Characters of Boxing (And Beyond)

Boxing's Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya, is covered on today's episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) Podcast. 

"Aussie" Joe Bugner was an incredibly prolific and durable heavyweight contender with a career that spanned from 1967 - 1999. Bugner could never win over the fans in the United Kingdom where he grew up and learned to box. He lost favor with English boxing fans after beating the incredibly popular Henry Cooper in 1971. Bugner battled Muhammed Ali twice and Joe Frazier. He also appeared in the 1994 blockbuster movie Street Fighter. 

Butch Lewis helped earn Michael Spinks nearly $14 million in a fight lasting just 90 seconds against Mike Tyson. As Philadelphia's very own, he was known for his trademark wardrobe of a tuxedo jacket, bow tie and no shirt underneath. Lewis could easily be considered boxing's most colorful and savvy business mind throughout the 1970s and 80s.

The Choir Boy, Freddie Roach, is profiled on this latest episode of the Characters of Boxing (and Beyond) Podcast. Roach is widely considered one of the greatest boxing trainers of all-time, but throughout the 1980s he was also a fan favorite fighting out of Las Vegas. We explore his New England roots and fighting career on today's episode. 

South Korean lightweight contender Duk Koo Kim is profiled on today's episode of the Characters of Boxing (and Beyond) Podcast. Kim fought at a thrilling pace and brought significant action and offense to the ring as a crowd-pleasing pugilist. His life was cut tragically short in 1982 in a nationally televised match against Ray Mancini. 

Earnie Shavers never won a heavyweight championship and he is not enshrined in the Boxing Hall of Fame, yet every boxing fan seems to know his name. Shavers had the hardest punching power that's ever been seen on tape in the history of boxing. He also fought during what many consider the most competitive time in the history of heavyweight boxing. 

Ed "Too Tall" Jones was drafted No. 1 overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1974 National Football League (NFL) Draft. After 5 years with the Cowboys, he stepped away from the NFL at the height of his athletic prime to pursue his professional boxing dreams. After six professional bouts he returned to pro football and played 10 more seasons with Dallas. With one of the most memorable nicknames in football history, he was a 3-time All-Pro at defensive end and a Super Bowl champion. 

Boxing's other Golden Boy, Donny Lalonde, is profiled on the Characters of Boxing (and Beyond) Podcast today. Lalonde was a bruising contender throughout his career. His 1987 match against Sugar Ray Leonard was one of the most important boxing moments of the 1980s, an incredible decade in pugilism.  

Michael Katsidis, also known as boxing's "last action hero" is profiled on today's new episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) Podcast. The great Australian fighter always gave fans their money's worth. Arguably, there hasn't been a boxer as exciting as Katsidis to enter the ring since his 2017 retirement. 

Legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer is covered on today's episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) Podcast. We explain why Buffer is the James Bond of boxing and how he convinced Atlantic City promoters to hire him in the early 1980s without any prior experience. 

Today's episode of the Characters of Boxing and Beyond Podcast goes "beyond boxing" to tell you the story of legendary in-ring character, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. 

The mysterious life, career and death of Sonny Liston are covered on today's episode of the Characters of Boxing (and Beyond) Podcast. Liston was the most feared heavyweight champion of his day. 

Today's episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) is about Roy Jones Jr. and the 1988 Summer Olympics. The fighting pride of Pensacola, Florida, Jones Jr., lost a controversial gold medal match in the finals of the 1988 Summer Olympics in South Korea.

We discuss one of the most bizarre nights in boxing history on today's episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) Podcast. In 1978 convicted felon and incarcerated inmate James "Superman" Scott fought Eddie Gregory at Rahway Prison in New Jersey. This was a fully sanctioned bout held in a prison auditorium as Scott was a WBA ranked contender for the Light Heavyweight Championship. Scott was not allowed to leave the grounds making for one of the controversial and memorable nights in professional boxing's illustrious history. Visit https://www.clearcontender.com/podcast for more episodes. 

We profile the fighting neighborhood of Brownsville Brooklyn and the life of Al "Bummy" Davis on today's podcast. We also discuss the life and career of Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (formerly Eddie Gregory) and the incredible history of Brownsville's penchant for producing great boxing champions. 

Boxing's first true "hype man" is covered on today's episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) Podcast, Tex Rickard. Rickard brought serious money into prizefighting while utilizing his "larger than life" personality to significantly grow boxing throughout the early 20th century. Rickard spearheaded the construction of both Madison Square Garden III and the Boston Garden. His influence on the business of combat sports lives on today. 

The life of Long Island boxer, Patrick Day (1992 - 2019), is honored on this episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) Podcast.

Learn about legendary boxing character Mitch "Blood" Green on today's episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) Podcast. Green was a "one man" public relations department throughout the 1980s cutting pro wrestling styling promotional videos to lure Mike Tyson into the ring for high profile bouts.

Former pro boxer Bobby Stewart was working at an upstate New York reform school when he discovered Mike Tyson. He discusses that journey, and how much money he was paid when Tyson won the title on today's Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) podcast episode with host Casey Callanan. To learn more, please visit https://www.clearcontender.com/podcast/

Jimmy Jacobs was Mike Tyson's first professional boxing manager in 1984. He might have been considered "The Most Interesting Man in the World" in 1986 as he was arguably the "Greatest of All-Time" at three different things by the mid-1980s. Learn about this all-time boxing character on today's episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) Podcast. 

Lou Duva oversaw the career of 19 world champions in his boxing career that spanned 7 decades. Along with Bob Arum and Don King, he was perhaps the biggest name of boxing outside of the ring throughout the 1980s and 90s. Duva was the hardworking son of Italian immigrants and he built a business dynasty from scratch. Famous for his tough, rugged exterior, Duva was never shy to hop in the ring during melees and brouhahas like he did in Mayweather - Paziena and Bowe - Golota.

One of the most affable boxers in history, "Big" George Foreman, is profiled this week on the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) Podcast. Today he is one of the most marketable athletes of all-time, but he was a much different personality when he entered the ring in 1974 to face Muhammad Ali in The Rumble in the Jungle. Learn about his transition from villain to lovable character on today's podcast.  We explore his extended absence from boxing, his famous grill and television show appearances. We also discuss the flawless strategy he executed against Michael Moorer to capture the heavyweight championship in 1994 at 45 years old. 

"Merciless" Ray Mercer is profiled on this new episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) Podcast. Mercer is often overlooked during a golden era in heavyweight boxing history. He was a ferocious, underrated champion throughout the 1990s in the heavyweight division. 

Roger Mayweather was a two-time world champion, and is widely considered one of the greatest trainers of all-time. Known for his length, stoicism and in-ring efficiency, this episode is a tribute to boxing's Black Mamba, Roger Mayweather. Get more episodes by visiting https://www.clearcontender.com/podcast

We are joined by Andre Cherry of the Cherry Pickin' College Football podcast to discuss boxing character and former college football star Tom Zbikowski. "Tommy Z" fought on the Miguel Cotto - Ricardo Mayorga undercard in 2011 after a few seasons with the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). 

Learn about "Irish" Bobby Stewart the man that discovered Mike Tyson on this episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) Podcast. He boxed on the undercard of the Rumble in the Jungle, but his largest legacy will be discovering Mike Tyson at an upstate New York reform school.

Today's episode goes beyond boxing to discuss UFC welterweight Colby Covington. He's a polarizing superstar and innovator within his sport as an entertainer. In the past three years he has flourished as a character-driven personality and sensation inside the octagon. 

Mike Tyson lived in the Cleveland, Ohio area from the 1980s until 1999. Learn about his "cursed" mansion that attracted multiple white collar criminals. We also explore some legendary stories about how Mike spent money lavishly and lived recklessly throughout this era of his boxing career and life.

From 1963 - 1998 boxing's most consistent in-ring presence was Mills Lane. A brash, larger than life personality mixed with his no-nonsense approach made him famous beyond the ring. He would star in a popular MTV show from 1998 - 2002 and his own television show as "Judge" Mills Lane from 1998 - 2001. He refereed some of the most massive events in boxing history and may go down in history as boxing's most famous ref ever.

Greg Haugen, the Fighting Pride of the Great Northwest, is profiled on today's episode of the Characters of Boxing. Haugen was famous for taking on the role of the visitor and was never scared to travel far and wide to take on foes on their home turf. He may also best be remembered for one of the most iconic quotes in boxing history. We explore why he was such a character and all-time great who should be remembered for much more than just his epic loss to Julio César Chávez in Mexico City.  

Learn about Tony Zale on this episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) Podcast. The Man of Steel was one of the nicest guys outside of the ring and inside of it he was one of the most fearless, ferocious and resilient fighters that ever lived. For more episodes visit us at http://www.ClearContender.com/Podcast

We discuss who Piano Mover Jones was, and what he meant to boxing history. Our host also dives into a chat about the best nicknames in the history of this sweetest of sciences. 

This quiet and humble superstar once owned the largest home in the state of Georgia and found a way to forgive Mike Tyson for biting off his ear on the same night it happened. Evander Holyfield captured the heavyweight title four times (most in boxing history), and nearly captured it a fifth time after a controversial loss to Nikolai Valuev.  Holyfield fought in the opening years of Pay-Per-View boxing and amassed a fortune. He would go on to lose nearly all of it and he would end up fighting well past his prime. 

Two boxers served as the top influences in the life of Sugar Ray Robinson (maybe the greatest pound-for-pound boxer of all-time). The first was Joe Louis, and the second was the great Cuban champion, "Kid Chocolate" Eligio Sardiñas Montalvo. He is profiled on this brand new episode of the Characters of Boxing (and Beyond) Podcast.  Learn more at https://www.clearcontender.com/podcast 

Today we're going beyond boxing to tell you the story of pro wrestler, Kerry Von Erich "The Texas Tornado". As we explain on today's episode, Von Erich was easily one of the toughest competitors that has ever entered a ring. 

Two-time heavyweight champion of the world Tommy "The Duke" Morrison is profiled on this new episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) Podcast. The star of Rocky V had a life full of extreme ups and downs. 

The reigning king of combat sports promotions started out as a boxing trainer in South Boston. When he was kicked out of Massachusetts by the mob, he landed in Las Vegas and the rest is history. Dana White has been public about his plans to "save boxing" and will soon be throwing his hat in the ring to do just that. Learn about White's story and the colorful history of the UFC on today's episode of the Characters of Boxing (and Beyond) Podcast. 

There's only one Ricky Hatton. On this new episode we discuss the great Ricky Hatton. Hatton is both an all-time great boxer and major character of the ring. His high profile friendships with mega celebrities such as the Gallagher brothers and Wayne Rooney are discussed along with his epic bouts against some of the best fighters of the era. We also chat about why Hatton was so popular and his public struggles away from boxing. 

We discuss two of the newest characters in pro boxing-- Logan Paul and KSI on today's podcast. Our host discusses why they are good for the sport of boxing and how hungry fighters on the undercard (and the business of boxing itself) could be the beneficiary from this sure-to-be spectacular event. The event is being promoted by another large-scale character in boxing, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, USA, and DAZN. We also explore the wild history of celebrity boxing in today's podcast.

Chuck Wepner is the subject of today's episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) podcast. Wepner was a bruising heavyweight throughout the 1960s and 1970s representing the working class city of Bayonne, New Jersey, USA. He would acquire the nickname, "The Bayonne Bleeder" after suffering stoppage losses to George Foreman and Sonny Liston. Wepner will perhaps best be remembered for going nearly all 15 rounds with Muhammad Ali in 1975. He scored a controversial knock down in the ninth round of that historic bout with Ali. It is also widely reported that Sylvester Stallone wrote the movie Rocky based on Wepner's fight against Ali. 

This episode is a tribute to the late, great Arturo "Thunder" Gatti, one of the greatest entertainers in boxing history. Known throughout the late 90s and early 2000s as "Blood and Guts", "Rocky" and "Thunder" for his incredible resilience and devastating left hook.  Gatti's fighting style represented everything that is great about boxing and was a throwback to the golden age of the Sweet Science. Our host, Casey Callanan, explains why Gatti is an important figure in boxing history and is perhaps his favorite boxer of all-time. 

Lennox Lewis is profiled on this brand new episode of the Characters of Boxing (And Beyond) podcast. Our host discusses how Lewis' legendary final bout (a win over Vitali Klitschko) reignited his love affair with boxing. The fight also ushered in a new era for heavyweight championship boxing. 

The first ever Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event was recently released in its entirety by the UFC on YouTube. "UFC 1: The Begining" took place in Denver Colorado in November 1993. In honor of its recent YouTube debut, our host recaps this historic event and discusses the legends/characters of the evening including Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, Taylor Wily (Teila Tuli), Gerard Gordeau, Kevin Rozier and more.

We're celebrating the fighting city of Philadelphia with a tribute to one of its native sons and one of the greatest boxers ever, Bernard Hopkins.  Our show is joined by Andre "Philly Dre" Cherry (visiting us in Baltimore from his home in Philadelphia). We celebrate Hopkins' career while also discussing all things Philly-- including the Eagles 2018 Super Bowl run, Meek Mill, Kevin Hart and the Rocky movie franchise. 

Podcast host, Casey Callanan, is joined by his girlfriend and fellow boxing enthusiast Saroyah "The Destroyah" to discuss their evening at the fights in Baltimore, Maryland, Charm City, USA. Gervonta "Tank" Davis wasn't the only star of the evening with a spectacular knock out victory coming from longtime Cuban great Yuriorkis Gamboa. We also discuss the characters of the evening, Baltimore boxing history, and the fashion trends that make Baltimore one of the most animated cities in the world. 

Our podcast's host, Casey Callanan, discusses his weekend in Las Vegas with all the characters of the MGM Grand hotel during the Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman showdown. His weekend involved meeting Gerry Cooney in the elevator and running into the legend Freddie "Choir Boy" Roach.  Casey's experience at the MGM Grand also led him to remember a fairly obscure bout between Mike Tyson and Bruce Seldon that had historic consequences. As you'll learn on today's episode this fight led to one of the most tragic and historic events in the history of Las Vegas, the death of rapper Tupac Shakur. 

One of the funniest boxers that ever lived. A true character that found fame in Hollywood during and after his prolific heavyweight boxing career. Cobb had an all-time great chin and was a serious contender for the heavyweight crown.   He would go the distance with Larry Holmes in 1982 and later appear in movies and television as a villain throughout the 80s and 90s. He's a native Texan with a thick southern drawl. Despite his roots in Texas, he's called the fighting city of Philadelphia home since he started training at Smokin' Joe Frazier's gym early in his fight career.

In the aftermath of UFC 239 we're going beyond boxing as host Casey Callanan gives you a rundown on why Jorge Masvidal is the biggest character in MMA. (Masvidal also has professional boxing experience.) Masvidal raises important questions for the expectations on sportsmanship and an odd double-standard that exists when a fight ends. We also talk "305/Miami Energy" and Masvidal's streetfighting days against Kimbo Slice's protege, "Ray". Learn more by visiting https://www.clearcontender.com/podcast and subscribe to the "Characters of Boxing" podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your favorite podcasts today!

Podcast host Casey "Kid History" Callanan recaps an incredible night of boxing in his hometown and birthplace of Providence. He also recalls his experience meeting Matchroom Boxing's CEO Eddie Hearn and catches listeners up on all the characters of the evening.

The 1980 movie "Raging Bull" about Jake LaMotta is not just a great boxing movie, it's widely considered one of the greatest movies ever made. What fight fans might be less familiar with is a 1956 Oscar-winning masterpiece called "Somebody Up There Likes Me" starring Paul Newman as Rocky Graziano.  This week on the Characters of Boxing (and Beyond) we profile the tumultuous life and career of Graziano, fighting out of Stillman's Gym in New York City. Graziano wasn't just a ferocious competitor inside the ring he was an absolute character outside of it. After his career ended he starred as an actor, alongside LaMotta, his childhood buddy, and Sugar Ray Robinson in the comedic sitcom "Car 54 Where are You?". Today's podcast explores "Somebody Up There Likes Me", Graziano's deep troubles, and his subsequent triumphs. It also looks at the character he played on "Car 54" and explains what we can learn about the human condition from its narrative and incredibly poignant symbolism. 

Eric "Butterbean" Esch has been in the news these past couple weeks. In the wake of his shocking victory over Anthony Joshua, Internet trolls compared Andy Ruiz Jr. to the legendarily tough, yet heavily overweight Butterbean. It's hard to find a bigger character in the history of boxing than Butterbean. We explore his "toughman" roots, Sega Genesis covers, Wrestlemania appearances and epic showdowns with Johnny Knoxville.  The man fought Larry Holmes in his final professional bout in 2002 and TKO'd Peter McNeeley before that. It's time to take a complete and total look at Butterbean and explore what his legacy means to boxing.