The Pug and Copp Boxing Show: A show about Boxing

In the final, yes, FINAL, episode of The Pug and Copp Boxing Show, Mike and Lance deduce why Deotay Wilder took a vow of silence when addressed by the media. Is Widler ready for yet another rematch against Fury, or will the 'Gypsy King' reign supreme? Fury, himself, speaks on July's throwdown. Plus, Teofimo Lopez tests positive for Covid-19, flushing June's George Kambosos fight, and rescheduling the matchup for August. Can Naoya Inoue lay yet another brick on the path to stardom this weekend? Lastly, we want to thank you, the listeners, for being by our side for the last two years. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit; theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Mike and Lance recap the Mayweather-Paul hug-a-thon, and Mike details his time at the exhibition. Was it a mistake to buy this dog and pony show? What's next for Mayweather? Will he face off against Logan's brother, Jake? On the topic of the latter Paul brother, Jake, himself, responds to questions from Mike and others prior to Sunday's fight. Lastly, the duo preview Stevenson-Nakathila. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Mike and Lance wrap up their preview of Sunday's Floyd Mayweather-Logan Paul exhibition fight by discussing if novelty fights are here to stay. Plus, Logan, himself, speaks on his upcoming fight. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Mike and Lance step back into the podcast ring to kibbitz over Devin Haney's victory versus Jorge Linares. Did Haney silence his critics? What's next? Is Ryan Garcia an eventual opponent? Nonito Donaire aka The Filipino Flash illustrated his Hall of Fame candidacy in, yet again, another win. The guys beg the question if Donaire is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Afterward, Mike details his time in Miami around Floyd Mayweather before jumping to a conversation with Mayweather, himself. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Mike and Lance welcome future Hall of Fame boxer, Nonito Donaire, to the podcast to discuss his upcoming fight against Nordine Oubaali. Plus, Mike promises he's going to "school" Lance in pound for pound rankings as the duo list today's top fighters. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Nonito on Twitter: @filipinoflash Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Mike and Lance react to Josh Taylor topping Jose Ramirez to become a four-belt undisputed champion. What's next for the 30-year-old belt collector? Is a date with Terence Crawford inevitable? Pug then welcomes Devin Haney to the podcast. Haney previews his Saturday night fight versus Jorge LInares, discusses if he wants Teofimo Lopez next, and more. Pug and Copp respond to Pacquioa-Spence and predict who will win, and, will this be Pacquioa's last go-around? Lastly, Fury-Wilder III is set. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit; theathletic.com/pugandcopp Mike and Lance follow the rapidly unwinding threads of the Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua mega-fight to the source so to explain what's led to a generational bout being in jeopardy. Why is this colossal heavyweight clash, which seemed like a given earlier in the week, at risk of falling apart? Will Fury be forced to fight Wilder? If possible, will Fury pay step-aside money to the 35-year-old so that he and AJ can slug it out? Where does Joshua fit in all of this? Why did he claim Fury was a "fraud"? Will he be forced into a mandatory? Is there a chance all these heavyweight showcases could happen this year? Mike begs all these questions to Fury, himself, in an on-site interview. The guys preview a soon-to-be stellar fight between Jose Ramirez and Josh Taylor. Why does it seem there's so little promotion of this fight? Should Ramirez triumph, how will he chisel his name into boxing history? And lastly, who will win?! Plus, Triller's Ryan Kavanaugh on Paul-Mayweather, and the Ivan Redkach embarrassment ends. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Mike and Lance preview Saturday's Luis Nery-Brandon Figueroa showdown. So...umm...million-dollar question, who will win? Showtime Sports president Stephen Espinoza joins the program to preview Showtime's slate of bouts. Which clashes stand out to the trio? Can we please get a Benavidez-Charlo battle? Why don't we have a Benavidez-Charlo battle??! Espinoza shares his insight in Mayweather-Paul, and discusses Showtime's future plans. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Stephen Espinoza on Twitter: @StephenEspinoza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, doing his best Jon Lovitz 'Rat Race' impression driving cross-country from Arlington to Miami, and Lance breakdown Saturday's mesmerizing Canelo-Billy Joe Saunders fight. The guys chat about the hype leading up to the fight, their scorecards, Canelo's Popeye uppercut that forced Saunders to toss in the towel, and Saunders' status after his surgery to repair a severe orbital bone fracture. Will BJS retire? Will Canelo and Eddie Hearn's partnership continue? Who will fight the pound-for-pound king next? Canelo ceaselessly claimed he's coming for Caleb Plant, so who better to talk about a potential matchup against boxing's current monarch than Plant, himself? Does Plant foresee a deal being made to fight Alvarez? Why does Plant it's "disrespectful" to compare him to BJS? Is Canelo's wealth of fighting experience a concern to Plant? How would that bout be promoted, and why is self-belief so vital to Plant? Lastly, the couplet chitchat about JoJo-Fortuna/Zurdo-Barrera. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike, reporting from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and Lance...from home...preview Saturday's Canelo-Billy Joe Saunders showdown. Not much needs to be said here except: who ya got? Plus, Mike's 1-on-1 convo with Eddie Hearn discussing his bounce back from the pandemic; Fury-Joshua, could it be announced on Saturday; and, obviously, his thoughts on Canelo-BJS. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Lance welcomes DAZN analyst, one-half of the 'JABS with Mannix and Mora' show, and former light middleweight champion, Sergio Mora, to the podcast. Lance and Sergio preview Saturday's blockbuster Canelo-Billy Joe Saunders war. Does BJS have a puncher's chance to win? What will the Brit need to do to prevail? What are some deficiencies in his game Canelo can exploit? Lance joins the pound-for-pound king, himself, Canelo Alvarez, to preview Saturday's glove gauntlet. After, Lance and Sergio predict Saturday's outcome before reflecting on last Saturday's heavyweight fight between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Chris Arreola. What's next for Ruiz, Arreola? Plus, Fury-Joshua thoughts; Paul-Mayweather insight, and Felix Verdejo charged with kidnapping resulting in death, among other charges. Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Sergio on Twitter: @TheLatinSnake_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Mike and Lance recap Edgar Berlanga's win by unanimous decision over Demond Nicholson. Though Berlanga's first-round KO streak stops at 16, he demonstrated his immense talent, who could be next to fight one of boxing's fastest rising stars? The guys touch on Navarette-Diaz and Pacquioa-Crawford negotiations "dead in the water". Lance sits down with Chris Arreola to preview Saturday's heavyweight contest against Andy Ruiz Jr. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Back from his dank-filled Triller broadcast, MIke describes his experience working with Snoop Dogg, Pete Davidson, Oscar De La Hoya, and more. He and Lance reflect on Jake Paul's first-round knockout of Ben Askren and discuss the social media tumult regarding a fixed fight. The guys also discuss Triller's next boxing bonanza with Lopez-Kambosas as well as Floyd Mayweather-Logan Paul's exhibition is tentatively set for June 5th, which is news that Mike broke. Where could the fight be hosted? What are the stipulations? Eddie Hearn struck a massive deal with DAZN, but what happens next with Sky Sports boxing broadcasts? Undefeated knockout icon Edgar Berlanga joins the guys to preview his fight against Demond Nicholson. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Edgar on Twitter: @EdgarBerlangaJr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Mike and Lance revisit Jaron "Boots" Ennis' Saturday night KO of Sergy Lipinets, and discuss the 23-year-old on-the-cusp star's future plans. The guys stay true to the 147-pound motif and rank their top-10 welterweights. Three-time world champion Demetrius "Boo Boo" Andrade joins the podcast to help preview his upcoming showdown against Liam Williams (10:00). Boo Boo outlines what it will take to score a premiere fight; explains why other prodigious fighters avoid him; if he'd be willing to move up in weight class to ink a headlining bout, and if the words "Benevidez-Andrade" are sweet-sounding. Pug and Copp analyze Joe Smith Jr.'s, the newest light heavyweight champion, win over Maxim Vlasov (31:00). Plus, is there anyone Jamie Munguia could fight, and Conor Benn impresses. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Boo Boo on Twitter: @BooBooAndrade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Mike and Lance welcome Triller Chief Boxing Officer Peter Kahn to the podcast to discuss Triller's foray into boxing, its influencers and legends fights, what's next for the company, how Lopez-Kambosos purse bid went down, and so much more. The guys also pick winners for Ennis-Lipinets and Smith Jr.-Vlasov. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 & Garcia-Fortuna w/ Jaron "Boots" EnnisAfter a career-defining sixth-round TKO, Jamel Herring's future prospects suddenly look a lot brighter and, certainly, more interesting. Mike and Lance educate us on Herring's monumental win over Carl Frampton and discuss his next move (1:30). Mike lists his top 130-pound fighters, which Lance grades (6:30). And, Pug and Copp react to a precocious Shakhram Giyasov and other up-and-coming undercard fighters (15:30). Jaron "Boots" Ennis then hops on the line to preview duel, slated for this weekend, versus Sergey Lipinets (19:00). What can we expect from Boots on Saturday? Boots describes growing up in Philadelphia and how his upbringing shaped him into the fighter he is today. Plus, how important is getting a stoppage? Mike and Lance discuss Ryan Garcia-Javier Fortuna, and some Oscar De La Hoya-DAZN news (42:30). Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Opening Day, earthquakes, and boxing, what more can you ask for from a podcast? Mike and Lance, well, Lance mostly, soak up Opening Day action and discuss Lance's time in San Diego at Canelo's gym. His biggest takeaway from watching the pound-for-pound king up close? Andy Ruiz Jr. The duo discusses Ruiz's weight loss and work ethic (3:30). The guys then preview Carl Frampton-Jamel Herring (7:15) before inviting in Herring, himself, to breakdown Saturday's fight (11:15). Herring shares his admiration for Frampton, what Saturday's deciding factor might be, Tim Bradley's criticism, Shakur Stevenson's comments, and Herring's driving ambition (15:00). Pug and Copp then react to another potential fight in the works, Manny Pacquiao-Terence Crawford (42:00). The pair also kibbitz about more possible exhibition fights, and look ahead to M.J. Akhmadaliev-Ryosuke Iwasa. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp In the 100th episode of The Pug and Copp Boxing Show, the guys rave about two Saturday throwdowns, Ngannou-Miocic (would Ngannou be the greatest boxing heavyweight?) and Whyte-Povetkin (2:00). Mike and Lance dissect Dillian Whyte's revenge fight and discuss his next step. Could it be a date with Deontay Wilder (10:00)? Plus, Povetkin didn't look right. One of the best young 130 pounders, Shakur Stevenson, then joins the podcast to share his thoughts about his upcoming mandatory against Jeremiah Nakathila (16:00). When will Stevenson earn his shot against a big-named fighter? Is Top Rank failing him or does he believe in his promoter? Who would be his dream fight? The guys consider Top Rank's effort level when deciding Stevenson's matchups (36:15). Lastly, Oscar De La Hoya is decidedly making a return to the ring (42:00). Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $1 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Mike and Lance discuss Canelo-Saunders pre-sale success and fan attendance. Former two-division champion Carl Frampton then joins the guys to discuss his upcoming fight against Jamel Herring. Frampton also reveals his intention to retire should he lose to Herring. What will it take for 'The Jackal' to win and what does his future hold? The guys also preview Whyte-Povetkin, and detail why Top Rank is "blowing it" with Shakur Stevenson. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of boxing's fastest rising stars, Vergil Ortiz, retained that epithet by defeating Maurice Hooker in a seventh-round knockout (1:00). What's next for the 22-year-old phenom, and what about his victory impressed Mike and Lance most? Should he and Terence Crawford fight next? If not, then why? What's next for Artur Beterbeiv after the 36-year-old's 'W' over Adam Deines (10:00)? Mike and Lance then welcome in heavyweight contender, Dillian Whyte, who breaks down his upcoming contest versus Alexander Povetkin (14:30). Whyte discusses pressing for a rematch against Povetkin shortly after his loss in August; a potential Andy Ruiz/Deontay Wilder clash; who the best heavyweight in boxing is, and his new look (17:00). Plus, Whyte describes how "huge" it is to be on Gibraltar currency and his experience managing fighters (35:00). Lastly, Mike and Lance preview Saturday's bout, themselves, and react to Gervonta Davis controversy (46:30). Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Mike and Lance look ahead to Vergil Ortiz Jr.-Maurice Hooker's weekend matchup (:30) before welcoming on Ortiz's promoter, and 11-time boxing world champion, Oscar De La Hoya (5:30). De La Hoya describes Ortiz's maturation as a fighter, and what to expect from the 22-year-old rising star against Hooker. He also details Ryan Garcia's development, and Golden Boy Promotion's evolution (9:30). The trio also discuss De La Hoya's relationship with Canelo; which one issue in boxing he'd like to fix, and if he'll make a return to the ring (15:00). Pug and Copp close the show previewing Beterbiev-Deines (29:00). Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Oscar De La Hoya on Twitter: @OscarDeLaHoya Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Fresh off Saturday's Fight of the Year candidate in Estrada-Chocolatito II, Mike and Lance react to the split decision outcome and discuss each fighter's future. But, before then, Pug and Copp rift off Fury-Joshua signing a two-fight deal (:30). How does this influence the fight's timeline, and how close are both parties to finalizing their first bout? What's holding up an agreement? Estrada-Chocolatito II was must-watch TV, as the fighters exchanged well over 2,000 punches. Despite a resounding consensus suggesting a draw, why was Carlos Sucre's scorecard heavily skewed towards Estrada (7:45)? Are fights embroiled in controversy now more than ever? Does it distract from the quality of fights? Where do Estrada and Chocolatito go from here, and where does Chocolatito fall in Mike and Lance's pound-for-pound list? Lance welcomes undefeated welterweight, Virgil Ortiz, to the podcast to discuss his upcoming fight against Maurice Hooker (18:30). Ortiz explains the root of his confidence; his new management; a potential Terence Crawford clash, and more! Lastly, guys predict Ortiz-Hooker's outcome; share their thoughts on Benavidez's win, and remember Marvelous Marvin Hagler (38:15). Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Vergil Ortiz on Twitter: @VergilOrtiz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Estrada-Chocolatito II, a fight Mike and Lance are both anxiously waiting for, has the guys asking themselves, "is Juan Francisco Estrada" a shoo-in for the HOF (:30)? The guys preview the fight altogether and discuss the legacy of each fighter. Former super middleweight champion, David Benavidez, joins the show to discuss his upcoming bout against Ronald Ellis; wanting to fight Canelo; his enmity towards Caleb Plant, and more (10:30). The duo dig into other boxing news, like Haney-Linares and if Fury-Joshua is "imminent" (27:30)? Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow David Benavidez on Twitter: @Benavidez300 Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Lance welcome vice president of boxing operations for Ring City USA Sam Katkovski to the show. Katkovski shares his insight into matchmaking, the hurdles of organizing a fight, and more (5:30). He also discusses Serhii Bohachuk vs. Brandon Adams in Puerto Rico; the adversity women boxers are facing finding platforms and matchmakers as well as Regis Prograis, whom Katkovski manages, eyeing the winner of Taylor-Ramirez (17:30). Plus, Mike and Lance further detail the arduous climb of women boxers today (28:00). Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canelo Alvarez hardly strained himself versus Avni Yıldırım, making May 8th's highly anticipated Billy Joe Saunder's clash even more interesting for Canelo fans. Mike and Lance look ahead to May's throwdown and discuss BJS's chances of beating Canelo (1:00). Two-belt welterweight champion Jose Ramirez joins Pug and Copp via Zoom to preview his May 22nd unification fight against Josh Taylor (8:00). To Ramirez, could this potentially be the Fight of the Year? What has training been like during the pandemic and does Taylor's southpaw style pose a threat (14:30)? The guys touch on various odds and ends including, Teofimo Lopez-Top Rank fallout; Andy Ruiz-Chris Arreola, and more (38:30). Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Jose Ramirez on Twitter: @RAMIREZBOXING Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unified lightweight world champion Teofimo Lopez joins Pug and Copp in wake of Triller winning the Lopez-Kambosas purse bid. Join The Atheltic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Boxing's pound-for-pound king, Canelo Alvarez, is welcomed by Pug and Copp on today's show. Before Canelo joins the show, Mike and Lance preview his upcoming bout against Avni Yıldırım and discuss the odds and undercard. Canelo explains why he fights as often as he does and then shares his thoughts on fighting in Miami (8:30). After, Canelo delivers his thoughts on his impending fight with Billy Joe Saunders and shares what his intentions are with Caleb Plant (12:30). If Canelo could tackle one issue in boxing, what would it be? Plus, how will he use his promoter's license, is a future fight against GGG possible, and what weakness of Callum Smith did Canelo's team exploit (21:00)? Lastly, Pug and Copp weigh in on if Eddy Reynoso is a shoo-in for Trainer of the Year. Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Canelo on Twitter: @Canelo Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NEW WBC super featherweight champion Oscar Valdez joins Pug and Copp to discuss his potential Knockout of the Year of Miguel Berchelt. But, before the newly anointed champ breaks down his win, Mike and Lance react to Valdez's victory and what it means moving forward for the 30-year-old. Also, where does Berchelt go from here, and was it prudent for referee Russell Mora to stop the fight sooner? Valdez then shares how being discipline influenced his win. Also, the new champ dispenses his thoughts on his training, his reaction when Berchelt was KO'd, if Shakur Stevenson is next, and Eddy Reynoso's brilliance. Lastly, Pug and Copp evaluate Adrien Broner's future after a dicey victory and a look at Berlanga-Nicholson/Navarstte-Diaz, plus Teofimo's purse bid has, once again, been rescheduled. Rundown: (:30) We eat crow...it needs some hot sauce (9:30) New WBC super featherweight champ Oscar Valdez joins the show (17:00) Valdez on his knockout, Eddy Reynoso & Shakur Stevenson (25:30) Broner's win; Berlanga-Nicholson & Teofimo's purse bid Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Oscar Valdez on Twitter: @oscarvaldez56 Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Strap in for a fantastic show with legendary boxing promoter, Bob Arum. Before Arum joins, Mike and Lance preview Miguel Berchelt-Oscar Valdez, and discuss Adrien Broner-Jovanie Santiago's weight limit change. Pug, Copp, and Arum examine the Mexico v. Mexico showdown on ESPN. Is comparing the possible showcase Berchelt-Valdezmay may offer to Barrera-Morales I fair? The trio zero in on the odds for the fight, and will a Valdez win dispel any notion of underachieving? What's the latest on Herring-Frampton, and will the MIddle East soon be a nexus for boxing action? With a stacked 130-pound division, how will matchmaking work? Plus, Taylor-Ramierz; Teofimo Lopez's purse bid, and Fury-Joshua. Lastly, Pug and Copp answer a pair of mailbag questions. Rundown: (1:00) Berchelt-Valdez preview; Haney-Linares & Broner weight (11:00) Bob Arum joins P&C (21:30) Herring-Frampton (26:30) Teofimo purse bid; Taylor-Ramirez & Fury-Joshua (38:45) Mailbag Qs Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Bob Arum on Twitter: @BobArum Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month. Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News is a fluttering! Mike and Lance react to an action-packed weekend, starting with JoJo Diaz missing weight. Though staving off Shavkat Rakhimov to a draw, what's the next step for the 28-year-old boxer? Brian Castano's unanimous decision over Patrick Teixeira opens the door for a 154-pound showdown between the former and, most likely, Jermell Charlo. Who would win that bout? Tenderfoot 22-year-old Mauricio Lara clocked Josh Warrington, earning the latter his first professional loss via TKO. What do the guys make of the upset? Where do Lara and, particularly, Warrington go from here? Next, former four-division world champion Adrien Broner joins the podcast. Broner previews his upcoming glove gauntlet against Jovanie Santiago. Plus, Broner opens up about his past, his next chapter, and the Manny Pacquiao fight. Lastly, Pug and Copp examine Saturday's undercard and discuss Broner's future. Rundown: (2:00) Diaz misses weight & 130-pound title (7:30) Castano v. Charlo? (14:00) Warrington takes first loss (19:45) Adrien Broner joins the podcast (33:45) Undercard preview + what's next for Broner? Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Adrien Broner on Twitter: @AdrienBroner Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Note: Our interview with Smith Jr. was recorded before Thursday's fight postponement announcement. Still, please enjoy the pod. And make sure to compliment Mike on his turtlenecks and Lance on his infinite optimism on Twitter. Pug and Copp kick off the episode discussing Joe Smith Jr.-Maxim Vlasov, a battle for the vacant WBO light heavyweight title. The guys examine the Xs and Os and keys to the fight. Are everyone's Ryan Garcia-Manny Pacquiao dreams dead? Smith Jr. then joins the podcast to preview his title clash against Vlasov. What strategy must he execute to win? What did he learn from fighting Dmitry Bivol, Jesse Hart and Eleider Alvarez? How did his humble beginnings as a construction worker shape him into the fighter he is today? And what is his lasting memory from knocking out Bernard Hopkins? Mike and Lance ponder Smith and Vlaslov's future, and explore the stacked light heavyweight division. Lastly, we answer your questions, including: Josh Warrington vacating the IBF belt; Kinahan, MTK and morality and what's the latest on Deontay Wilder? Rundown: (1:00) Smith Jr.-Vlasov preview + Garcia-Pacquiao terminated? (9:00) Joe Smith Jr. joins the show (15:00) Competitive fights; growth as boxer; Hopkins memory (25:00) Prodigious light heavyweight division (28:15) Listener mailbag Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Joe Smith Jr. on Instagram: @joesmithjr361 Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a loaded February brimming with exciting fights, Mike and Lance dive into Saturday's DAZN card featuring Joseph "JoJo" Diaz-Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov and Patrick Teixeira-Brian Castano as co-mains. The duo focus in on Diaz's ascension, and where he falls in the 130-pound pecking order. Then, Diaz, himself, joins Pug and Copp to preview his first title defense versus . Diaz also provides insight into his mindset after his 2018 loss to Gary Russell Jr.; the ongoing drama with Tevin Farmer; joining MTK and its lawsuit; Rakhimov controversy and more. Pug and Copp cap finish today's show by discussing the 130-pound landscape, and analyzing odds for DAZN's card. Rundown: (1:00) Diaz-Rakhimov; Teixeira-Castano (5:30) JoJo Diaz joins the show (10:30) Diaz on Rakhimov, Farmer & MTK (20:15) Rakhimov controversy (28:00) Weekend bets Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Joseph Diaz on Twitter: @JosephDiazJr Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike welcomes WBO super-middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders to discuss his monumental fight against Canelo Alvarez. Does the 31-year-old champion feel more prepared for Canelo after a year of waiting? Will a fighter of Canelo's caliber force Saunders to rise to the occasion (5:30)? Is comparing Callum Smith's chances against Canelo to Saunders fair (9:30)? The Englishman then opens up about his friendship with Tyson Fury (11:15) before speaking out about his willingness to "live in Hell" in order to defeat the world's pound for pound champ (15:00). Lastly, how will Saunders' Southpaw style manage against Canelo, and what's his relationship like with Daniel Kinahan (17:15)? Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Billy Joe Saunders on Twitter: @bjsaunders_ Join The Athletic for just $3.99 per month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Lance discuss the potential fallout of Conor McGregor's loss to Dustin Poirier, and what it means for fighters like Ryan Garcia and Manny Pacquiao. After, the guys welcome undefeated, WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney to the podcast to chat about his...monkey?! Haney also shares his thoughts on Ryan Garcia's early January win, building his brand, working with Eddie Hearn and what's next for himself. Lastly, Pug and Copp converse about Stephen Fulton's victory over Angelo Leo, a call for David Benavidez-Caleb Plant and more. Rundown: (:45) McGregor fallout (8:00) Devin Haney joins the show (13:30) Fortuna; Garcia; Brand building; Hearn and more (24:00) Fulton-Leo reaction; give us Benevidez-Plant Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Devin Haney on Twitter: @Realdevinhaney Join The Athletic for just $3.99 a month! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a sport overflowing with young talent, Lance identifies his top-25 boxers under the age of 25 with the help of Mike. Who on Lance's list is overrated, underrated and what ranking does Mike take offense to? The guys are then joined by sports promoter and managing director of Matchroom Sports, Eddie Hearn. Hearn details his business relationship with Canelo Alvarez; Miami as an untapped boxing market; Anthony Joshua v. Tyson Fury; belts and future fights. To wrap, Mike and Lance jive about Sergey Kovalev's future, and react to a Crawford-Spence update. Rundown: (:45) 25 under 25 (11:00) Eddie Hearn joins P&C: Miami market + Canelo (16:45) Joshua-Fury (23:30) Belts (30:00) US schedule & more (35:15) Kovalev future Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Eddie Hearn on Twitter: @EddieHearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Lance greet 22-year-old boxing phenom, Ryan Garcia, to the program (1:15). Garcia revisits his win over Luke Campbell, a victory that secured him the interim WBC lightweight title. What does bearing a title mean to him, and how about dispelling any doubts about his ability? Garcia explains his position on curating fights and furthering his, and others', careers (6:45). Is Gervonta "Tank" Davis in Garcia's crosshairs? What roadblocks, if any, serve as obstacles in a potential Davis fight, and, hypothetically, at what point would he move on from a fight with Davis (11:30)? What is the current state of Garcia and promoter, Oscar De La Hoya's, relationship (14:15)? The trio discuss the young star's rapidly increasing notoriety and how he's trying to find balance in his work and personal life (16:45). Are there too many belts in the sport? Garcia believes so (22:00). Plus, Garcia speaks on his relationship with Canelo Alvarez (26:00). Pug and Copp sink their teeth into Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Maurice Hooker's agreement to fight, and more before wrapping up today's show (28:30). Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Ryan Garcia on Twitter: @KingRyanG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Lance react to another Ryan Garcia knockout, this time of Luke Campbell, arguably Garcia's biggest-named win to date (:30). What does the KO mean for Garcia's future? Who will the undefeated Campbell tackle next? Undisputed lightweight champion of the world Teofimo Lopez then joins P&C to discuss his title and Garcia's win (6:30). Lopez discusses his possible mandatory bout against George Kambosos, and what a fight on international soil would mean for his brand (11:45). The trio react to Lomachenko's comments about the validity of Lopez's win (16:15) before Lopez ranks the top lightweights. Plus, the 23-year-old speaks on his confidence, betting on himself, learning through adversity and who'd he like to challenge next (19:00). Pug and Copp finish the show discussing the 135 lbs weight class and what to expect from them in 2021 and beyond (34:15). Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Teofimo Lopez on Twitter: @TeofimoLopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Lance are back and amped for Luke Campbell and Ryan Garcia to ring in the new year with a prime time fight (1:00). Will Garcia's inexperience against top-tier opponents show against Campbell? And will the 33-year-old Campbell shake off last year's loss to Vasyl Lomachenko, and rise to the occasion to defeat one of the sport's brightest, young stars? Campbell, himself, answers those questions as he joins Pug and Copp (6:00). Plus, has Campbell really not seen any film of Garcia (20:00)? The guys preview another bout featuring one of the game's rising stars, Kosei Tanaka, a three-weight world champion, as he faces off against the established Kazuto Ioka (24:45). Lastly, Mike and Lance announce The Athletic's pick for the Fighter of the Year honors (27:45). Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Luke Campbell on Twitter: @luke11campbell Get a subscription, give a subscription for free! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Lance react to Canelo Alvarez's convincing win over Callum Smith to unify supper middleweight titles. Is Canelo, without a doubt, the best boxer in the world currently? Who do we want to see fight the champion next? Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Lance examine Saturday's Anthony Joshua-Kubrat Pulev bout, and ponder if Joshua-Fury is what's next on the menu (:30). Could the WBO and president Paco Valcarcel throw a wrench in fans' daydream of Joshua-Fury? What's the likelihood Oleksandr Usyk earns a mandatory fight against AJ (6:45)? The guys preview Canelo-Smith and toss around the thought of Canelo-GGG III should boxing's pound-for-pound king prevail this weekend (11:00). Super-middleweight champion Callum Smith joins the program to share his thoughts on his upcoming battle against Canelo Alvarez (18:30). How does Smith feel being the fight's underdog? What does this matchup mean to the 30-year-old, whose brother, Liam, fell at the hands of Canelo four years ago? What would the reception from the UK audience be should he and Billy Joe Saunders trade blows (27:00)? Plus, what does Smith think of Canelo not shying away from challenging competition, much like himself? The gents applaud Edgar Berlanga's incredible streak and more before wrapping up the show (34:30). Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Callum Smith on Twitter: @CallumSmith23 Buy a sub, gift a sub! Purchase a subscription to The Athletic and gift one to a friend, family member, co-worker, whomever! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the sport's heaviest hitters, Anthony Joshua, joins today's show! Mike and Lance share their thoughts on Joshua's upcoming fight against Kubrat Pulev, and what they expect from their bout (1:00). Joshua, himself, breaks down Pulev's style and dishes on what he expects from 39-year-old Bulgarian (6:30). What did Joshua learn from his clashes against Andy Ruiz (10:15)? Did his loss to Ruiz ultimately help him improve his fight preparation? What thought, if any, does he have on Deontay Wilder's baseless accusations towards Tyson Fury (11:30)? Plus, what are Joshua's thoughts on elevating his stardom even further as his career progresses, and what's his friendship with Wladimir Klitschko been like (13:00)? The guys cover Errol Spence Jr.'s win over Danny Garcia, and if Terence Crawford is next for Spence Jr. (21:15). Where does Spence Jr. fall on Pug and Copp's pound-for-pound standings? Lastly, the duo chat about Mayweather-Paul (34:00). Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Anthony Joshua on Twitter: @anthonyfjoshua Give the gift of The Athletic! Visit: theathletic.com/pugandcopp - buy one, gift one subscription for free! Experience the award-winning journalism and podcasting The Athletic has to offer today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike and Lance react to what a, surprisingly, entertaining Tyson-Jones Jr. exhibition fight (1:00). What can promoters and networks learn from this, by all accounts, successful fight? Despite the seething screeds from Twitter-goers, particularly those in the boxing community, Jake Paul did, and has done, a great job promoting himself and his brand (5:00). Could we see more celebrity/influencer fights like this in the future? Former 140-pound and welterweight champion Danny Garcia stops by to preview his upcoming fight against Errol Spence Jr. (16:00). What does Garcia expect out of Spence, and is he surprised that Spence chose him as his first opponent since his car accident? Does Garcia consider himself a lock for the Hall of Fame if he defeats Spence? The guys cap off the show discussing Dubois-Joyce upset, the atrocious Rosado-Jacobs "fight" and Claressa Shields prepares for the MMA (27:00). Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeCoppinger Follow Lance on Twitter: @pugboxing Follow Danny on Twitter: @DannySwift Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices