:Dan has done his own reporting on Canelo-Jake Paul now in talks for spring & has the update on why Canelo- Terence Crawford fight won't be happening for now.We talk more on Ryan Garcia – who is back with Eddy Reynoso training and disgustingly for Dan, his fight with Rolly Romero slated for May 2 will be for the WBA “regular” welterweight tite? WHAT. ARE. WE. DOING. HERE?!Also, Janibek Alimkhanuly will defend his WBO/IBF middleweight title against Anauel Ngamissengue in a homecoming bout on April 5 (ESPN+) in Astana, Kazakhstan. Dan has more.Finally, some nostalgiaFeb. 5, 2005 — 20 years ago on Wednesday – Zab Judah went to Cory Spinks' hometown of St. Louis, MO and the 20K sold out downtown arena. And, Judah KO'd him to avenge his loss and win the undisputed welterweight title.Plus we say Happy Birthday from Feb.4 to legend Oscar De La Hoya, as he turned 52. We give a little Golden Boy appreciation!It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!  

We come off a weekend PPV in Las Vegas where Dan Rafael was ringside and we're ready to recap that card, plus Adam Azim's win in England and more on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast"Host T.J. Rives returns with Dan, who was literally less than an hour off the plane from Vegas back to his home in Virginia to give us the insigh on the PBC on Prime Video PPV. It saw David Benavidez decision David Morrell,in the main event to keep his WBC interim and win the WBA “regular” 175 lb. titles. What were Dan's impressions in the arena and what about the controversial 11th round, where Morrell hit Benavidez clearly after the bell? Also, did Benavidez solidify himself and a world title contender at light heavyweight?They also go over the Stephen Fulton rematch win over Brandon Figueroa this time to win the WBC featherweight title. Quick preview: Dan wasn't overly impressive with this bout!However, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Angel Fierro slugged it out for 10 rounds and that was a highly entertaining 140 lb. battle that Dan believes belongs in the convo later for "fight of the year."He finishes going over the res of the PPV  undercard with:Jesus Ramos TKO8 Jeison Rosario, 160 lb.Prime Video PrelimsMirco Cuello TKO10 Christian Olivo, WBA featherweight eliminator Yoenli Hernandez TKO5 Angel Ruiz, middleweights160 Curmel Moton TKO3 Frank Zalvidar, 135  lb. battle.The boys then recap the Saturday Boxxer main event in London, as rising 140 lb. star Adam Azim wiped out Sergey Lipinets in a TKO. What's his future off this win over the veteran? Next, some brief newsRyan Garcia has enrolled in VADA, a key block to finalizing the interim fight and rematch with Devin Haney appears to also clear up.And, Anthony Cacace vacated his IBF junior lightweight title on Friday, electing to not face mandatory challenger Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez.  Dan explains what's behind that move.Finally, NostagliaFeb. 2, 2002 – 23 years ago today Sunday – Roy Jones and Bernard Hopkins split site doubleheader trying to set up their showdown that didn't happen in that time frame. Roy with the KO of the year vs Glenn Kelly in his undisputed light heavy defense in Miami and BHop TKO-ed Carl Daniels to retain undisputed middleweight title in Pennsylvania, where Dan was ringside.Get it all on the Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It's a big weekend in Las Vegas as two unbeaten rising fighers square off in a PPV main event and we're ready to preview the entire fight card and more 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, who is live in Vegas.It's "PBC on Prime Video" (and PPV.COM) card, as light heavyweigts David Benavidez and David Morrell meet for Benavidez's WBC interim and Morrell's WBA “regular” titles Bigger is the winner is likely inline for the for a shot at the Beterbiev vs. Bivol rematch.In the co-feature featherweights Brandon Figueroa and Stephen Fulton rematch for Figueroa's WBC title Junior welterweight. It was a tremendous fight three years ago and will it repeat here? Also on the card, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Angel Fierro meet in a 10 round showdown. And middleweight Jesus Ramos Jr. takes on former world champ Jeison Rosario, too.We also give you more on how to see the fight through PPV.com with a special interview. The boys also preview Saturday Boxxer card on Peackock (and Sky Sports) from LondonAdam Azim battles veteran Sergey Lipinets ina 12 rounds junior welterweight main event. And, they review Sunday Salita Promotions card on DAZN in Flint, Michigan.Claressa Shields vs. Danielle Perkins will fight for Shields' WBC and, also vacant WBO/WBA/IBF heavyweight titles. The guys are dubious of the charade that this is an actual undisputed world title bout. Then, some news:With the death of legendary boxing writer (and one of Dan's mentors) Michael Katz, who died this week at age 85, Dan reminisces about Katz with stories.Top Rank announces March 29th ESPN card at Fountainbleu Las Vegas: Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan, rematch, for Mayer's WBO women's welterweight title; Brian Norman vs. Derrieck Cuevas, for Norman's WBO welterweight title; Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington vs. Jose Enrique Vivas, WBC  featherweight eliminator. Dan has more.The WBO ruled junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez must next make his mandatory title defense against the Jack Catterall-Arnold Barboza interim title bout winner within 180 days after their Feb. 15 bout.Will Teofimo follow through, however?The announcement of an intriguing WBC flyweight titlle bout as Kenshiro Teraji and the WBA titlist Seigo Yuri Akui meet in all-Japanese unification bout March 13 in Tokyo.And, there are pllans in the works for WBC interim lightweight titlist William Zepeda to face Tevin Farmer in an immediate rematch of Zeepda's split decision in November on the “Latino Night” card in Riyadh. Golden Boy told big Dan if it gets done would be March 29 in Cancun, Mexico.Finally some NostalgiaJan. 29, 1994 – 31 years ago on Wednesday – Frankie "the Surgeon" Randall drops Julio Cesar Chavez (89-0-1 at time) for 1st time & handed him his 1st ever loss to take WBC junior welterweight title by split decision in the main event of the first card ever at MGM Grand. Billed as "The Grand Slam of Boxing" Don King card- it had "Tito" Trinidad decsion "Macho" Camacho for the world weltereight title. The card also had Simon Brown W12  over Troy Waters for the WBC 154 lb. belt. And legen Tommy Heans destroyed Dan Ward in a cruiserweight bout. The guys talk about the history and how Chavez's 89-0-1 record won't be replicated- probably everIt's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

Coming up Saturday night in Las Vegas, unbeaten light heavyweight contender David Benavidez will meet fellow unbeaten David Morrell in a 12 round PPV bout to determine who is the likely title challenger later this year. But, before the fireworks on Saturday night hear from Benavidez with our own insider Dan Rafael on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."Dan and David talk the matchup for the WBC interim and WBA "regular" 175 lb. crowns and Benavidez's seemingly genuine dislike now for Morrell in the matchup and what he wants to do to the Cuban born contender. Plus, what does Benavidez think about getting the winner of the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch coming February 22nd, etc.?Hear it all as par of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed for more great content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Finally! We have a weekend with multiple prominent main events in Jaruary all over the globe. And, we're ready to go over it all on the newet "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter return for breakdown on:Friday Ohashi Promotions card at Tokyo, JapanNaoya Inoue scores a KO4 over late replacement Ye Joon Kim of South Korea, retains undisputed junior featherweight title. Now what for "The Monster??" Then, onto Saturday and the Matchroom card at Las VegasSuper middleweight rising contender Diego Pacheco decisions veteran Steven Nelson in the main event. Should have he gotten a stoppage and what's on deck for the rest of this year for Pacheco?In the co-feature, ightweight Andy Cruz scores another win beating Omar Salcido. Can he get a title shot sooner rather than later?And, junior welterweight Ernesto “Tito” Mercado Kayoes the remnants of Jose Pedraza, too.Also, Saturday Matchroom card at Nottingham, EnglandJunior welterweight Dalton Smith TKO1 Walid Ouizza, wins vacant European title. What about Smith did we glean? Then some news:Turki/Riyadh Season announced the site and undercard for April 26 Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn card. We discuss. With Lomachenko out injured, IBF interim title fight between Zaur Abdullaev and Raymond Muratalla is in works, purse bid scheduled, and if Top Rank promotes the fight ,it'll be April 5 in Las Vegas.Former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr., who signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing to partner with his longtime promoter Lou DiBella in November, will have the first bout of the deal March 22 in Sydney. Dan's reporting is the likely opponent will be former title challenger Daud Yordan.  And, Popular Irish featherweight Michael Conlan has signed with Wasserman Boxing and is making a comeback from 15-month layoff on March 7 on the Harlem Eubank-Tyrone McKenna undercard  Nostalgia Jan. 25, 2003 — 22 years ago on Saturday – Vernon Forrest lopsided decision over then P4P king Shane Mosley, dropped him twice and handily won decision to win WBC welterweight title in a big big upset.  Dan was there in NYC.Jan. 27, 2001 — 24 years ago on Monday – Five of the 2000 U.S. Olympians turned pro on HBO at the MSG Theater on a hugely hyped fight.card. In the end, none of them did anything other than Jermain Taylor, who would became the undisputed middleweight champion. Dan has stories, including about Pernell Whitaker that weekend.Hear it all on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify for all the great content.

We are back with a prominent fight card in the U.S. for our latest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Subtack and Newsletter return to go over:The Matchroom/DAZN card Saturday at The Cosmopolitan of Las VegasDiego Pacheco meets Steven Nelson for 12 rounds, super middleweights in the main event. What's Pacheco's upside and can the vet Nelson give him trouble? In the Co-feature, it's decorated former Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Cruz back against vet Omar Salcido in a 10 rounds lightweight tussle. Dan also has more on Ernesto “Tito” Mercado against another vet, Jose Pedraza in a junior welterweight bout. Then checkout Dand with light heavyweight contender David Benavidez one on one. He fights fellow unbeaten David Morrell Feb. 1 in the "PBC on Prime Video" main event, also on PPV.COM Next, some news as:Jaron "Boots" Ennis takes on Eimantas Stanionis IBF/WBA welterweight unification fight announced for April 12 at famed Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Dan has more on Ennis' future too.What's the Tank Davis-Lamont Roach PPV undercard made official this week?Former welterweight champ, Keith Thurman's return announced for Australia and Dan's reporting on Tim Tszyu also to return and that they would fight each other this Summer if they win on Prime Video NOT PPV.There's a Teofimo Lopez update -- has new management (Keith Connolly) and a three-fight deal on the table from Turki/Riyadh Season that Top Rank is OK with.And, Matchroom signs Omari Jones, the only 2024 Olympic boxing medalist for the US. He claimed bronze in the welterweight division and turns pro on a hometown Orlando, Fla., card Matchroom announced Thursday headlined by middleweight Ammo Williams-Patrice Volny.We wrap with nostalgiaJanuary 22, 1988 – 37 years ago on Wednesday – the absolute prime of Mike Tyson with a KO4 of Hall of Famer Larry Holmes to retain the undisputed heavyweight title. The guys discuss the ferocity of Tyson in the late 80s and that night.It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to the feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify! 

It's the newest editoin of our shows, but still, no fight to recap. However, host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are still here with much to discuss.First, they preview the Friday morning US time main event from Tokyo on ESPN+ -- Naoya Inoue vs. Ye Joon Kim, for Inoue's undisputed junior featherweight title. Is there any real shot for the Korean and what's looming for Inoue? Then, some fight news:What's the latest on Canelo-Crawford and is this close to a reality. Most importantly is the "when" on the timeline?On the plans for the May Devin Haney/Ryan Garcia doubeleheader before their rematch this Fall – Haney could face Jose Ramirez. Dan's been told it's being worked on. And, then, Garcia put on social and Dan has confirmed that he would face Isaac "Pitbull Cruz, if Pitbull wins on Feb. 1 PPV card in Vegas. Dan goes over the BWAA 2024 awards ballots afer their virtual meeting this past weekend.Next, the long discussed fight between WBC/WBO junior middleweight titlist Sebastian Fundora and former welterweight titlist Errol Spence Jr. is dead, at least for Fundora's next fight. Dan has the latest on why?And, while there has been much discussion about lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia and WBO/WBA titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez squaring off in a unification fight, which both sides want, the WBA has ordered Zurdo's mandatory vs. former titlist Yuniel Dorticos, which probably will be next.We finish with Nostalgia: Jan. 18, 1997 – 28 years ago on Saturday – Oscar De La Hoya dominated unbeaten Miguel Angel Gonzalez to retain WBC 140 lb. crown in his only defense of that belt and would kick off a mega year where he went 5-0 that year!And, Jan. 19, 2008 — 17 years ago on Sunday – Roy Jones W12 Felix Trinidad at 170 pounds, sends Tito into permanent retirement. Good fight. Dan was ringside for these legends meeting at the end of their careers.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It's latest edition of the show, where again, there is not a significant main event fight in the world this weekend. So, host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael go right to the news and some nostalgia, even though it's the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."They begin with former two time heavyweight champ Tyson Fury saying he's retired, again. Does anyone actually believe him? The guys go over it.Lots of news with TURKI ALALSHIKH and the Saudis looking to roll out some fights in the Spring and also fund proposed bouts, too.They have closed the long awaited Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn middleweight fight and It's signed for April 26 in London, per Dan's reporting. And, he also reveals that it's a two-fight deal. Turki also has brought Devin Haney-Ryan Garcia rematch to being nearly done. The fighters will forgive and forget Garcia's controversies/failed drug tests from their match last April and have agreed to warmup fights in May and then, have their rematch October to open Riyadh Season festival. Dan reports that Haney's lawsuit is in process of being dropped, and drug testing getting ironed out.Turki also said in interview with U.K. TalkSport says he wants to still make Anthony Joshua- Deontay Wilder if there's no Fury-Joshua. “I want to see Joshua and Wilder now. If Tyson is not available, why not Joshua and Wilder?” Is there anyone who really cares at this point about these two fighting?And, junior welterweight contender Oscar Duarte will face former two-time titlist Regis Prograis in a 12-rounder that headlines Golden Boy DAZN card on Feb.15 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.As for the NostalgiaJan. 16, 1999 – 26 years ago on Thursday – Mike Tyson returns from 18 months out of the ring after biting off a hunk of Evander Holyfield ear and scores a one-punch fifth-round KO of Francois Botha after losing basically every round  Jan. 17, 2015 – 10 years ago on Friday – Deontay Wilder goes the distance for the first time, but easily outpoints Bermane Stiverne in his biggest test to that point to win the WBC heavyweight title. Dan recollects from being ringside at MGM Grand in Vegas.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It's a brand new edition of our recap show with only one significant fight card world wide. So, that leaves our host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael with more time to discuss news and some excellent boxing and even, 80s U.S. Primetime TV drama debate! It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"They begin with the brief Recap of Boxxer card from Sheffield, England, where super middleweight Callum Simpson scored a dubious TKO over Steed Woodall in the second round and retains British/Commonwealth 168 lb. titles. T.J. takes the lead on the referee with a reference to another premature stoppage in a prominent fight in London last Fall.Also, lightweight Caroline Dubois got a technical draw at the start of the 3rd round against an already battered Jessica Camara. Dubois retains  WBC women's crown, but there's debate on should this one have been an actual stoppage on the badly swollen eye from punches that had nothing to do with the cut on the other eye. For fight news:Sam Goodman is again cut in same spot over his eye and out of the January 24 Nayoa Inoue undisputed 122 lb. fight. Inoue will instead defend the undisputed junior featherweight title vs. late sub Ye Joon Kim of South Korea. We have more on him.Dan is reporting that the target date for WBC/WBO junior middleweight titlist Sebastian Fundora vs. former three-belt unified welterweight titlist Errol Spence Jr. is March 29 at MGM Grand. T.J. wonders.... well.... you know!With Teofimo Lopez inactive, no fight scheduled, as he turned down several fights from Top Rank, the WBO has upgraded Jack Catterall-Arnold Barboza Jr. final junior welterweight eliminator to the vacant interim title bout on Feb.15th.And, the IBF welterweight titlist Jaron “Boots” Ennis and WBA counterpart Eimantas Stanionis are in talks for a unification fight. Per WBA president Gilberto Mendoza, Stanionis mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov has agreed to step aside.Finally some nostalgia: January 14, 2017 – 8 years ago this Tuesday – James DeGale and Badou Jack fight to a majority draw in an epic super middleweight unification fight and in the co-feature sees Gervonta Davis TKO7 then-unbeaten Jose Pedraza to win the IBF junior lightweight title, Davis' first world title. Dan was ringside at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY for this.And, we salute heavyweight hall of famers George Foreman, who turned 76 on Friday and the late Joe Frazier would have turned 81 on Sunday.And, the boys debate some 1980's American TV dramas between "Dallas," 'Dynasty," and "Miami Vice." It's worthwile to stick around for!Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to rate and review us on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We're ready to recap a mid-week title fight for Cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia, go over some fight news and have nostalgia on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of BigFightWeekend.com and his Fight Freaks Unite Substack return to go over it all. That includes:Wednesday's Tasman Fighters/Matchroom card in Australiawith Opetaia defeating David Nyika by KO early to retain his lineal/IBF Cruiserweight titles. And, what' next for Opetaia – talk of Zurdo; down the road  with Eddie Hearn also talking about Oleksandr Usyk at heavyweight.Plus, rising Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni demiloshes Shaun Potgieter inside of 2 rounds. What's his upside and future? Then, it's some News:Top Rank announces February 14th ESPN tripleheader at the MSG TheaterDenys Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn Davis, for Berinchyk's WBO lightweight titleXander Zayas vs. Slawa Spomer, junior middleweight showdownVito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Connor Coyle, middleweights Plus – prelims include return of Jared Anderson, top 147 prospect Rohan Polanco, lightweight prospect Abdullah Mason, etc.Dan updates that talks for Teofimo Lopez-Subriel Marias are DEAD. And, so much for “being finalized” as ESPN reported 3 weeks ago. What happened and how much has Lopez squandered that has been offered to him? With Vasily Lomachenko sidelined with a back injury, the IBF approves Zaur Abdullaev vs. Raymond Muratalla for the interim 135 lb. belt and they are negotiatingAnd, junior welterweight contender Oscar Duarte and two-time titlist Regis Prograis are in talks for a February 15 DAZN fight in Anaheim, California, according to Golden Boy Promotions.And, we wrap with nostalgiaJanuary 12th, 2002 — 23 years ago on Sunday – Acelino “Popo” Freitas decisions Joel Casamayor to unify the WBO and WBA junior lightweight titles. Both were unbeaten and this was a major Showtime main event that had been build for a few fights. Dan reminisces about one of his favorite fighters.It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to rate/review and subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We are back in the new year with our what is usually a "recap" pod, but we need to be creative on this edition and we'll explain more on the 'Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newletter return.With no major fight to recap they move righ to a preview of the Wednesday Tasman Fighters/Matchroom card in Australia (DAZN). This features Jai Opetaia vs. David Nyika, for Opetaia's lineal/IBF cruiserweight title in the main event. Also, Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni meets South African Shaun Potgieter in the co-feature. Then, there's news:Devin Haney announces he will be back in March and also has signed up with VADA for 24/7/365 testing, which is very rare in boxing. Dan goes over Haney's motives. Also, Willibaldo Garcia and Mexican countryman Rene Calixto, who fought to a split draw for the vacant IBF junior bantamweight title on December 21 in Shizuoka, Japan, have been ordered to meet in a rematch in another attempt to fill the 115-pound belt vacated by Fernando Martinez. And, PBC is planning a non-PPV Prime Video card for February 15 with middleweight Elijah Garcia, coming off first loss, supposed to fight Terrell Gausha and heavyweight prospect Dainier Pero also on card vs TBA.Next, we go over the rest of 2024 awards with Dan. They include the-RoundTrainerManagerUpsetProspect andBiggest storyOf this past year Finally, some nostalgiaJanuary 6, 2007 – 18 years ago on Monday – heavyweight Samuel Peter routs James Toney in their WBC final eliminator on Showtime. Big Dan was ringside at the Hard Rock resort in Hollywood, Florida. He has a couple of rememberances, including a starlett former Playboy bunny being right there with the media row.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed for all the great content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Happy New Year and welcome back to our kickoff episode of the shows for 2025. And, since there's not a significant main event in the world this weekend, host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are taking the opportunity to go over the "End of 2024 Awards."First, they talk some quick fight news including the Fernando Martinez vs. Kaz Ioka title bout from Tuesday in Japan being postponed due to Martinez getting the Flu in fight week. When will this title fight be put back on? Dan has more.He also gives us the latest on Ryan Garcia and him confirming that he has a wrist injury in training for his own Japanese exhibition and that he says he needs surgery.Then, the boys go over Dan's lists for Fight, Fighter and KO of the year for 2024. There's good debate on them all, including Oleksandr Usyk beating Tyson Fury twice, Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano the sequel and what about some other fights they considered.There's also good debate on whom gets "Fighter of the Year," especially for the women and there's disagreement on the KO of the year out of choices involving Daniel Dubois, Angelo Leo, Lucas Badhi and others.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

With the end of the year approaching we have a special conversation with our insider Dan Rafael and longtime championship referee Jack Reiss on this edition of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Reiss announced his retirement recently after 25 years as a referee. He is one of top referees for many years who has worked more than 1000 fights and more than 100 world title fights! Reiss most famously was the third man in the ring for the Wilder-Fury 1 battle in Los Angeles in December of 2018. And, that night he stood, counting, over Tyson Fury in the dramatic 12th round with Wilder on the verge of a KO or stoppage. Reiss recounts that dramatic moment and some other great stories working the fights for over three decades.The conversation is part of the 'Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!!

As we approach the end of 2024, we're back once more with our latest look ahead to the weekend, hear from a distinguished "third man in the ring" and more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack return to go over the latest that includes:A Preview of Tuesday, New Year's Eve in Tokyo, as Fernando Martinez and. Kazuto Ioka for Martinez's WBA junior bantamweight title just five months after Martinez won it in a wild battle.Then, hear from famed U.S. referee Jack Reiss, who announced his retirement recently after 25 years as a referee. Reiss has been one of top referees for many years, worked more than 1,000 fights and more than 100 world title fights, most famously Wilder-Fury 1and the 12th round knockdown dramatics there. There's fight news on Panya Pradabsri winning a majority verdict Carlos Canizales on Thursday to claim vacant WBC junior flyweight title in Bangkok, Thailand, his hometown. A disputed decision against Canizales for sure. We have another fight added to Matchroom/DAZN first-quarter schedule with announcement of Jack Catterall-Arnold Barboza Jr. in a WBO junior welterweight final eliminator on Feb. 15th in Manchester, England   Dan has reporting on Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, the former pound-for-pound king and four-division champion, being headed to another title shot. Plans are in the works to match him with WBO junior bantamweight titlist Phumelele Cafu on a date to be determined in March in Gonzalez's hometown of Managua, Nicaragua, All Star Boxing promoter Felix “Tutico” Zabala gave Fight Freaks Unite the info.  Lineal/WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez and former IBF titleholder Subriel Matias are in talks to meet in the first half of next year, but Carl Moretti of Top Rank told Big Dan it is not close to being made despite an ESPN report, using unnamed sources, saying it was “being finalized.”  Plus, Is Tank Davis vs. Lamont Roach canceled? Tank Davis is scheduled to fight Roach March 1 on PBC on Prime PPV but Davis posted on Instagram on Monday “The fight is fucking cancel.” WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!? And, some Nostalgia to close: It was Dec. 26, 1908 -- 116 years ago Thursday -- the legendary Jack Johnson stopped Tommy Burns in round 14 of a scheduled 20-rounder (they were using 4-oz gloves!) in Sydney, Australia, to become the 1st Black heavyweight champion. The boys go over the massive boxing and social implications of Johnson's win and his reign throughout the next decade.It's all part of the Big Fight Weekend Preview and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!