The Opening Bell

Deontay Wilder, at the age of 39, is promising to prove that all he needed to regain momentum was not a time machine, but time off. Father Time will be watching carefully. Last weekend, there was a shock defeat for Galal Yafai at the hands of Francisco Rodriguez who exhibited astonishing energy for each of the 12 rounds. And on the same week that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr takes on Jake Paul, we journey back in time to focus on Julio Cesar Chavez see red after tasing blood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boiling bodies down to make unnatural weight limits has been standard practice in boxing for decades. Considering a fight follows that gruelling struggle, is it time to rethink old habits? The potential of both Richardson Hitchins and Andy Cruz is discussed in detail before we preview the latest showcase for Galal Yafai. And in This Week, we pinpoint the fight that triggered the spellbinding peak of Vasiliy Lomachenko. Please rate, review, share - and always follow The Opening Bell

Boxing lost one of its finest when James Cook, a truly beautiful human being, was taken from us far too soon. We pay tribute. Fabio Wardley came through what threatened to be a sobering homecoming at Portman Road to demolish Justis Huni with a single shot. What did that fight say about those two heavyweights? The retirements of Vasiliy Lomachenko and Delicious Orie are up for discussion as we examine the brutal yet addictive nature of the sport. In This Week, we go back to 1981 and the great Larry Holmes hammering Leon Spinks to defeat in three rounds. Thanks for listening and your ongoing support - it means a lot! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fabio Wardley has crafted an incredible career from his white-collar background. Is Saturday's showdown with Justis Huni the last stop before a world title shot or will question marks about his pedigree remain? Over in Barnsley, in another football stadium show, Callum Simpson takes on Ivan Zucco, an Italian southpaw, for the European super middleweight title. Like Wardley, Simpson stands on the edge of world class waters. And like Wardley, there's still a sense that he might need one or two more fights before jumping in. Over in America last weekend, the career of Caleb Plant screeched to an unexpected halt after being foiled by that pesky ‘tune-up'. His future hangs in the balance. Thank you for listening to the Opening Bell! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heavyweight Moses Itauma scored another knockout last weekend to further heighten the already lofty expectations about his future. But how do you ensure the 20-year-old fulfils that stratospheric potential? Also in Glasgow was Josh Taylor being upset by Ekow Essuman in a fiery 12-rounder that has implications for both on the world scene. This Week In History is proud to present one of the most chaotic, comedic and combustible heavyweight collisions in memory. We strongly advise you watch this one - the astonishing battle between Danny Williams and Konstantin Airich from 2008. Go well, one and all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The career of Josh Taylor is at the crossroads where Ekow Essuman awaits. Will The Tornado be reborn at welterweight or is this the fight that proves his days at the top are over? Johnny Fisher saw his unbeaten record ruined by Dave Allen last weekend which stirred opinion on matchmaking and the futures of both heavyweights. Tyson Fury again teased a comeback and, frankly, we're now not even attempting to stifle the yawn. In This Week In History we head back to 1985 when Rocky Lockridge collided with Wilfredo Gomez in a bout retrospectively regarded to end with stinking bad decision. But, phew, what a scrap it was. Please enjoy and spread the word of The Opening Bell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the age of 46 and without a win in six years, Manny Pacquiao is set to walk into a world welterweight title fight. We ask how and why this is being allowed to occur. In Nottingham last weekend, Anthony Cacace produced his latest impressive beatdown when he halted the plucky but outgunned Leigh Wood. We look ahead to the heavyweight rematch between Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen and go all the way back to 1970 when Ken Buchanan made one last stop at British level before taking over the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheOpeningBellPodcast Interested in sponsoring the show? theopeningbellpodcast@gmail.com The New York experiment didn't exactly work with three forgettable bouts hidden away in a small corner of Times Square and Canelo was forced to play another game of cat and mouse in which barely a punch landed. Will a contest with Terence Crawford be any different? Whether all that was down to poor planning or simply bad luck, it was a relief when Naoya Inoue provided some thrills and spills in Las Vegas. But does another trip to the canvas mean we're witnessing the beginning of the end of his peak years? We also look ahead to Leigh Wood's scrap with Anthony Cacace and back to Oscar De La Hoya showcasing his superstar potential against Rafael Ruelas in This Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

➡️ https://www.patreon.com/c/TheOpeningBellPodcast ⬅️ As Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois confirm their summer sequel, a rerun of the Chris Eubank Jr-Conor Benn affair seems almost certain. But does every big fight need a rematch? There are further thoughts on Eubank Jr's battle with Benn - and the scales - with an update from the BBBoC on those images of Eubank trying to make weight. We look ahead to a bustling weekend featuring Canelo Alvarez, Teofimo Lopez, Naoya Inoue, Devin Haney and the returning Ryan Garcia. In This Week, we rewatch the heavyweight slugfest between Vitali Klitschko and Corrie Sanders. Thanks for listening to the Opening Bell. Ding! Ding! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the end, we got a terrific contest, one loaded with excitement and bravery. But after a fight like that, can it really be the end? Perhaps it should be for Eubank, who acted his age in more ways than one while containing the youthful abandon of Benn. It threatened to mimic WWE at the start, as the fathers played their role in the circus, but it was a fight we'll never forget and one that left the winner in hospital. And regardless of all that came before in this long and winding story, perhaps that final plot twist is the most pertinent of them all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

30 months after two failed tests aborted the fight between Chris Eubank Jnr and Conor Benn, the old family feud is now set to be renewed. We examine the form, age and weight of the fighters, the history of the rivalry, and ponder who will have their hand raised at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Ben Whittaker's victory over Liam Cameron, alongside the stoppage, the aftermath and the undercard, are also discussed in detail. We hear from Ellie Scotney and, in This Week, go back to 2009 to relive a frenzied featherweight battle that lit up Belfast's Ulster Hall. Get on board The Opening Bell, buckle yourselves in and enjoy the ride. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Support the pod and get access to AD free listening, exclusive episodes, early releases and lots more here: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheOpeningBellPodcast How does the story end? It's been a long road to get here but it seems that Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are actually going to have a fight. But who wins? Eubank Jr is the favourite but does he still have what it takes at the age of 35? Benn is a live underdog but can he really bridge the gap? And how does it feel for those who have followed this tale from the start, who have lived through the failures, the disappointments, and the incompetency? Regardless, it's been a gripping saga - and one that was always destined to end in a fight. Some additional reading for those who are inclined: https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/chris-eubank-jnr-vs-conor-benn-the-definitive-timeline-of-a-dirty-fight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jaron ‘Boots' Ennis turned in a terrific showing to dismantle Eimantas Stanionis with aplomb inside six rounds. Yet there's still plenty to do before those labelling him great are proved correct. Critics still say he takes too many punches and one wonders if the talent pool at welterweight is deep enough to take him forward. Yet there should be no doubt he's a very special fighter. Yet Hannah Rankin's journey in combat sports might be reaching its end after a grisly KO loss in BKB saw her lying unconscious. And we reflect on the penultimate fight in Chris Eubank's career as This Week In History focuses on the British superstar climbing to cruiserweight to challenge Carl ‘The Cat' Thompson. Thanks, as always, for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

THREE TITLES AND A BIG BABY Last December, Jarrell Miller walked into the WBA convention and asked to be moved into the top five of their heavyweight rankings. The sanctioning body did better than that - they've reintroduced their interim title for him to contest. Also at heavyweight, Joe Joyce turned in a typically gutsy showing but came up short against Filip Hrgovic. What now for the Juggernaut? In This Week, heavyweights remain the theme as we go back to 2004 and a devastating loss that turned out to be the making of Wladimir Klitschko. Thanks, one and all, for the ongoing support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is plotting his next move, with Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker both seemingly in the running to face the king.The chasing pack watch with interest, knowing their own futures might be at the mercy of Usyk's choice. Derek Chisora, the IBF's leading contender, is among them. But does the ageing warhorse really deserve a shot and, furthermore, is Chisora challenging Dubois or Usyk something the sport really needs?There's plenty of action to digest as Mikaela Mayer and William Zepeda marched on and the journey of Pat Brown began.In This Week, we go back to 1990 and a fight that birthed one of the most underrated fighters of the decade, Terrible Terry Norris.For regular weekly bonus content, please consider becoming a Patreon or Subscriber. We appreciate you all. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tributes to George Foreman, Colin Hart and Livingstone Bramble are paid this week. Foreman was a gigantic presence in every possible way - to such a degree that we presumed he'd go on forever.The loss of Hart, the doyen of British boxing journalists and friend of the podcast, hits particularly hard but comfort is found in the life he cherished.There's also time to reflect on the performances of George Kambosos and Skye Nicholson, a look ahead to the weekend's action, and in This Week we look back on the rematch between Matthew Saad Muhammad and Hart's personal favourite, John Conteh.Please enjoy and spread the good word of The Opening Bell. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Nick Ball have been thrown out of his fight with TJ Doheny after booting him in the leg? That question, alongside analysis of the fight, is in sharp focus this week.We also examine the £100,000 fine dished out to Chris Eubank Jnr and explain both why it was so high and where the money goes.And in This Week we go back to the Nineties and a Mike Tyson undercard that featured one of the most unappreciated technicians of them all - Mr Ricardo Lopez. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode we talk to one of the greatest of all boxing writers, Don McRae about his new book and reflect on victories for Harlem Eubank and Lauren Price, who may have ended the careers of Tyrone McKenna and Natasha Jonas.McRae, in a teaser for an in-depth interview in the bonus podcast, details the process of writing what he believes will be his final boxing book: The Last Bell.In This Week in History we go back to 1980 and a hectic world lightweight title fight between Jim Watt and Charlie Nash in Glasgow.Spread the word if you like what you hear, comrades! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The two biggest talking points of the weekend were triggered by the decisions of referees - Steve Willis to deny Lamont Roach a knockdown and Marcus McDonnell to disqualify Paddy Donovan.But were they right calls? The fights, that saw Lewis Crocker win in bizarre circumstances and Gervonta Davis snatch a draw, are also broken down.We brace ourselves as the build-up to Chris Eubank Jnr-Conor Benn begins and, in This Week, we go back to 2007 and Kevin Mitchell winning a British humdinger.Please follow, leave a review and support us in any way you can. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dmitry Bivol gained revenge over Artur Beterbiev following another close and high quality encounter. Did the right man win this time? We also wonder if in fights like these judges should be encouraged to score rounds level if they're struggling to find favour.We look at each of the undercard fights in detail with gushing praise for both Callum Smith and Joshua Buatsi in particular.There's also time for a look ahead to next weekend when Gervonta Davis takes on Lamont Roach and, in Belfast, Paddy Donovan dukes it out with Lewis Crocker.Thanks for listening - make sure you're following us and, if you have time, drop us a review to help us along. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a bonus free-for-all reaction pod we look back on the Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev card and a rivalry that may always feel like unfinished business.There were talking points galore elsewhere, too. From the titanic clash between Callum Smith and Joshua Buatsi to Martin Bakole's dramatic fall, via Hamzah Sheeraz stealing a draw and is Agit Kabayel coming the fore, we discuss them all.Please enjoy, share, and spread the good word of The Opening Bell. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AD FREE LISTENING + EARLY RELEASES + BONUS CONTENT + MORE: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcastMatt and Alex reflect on Jack Catterall's loss to Arnold Barboza on Saturday which dented his immediate hopes of a world title challenge while handing the magic beans to Barbosa on his climb to the top. It was a weekend for upsets and progress with Reece Bellotti, Jazza Dickens, Pat McCormack and Keyshawn Davis all starring. Where Top Rank's boxing stars of tomorrow will be showcased is up for discussion as we look at the wider broadcasting landscape with the ESPN and Top Rank relationship nearing its end.And we take a trip back to the 1980's with the pulsating rematch between Livingstone Bramble and Ray ‘Boom Boom' Mancini remembered in This Week.This is the first of four pods planned during this big fight week for Patreon and Apple + subscribers with a detailed preview of Saturday's undercard from Saudi, a forensic look into the rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol and finally a big fight reaction pod on Sunday morning. To get these for less than a fiver each month subscribe now. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast (It takes 90 seconds to sign up and you can cancel at any time). AD Free listening ✅Bonus content ✅Early access to the main podcast ✅Community chat group ✅Entire back catalogue of bonus content ✅ Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever enjoyed any of our episodes? If the answer is YES please become a supporter of the podcast, you can cancel at any time: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast or if you listen on apple podcast please upgrade your subscription there, again you can cancel at any time. 4 x podcasts coming this week for supporters of the podcast. Thank you. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Derek Chisora scored another win, collected more bruises, handed out more burgers, and now he prepares to face the final curtain.We examine Del Boy's victory over Otto Wallin, his recent form, and ponder what awaits in fight number 50.Elsewhere, Canelo signed a four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh in what might signal the Mexican winding down his career with one last lucrative deal. But is William Scull a better opponent than Jake Paul?In This Week we take in some astonishing violence as Richie Kates gets an early taste of the incredible resilience of Matthew Saad Muhammad.If you enjoyed this episode, don't be shy, leave a review, tell your pals, and treat yourself to a subscription! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Azim and David Benavidez notched the finest wins of their careers last weekend and, with feet on the ground and context at hand, we examine the performances of each. What's next, ideally, for both fighters? We review the subject of post-fight pandemonium, briefly ponder the likelihood of PEDs being rife among the elite and journey back in time.We land in 1989 when Lloyd Honeyghan and Marlon Starling were the premier welterweights and Mike Tyson grew tired of Harry Carpenter. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Early listening, AD Free content and more: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheOpeningBellPodcastNaoya Inoue was back in devastating form and typically thrilling to witness but should his scrap with Ye Joon Kim have been a non-title fight?Teofimo Lopez has changed trainers - could a move to Eddy Reynoso's gym lead to more consistency in battle?The development of Diego Pacheco is in focus and, in This Week, we take a hike back to 1973 and a terrific all-Scottish tussle between Ken Buchanan and Jim Watt. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ryan Garcia, among others, is heading into the most lucrative period of his career following a failed test. What a message that projects…Naoya Inoue is back but what price the upset in Japan? Diego Pacheco heads into what might be the hardest fight of his career and there might be a hidden gem on the Dalton Smith bill.And in This Week, it's time to bask in some insane Ricardo Mayorga memories. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two days after Anthony Joshua declared that Tyson Fury was his priority for 2025, Fury announced his retirement. This is nothing new for the ‘Gypsy King' - so are we to take him seriously this time?As we come to terms with the possibility of one British blockbuster not occurring, another - Chris Eubank Jr versus Conor Benn - is all but confirmed. In This Week, we strap in and head back to 1985, when Colin Jones was forced to endure what a peak Donald Curry felt like. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Opening Bell kicks off its 2025 campaign with a look ahead to what we can expect in the boxing world over the coming months.The bill in Sheffield, featuring Callum Simpson and Caroline Dubois, is previewed, we reflect on the heavyweight movers and shakers, ponder what might be next for Conor Benn and name our one wish for the boxing year ahead.In This Week, we venture back to 2006 and a cruiserweight rip-roarer between O'Neill Bell and Jean Marc Mormeck.For anyone wishing to help out Ringside Charitable Trust, you can do so HEREhttps://www.theringsidecharitabletrust.com/how-to-donate Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: 2024 Boxing with Alex Steedman. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://www.patreon.com/c/TheOpeningBellPodcastFollowing another absorbing, high-end heavyweight battle we examine the performances of Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and the scorecards which ruled the Ukrainian a handsome winner.Usyk officially cemented his place in history - but is Fury right to feel aggrieved that the judges went against him?What's next for Usyk and is there really any mileage in a third fight?And is there anything that Fury could have done differently at this stage of his career?As always, we're keen to hear your thoughts. Thanks for your glorious support in 2024; we wish you all a very merry Christmas and the happiest of new years. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://www.patreon.com/c/TheOpeningBellPodcastIn the final preview pod of Usyk v Fury, the rematch, we check in with DAZN pundit and commentator Barry Jones with his take on fight week from Saudi. Have there been an clues or red herrings? Can we expect the unexpected from Fury? Will it be more of the fantastic same from the first fight? All this and more in our final preview pod. And don't forget to download our big fight reaction pod with Alex and Matt on Sunday. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With mere days to go before Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury go into battle again, we dissect every facet of the rematch and name the winner.Alongside analysis of their first scrap, we explore the psychology of both fighters, their form in rematches and their behaviour in fight week.Before all of that, we explore the potential for controversy, which might have been heightened following the emergence of a curious conflict of interest regarding one of the officials.Keep listening, subscribing and spreading the good word of The Opening Bell. Go well, dear listener. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://www.patreon.com/c/TheOpeningBellPodcastWe're spoilt for choice while compiling the best of Oleksandr Usyk as he journeys into a rematch with Tyson Fury.His performance in the first fight is a contender for top spot, so too his wins over Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.Fear not, his dominance at cruiserweight is not forgotten either. How would you rank his greatest hits? Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://www.patreon.com/c/TheOpeningBellPodcastIn a special episode we look back on the career of Tyson Fury and rank his finest performances.There's the three Deontay Wilder fights jostling for position, the toppling of Wladimir Klitschko, the domestic beatdowns of Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte, and that first encounter with Oleksandr Usyk.What will come out on top? Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcastAs we prepare to kick off a huge fight week that will lead us to the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, we're in Miami reporting from the WBA convention.There's a stunning upset involving Jaime Munguia to dissect, the performances of Tasha Jonas and Lauren Price to admire, and a bizarre brawl at heavyweight to reflect upon.In This Week, we go back to the exact moment in history when Matthew Saad Muhammad was stripped of his superpowers.Thanks for listening! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcastAs the boxing year draws to a close, rumours are again rife that two of the biggest stars - Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford - will collide in a superfight in 2025.We also discuss what's really happening, down here in reality. There were wins for Denzel Bentley, Richardson Hitchins and Emanuel Navarrete again exhibited his curious yet suffocating effectiveness.Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price return on the same week that, 16 years ago, Carl Froch threatened to become a household name with a thrilling victory over Jean Pascal. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Though Gamal Yafai beating Sunny Edwards was not an upset, the one-sided nature of the beatdown was a surprise. The brilliant Yafai marches on while Edwards, Galal's conqueror in the amateurs, announces his retirement.Elsewhere, UKAD surrendered to Conor Benn in his fight to be cleared but the finer details of his case remain completely unclear - we ask why.And in This Week, we look back on a scintillating performance from Donald Curry in 1985. Little did anyone know at the time that Curry's thrashing of Milton McCrory would all but signal the beginning of the end for his flirtation with greatness. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a fascinating and hard to call winter showdown, Sunny Edwards visits Galal Yafai in Birmingham for a battle with worldwide implications.We review Harlem Eubank's return while looking at the increasing likelihood that his cousin will soon be confirmed as Conor Benn's next opponent. With that in mind, the WBC's justification for Benn's lofty ranking at welterweight might surprise you.In This Week, we go back to 2004 for the final instalment in the terrific feud between Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales.To all of you who continue to support us, in whichever way you can, we thank you. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As expected, Mike Tyson looked old, slow and vulnerable while being outpointed by Jake Paul in an unedifying, forgettable encounter.But what do the incredible viewing figures - it was seen in 60m homes - mean for the sport of boxing?At least Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano turned in a terrific scrap and, out in Saudi, Gilberto Ramirez was too slick for a beyond brave Chris Billam-Smith.Finally, a treat in This Week as Smokin' Bert Cooper turns in an inspired showing to almost show Evander Holyfield. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conor Benn last week announced, for the third time in two years, that he had been ‘cleared' to fight. Is this really the end of the matter?Elsewhere, Turki Alalshikh announced his aquirement of The Ring and, if that wasn't enough, a $20m deal for Naoya Inoue.In action was Jaron Ennis, merely going through the motions, while Keyshawn Davis showcased his limitless potential.This Week marks the anniversary of the epic opener between Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield.Thanks for the ongoing support, one and all. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Daniel Dubois-Anthony Joshua rematch seemingly off the table, we examine the leading contenders to take on Dubois and ponder what the future may hold for Joshua.There's Queensberry's deal with DAZN to discuss along with the long-term position of Frank Warren in the business after he recently admitted he had considered retirement.We also reflect on all the action from the weekend, including Shabaz Masoud's majestic victory over Liam Davies, and there's a special report from the amateur Under-19 World Championships.In This Week, we head back to 1989 and Sugar Ray Leonard taking on Donnie Lalonde. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex and Matt discuss the unexpected storylines emerging from the initial press conference for the December rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. With a full training camp, a focused mind and a more unified corner, how much better can Fury be? And is it enough?Matt speaks to the British Boxing Board for more background detail on what constitutes an approved boxing glove while we reflect on another career highlight win for Jack Catterall. Is Jack ready to beat boxing's best?This Week in history takes you back to 1984 when Edwin Rosario and Jose Luis Ramirez rematched in a short but thrilling war.Later this week there's a bonus pod available on Patreon and Apple + where Alex and Matt analyse the best British and Irish fighters from the modern era. Subscribe now for ad free listening and bonus content like that every week for less than £5 per month. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex and Matt discuss the unexpected storylines emerging from the initial press conference for the December rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. With a full training camp, a focused mind and a more unified corner, how much better can Fury be? And is it enough?Matt speaks to the British Boxing Board for more background detail on what constitutes an approved boxing glove while we reflect on another career highlight win for Jack Catterall. Is Jack ready to beat boxing's best?This Week in history takes you back to 1984 when Edwin Rosario and Jose Luis Ramirez rematched in a short but thrilling war.Later this week there's a bonus pod available on Patreon and Apple + where Alex and Matt analyse the best British and Irish fighters from the modern era. Subscribe now for ad free listening and bonus content like that every week for less than £5 per month. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a stunning and brutal thrashing, Bakhram Murtazaliev needed less than nine minutes to defeat Tim Tszyu, scoring four knockdowns along the way.We address the modern day habit of writing off the vanquished boxer after defeat - Can Tszyu really have fallen that far, this quickly?The showing of Adam Azim, who defeated Ohara Davies in eight rounds, is another worthy of analysis and we touch on the glove row that triggered Frank Warren's latest threat to sue.And in This Week, we remember the British barnburner between Michael Gomez and Alex Arthur from 2003. For more on that subject, we recommend this article on Gomez https://boxingnewsonline.net/drugs-alcohol-street-fights-stabbings-tragedies-and-catching-burglars-with-robin-reid-the-turbulent-times-of-michael-gomez/ and video interview with his trainer, Billy Graham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWSmtmidZA8Thank you one and all for supporting the podcast in whichever way you see fit. Remember, for those on Apple, you can now directly subscribe to the bonus content without leaving the App. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DID BETERBIEV DESERVE TO BEAT BIVOL?All that was left to do after watching a truly wondrous scrap between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol was squabble about the decision awarded to the former.We examine whether or not the right man won - and ask, more pertinently, did either of them deserve to lose? - while taking a closer look at the scoring system which can make close fights appear more lopsided than they really were.Other subjects discussed include the chemistry between Frank Warren, Eddie Hearn and Ben Shalom, and we go back to 2005 to relive Tomasz Adamek offering no clues whatsoever that he will one day campaign atop the heavyweight division.Patreons, we adore you, thank you for your support. And despite what Alex says, the rest of you are pretty special, too. Thanks for all the support.The podcast is sponsored by NAS Medical LTD. NAS Medical specialise in complete medical coverage for boxing events, including fight night ringside medical care, ringside medicine training courses and expert second opinions on all aspects of boxing related medical matters. Boxer safety is their priority. Find them on Instagram @nasmedicalltd orwww.nasmedical.co.uk Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's talk about the sumptuous fight that sees Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol duke it out for light-heavyweight supremacy. Let's talk about the best contest to be made in boxing, one with so many subplots and potential outcomes, it's a wonder we managed to cram them all into the space of 70-odd minutes.Let's also talk about the rematch between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank, a blast from the past that exhibits the ferocity of the former and the theatre of the latter.And if you don't want us to talk about subscribing ever again, sign up to Patreon today. You know it makes sense.https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following his bizarre rant at last week's press conference, Chris Eubank Jr was forced to apologise to Frank Warren - and vice versa - in an unconvincing resolution to a longstanding feud. Was the advice Junior's father gave him many years ago ringing in his ears?In This Week, we tell the story of Johnny Tapia's troubled but loving mind as we explore his thrilling rivalry with Paulie Ayala.Last weekend saw a series of storylines developing in the women's code as Mikaela Mayer defeated a Sandy Ryan who saw red in the most bizarre way en route to the fight, and Terri Harper breathed new life into her career with victory over Rhiannon Dixon.Thanks for the support - as always. We would strongly suggest subscribing, however, if you want to escape the wrath of The Steed.https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was shock and awe in the air at Wembley Stadium as Daniel Dubois demolished Anthony Joshua to continue his stunning career turnaround.What does this mean for Joshua, at 34 years old? Can he possibly come back? And is Dubois really as dangerous as he looked?In This Week we focus on another heavyweight thrashing as we go back to 1962 and the violent coronation of Sonny Liston.Subscribe to Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcastAnd if you can't subscribe, please drop us a review to help our visibility.Many thanks, one and all! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's fight week in London where Daniel Dubois prepares to take on Anthony Joshua in a titanic heavyweight encounter at Wembley Stadium.Alex Steedman has gone missing so Darren Rees steps into the presenter hot seat and, alongside Matt Christie, examines the huge British bill that also features a fight that won't have an IBF title involved.We hear from Robert Smith, who explains what the Saudi revolution has done for British boxing and the Board.Also, the recent effort of Canelo Alvarez - as the went 12 rounds again, this time against Edgar Berlanga - is under review. How much time does the Mexican superstar have left? Hopefully less than The Opening Bell. Please support us at Patreon to help keep your favourite podcast going! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.