Podcast appearances and mentions of Dan Rafael

Off a weekend that had only one prominent card in California, we recap it, plus were joined by a world champ and we have lots of fight news, too, on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack are back with their insight and opinions.First, they recap Saturday night's Matchroom Boxing DAZN card in Carson, CaliforniaSuper middleweight Diego Pacheco TKO11 Immanuwel Aleem. A mismatch and what's now for the talented Pacheco?Next Lightweight Andy Cruz TKO3 Abraham Montoya for another overmatched bout and now Cruz wants to move down to 130 lb.? Apparently.And, Dan has more on featherweight Albert Gonzalez KO2 Aaron Alameda, bantamweight Bruno Rios Jr. W10 Saul Sanchez and heavyweight Leo Atang TKO2 Glen Williams on the undercard. Then, an Interview with IBF lightweight champion Raymond MuratallaHe makes his first defense August 1 on “The Fight” co-feature on DAZN, TNT, truTV on the Lamont Roach Jr. vs. William Zepeda vacant WBC lightweight title fight card in Las Vegas. He has thoughts on opponent Robson Conceicao and wanting to unifiy the division titles, too. Then, some newsFormer middleweight and junior middleweight titleholder Jermall Charlo was denied a visa by the Australian government on Friday, causing his 10-round super middleweight fight against Koen Mazoudier on this coming Saturday's Spence-Tszyu PPV card to be canceled. Dan has the latest.Golden Boy Promotions, WBC interim junior middleweight titlist Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Rick Mirigian, Ortiz's manager, announced on Friday that they “have reached an amicable settlement resolving all outstanding disputes.” Ortiz remains with Golden Boy and will be back this fall.  Women's featherweight champion Amanda Serrano is returns to defend against  Lucrecia Manzur seeking the all-time women's knockout record on August 21 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, in the headliner of an MVP card that will stream onTikTok.  Lineal cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia will return to the United States for his second fight in a row when he defends against an opponent to be determined on the undercard of WBC welterweight titlist Ryan Garcia's first defense against Conor Benn on Sept. 12 (Paramount+) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, per a sources with direct knowledge of the plans to Dan.And, former IBF featherweight titlist Luis Alberto Lopez has signed with ProBox and will debut for the company on Septtember 11 vs. TBA in the San Diego area.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Off a weekend that had only one prominent card in California, we recap it, plus were joined by a world champ and we have lots of fight news, too, on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack are back with their insight and opinions.First, they recap Saturday night's Matchroom Boxing DAZN card in Carson, CaliforniaSuper middleweight Diego Pacheco TKO11 Immanuwel Aleem. A mismatch and what's now for the talented Pacheco?Next Lightweight Andy Cruz TKO3 Abraham Montoya for another overmatched bout and now Cruz wants to move down to 130 lb.? Apparently.And, Dan has more on featherweight Albert Gonzalez KO2 Aaron Alameda, bantamweight Bruno Rios Jr. W10 Saul Sanchez and heavyweight Leo Atang TKO2 Glen Williams on the undercard. Then, an Interview with IBF lightweight champion Raymond MuratallaHe makes his first defense August 1 on “The Fight” co-feature on DAZN, TNT, truTV on the Lamont Roach Jr. vs. William Zepeda vacant WBC lightweight title fight card in Las Vegas. He has thoughts on opponent Robson Conceicao and wanting to unifiy the division titles, too. Then, some newsFormer middleweight and junior middleweight titleholder Jermall Charlo was denied a visa by the Australian government on Friday, causing his 10-round super middleweight fight against Koen Mazoudier on this coming Saturday's Spence-Tszyu PPV card to be canceled. Dan has the latest.Golden Boy Promotions, WBC interim junior middleweight titlist Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Rick Mirigian, Ortiz's manager, announced on Friday that they “have reached an amicable settlement resolving all outstanding disputes.” Ortiz remains with Golden Boy and will be back this fall.  Women's featherweight champion Amanda Serrano is returns to defend against  Lucrecia Manzur seeking the all-time women's knockout record on August 21 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, in the headliner of an MVP card that will stream onTikTok.  Lineal cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia will return to the United States for his second fight in a row when he defends against an opponent to be determined on the undercard of WBC welterweight titlist Ryan Garcia's first defense against Conor Benn on Sept. 12 (Paramount+) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, per a sources with direct knowledge of the plans to Dan.And, former IBF featherweight titlist Luis Alberto Lopez has signed with ProBox and will debut for the company on Septtember 11 vs. TBA in the San Diego area.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We are back on a little slower weekend with one prominent show in California, but we have plenty of fight news and great nostalgia, too on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and NewsletterFirst it's a preview of Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN card at Carson, CADiego Pacheco vs. Immanuwel Aleem, 12 rounds, super middleweights. Will Pacheco be more impressive than he's been recently?Andy Cruz vs. Abraham Montoya, 10 rounds, lightweights in the co feature.Plus,Albert Gonzalez vs. Aaron Lopez Alameda, 10 rounds, featherweights and Leo Atang vs. Glen Williams, 6 rounds, heavyweights down the undercard Then, NEWS:Official and announced Wednesday: Ryan Garcia will defend the WBC welterweight title against Conor Benn on September 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and on Paramount+ on a Ring-branded card but also promoted by Golden Boy and Zuffa. It's finally done- how and why did it get worked out.Next, Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Golden Boy have “reached a deal in principle” that will end their litigation and get the unbeaten WBC interim junior middleweight titlist back in the ring, Ortiz manager Rick Mirigian told Dan that.arbitration had been postponed until September already due the arbitrator's schedule conflict but now won't be needed.Also, Errol Spence arrived in Australia for next week's Tim Tszyu fight but with the weight changed from 158 lb. to the middleweight limit of 160. Meanwhile, Jermall Charlo remains in Houston awaiting a visa to go through. He was supposed to have already left. He fights  Koen Mazoudier at super middleweight in the co-feature.Next Saturday's Anthony Joshua-Kristian Prenga DAZN PPV undercard in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was finally announced and includes two world title bouts.  Making their first defenses will be WBO super middleweight titlist Hamzah Sheeraz against Simon Zachenhuber and IBF junior middleweight titleholder Josh Kelly against Caoimhin Agyarko.Why is Sheeraz fighting another joke fight just 60 days after the last one? Dan has more.The third edition of “The Fight” on DAZN/TNT/truTV on Sept. 4 is official: Former unified heavyweight titlist Andy Ruiz Jr. returns for his first fight with Matchroom and a 25-month layoff to face Damian Knyba at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. In the co-feature, new Matchroom Boxing signee middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr. will face Austin “Ammo” Williams and lightweight prospect Zaquin Moses, of Newark and cousin of Shakur Stevenson, will face an opponent to be determined in his first eight-rounder. We discuss it all.And, finally some nostalgia -July 13, 2001 — 25 years ago on Monday – the best fight in ESPN2 Friday Night Fights history, the epic Micky Ward-Emanuel Augustus (then Burton). Dan LOVES this bout.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We are back on a little slower weekend with one prominent show in California, but we have plenty of fight news and great nostalgia, too on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and NewsletterFirst it's a preview of Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN card at Carson, CADiego Pacheco vs. Immanuwel Aleem, 12 rounds, super middleweights. Will Pacheco be more impressive than he's been recently?Andy Cruz vs. Abraham Montoya, 10 rounds, lightweights in the co feature.Plus,Albert Gonzalez vs. Aaron Lopez Alameda, 10 rounds, featherweights and Leo Atang vs. Glen Williams, 6 rounds, heavyweights down the undercard Then, NEWS:Official and announced Wednesday: Ryan Garcia will defend the WBC welterweight title against Conor Benn on September 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and on Paramount+ on a Ring-branded card but also promoted by Golden Boy and Zuffa. It's finally done- how and why did it get worked out.Next, Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Golden Boy have “reached a deal in principle” that will end their litigation and get the unbeaten WBC interim junior middleweight titlist back in the ring, Ortiz manager Rick Mirigian told Dan that.arbitration had been postponed until September already due the arbitrator's schedule conflict but now won't be needed.Also, Errol Spence arrived in Australia for next week's Tim Tszyu fight but with the weight changed from 158 lb. to the middleweight limit of 160. Meanwhile, Jermall Charlo remains in Houston awaiting a visa to go through. He was supposed to have already left. He fights  Koen Mazoudier at super middleweight in the co-feature.Next Saturday's Anthony Joshua-Kristian Prenga DAZN PPV undercard in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was finally announced and includes two world title bouts.  Making their first defenses will be WBO super middleweight titlist Hamzah Sheeraz against Simon Zachenhuber and IBF junior middleweight titleholder Josh Kelly against Caoimhin Agyarko.Why is Sheeraz fighting another joke fight just 60 days after the last one? Dan has more.The third edition of “The Fight” on DAZN/TNT/truTV on Sept. 4 is official: Former unified heavyweight titlist Andy Ruiz Jr. returns for his first fight with Matchroom and a 25-month layoff to face Damian Knyba at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. In the co-feature, new Matchroom Boxing signee middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr. will face Austin “Ammo” Williams and lightweight prospect Zaquin Moses, of Newark and cousin of Shakur Stevenson, will face an opponent to be determined in his first eight-rounder. We discuss it all.And, finally some nostalgia -July 13, 2001 — 25 years ago on Monday – the best fight in ESPN2 Friday Night Fights history, the epic Micky Ward-Emanuel Augustus (then Burton). Dan LOVES this bout.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Former unified world welterweight champ Errol Spence is set to return to the ring for the first time in three years and he's not taking an easy fight coming back. And, before that bout, he joined our insider Dan Rafael on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"He and Dan discuss, whether Spence seroiusly contemplated never fighting again over the last three years after Terence Crawford wiped him out in July 2023 in their undisputed clash? Also, what about traveling to Australia to meet home country star Tim Tszyu in a PBC PPV broadcast on July 25th (USA time).Will the Texan avoid the ring rust of 36 months away and can he withstand Tszyu's big punching at the heavier weight? And, if he is victorious,what would be next?It's all part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" with Errol Spence and Big Dan and make sure to follow/subscribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Former unified world welterweight champ Errol Spence is set to return to the ring for the first time in three years and he's not taking an easy fight coming back. And, before that bout, he joined our insider Dan Rafael on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"He and Dan discuss, whether Spence seroiusly contemplated never fighting again over the last three years after Terence Crawford wiped him out in July 2023 in their undisputed clash? Also, what about traveling to Australia to meet home country star Tim Tszyu in a PBC PPV broadcast on July 25th (USA time).Will the Texan avoid the ring rust of 36 months away and can he withstand Tszyu's big punching at the heavier weight? And, if he is victorious,what would be next?It's all part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" with Errol Spence and Big Dan and make sure to follow/subscribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We're back off a lighter weekend with only one prominent fight card, in Russia of all places, too, to recap the world title fight there and have a prominent former world champ join us on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is joined by insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over ti all with their takes.First, they recap Saturday's IBA Pro card in MoscowHeavyweight Murat Gassiev TKO6 Peter Kadiru, retains WBA title in a one sided fight. Afterwards, Derek Chisora was in the ring to challenge Gassiev to a fight. What. Are. We.Doing. Here?!In the co-featuere heavyweight Artem Suslenkov TKO11 Joe Joyce, who is CLEARLY finished at this point. Then, it's former unified welterweight champ Errol Spence joining Big Dan for a conversation. It is his first fight in three years, as Spence will move up in weight and face fellow former world titleholder Tim Tszyu in a middleweight fight that headlines a PBC PPV card July 25th U.S. time. Hear them discuss his layoff, the challenge of fighting in Australia and more.Then, some newsThe Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn non-announcement at Friday's UFC weigh-in and the latest on whether this fight is going to get signed and announced for September? Per source, Dan says WBO super middleweight titlist Hamzah Sheeraz will make his first defense on July 25th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on the Anthony Joshua-Kristian Prenga DAZN PPV undercard.Next, the WBC junior welterweight mandatory between titlist Dalton Smith and former titlist Alberto Puello, postponed from June 6 due to a Smith injury, will be rescheduled for Oct. 24 but Puello will have an interim bout this coming Saturday in his native Dominican Republic.And, lightweight contender Andy Cruz has a new opponent replacing Alberto Bell in Abraham Montoya on this coming Saturday's Matchroom Boxing card, but it won't an IBF eliminator as the Bell fight was supposed to be.Finally, Sunday is Julio Cesar Chavez's 64th birthday. So let's celebrate and talk about his greatness.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We're back off a lighter weekend with only one prominent fight card, in Russia of all places, too, to recap the world title fight there and have a prominent former world champ join us on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is joined by insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over ti all with their takes.First, they recap Saturday's IBA Pro card in MoscowHeavyweight Murat Gassiev TKO6 Peter Kadiru, retains WBA title in a one sided fight. Afterwards, Derek Chisora was in the ring to challenge Gassiev to a fight. What. Are. We.Doing. Here?!In the co-featuere heavyweight Artem Suslenkov TKO11 Joe Joyce, who is CLEARLY finished at this point. Then, it's former unified welterweight champ Errol Spence joining Big Dan for a conversation. It is his first fight in three years, as Spence will move up in weight and face fellow former world titleholder Tim Tszyu in a middleweight fight that headlines a PBC PPV card July 25th U.S. time. Hear them discuss his layoff, the challenge of fighting in Australia and more.Then, some newsThe Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn non-announcement at Friday's UFC weigh-in and the latest on whether this fight is going to get signed and announced for September? Per source, Dan says WBO super middleweight titlist Hamzah Sheeraz will make his first defense on July 25th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on the Anthony Joshua-Kristian Prenga DAZN PPV undercard.Next, the WBC junior welterweight mandatory between titlist Dalton Smith and former titlist Alberto Puello, postponed from June 6 due to a Smith injury, will be rescheduled for Oct. 24 but Puello will have an interim bout this coming Saturday in his native Dominican Republic.And, lightweight contender Andy Cruz has a new opponent replacing Alberto Bell in Abraham Montoya on this coming Saturday's Matchroom Boxing card, but it won't an IBF eliminator as the Bell fight was supposed to be.Finally, Sunday is Julio Cesar Chavez's 64th birthday. So let's celebrate and talk about his greatness.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's the biggest signing by Zuffa Boxing to date, as four division world champ Shakur Stevenson has agreed to a multi-fight deal with them and also benefactor Turki Alashikh.And, as part of the announcement, our insider Dan Rafael scored a one on one interview wtih Shakur to discuss why he's making this move now? Stevenson is one of the most talented pound for pound fighters in the sport with wins in his last two fights over William Zepeda and beating champ Teofimo Lopez in a Madison Square Garden PPV main event in January.Plus, what does Stevenson prefer- defending his WBO junior welterweight crown or potentially moving up to the more competitive and lucrative welterweight division?He's one of the biggest names in boxing and Shakur is part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's the biggest signing by Zuffa Boxing to date, as four division world champ Shakur Stevenson has agreed to a multi-fight deal with them and also benefactor Turki Alashikh.And, as part of the announcement, our insider Dan Rafael scored a one on one interview wtih Shakur to discuss why he's making this move now? Stevenson is one of the most talented pound for pound fighters in the sport with wins in his last two fights over William Zepeda and beating champ Teofimo Lopez in a Madison Square Garden PPV main event in January.Plus, what does Stevenson prefer- defending his WBO junior welterweight crown or potentially moving up to the more competitive and lucrative welterweight division?He's one of the biggest names in boxing and Shakur is part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We're back and ready for a lighter weekend where the most prominent fight is in Russia, of all places. But, we've got a huge name joining us to discuss his new multi-fight promotional deal, and fight news, as well. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!' Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are ready to go over it all.First, they preview of Saturday's IBA/Epic Sports card on DAZN in MoscowMurat Gassiev vs. Peter Kadiru, for Gassiev's WBA “regular” heavyweight title. We go over the matchup with the last minute repladcement German and the tepid impact the fight will likely have, but it's a fight for a portion of the heavyweight crown.In the co-feature Englishman Joe Joyce vs. Russian prospect Artem Suslenkov, 10 rounds, heavyweights. Does Joyce have anything left or will the Russian mow him down?Then, hear Shakur Stevenson one on one with DanHe is interviewed hours after the Thursday announcement of his signing with Zuffa Boxing. They disucss what it means for his next fight and when, etc.? Next, some newsWBA welterweight titlist Rolly Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez announced, presser was Thursday in LA. Aug. 22 at T-Mobile Arena. We go over it.Also announced at their presser – PBC/DAZN deal. We go over some of the details and is it eventually the end of PBC on Amazon Prime?The back and forth over the timing of Fury-Joshua continues – Turki Alashikh says the fight will be in the U.K. if the main event is at 2 a.m. London time to accommodate U.S. prime time on Netflix, there's usually an 11 pm local time  curfew for Wembley events. What are we doing here?!Former unified heavyweight titleholder Andy Ruiz Jr., who has boxed just three times this decade, will return to the ring to fight on DAZN after signing a multi-fight promotional contract with Matchroom Boxing.And, the WBO a expected has ordered lineal/unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and interim titlist Callum Smith to begin negotiating the mandatory fight.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We're back and ready for a lighter weekend where the most prominent fight is in Russia, of all places. But, we've got a huge name joining us to discuss his new multi-fight promotional deal, and fight news, as well. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!' Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are ready to go over it all.First, they preview of Saturday's IBA/Epic Sports card on DAZN in MoscowMurat Gassiev vs. Peter Kadiru, for Gassiev's WBA “regular” heavyweight title. We go over the matchup with the last minute repladcement German and the tepid impact the fight will likely have, but it's a fight for a portion of the heavyweight crown.In the co-feature Englishman Joe Joyce vs. Russian prospect Artem Suslenkov, 10 rounds, heavyweights. Does Joyce have anything left or will the Russian mow him down?Then, hear Shakur Stevenson one on one with DanHe is interviewed hours after the Thursday announcement of his signing with Zuffa Boxing. They disucss what it means for his next fight and when, etc.? Next, some newsWBA welterweight titlist Rolly Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez announced, presser was Thursday in LA. Aug. 22 at T-Mobile Arena. We go over it.Also announced at their presser – PBC/DAZN deal. We go over some of the details and is it eventually the end of PBC on Amazon Prime?The back and forth over the timing of Fury-Joshua continues – Turki Alashikh says the fight will be in the U.K. if the main event is at 2 a.m. London time to accommodate U.S. prime time on Netflix, there's usually an 11 pm local time  curfew for Wembley events. What are we doing here?!Former unified heavyweight titleholder Andy Ruiz Jr., who has boxed just three times this decade, will return to the ring to fight on DAZN after signing a multi-fight promotional contract with Matchroom Boxing.And, the WBO a expected has ordered lineal/unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and interim titlist Callum Smith to begin negotiating the mandatory fight.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are back off a weekend of action in Cleveland that saw a dramatic finish to the main event, we have some fight news and some interesting nostalgia all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter have their takes and insight.They start with the Recap of Saturday night's Top Rank DAZN/TNT “The Fight” show in Cleveland, OHLightweight Abdullah Mason TKO12 vs. Albert Bell, retains WBO title. This was a battle and a controversial TKO. Mason has a big future. What is next?In the co-feature featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington W12 over Rene Palacios, retains WBC title. Shu Shu was good, not great, for most of the fight but things got hairy in the 11th round for some adversity. What are his prospects against other champs in the 126 lb. division.Dan has more on:Welterweight Tiger Johnson W10 Christopher GuerreroLightweight Deric “Scooter” Davis W8 Carlos Ramos, 135Junior lightweight Ibrahim Mason TKO2 Erik HanleyLightweight Abdurrahman Mason W4 Alvaro Huizar CabralThen, some news:Despite rumors, Sebastian Fundora-"Boots" Ennis three-belt 154 unification won't be next. Dan has learned from his promotere whom they will fight instead.Next, an update on possible Oleksandr Usyk-Deontay Wilder fight that is being debated.Dan has the front runners to replace Tony Yoka to challenge WBA heavyweight titlist Murat Gassiev. They are Germany's Peter Kadiru and American Brandon Moore this coming Saturday in Moscow.Next, Dan was texting with WBO welterweight champ Devin Haney on Saturday night, Says he's working on next fight and not determined if he will make the ordered mandatory vs. Keyshawn Davis, said Gervonta Davis is also “a serious option.”Queensberry Promotions announced it has signed heavyweight Guido Vianello, the 2016 Italian Olympian. His first fight of the deal is not done yet but in works is him against David Adeleye on the Aug. 29 Moses Itauma-Filip Hrgovic undercard.Then, some fight of the year candidates thru the first half. Dan's list for debate:Fight candidatesJunior middleweight Boots Ennis TKO7 Xander Zayas, wins WBO/WBA junior middleweight title, June 27, BrooklynHeavyweight Daniel Dubois TKO11 Fabio Wardley, wins WBO title, May 9, Manchester, EnglandJunior middleweight Conah Walker TKO10 Sam Eggington, May 2 in Walker hometown of Wolverhampton England. DAZN pundit Tony Bellew described it as England's version of Arturo Gatti-Micky Ward.Heavyweight Deontay Wilder W12 Derek Chisora,April 4 in LondonLight heavyweight Najee Lopez TKO8 Manuel Gallegos, March 13 ProBox card in Kisimmee, FloridaAnd, they wrap with some Mike Tyson 60th birthday nostalgia, including TJ quizzing big Dan on his memorabilla collection of Tyson's biggest moments.Hear it all on "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make suret to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are back off a weekend of action in Cleveland that saw a dramatic finish to the main event, we have some fight news and some interesting nostalgia all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter have their takes and insight.They start with the Recap of Saturday night's Top Rank DAZN/TNT “The Fight” show in Cleveland, OHLightweight Abdullah Mason TKO12 vs. Albert Bell, retains WBO title. This was a battle and a controversial TKO. Mason has a big future. What is next?In the co-feature featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington W12 over Rene Palacios, retains WBC title. Shu Shu was good, not great, for most of the fight but things got hairy in the 11th round for some adversity. What are his prospects against other champs in the 126 lb. division.Dan has more on:Welterweight Tiger Johnson W10 Christopher GuerreroLightweight Deric “Scooter” Davis W8 Carlos Ramos, 135Junior lightweight Ibrahim Mason TKO2 Erik HanleyLightweight Abdurrahman Mason W4 Alvaro Huizar CabralThen, some news:Despite rumors, Sebastian Fundora-"Boots" Ennis three-belt 154 unification won't be next. Dan has learned from his promotere whom they will fight instead.Next, an update on possible Oleksandr Usyk-Deontay Wilder fight that is being debated.Dan has the front runners to replace Tony Yoka to challenge WBA heavyweight titlist Murat Gassiev. They are Germany's Peter Kadiru and American Brandon Moore this coming Saturday in Moscow.Next, Dan was texting with WBO welterweight champ Devin Haney on Saturday night, Says he's working on next fight and not determined if he will make the ordered mandatory vs. Keyshawn Davis, said Gervonta Davis is also “a serious option.”Queensberry Promotions announced it has signed heavyweight Guido Vianello, the 2016 Italian Olympian. His first fight of the deal is not done yet but in works is him against David Adeleye on the Aug. 29 Moses Itauma-Filip Hrgovic undercard.Then, some fight of the year candidates thru the first half. Dan's list for debate:Fight candidatesJunior middleweight Boots Ennis TKO7 Xander Zayas, wins WBO/WBA junior middleweight title, June 27, BrooklynHeavyweight Daniel Dubois TKO11 Fabio Wardley, wins WBO title, May 9, Manchester, EnglandJunior middleweight Conah Walker TKO10 Sam Eggington, May 2 in Walker hometown of Wolverhampton England. DAZN pundit Tony Bellew described it as England's version of Arturo Gatti-Micky Ward.Heavyweight Deontay Wilder W12 Derek Chisora,April 4 in LondonLight heavyweight Najee Lopez TKO8 Manuel Gallegos, March 13 ProBox card in Kisimmee, FloridaAnd, they wrap with some Mike Tyson 60th birthday nostalgia, including TJ quizzing big Dan on his memorabilla collection of Tyson's biggest moments.Hear it all on "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make suret to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Flamboyant new WBC featherweight champ Bruce "Shu Shu" Carrington is back this weekend on the Top Rank Boxing card this Saturday night July 4th in Cleveland, OH.But, before we get to his fight night in the co-feature for the Abdullah Mason main event, Shu Shu is with our insider Dan Rafael one on one on this "Fight Freaks Unite" Podcast!Carrington, 17-0, 10 KOs, who will make his first defense against unbeaten contender Rene Palacios in the co-feature of the DAZN card, which is also the first edition of “The Fight” series that will simulcast on TNT Sports and truTV.Shu Shu, never at a loss for words, talks the matchup and his desire to become undisputed at 126 lb. as well.Hear it all as part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" on this feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Flamboyant new WBC featherweight champ Bruce "Shu Shu" Carrington is back this weekend on the Top Rank Boxing card this Saturday night July 4th in Cleveland, OH.But, before we get to his fight night in the co-feature for the Abdullah Mason main event, Shu Shu is with our insider Dan Rafael one on one on this "Fight Freaks Unite" Podcast!Carrington, 17-0, 10 KOs, who will make his first defense against unbeaten contender Rene Palacios in the co-feature of the DAZN card, which is also the first edition of “The Fight” series that will simulcast on TNT Sports and truTV.Shu Shu, never at a loss for words, talks the matchup and his desire to become undisputed at 126 lb. as well.Hear it all as part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" on this feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We are back for a HUGE junior middleweight title showdown as a DAZN pay per view in Brooklyn, NY takes place Saturday night between unified junior middleweight champ Xander Zayas and former unified welterweight champ Jaron "Boots" Ennis. And, we cover that, fight news and more on the newest "Big Fight Wekekend Preview Podcast!"This show was originally live on Thursday afternoon on our BFW Youtube page.Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back with their insight and thoughts on the tremendous match-up of unbeatens at Barclays Center, as two of the top Americans in the sport will do battle. Zayas is stepping up in fight level and Ennis is having his second bout at 154 lb. The guys go over it all.They also talk the undercard with Emiliano Vargas and England's Ben Whittaker fighting on it, as well.Next, there's a recap of the exciting IBF Welterweight title fight Wednesday of Aussie Liam Paro defeating Ireland's Lewis Crocker in a close unanimous decision. Paro hung on to a lead on the cards with the champ scoring against him in the final two rounds. Paro is also only the second Australian to be a two division world champ. The guys have more on that and the welterweight picture.Then, it's the latest news with hall of famer Floyd Mayweather's financial and legal troubles that have now cancelled his scheduled  exhibition in Greece Saturday and are jeopardizing his fights with Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao down the road. WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!There is also news on Joe Cordina of Wales being unable to travel to the USA for the July 4th WBO lightweight title fight with Abdullah Mason in Cleveland, OH. Cordina is in trouble with the law in his home country and was denied a visa to the USA. Mason will now fight Ohioian Albert Bell in the main event in his first title defense.And, finally, the guys go over Oleksandr Usyk and a looming deadline to agree to fight WBC interim heavweight champ Agit Kabayel coming up. Will he fight him or vacate? And, if he does, who does the hard hitting Kabayel meet?It's all part of the "BFW Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! It's all part of our coverage here on this "Big Fight Weekend" Youtube page and also find our podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are back for a HUGE junior middleweight title showdown as a DAZN pay per view in Brooklyn, NY takes place Saturday night between unified junior middleweight champ Xander Zayas and former unified welterweight champ Jaron "Boots" Ennis. And, we cover that, fight news and more on the newest "Big Fight Wekekend Preview Podcast!"This show was originally live on Thursday afternoon on our BFW Youtube page.Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back with their insight and thoughts on the tremendous match-up of unbeatens at Barclays Center, as two of the top Americans in the sport will do battle. Zayas is stepping up in fight level and Ennis is having his second bout at 154 lb. The guys go over it all.They also talk the undercard with Emiliano Vargas and England's Ben Whittaker fighting on it, as well.Next, there's a recap of the exciting IBF Welterweight title fight Wednesday of Aussie Liam Paro defeating Ireland's Lewis Crocker in a close unanimous decision. Paro hung on to a lead on the cards with the champ scoring against him in the final two rounds. Paro is also only the second Australian to be a two division world champ. The guys have more on that and the welterweight picture.Then, it's the latest news with hall of famer Floyd Mayweather's financial and legal troubles that have now cancelled his scheduled  exhibition in Greece Saturday and are jeopardizing his fights with Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao down the road. WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!There is also news on Joe Cordina of Wales being unable to travel to the USA for the July 4th WBO lightweight title fight with Abdullah Mason in Cleveland, OH. Cordina is in trouble with the law in his home country and was denied a visa to the USA. Mason will now fight Ohioian Albert Bell in the main event in his first title defense.And, finally, the guys go over Oleksandr Usyk and a looming deadline to agree to fight WBC interim heavweight champ Agit Kabayel coming up. Will he fight him or vacate? And, if he does, who does the hard hitting Kabayel meet?It's all part of the "BFW Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! It's all part of our coverage here on this "Big Fight Weekend" Youtube page and also find our podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's a special edition of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" as the courtroom drama involving hall of famer Floyd Mayweather being sued by promoter CSI took to the Southern District Court of NY late Wednesday afternoon.Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael, who listened in as a media member to the telephonic court hearing, give the full setup to what went on for almost two hours.And, then you will hear Judge Vernon Broderick hold the hearing with the plantiffs wanting to stop Mayweather's exhibition fight this Saturday in Greece with kickboxer Mike Zambidis. And, you'll hear the defendants attorneys including for Mayweather with their response.You'll also hear CSI talk candidly for the first time that they want the judge to enforce the contract, because they want Mayweather to participate in their exhibition with former undisputed heavyweight champ Mike Tyson in CSI's exhibition, first.The judge is expected to rule to tomorrow, as time is of the essence.Hear all of the "back and forth" exclusively on this podcast! And, make sure to stay with us on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's a special edition of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" as the courtroom drama involving hall of famer Floyd Mayweather being sued by promoter CSI took to the Southern District Court of NY late Wednesday afternoon.Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael, who listened in as a media member to the telephonic court hearing, give the full setup to what went on for almost two hours.And, then you will hear Judge Vernon Broderick hold the hearing with the plantiffs wanting to stop Mayweather's exhibition fight this Saturday in Greece with kickboxer Mike Zambidis. And, you'll hear the defendants attorneys including for Mayweather with their response.You'll also hear CSI talk candidly for the first time that they want the judge to enforce the contract, because they want Mayweather to participate in their exhibition with former undisputed heavyweight champ Mike Tyson in CSI's exhibition, first.The judge is expected to rule to tomorrow, as time is of the essence.Hear all of the "back and forth" exclusively on this podcast! And, make sure to stay with us on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We are back off a lighter weekend in the ring to talk about the chaotic opponent situation for Oscar Collazo's planned strawweight title fight in California and plenty of fight news, too, on the latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns iwth insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newletter have their insight and takes.First, they recap Saturday's Golden Boy DAZN main event in Oceanside, CaliforniaCollazo TKO2 over late replacement, Neider Valdez in what turned out to be flyweight non-title fight. We have more on the whole mess with an opponent and what's next for him? Dan also has more briefly on the undercard fights, too.Next, a recap Saturday's Queensberry DAZN main event in Southampton, EnglandJunior lightweight Ryan Garner W12 Michael Magnesi, wins vacant WBC interim title in a very competitive bout. Dan gives his thoughts. Then, some newsThe nastiness of Oscar De La Hoya/Golden Boy's feud with unbeaten contender Vergil Oritz over his contract status may be worked out before the scheduled arbitration for mid July. We have more on the situation and can Ortiz finally get back in the ring?Next, Floyd Mayweather faces two felonies for writing a bad check for $200,000 for a watch in Las Vegas as well as lawsuit from CSI, which has his rights for the Tyson exhibition and Pacquiao rematch, because he took a $4.5 million advance and they say he has breached the contract; they have filed indistrict court in NY to stop his exhibition vs. Mike Zambidis in Athens, Greece, scheduled for this coming Saturday.It's a Done deal, presser on Monday -- heavyweight Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic will meet August 29 (DAZN PPV or DAZN Ultimate) at The O2 in London. Hrgovic signed the deal on Friday.Also, PBC announces Spence-Tszyu Prime Video PPV undercard (July 25 in U.S. prime time, Sunday July 26 in Sydney, Australia). It's US vs Australia -- Jermall Charlo, for his first fight in 14 months and third fight since 2021, will face Koen Mazoudier in a 10-round super middleweight fight. Stephen Fulton vs. Liam Wilson in a 12-round junior lightweight fight. 2024 Australian Olympian and middleweight prospect Callum Peters vs. TBA in a 10-rounder The WBA CLAIMS in a statement that it will reduce titles as it had once done AND announced the elimination of the bridgerweight division.Talks going on for a three-belt cruiserweight unification bout between WBA/WBO champ David Benavidez and WBC titleholder Noel Mikaelian. How realistic is this for later in the year?And, the Egyptian Professional Boxing Association denied Rico Verhoeven's appeal of his controversial 11th-round stoppage by lineal/unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk on May 23 at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We are back off a lighter weekend in the ring to talk about the chaotic opponent situation for Oscar Collazo's planned strawweight title fight in California and plenty of fight news, too, on the latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns iwth insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newletter have their insight and takes.First, they recap Saturday's Golden Boy DAZN main event in Oceanside, CaliforniaCollazo TKO2 over late replacement, Neider Valdez in what turned out to be flyweight non-title fight. We have more on the whole mess with an opponent and what's next for him? Dan also has more briefly on the undercard fights, too.Next, a recap Saturday's Queensberry DAZN main event in Southampton, EnglandJunior lightweight Ryan Garner W12 Michael Magnesi, wins vacant WBC interim title in a very competitive bout. Dan gives his thoughts. Then, some newsThe nastiness of Oscar De La Hoya/Golden Boy's feud with unbeaten contender Vergil Oritz over his contract status may be worked out before the scheduled arbitration for mid July. We have more on the situation and can Ortiz finally get back in the ring?Next, Floyd Mayweather faces two felonies for writing a bad check for $200,000 for a watch in Las Vegas as well as lawsuit from CSI, which has his rights for the Tyson exhibition and Pacquiao rematch, because he took a $4.5 million advance and they say he has breached the contract; they have filed indistrict court in NY to stop his exhibition vs. Mike Zambidis in Athens, Greece, scheduled for this coming Saturday.It's a Done deal, presser on Monday -- heavyweight Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic will meet August 29 (DAZN PPV or DAZN Ultimate) at The O2 in London. Hrgovic signed the deal on Friday.Also, PBC announces Spence-Tszyu Prime Video PPV undercard (July 25 in U.S. prime time, Sunday July 26 in Sydney, Australia). It's US vs Australia -- Jermall Charlo, for his first fight in 14 months and third fight since 2021, will face Koen Mazoudier in a 10-round super middleweight fight. Stephen Fulton vs. Liam Wilson in a 12-round junior lightweight fight. 2024 Australian Olympian and middleweight prospect Callum Peters vs. TBA in a 10-rounder The WBA CLAIMS in a statement that it will reduce titles as it had once done AND announced the elimination of the bridgerweight division.Talks going on for a three-belt cruiserweight unification bout between WBA/WBO champ David Benavidez and WBC titleholder Noel Mikaelian. How realistic is this for later in the year?And, the Egyptian Professional Boxing Association denied Rico Verhoeven's appeal of his controversial 11th-round stoppage by lineal/unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk on May 23 at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

'I'M NOT A F____ IDIOT, IT'S ABOUT THE MONEY' - DAN RAFAEL ON TYSON FURY WITH ZUFFA_ DANA & HEARN

We are back with a recap of the big win by Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez to caputre a world title, we have plenty of fight news and we have a titlle for the NY Knicks in Pro Basketball and the host is headed on a vacation! We cover it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter to give their insight and takes on it all.Dan MUST talk first about his Knicks finally, finally, after 53 years winning the NBA title Saturday night in San Antonio. Has he gotten memorabilla already? Will he be at the parade on Thursday through Manhattan? It's all discussed.T.J. cares only slightly, as he lives in Florida and is headed on a CRUISE with his family after this show!So we are ready to get to it!First, a recap of the Sataurday night Matchroom Boxing main event at Glendale, ArizonaJesse “Bam” Rodriguez KO6 Antonio Vargas and wins WBA bantamweight title. Bam is rolling and is one of the best in the sport. Now, will he get the mega-fight with Naoya Inoue next or not? The guys go over everything. Then, some newsAnnouncement during the Saturday Matchroom card that super middleweight Diego Pacheco will headline against Immanuwel Aleem on July 26 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Andy Cruz vs. Albert Bell IBF lightweight eliminator in the co-feature.  No is done yet, but PBC is working to make WBA junior welterweight titlist Gary Antuanne Russell to make his second defense against Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (the WBC interim titlist) in late August or September.  Heavyweight Moses Itauma's summer date has been moved to Aug. 29 in London but the hunt is still on for an opponent as Filip Hrgovic has turned down the fight for August. T.J. wonders on all levels WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE with Itauma, who needs rounds and credibility not fighting more regularly.Next, talks are going on for a mandatory fight between WBA lightweight titlist Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Floyd Schofield. How realistic is this for either of them.Opponents set for Edgar Berlanga and Richardson Hitchins on Zuffa Boxing's NYC debut card July 26 at Madison Square Garden Theater. Berlanga will take on two-time middleweight title challenger Steven Butler and Hitchins, moving up to welterweight, will face Ricardo Salas. Dan has more on the matchups.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We are back with a recap of the big win by Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez to caputre a world title, we have plenty of fight news and we have a titlle for the NY Knicks in Pro Basketball and the host is headed on a vacation! We cover it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter to give their insight and takes on it all.Dan MUST talk first about his Knicks finally, finally, after 53 years winning the NBA title Saturday night in San Antonio. Has he gotten memorabilla already? Will he be at the parade on Thursday through Manhattan? It's all discussed.T.J. cares only slightly, as he lives in Florida and is headed on a CRUISE with his family after this show!So we are ready to get to it!First, a recap of the Sataurday night Matchroom Boxing main event at Glendale, ArizonaJesse “Bam” Rodriguez KO6 Antonio Vargas and wins WBA bantamweight title. Bam is rolling and is one of the best in the sport. Now, will he get the mega-fight with Naoya Inoue next or not? The guys go over everything. Then, some newsAnnouncement during the Saturday Matchroom card that super middleweight Diego Pacheco will headline against Immanuwel Aleem on July 26 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Andy Cruz vs. Albert Bell IBF lightweight eliminator in the co-feature.  No is done yet, but PBC is working to make WBA junior welterweight titlist Gary Antuanne Russell to make his second defense against Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (the WBC interim titlist) in late August or September.  Heavyweight Moses Itauma's summer date has been moved to Aug. 29 in London but the hunt is still on for an opponent as Filip Hrgovic has turned down the fight for August. T.J. wonders on all levels WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE with Itauma, who needs rounds and credibility not fighting more regularly.Next, talks are going on for a mandatory fight between WBA lightweight titlist Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Floyd Schofield. How realistic is this for either of them.Opponents set for Edgar Berlanga and Richardson Hitchins on Zuffa Boxing's NYC debut card July 26 at Madison Square Garden Theater. Berlanga will take on two-time middleweight title challenger Steven Butler and Hitchins, moving up to welterweight, will face Ricardo Salas. Dan has more on the matchups.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

One of the top pound for pound fighters in the sport is back and we're ready to discuss his title challenge and go over a bunch of fight news, as well on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter are back with all of their insight and takes.First, a preview of the Saturday night's Matchroom DAZN main event at Glendale, Ariz.Antonio Vargas vs. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, 12 rounds, for Vargas' WBA bantamweight title. Bam is looking for another world title in a 3rd division with sights set on Naoya "the Monster" Inoue. But, can he get back the talented champ Vargas, who is admittedly never been in with a fighter like Bam? The boys debate it all. Then, some newsInternational Boxing Hall of Fame inductions are on Sunday in Verona, NY, 12 person class in five categories led by modern men: Gennadiy Golovkin, Nigel Benn and Antonio Tarver. Dan has much more on the HOF and the weekend and those being honored. Next, Golden Boy Promottions and Oscar De La Hoya sent Zuffa Boxing and parent company TKO a "cease and desist letter" related to the making of the proposed Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn massive bout, because they have not been included in the talks for the Sept. 12 fight, And, they claim Garcia is contractually bound to DAZN and cant fight on Paramount+ or Netflix, where they may do the fight. Not a surprising mess, once again, for Zuffa.And, then, MVP Promotions announces that WBC/WBA women's junior middleweight titleholder Mikaela Mayer and WBO titlist Chantelle Cameron, two of the best and most well-known female boxers, will meet to unify their titles on Aug. 29 (ESPN+ in U.S., Sky Sports in U.K.) at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, England. A tremendous matchup on paper.Then, British promoter Boxxer has secured a deal with DAZN beginning August 8 at First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds, England with British and Commonwealth super middleweight champion Troy Williamson defending in a rematch with Callum Simpson.  Almost comically, iVB Boxing has canceled a July 11 event at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, where they bragged they would challenge the all-time attendance record 135,132 for Tony Zale-Billy Pryor, a free card in Milwaukee in 1941. NO SHOCK!!!! Dan has more.And, Floyd Mayweather, at 49, who is mired in deep financial problems, will go through with a boxing exhibition he announced in early March against retired Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis on June 27 at Telekom Center in Athens, Greece. The six-round exhibition will headline the “Battle of Legends” event on DAZN PPV, it was announced on Wednesday.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

One of the top pound for pound fighters in the sport is back and we're ready to discuss his title challenge and go over a bunch of fight news, as well on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter are back with all of their insight and takes.First, a preview of the Saturday night's Matchroom DAZN main event at Glendale, Ariz.Antonio Vargas vs. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, 12 rounds, for Vargas' WBA bantamweight title. Bam is looking for another world title in a 3rd division with sights set on Naoya "the Monster" Inoue. But, can he get back the talented champ Vargas, who is admittedly never been in with a fighter like Bam? The boys debate it all. Then, some newsInternational Boxing Hall of Fame inductions are on Sunday in Verona, NY, 12 person class in five categories led by modern men: Gennadiy Golovkin, Nigel Benn and Antonio Tarver. Dan has much more on the HOF and the weekend and those being honored. Next, Golden Boy Promottions and Oscar De La Hoya sent Zuffa Boxing and parent company TKO a "cease and desist letter" related to the making of the proposed Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn massive bout, because they have not been included in the talks for the Sept. 12 fight, And, they claim Garcia is contractually bound to DAZN and cant fight on Paramount+ or Netflix, where they may do the fight. Not a surprising mess, once again, for Zuffa.And, then, MVP Promotions announces that WBC/WBA women's junior middleweight titleholder Mikaela Mayer and WBO titlist Chantelle Cameron, two of the best and most well-known female boxers, will meet to unify their titles on Aug. 29 (ESPN+ in U.S., Sky Sports in U.K.) at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, England. A tremendous matchup on paper.Then, British promoter Boxxer has secured a deal with DAZN beginning August 8 at First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds, England with British and Commonwealth super middleweight champion Troy Williamson defending in a rematch with Callum Simpson.  Almost comically, iVB Boxing has canceled a July 11 event at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco, where they bragged they would challenge the all-time attendance record 135,132 for Tony Zale-Billy Pryor, a free card in Milwaukee in 1941. NO SHOCK!!!! Dan has more.And, Floyd Mayweather, at 49, who is mired in deep financial problems, will go through with a boxing exhibition he announced in early March against retired Greek kickboxer Mike Zambidis on June 27 at Telekom Center in Athens, Greece. The six-round exhibition will headline the “Battle of Legends” event on DAZN PPV, it was announced on Wednesday.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Coming up Saturday night in Arizona, unified 115 lb. champ Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez steps up to challenge Antonio Vargas for the WBA world bantamweight title.It would be the San Antonio, TX native Bam's third world title win in a third different weight division and he also has his sights set on a much, much, bigger name in Naoya "The Monster" Inoue. Hear one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world discuss it all with our insider Dan Rafael in this one on one interview.It's all part of a special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" on this feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Coming up Saturday night in Arizona, unified 115 lb. champ Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez steps up to challenge Antonio Vargas for the WBA world bantamweight title.It would be the San Antonio, TX native Bam's third world title win in a third different weight division and he also has his sights set on a much, much, bigger name in Naoya "The Monster" Inoue. Hear one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world discuss it all with our insider Dan Rafael in this one on one interview.It's all part of a special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" on this feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It was a busy fight weekend in England, Japan and even Montreal and we're ready to go over it all and some fight news and great nostalgia on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter and are full of takes and insight.Fisrt, a recap of Saturday's Zuffa Boxing Paramount+/Sky Sports main event in Bournemouth, EnglandChris Billam-Smith TKO 7 over Ryan Rozicki, cruiserweights. This was a wild slugfest won by Billam-Smith. Now, how big a fight will he get next? Next, a recap of the Saturday Kameda Promotions show in Tokoname, JapanMasamichi Yabuki W12 Rene Calixto and retains IBF flyweight title.Andrew Moloney edges out Willibaldo Garcia in 12 and wins IBF junior bantamweight titleAnd, John Riel Casimero TKO4 Luis Nery, featherweights We also recap Thursday night's  Eye of the Tiger/DAZN card in MontrealAlbert Ramirez W12 Lerrone Richards, retains WBA interim light heavyweight title. A TREMENDOUSLY controversial decision according to Big Dan. And, Jhon Orobio and Imam Khataev won on the undercard.Next, some newsFormer middleweight and junior middleweight titlist Demetrius Andrade is returning to the ring for the first time in 2½ years on July 24th. We have more.Next, Dana White at his post fight presser after Saturday's card in England agains insisted he/Zuffa will be the promoter for Joshua-Fury, while Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren say otherwise. We go over the "preschool fighting over the toy."Also, Zuffa announces their next overseas show – August 8 at 3Arena in Dublin. Etinosa Oliha vs. Aaron McKenna headliner for the vacant IBF middleweight title and middleweight Callum Walsh vs. Tyler Denny in the co-feature.Dan has learned junior middleweight contender Charles Conwell, out of action since his only loss in April 2025, will be back on the Lamont Roach Jr.-William Zepeda card Aug. 1 (DAZN, TNT, truTV).And, it's official: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili for undisputed women's junior welterweight title Sept. 5 (DAZN) at 82,000-seat Croke Park in Dublin. The presser was Friday and it will be the first boxing event there since Muhammad Ali KO11Alvin “Blue” Lewis July 19, 1972.Finally, the guys look back on the historic Oscar De La Hoya win over legend Julio Cesar Chavez on June 7, 1996. It was the "passing of the torch" fight in Mexican boxing history with a twsit on it. Dan explains the siginificance. And, we go over other nostalgia from Lennox Lewis to Iran Barkley to Miguel Cotto on this day, too.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It was a busy fight weekend in England, Japan and even Montreal and we're ready to go over it all and some fight news and great nostalgia on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter and are full of takes and insight.Fisrt, a recap of Saturday's Zuffa Boxing Paramount+/Sky Sports main event in Bournemouth, EnglandChris Billam-Smith TKO 7 over Ryan Rozicki, cruiserweights. This was a wild slugfest won by Billam-Smith. Now, how big a fight will he get next? Next, a recap of the Saturday Kameda Promotions show in Tokoname, JapanMasamichi Yabuki W12 Rene Calixto and retains IBF flyweight title.Andrew Moloney edges out Willibaldo Garcia in 12 and wins IBF junior bantamweight titleAnd, John Riel Casimero TKO4 Luis Nery, featherweights We also recap Thursday night's  Eye of the Tiger/DAZN card in MontrealAlbert Ramirez W12 Lerrone Richards, retains WBA interim light heavyweight title. A TREMENDOUSLY controversial decision according to Big Dan. And, Jhon Orobio and Imam Khataev won on the undercard.Next, some newsFormer middleweight and junior middleweight titlist Demetrius Andrade is returning to the ring for the first time in 2½ years on July 24th. We have more.Next, Dana White at his post fight presser after Saturday's card in England agains insisted he/Zuffa will be the promoter for Joshua-Fury, while Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren say otherwise. We go over the "preschool fighting over the toy."Also, Zuffa announces their next overseas show – August 8 at 3Arena in Dublin. Etinosa Oliha vs. Aaron McKenna headliner for the vacant IBF middleweight title and middleweight Callum Walsh vs. Tyler Denny in the co-feature.Dan has learned junior middleweight contender Charles Conwell, out of action since his only loss in April 2025, will be back on the Lamont Roach Jr.-William Zepeda card Aug. 1 (DAZN, TNT, truTV).And, it's official: Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili for undisputed women's junior welterweight title Sept. 5 (DAZN) at 82,000-seat Croke Park in Dublin. The presser was Friday and it will be the first boxing event there since Muhammad Ali KO11Alvin “Blue” Lewis July 19, 1972.Finally, the guys look back on the historic Oscar De La Hoya win over legend Julio Cesar Chavez on June 7, 1996. It was the "passing of the torch" fight in Mexican boxing history with a twsit on it. Dan explains the siginificance. And, we go over other nostalgia from Lennox Lewis to Iran Barkley to Miguel Cotto on this day, too.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We're back in June with a cruiserweight contender battle in England, a championship doubleheader in Japan and one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport joins us, as well, on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all with their insight and takes.They start with a preview of the Saturday Zuffa Boxing Paramount+/Sky Sports main event in Bournemouth, EnglandChris Billam-Smith vs. Ryan Rozicki, 10 rounds, cruiserweights. Is the winner in position for Zuffa's Jai Opetaia? It seems so. Also, a preview of the early Saturday (USA time) Kameda Promotions carfd in Tokoname, JapanMasamichi Yabuki vs. Rene Calixto, for Yabuki's IBF flyweight title. Yabuki is a tremendous puncher but Calixto has world title experience, Plus, Willibaldo Garcia vs. Andrew Moloney, for Garcia's IBF junior bantamweight title is discussed, too.Then, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez talks with Dan-The lineal and three-belt junior bantamweight champion moves up to bantamweight to challenge WBA titleholder Antonio Vargas on June 13 at Glendale, Arizona, and a win likely will propel him to a Naoya Inoue undisputed junior featherweight title fight in the Fall. Hear more from one of the best in the sport! And, some news:In an unusual ruling, the WBC has ordered cruiserweight titlist Noel Mikaelian to next make a mandatory defense against David Benavidez, the unified WBO/WBA cruiserweight champ, who also still holds the WBC light heavyweight title. There is debate here over all of this.Next, Irish national hero Katie Taylor, the unified women's junior welterweight champion and one of the top female boxers of all time, will get her wish for her retirement fight to take place at famed Croke Park in Dublin. There is a Friday presser at the famed venue for an announcement that will be the Taylor fight. She will face IBF mandatory challenger Flora Pili on September 5th, also for the vacant WBC title.  Also, Lindolfo Delgado (Top Rank Boxing) and Eye of the Tiger fighter Arthur Biyarslanov are negotiating the vacant IBF junior welterweight title fight that was ordered after Teofimo Lopez (moving up), Oscar Duarte (injured) and Keyshawn Davis (moving up), all ahead of Biyarslanov in the IBF rankings, turned down the fight.  Now official: Lamont Roach-William Zepeda for the vacant WBC lightweight title fight has been announced for August 1st at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. It wiill headline Golden Boy card on DAZN and be simulcast on TNT and truTV in the US.Finally, Wednesday marked the 10th anniversary of Muhammad Ali's death. The boys discuss the greatness of Ali for awhile.It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We're back in June with a cruiserweight contender battle in England, a championship doubleheader in Japan and one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport joins us, as well, on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all with their insight and takes.They start with a preview of the Saturday Zuffa Boxing Paramount+/Sky Sports main event in Bournemouth, EnglandChris Billam-Smith vs. Ryan Rozicki, 10 rounds, cruiserweights. Is the winner in position for Zuffa's Jai Opetaia? It seems so. Also, a preview of the early Saturday (USA time) Kameda Promotions carfd in Tokoname, JapanMasamichi Yabuki vs. Rene Calixto, for Yabuki's IBF flyweight title. Yabuki is a tremendous puncher but Calixto has world title experience, Plus, Willibaldo Garcia vs. Andrew Moloney, for Garcia's IBF junior bantamweight title is discussed, too.Then, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez talks with Dan-The lineal and three-belt junior bantamweight champion moves up to bantamweight to challenge WBA titleholder Antonio Vargas on June 13 at Glendale, Arizona, and a win likely will propel him to a Naoya Inoue undisputed junior featherweight title fight in the Fall. Hear more from one of the best in the sport! And, some news:In an unusual ruling, the WBC has ordered cruiserweight titlist Noel Mikaelian to next make a mandatory defense against David Benavidez, the unified WBO/WBA cruiserweight champ, who also still holds the WBC light heavyweight title. There is debate here over all of this.Next, Irish national hero Katie Taylor, the unified women's junior welterweight champion and one of the top female boxers of all time, will get her wish for her retirement fight to take place at famed Croke Park in Dublin. There is a Friday presser at the famed venue for an announcement that will be the Taylor fight. She will face IBF mandatory challenger Flora Pili on September 5th, also for the vacant WBC title.  Also, Lindolfo Delgado (Top Rank Boxing) and Eye of the Tiger fighter Arthur Biyarslanov are negotiating the vacant IBF junior welterweight title fight that was ordered after Teofimo Lopez (moving up), Oscar Duarte (injured) and Keyshawn Davis (moving up), all ahead of Biyarslanov in the IBF rankings, turned down the fight.  Now official: Lamont Roach-William Zepeda for the vacant WBC lightweight title fight has been announced for August 1st at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. It wiill headline Golden Boy card on DAZN and be simulcast on TNT and truTV in the US.Finally, Wednesday marked the 10th anniversary of Muhammad Ali's death. The boys discuss the greatness of Ali for awhile.It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

A busy championship weekend at two sites in Texas and in Russia and we're ready to go over all of the action and have some fight news on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter return with their insight and takes.First, they recap Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN card in HoustonO'Shaquie Foster W12 Ray Ford, retains WBC junior lightweight title. We have more on Foster's victory and what's next for him?Next, a recap of Saturday's RCC Boxing DAZN main event in Ekaterinburg, RussiaDmitry Bivol returns and W112 over a pathetic Michael Eifert and retains lineal/unified lightweight titles. Will we see a thrid Beterbiev bout or David Benavidez instead   And, a recap of Saturday's MVP ESPN card in El Paso, TexasStephanie Han W10 majority Holly Holm in a rematch and retains WBA women's lightweight title. Was this close fight rightfully given to Han?And, Amanda Serrano TKO2 Cheyenne Hanson, retains WBO/WBA women's featherweight title. The future hall of famer also matches a KO record. We debate that and her future.Finally, a recap of Saturday's Boxxer main event in LondonJunior welterweight Adam Azim TKO3 Steve Claggett. Azim is on the rise and we have more.  Then, some newsPlans for the Golden Boy DAZN card on Aug. 1 headlined by William Zepeda-Lamont Roach for the vacant WBC lightweight title to now include IBF titlist Ray Muratalla defense vs. Robson Conceicao in the co-feature with plans for the winners to unify later in the year.Former two-division titleholder Jermall Charlo, whose personal issues and mental health problems have limited him to just two fights since 2021, will be back on the Errol Spence-Tim Tszyu undercard on July 25. Charlo has been virtuallyl non-existent in the ring over the last 5 years.And, Forbes put out their top 50 highest-paid athletes from May 2025 to May 2026 and it includes two combat athlete: No. 2 Canelo Alvarez and No. 23 Jake Paul. We talk the BIG bucks!It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

A busy championship weekend at two sites in Texas and in Russia and we're ready to go over all of the action and have some fight news on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter return with their insight and takes.First, they recap Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN card in HoustonO'Shaquie Foster W12 Ray Ford, retains WBC junior lightweight title. We have more on Foster's victory and what's next for him?Next, a recap of Saturday's RCC Boxing DAZN main event in Ekaterinburg, RussiaDmitry Bivol returns and W112 over a pathetic Michael Eifert and retains lineal/unified lightweight titles. Will we see a thrid Beterbiev bout or David Benavidez instead   And, a recap of Saturday's MVP ESPN card in El Paso, TexasStephanie Han W10 majority Holly Holm in a rematch and retains WBA women's lightweight title. Was this close fight rightfully given to Han?And, Amanda Serrano TKO2 Cheyenne Hanson, retains WBO/WBA women's featherweight title. The future hall of famer also matches a KO record. We debate that and her future.Finally, a recap of Saturday's Boxxer main event in LondonJunior welterweight Adam Azim TKO3 Steve Claggett. Azim is on the rise and we have more.  Then, some newsPlans for the Golden Boy DAZN card on Aug. 1 headlined by William Zepeda-Lamont Roach for the vacant WBC lightweight title to now include IBF titlist Ray Muratalla defense vs. Robson Conceicao in the co-feature with plans for the winners to unify later in the year.Former two-division titleholder Jermall Charlo, whose personal issues and mental health problems have limited him to just two fights since 2021, will be back on the Errol Spence-Tim Tszyu undercard on July 25. Charlo has been virtuallyl non-existent in the ring over the last 5 years.And, Forbes put out their top 50 highest-paid athletes from May 2025 to May 2026 and it includes two combat athlete: No. 2 Canelo Alvarez and No. 23 Jake Paul. We talk the BIG bucks!It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

Off his tremendous showing in the unified heavyweight fight last Saturday night with Oleksandr Usyk, former kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven made a lot of believers in him/his boxing ability in a hurry.Although the fight ended officially with an 11th-round TKO loss to Usyk, he was arguably winning the fight headed into the final rounds.Now, hear Verhoeven with our insider Dan Rafael in a one on one conversation about the bout, the respect he has earned and most importantly- what will be next for him?It's all part of our "Big Fight Weekend" Podcast feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

Off his tremendous showing in the unified heavyweight fight last Saturday night with Oleksandr Usyk, former kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven made a lot of believers in him/his boxing ability in a hurry.Although the fight ended officially with an 11th-round TKO loss to Usyk, he was arguably winning the fight headed into the final rounds.Now, hear Verhoeven with our insider Dan Rafael in a one on one conversation about the bout, the respect he has earned and most importantly- what will be next for him?It's all part of our "Big Fight Weekend" Podcast feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We are back to preview fights in the month of May for the final time, as their aro title bouts in Houston and El Paso, TX and Russia to go over. Plus, the man who was winning the heavyweight title fight in Egypt last weekend (until he wasn't) joins us for a conversation on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to give their takes and insight on all that's going on in and out of the ring.First, they preview the Matchroom Boxing main event Saturday on DAZN in HoustonO'Shaquie Foster vs. Raymond Ford, for Foster's WBC junior lightweight title. A compelling fight between two known Americans with the Texan Foster looking for bigger things if he defends.Next, the RCC/Matchroom Boxing main event earlier Saturday on DAZN in Ekaterinburg, Russia on DAZN.Dmitry Bivol is back meeting mandatory challenger Michael Eifert, for Bivol's lineal/IBF/WBA light heavyweight title. But, the WBO won't sanction the bout. We have the latest on this one.And, also the MVP ESPN card Saturday night in El Paso, Texas, on ESPNStephanie Han vs. Holly Holm, rematch, for Han's WBA women's lightweight title. Dan wants to know "What are We DOING HERE?!" Plus, Amanda Serrano vs. Cheyenne Hanson, for Serrano's WBO/WBA women's featherweight title in the co-feature.Next RICO VERHOEVEN INTERVIEW with Big DanDiscussion of his 11th-round TKO loss challenging heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk this past Saturday at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt. How and why did he do so well and does he want to keep boxing or not? And, then some newsWBA orders lightweight titlist Gervonta Davis to make mandatory vs. Floyd Schofield but "Tank" has more bigger problems outside the ring with a new warrant for his arrest in Maryland related to an alleged probation violation from his hit and run plea there. He's also facing domestic violence charges in South Florida and as T.J. says, it may be jail time coming in Maryland for probation violation.Next, it was announced: Murat Gassiev will defend the WBA “regular” heavyweight title (yawn) against Tony Yoka in the headliner of an IBA Pro card on July 11 at VTB Arena in Moscow.Former two-time heavyweight titleholder Hasim Rahman, who is 53 and been retired since 2014, is planning a comeback: July 14 at Rochester's ESL Ballpark. BIG- WHAT. ARE. WE DOING. HERE?! The man is 53 and was beaten and beaten and beaten in the last few years of his career.Also, Keyshawn Davis has declined the opportunity to face fellow Top Rank fighter Lindolfo Delgado for the vacant IBF junior welterweight title, because he plans to move up to welterweight. We have more.Plus, the results from two IBF purse bids conducted Wednesday at their convention in Vietnam for Albert Bell-Andy Cruz lightweight final eliminator and Bakhram Murtazaliev-Brandon Adams junior middleweight final eliminator are discussed briefly.It's all part of the "BFW Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!!

We are back to preview fights in the month of May for the final time, as their aro title bouts in Houston and El Paso, TX and Russia to go over. Plus, the man who was winning the heavyweight title fight in Egypt last weekend (until he wasn't) joins us for a conversation on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to give their takes and insight on all that's going on in and out of the ring.First, they preview the Matchroom Boxing main event Saturday on DAZN in HoustonO'Shaquie Foster vs. Raymond Ford, for Foster's WBC junior lightweight title. A compelling fight between two known Americans with the Texan Foster looking for bigger things if he defends.Next, the RCC/Matchroom Boxing main event earlier Saturday on DAZN in Ekaterinburg, Russia on DAZN.Dmitry Bivol is back meeting mandatory challenger Michael Eifert, for Bivol's lineal/IBF/WBA light heavyweight title. But, the WBO won't sanction the bout. We have the latest on this one.And, also the MVP ESPN card Saturday night in El Paso, Texas, on ESPNStephanie Han vs. Holly Holm, rematch, for Han's WBA women's lightweight title. Dan wants to know "What are We DOING HERE?!" Plus, Amanda Serrano vs. Cheyenne Hanson, for Serrano's WBO/WBA women's featherweight title in the co-feature.Next RICO VERHOEVEN INTERVIEW with Big DanDiscussion of his 11th-round TKO loss challenging heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk this past Saturday at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt. How and why did he do so well and does he want to keep boxing or not? And, then some newsWBA orders lightweight titlist Gervonta Davis to make mandatory vs. Floyd Schofield but "Tank" has more bigger problems outside the ring with a new warrant for his arrest in Maryland related to an alleged probation violation from his hit and run plea there. He's also facing domestic violence charges in South Florida and as T.J. says, it may be jail time coming in Maryland for probation violation.Next, it was announced: Murat Gassiev will defend the WBA “regular” heavyweight title (yawn) against Tony Yoka in the headliner of an IBA Pro card on July 11 at VTB Arena in Moscow.Former two-time heavyweight titleholder Hasim Rahman, who is 53 and been retired since 2014, is planning a comeback: July 14 at Rochester's ESL Ballpark. BIG- WHAT. ARE. WE DOING. HERE?! The man is 53 and was beaten and beaten and beaten in the last few years of his career.Also, Keyshawn Davis has declined the opportunity to face fellow Top Rank fighter Lindolfo Delgado for the vacant IBF junior welterweight title, because he plans to move up to welterweight. We have more.Plus, the results from two IBF purse bids conducted Wednesday at their convention in Vietnam for Albert Bell-Andy Cruz lightweight final eliminator and Bakhram Murtazaliev-Brandon Adams junior middleweight final eliminator are discussed briefly.It's all part of the "BFW Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!!

We're ready for a heavyweight title showdown in an unusual place, the Pyramids of Egypt, as Oleksandr Usyk is back in 2026 to defend against a kick boxing champion. We cover over the full card and lots of fight news too on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all and give their takes and predictions.They start with Saturday's Ring magazine DAZN PPV card in Giza, EgyptOleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven, 12 rounds, for lineal/WBC heavyweight title. Will this be a joke/easy work for Usyk or does Verhoeven get lucky and make it interesting?Also, Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic, 12 rounds, for vacant WBO super middleweight title. Sheeraz is a rising star in search of a world title and could be a future opponent for Canelo down the road.Next, Shakhram Giyasov vs. Jack Catterall, 12 rounds, for vacant WBA “regular” welterweight title.And, Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr., 12 rounds, IBF heavyweight eliminator. A big step up for Torrez in level of competition. Also, Friday night's Golden Boy DAZN card in San Jose, California Rising Amari Jones vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri, 12 rounds, IBF middleweight eliminator. Dan has big expectations for Jones in this one.Next, some newsDuring Ryan Garcia's appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" on Monday, he announced he is fighting Conor Benn on Sept. 12 in Las Vegas. It may be happening, but we doubt that date and same time as the Canelo PPV in Saudi Arabia.Next, Dan is reporting that Zuffa Boxing is planning its first American card outside of Las Vegas for July 26in NY, where Edgar Berlanga, Richardson Hitchins & Sergey Derevyanchenko will all be on the card.  Also, William Zepeda and Lamont Roach Jr., who have had a deal in place for weeks, will meet for the vacant WBC lightweight title in the headliner of a Golden Boy card on August 1, probably at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The card will also be an edition of “The Fight” series and simulcast from DAZN on TNT in the U.S.  MVP Promotions has banned Claressa Shields from all its future events after she got into a physical altercation with MVP fighter Alycia Baumgardner during the MVP-promoted MMA card topped by Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano on Saturday nightt. Can't we all get along?And, finally, a few words on the death at age 81 of significant manager Dennis Rappaport, who co-managed Gerry Cooney to the heavyweight title shot vs. Holmes in their mega fight and managed Oleg Maskaev to the WBC heavyweight title in 2008. Dan dealt with this character of the sport in the 2000s and remembers him fondly.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcat" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We're ready for a heavyweight title showdown in an unusual place, the Pyramids of Egypt, as Oleksandr Usyk is back in 2026 to defend against a kick boxing champion. We cover over the full card and lots of fight news too on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all and give their takes and predictions.They start with Saturday's Ring magazine DAZN PPV card in Giza, EgyptOleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven, 12 rounds, for lineal/WBC heavyweight title. Will this be a joke/easy work for Usyk or does Verhoeven get lucky and make it interesting?Also, Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Alem Begic, 12 rounds, for vacant WBO super middleweight title. Sheeraz is a rising star in search of a world title and could be a future opponent for Canelo down the road.Next, Shakhram Giyasov vs. Jack Catterall, 12 rounds, for vacant WBA “regular” welterweight title.And, Frank Sanchez vs Richard Torrez Jr., 12 rounds, IBF heavyweight eliminator. A big step up for Torrez in level of competition. Also, Friday night's Golden Boy DAZN card in San Jose, California Rising Amari Jones vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri, 12 rounds, IBF middleweight eliminator. Dan has big expectations for Jones in this one.Next, some newsDuring Ryan Garcia's appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" on Monday, he announced he is fighting Conor Benn on Sept. 12 in Las Vegas. It may be happening, but we doubt that date and same time as the Canelo PPV in Saudi Arabia.Next, Dan is reporting that Zuffa Boxing is planning its first American card outside of Las Vegas for July 26in NY, where Edgar Berlanga, Richardson Hitchins & Sergey Derevyanchenko will all be on the card.  Also, William Zepeda and Lamont Roach Jr., who have had a deal in place for weeks, will meet for the vacant WBC lightweight title in the headliner of a Golden Boy card on August 1, probably at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The card will also be an edition of “The Fight” series and simulcast from DAZN on TNT in the U.S.  MVP Promotions has banned Claressa Shields from all its future events after she got into a physical altercation with MVP fighter Alycia Baumgardner during the MVP-promoted MMA card topped by Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano on Saturday nightt. Can't we all get along?And, finally, a few words on the death at age 81 of significant manager Dennis Rappaport, who co-managed Gerry Cooney to the heavyweight title shot vs. Holmes in their mega fight and managed Oleg Maskaev to the WBC heavyweight title in 2008. Dan dealt with this character of the sport in the 2000s and remembers him fondly.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcat" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We had a busy weekend of main events in Norfolk, VA, Doncaster, England and even Germany, and we're ready to go over the action and some fight news on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to give insight and analysis.They start with the Saturday night Top Rank/DAZN main event in Norfolk, VirginiaFirst Top Rank event of its DAZN deal, Bob Arum, age 94, back at ringside after knee replacement surgery that had kept him from traveling for months.Junior welterweight Keyshawn Davis wins the main event in 12 over Nahir Albright, but does something stupid, again, during the fight, this time. Will he learn? Will it continue to cost the talented fighter in the future?Also, Welterweight Brian Norman scored a TKO2 over Josh Wagner with a brain dead referee trying to adminsiter the count and then not stopping the fight, when he should have. What. Are. We. Doing Here?Then, the Saturday Queensberry DAZN main event in Doncaster, EnglandHeavyweight Filip Hrgovic scores a lopsided TKO3 over veteran Dave Allen, who needs to retire. Hrgovic is apparently next for Moses Itauama. The guys have the latest.And, back on Friday main event, on DAZN in Mannheim, Germany-Welterweight Paddy Donovan decisions Karen Chukhadzhian for an IBF final eliminator. Will Donovan get another fight with Lewis Crocker? We go over it all. NEWSCanelo Alvarez vs. and newly elevated, WBC super middleweight titlist Christian Mbilli officially announced for September in Saudi Arabia. The guys wonder if Canelo has agreed to fight early Sunday a.m. again, there or not?Also, former WBO heavyweight titlist Fabio Wardley has exercized his contractual right to an immediate rematch with Daniel Dubois, so, they will meet again later this year.  The WBA and IBF have finally weighed in on the status of their belts for the Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven fight on Saturday May 23rd at the Pyramids in Giza Egypt. Get ready to be confused.Junior welterweight contender Oscar Duarte will be sidelined until late this year due to a severe laceration he suffered behind his ear in a split decision over Angel Fierro on May 2 so he has passed on fighting Lindlfo Delgado for the vacant IBF junior welterweight title. Dan has more.And, another change to the Matchroom main event on June 6: WBC interim flyweight titlist Galal Yafai is injured and out of a mandatory fight with WBC/WBA titleholder Ricardo Sandoval.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscibe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We had a busy weekend of main events in Norfolk, VA, Doncaster, England and even Germany, and we're ready to go over the action and some fight news on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to give insight and analysis.They start with the Saturday night Top Rank/DAZN main event in Norfolk, VirginiaFirst Top Rank event of its DAZN deal, Bob Arum, age 94, back at ringside after knee replacement surgery that had kept him from traveling for months.Junior welterweight Keyshawn Davis wins the main event in 12 over Nahir Albright, but does something stupid, again, during the fight, this time. Will he learn? Will it continue to cost the talented fighter in the future?Also, Welterweight Brian Norman scored a TKO2 over Josh Wagner with a brain dead referee trying to adminsiter the count and then not stopping the fight, when he should have. What. Are. We. Doing Here?Then, the Saturday Queensberry DAZN main event in Doncaster, EnglandHeavyweight Filip Hrgovic scores a lopsided TKO3 over veteran Dave Allen, who needs to retire. Hrgovic is apparently next for Moses Itauama. The guys have the latest.And, back on Friday main event, on DAZN in Mannheim, Germany-Welterweight Paddy Donovan decisions Karen Chukhadzhian for an IBF final eliminator. Will Donovan get another fight with Lewis Crocker? We go over it all. NEWSCanelo Alvarez vs. and newly elevated, WBC super middleweight titlist Christian Mbilli officially announced for September in Saudi Arabia. The guys wonder if Canelo has agreed to fight early Sunday a.m. again, there or not?Also, former WBO heavyweight titlist Fabio Wardley has exercized his contractual right to an immediate rematch with Daniel Dubois, so, they will meet again later this year.  The WBA and IBF have finally weighed in on the status of their belts for the Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven fight on Saturday May 23rd at the Pyramids in Giza Egypt. Get ready to be confused.Junior welterweight contender Oscar Duarte will be sidelined until late this year due to a severe laceration he suffered behind his ear in a split decision over Angel Fierro on May 2 so he has passed on fighting Lindlfo Delgado for the vacant IBF junior welterweight title. Dan has more.And, another change to the Matchroom main event on June 6: WBC interim flyweight titlist Galal Yafai is injured and out of a mandatory fight with WBC/WBA titleholder Ricardo Sandoval.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscibe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's a weekend without a significant world title bout but there are some interesting fights from Virginia to the U.K. and we'll go over it all with some fight news on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all.Preview of Saturday's Top Rank DAZN card in Norfolk, Virginia and the first event of Top Rank's new DAZN deal:Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright, in a rematch, 12 rounds, junior welterweights. Has Keyshawn fully gotten his act together, especially when he fought with Albright out of the ring in his locker room last year after he missed weight cancelling his main event?Also, former world champ Brian Norman vs. Josh Wagner, 10 rounds, welterweights. It's Norman's first bout since losing the WBO title to Devin Haney and he wants to look good.Then, it's a preview of Saturday's Queensberry DAZN card in Doncaster, EnglandDave Allen vs. Filip Hrgovic, 10 rounds, heavyweights. It's an opportunity for the Croatian Hrgovic to look good and likely fight unbeaten rising star heavyweight Moses Itauma next in August. We discuss.Then, some newsThree-division champion and former pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko, who has not fought since May 2024 and announced his retirement in June 2025, is ending his retirement to return this fall. Whom will he fight? Dan has more also on Top Rank and DAZN working on April 8 IBF title defense for Ray Muratalla and discussing two opponents,  But would this be Loma trying to get his belt back against Muratalla? Dan has the latest.Next, Jake Paul said in an interview this week with Ariel Helwani that he may not be able to fight again due to the severity of the broken jaw he suffered vs. Anthony Joshua in December. The guys discuss it and his options, if he doesn't box anymore.Heavyweight Derek Chisora said this week to Sky Sports he is ending his extremely brief retirement – since the April 4 Wilder fight -- with permission from his wife and claims he is getting a rematch with Wilder. IBF welterweight titlist Lewis Crocker will make his mandatory defense against Liam Paro on June 24th at Pat Rafter Arena in Paro's hometown of Brisbane, Australia, No Limit Boxing announced the details on Tuesday.  The fight between middleweight Amari Jones and former IBF titlist Vincenzo Gualtieri, which headlines a Golden Boy card on May 22 (DAZN) in San Jose, California, has now been elevated to an official IBF title eliminator.  We also take a look back to Sunday night's Zuffa card in Las Vegas: Middleweight Shane Mosley Jr., with his Hall of Fame father Shane Sr. at ringside, notched the biggest win of his career with a sixth-round knockout of Serhii Bohachuk in the Zuffa Boxing 06. It's all on the latest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

Mario Lopez and Steve kim are joined by Legendary Sportswriter Dan Rafael to Talk Benavidez, Summer Fights, MayPac II Excitement Level, Zuffa Boxing & More!

It was dramatic and it was brutal and we're ready to recap the WBO heavyweight world title fight won by Daniel Dubois. Plus, we had a featherweight world title fight nixed at the weigh in and controversy continues through the weekend. And, we have fight news too on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter with their takes.They give a full recap of Saturday's Queensberry DAZN PPV in Manchester, EnglandThey start with the Dubois TKO11 Fabio Wardley, as he wins the WBO title. T.J. is adamant that no one cared about the safety of Wardley late in the fight. Dan gives his rebuttal and they also talk the future now for Dubois.They also go over the undercard where:Welterweight Jack Rafferty scored a TKO6 over Ekow EssumanZak Chelli 's stunning TKO10 of David Morrell in a light heavyweight battleAnd gigantic Bakhodir Jalolov TKO7 vs. Agron Smakici but he isn't showing promise and progress enough for Dan at this point. Then it's fight newsFeatherweight contender Ra'eese Aleem badly missed weight on Friday and his mandatory fight with IBF titlist Angelo Leo was canceled though the rest of the Salita Promotions' DAZN card went on Saturday night.Next, SI's Chris Mannix is reporting that Shakur Stevenson on verge of signing with "Zuffa Boxing" a.k.a. Turki Alashikh bankrolling for Ring PPVs.Also, Lightweights Edwin De Los Santos and Jose Valenzuela will meet in a 10-round rematch their shootout that will headline Zuffa Boxing 08 on June 28  at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. And, the Saudis may have ended their LIV golf commitment but TKO says they are still all in their boxing, UFC and WWE business.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We're back with title fight action in England and Atlanta and some fight news, as it's the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack to go over it all.They start with the preview of the Saturday Queensberry DAZN card in Manchester, EnglandFabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois, for Wardley's WBO heavyweight title. This has the possibility of being fireworks early and should be quite the atmosphere.Also on the undercard David Morrell vs. Zak Chelli, 10 rounds, light heavyweights, as Morrell gets a fight after his Callum Smith main event was cancelled a couple of weeks ago due to Smtih injury. Then, a preview of Saturday night's Salita Promotions DAZN main event in AtlantaAngelo Leo vs. Ra'eese Aleem, 12 rounds, for Leo's IBF featherweight title. Leo has some big title wins, but Aleem may be poised for an upset, too. And, a quick Preview of Sunday night's Paramount+ Zuffa main event in Las VegasShane Mosley Jr. vs. Serhii Bohachuk, 10 rounds, middleweights. A solid second level, non title fight in the main event. Then, some fight newsWBO welterweight Devin Haney and "Zuffa Boxing" in talks for a multi-fight promotional deal. However, T.J. wants to make clear what's "Zuffa" and what's actually Turki Alashikh paying for and putting a fight on PPV that has nothing to do with "Zuffa Boxing."Next, Junto Nakatani is diagnosed with a broken orbit bone by his left eye. It apparently happened on a right uppercut in round 11 of the loss to Inoue Saturday night. He will be out a while.Also, the official announcement of WBO lightweight titleholder Abdullah Mason's first defense, a Cleveland homecoming vs. Joe Cordina on DAZN July 4 with WBC featherweight titlist Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington's first defense vs. Rene Palacios in the co-feature. An intriguing card on the famous holiday.And, a new date for British rising phenom heavyweight Moses Itauma – moving off a July 25th main event date, so as not to go same day as the Anthony Joshua-Prenga PPV. Dan has more.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We are back off a GREAT weekend of action with recaps coming from Japan to England to Vegas and we go over it all on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" podcast.Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack to go over it all.First up is the full recap of the "PBC on Prime" PPV from Vegas that originally aired early Sunday Eastern time on our Big Fight Weekend. YouTube page.The guys discuss David Benavidez's demolition of Zurdo Ramirez in six rounds to knock him out and gain the WBA/WBO unified cruiserweight crowns. Benavidez looks awesome and we dissect how he destroyed Zurdo in his latest fight and importantly, his options next?It was a FANTASTIC undercard with Jaime Munguia winning the WBA super middleweight crown with an impressive 12 round whipping of Armando Resendiz to get his biggest win in several years. And, it makes Munguia a defiinte "player" at 168 lb. again.Pluse, we talk Oscar Duarte's 140 lb. contender win over Angel Fierro, a tremendous 10 rounder with Tito Sanchez and Jorge Chavez bombing each other in the junior middleweight division and an upset for Ishmael Flores scoring in an impressive showing over Isaac Lucero.Then, we pick up with the recap of the Ohashi Promotions card on Saturday in TokyoNaoya Inoue W12 Junto Nakatani to retain the undisputed junior featherweight title in the biggest fight in Japanese history at the sold-out 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome. Inoue quickly becoming one of the all time greatest smaller weight fighters. And, might we see he and Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez down the road?Also, his younger brother,Takuma Inoue W12 over veteran former title holder, Kazuto Ioka and retains the WBC bantamweight title. Theres also discussion of the Matchroom Boxing main event in Wolverhapton, EnglandConah Walker outlslugs Sam Eggington to score a 10th round TKO in a junior middleweight battle that will be considered for "fight of the year" type hype. And, finally, some newsCanelo Alvarez confirmed that he will meet Christian Mbilli for Mbilli's WBC super middleweight title on Sept. 12 in Riyadh in the Turki Alashikh headliner. The guys discuss.And, PBC hosted a presser on Saturday afternoon to officially announce Errol Spence ending a three year hiatius to go to Australia to fight favore son Tim Tszyu in July. T.J. has doubts, even with the announcement, about Spence and the fight.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast' and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

PreviewWe're back and ready for a massive weekend of title bouts in Japan and Las Vegas and we have fight news, as well on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"This addition orginally aired as a live Youtube show Thursday afternoon on our BFW Page.Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return went over it all with their insight and analysis.First, they preview the Saturday U.S. a.m. Ohashi Promotions card at Tokyo Dome on DAZNNaoya "The Monster" Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani, for Inoue's undisputed junior featherweight title. Tremendous build up and this will be in front of 50,000+ in the Tokyo Dome too. The guys have takes.Also, Takuma Inoue (Naoya's younger brother) vs. Kazuto Ioka, for Inoue's WBC bantamweight title. Then, the Saturday night PBC Prime Video & DAZN PPV at T-Mobile in Las Vegas  Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez vs. David Benavidez, for Ramirez's WBO/WBA cruiserweight title. Another intriguing bout, as Benavidez moves up looking for a third world title in three divisions. Will Zurdo off shoulder surgery be able to handle him?In the co-feature- Armando Resendiz vs. Jaime Munguia, for Resendiz's WBA super middleweight title. Underrated fight of the weekend? Also, Oscar Duarte vs. Angel Fierro, 10 rounds, junior welterweights and Isaac Lucero vs. Ismael Flores, 8 rounds, junior middleweights on the PPV, too.Then, NewsThe long-awaited heavyweight showdown between former champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is signed, but just not next. Turki Alashikh announced atwo-fight deal with Joshua to fight Kristian Prenga on July 25 (DAZN PPV) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and then Fury. That is November on Netflix, site TBA. The guys discuss the risk Joshua is foolishly taking by having a fight in between.Next, the Xander Zayas-Boots Ennis PPV undercard was announced, and will include two of boxing's elite prospects, junior welterweight Emiliano Vargas and light heavyweight Ben Whittaker in 10-rounders. Dan has more. Also, Top Rank announces it has done a multi-year contract extension Zayas, whom they've promoted since he was 17 years old.Zuffa Boxing announces U.K. debut: former WBO titleholder Chris Billam-Smith vs. Ryan Rozicki on June 6 in Billam-Smith's hometown of Bournemouth, England  Next, WBC junior welterweight titleholder Dalton Smith has suffered an undisclosed training injury that has forced him out of his first defense vs. former titlist Alberto Puello on June 6 (on DAZN) in Smith's hometown of Sheffield, England. Show goes on with the original co-feature moving up to the headliner — a mandatory bout between WBC/WBA flyweight titlist Ricardo Sandoval and WBC interim titlist Galal Yafai. We have the latest.And, updates for the May 9 Fabio Wardley- Daniel Dubois card- American heavyweight Jared Anderson is off with a torn biceps; But, light heavyweight contender David Morrell is added to fight Zak Chelli; two-time Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov also added to the show.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to us on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Coming up this Saturday night in Las Vegas it's a crusierweight unified title fight on pay per view as Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez battles David Benavidez.As fight week gets rolling, hear from Zurdo one on one with our insider Dan Rafael. They discuss Zurdo coming off shoulder surgery late last year. And, they get on to the challenge of fighting the light heavyweight champ Benavidez in one of the toughest fights of his career. Plus, what abou the Mexico vs. Mexico matchup on "Cinco de May Weekend," as well?It's all on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!