Podcast appearances and mentions of Dan Rafael

We have come to the end of the calendar year of 2025 and it's time to crank up a debate about which boxer deserves "Figther of the Year" status for work done this year? We're ready to debate on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back to go over it?In a debate of future hall of famers Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue, which resume was better in 2025? And, how much consideration should someone like Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez or Dmitry Bivol be given in the conversation, too?Hear the guys go over it and make their selections for Fighter of the Year on this pod! And, make sure that you follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It's the final weekend of 2025 and we're back to recap the prominent world title card of the weekend in Saudi Arabia and give you some other worldwide fight recaps and news too on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of the Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter have their takes.First a recap of Saturday's Ring V: "Night of the Samurai" DAZN PPV card from Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaJunior featherweight Naoya Inoue scores a one sided unanimous decision over Alan David Picasso, retains undisputed title. Should Inoue have gone harder for the KO? And now....He'll fight new junior featherweight Junto Nakatani, who had a tough battle and won close with Sebastian Hernandez in the co-feature. The guys have more on Nakatani struggling at the higher weight and what does it mean for the Inoue battle in the first part of 2026?Also, on the card- lightweight Eridson Garcia won a 10 round split decision over Taiga Imanaga, plus, junior featherweight Reito Tsutsumi TKO4 Leobardo Quintana.The IBF junior bantamweight title fight with champ Willibaldo Garcia vs. Kenshiro Teraji was canceled after the ceremonial weigh-in, Garcia was ill and hospitalized. Dan has the latest. Also, they recap Saturday's Kameda Promotions main event in Tokoname, JapanFlyweight Masamichi Yabuki TKO12 Felix Alvarado, retains IBF title. Impressive win for Yabuki. And, a brief recap from WednesdayHeavyweight Ike Ibeabuchi, 52, the former top contender, who was in the second fight of his return after 26 years (most spent in prison) suffered his first defeat, a 12-round decision to Nigerian countryman Kabiru Towolawi in Lagos, Nigeria. And, some newsTurki Alashikh announces undercard for Ring VI Teofimo-Shakur event on Jan. 31 at MSGKeyshawn Davis vs. Jamaine Ortiz, 12 rounds, junior welterweightsBruce “Shu Shu” Carrington vs. Carlos Castro, 12 rounds, for vacant WBC featherweight titleCarlos Adames vs. Austin “Ammo” Williams, 12 rounds, for Adames' WBC middleweight titleJarrell Miller vs. Kingsley Ibeh, 10 rounds, heavyweightsZiyad Almayouf vs. Kevin Castillo, 8 rounds, welterweightsNext, Dan is reporting on some fighters signed by Zuffa Boxing for its new league that begins in January:Former WBA junior welterweight titlist Jose ValenzuelaFormer WBA “regular” welterweight titlist Radzhab Butaev, junior lightweight Justin Viloria and lightweight Eridson GarciaAnd, finally Matchroom Boxing's announcement of some more undercard bouts on the Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington 2 show Feb. 21 in Nottingham, EnglandSandy Ryan vs. Karla Zamora, 10 rounds, for vacant WBC women's junior welterweight titleDavid Allen vs. TBA, 10 rounds, heavyweightsTiah Mai Ayton vs. TBA, 8 rounds, female bantamweightsJunaid Bostan vs. TBA, 10 rounds, junior middleweightsWe have it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure for all the great content on this feed to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We are back off the Christmas holiday with a new show as the Riyadh Season card "Ring V- Night of the Samurai" takes place Saturday in Saudi Arabia. We've got the preview and fight news on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast!Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael for the full breakdown.The begin with the Preview of the  Night of the Samurai” card on Saturday (DAZN PPV, 4 a.m. ET) in Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaNaoya "the Monster" Inoue vs. Alan David Picasso, 12 rounds, for Inoue's undisputed junior featherweight titles. It's the fourth time in the ring this year for Inoue and will he deliver the big KO to puncuate his 2025?In the co-feature, Junto Nakatani vs. Sebastian Hernandez Reyes, 12 rounds, junior featherweight battle. Is Nakatani next for the Monster? And, also, Willibaldo Garcia vs. Kenshiro Teraji, 12 rounds, for Garcia's IBF junior bantamweight titleThen, some fight newsNetflix announced the numbers for Jake-Joshua event, including “an estimated average minute audience of 33 million” globally from opening to closing bell. That's another huge number, but what about it relative to Canelo-Crawford, much less, Paul-Tyson in 2024 both on Netflix also?Then, In wake of Terence Crawford's retirement and vacating the WBO super middleweight title, the WBO has ordered Diego Pacheco and Hamzah Sheeraz, the leading available contenders, to meet for the vacant title  Also, Crawford has now formally vacated the IBF title, per IBF announcement. WBA vacating at 168 lb. is imminent  Matchroom Boxing has announced the undercard for its January 24 DAZN card in Las Vegas topped by IBF lightweight titlist Raymond Muratalla's mandatory defense against Andy Cruz. Co-feature will be the return of former WBA junior middleweight titlist Israil Madrimov vs. Luis David Salazar in a 10-round middleweight bout. Dan has more.Per Dan's reporting, IBF featherweight titlist Angelo Leo's second defense against South Africa's Lerato Dlamini on February 21 in the ProBox TV headliner is postponed. Is it injury or scheduling?Also, per Dan's reporting, the overdue fight between WBA junior welterweight titlist Gary Antuanne Russell and mandatory challenger and fellow southpaw Andy Hiraoka is being lined up for the pay-per-view undercard of WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios' defense against Ryan Garcia on Feb. 21 in Las Vegas.We have it all for you headed into the final weekend of the year on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We are back off the Christmas holiday with a new show as the Riyadh Season card "Ring V- Night of the Samurai" takes place Saturday in Saudi Arabia. We've got the preview and fight news on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast!Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael for the full breakdown.The begin with the Preview of the  Night of the Samurai” card on Saturday (DAZN PPV, 4 a.m. ET) in Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaNaoya "the Monster" Inoue vs. Alan David Picasso, 12 rounds, for Inoue's undisputed junior featherweight titles. It's the fourth time in the ring this year for Inoue and will he deliver the big KO to puncuate his 2025?In the co-feature, Junto Nakatani vs. Sebastian Hernandez Reyes, 12 rounds, junior featherweight battle. Is Nakatani next for the Monster? And, also, Willibaldo Garcia vs. Kenshiro Teraji, 12 rounds, for Garcia's IBF junior bantamweight titleThen, some fight newsNetflix announced the numbers for Jake-Joshua event, including “an estimated average minute audience of 33 million” globally from opening to closing bell. That's another huge number, but what about it relative to Canelo-Crawford, much less, Paul-Tyson in 2024 both on Netflix also?Then, In wake of Terence Crawford's retirement and vacating the WBO super middleweight title, the WBO has ordered Diego Pacheco and Hamzah Sheeraz, the leading available contenders, to meet for the vacant title  Also, Crawford has now formally vacated the IBF title, per IBF announcement. WBA vacating at 168 lb. is imminent  Matchroom Boxing has announced the undercard for its January 24 DAZN card in Las Vegas topped by IBF lightweight titlist Raymond Muratalla's mandatory defense against Andy Cruz. Co-feature will be the return of former WBA junior middleweight titlist Israil Madrimov vs. Luis David Salazar in a 10-round middleweight bout. Dan has more.Per Dan's reporting, IBF featherweight titlist Angelo Leo's second defense against South Africa's Lerato Dlamini on February 21 in the ProBox TV headliner is postponed. Is it injury or scheduling?Also, per Dan's reporting, the overdue fight between WBA junior welterweight titlist Gary Antuanne Russell and mandatory challenger and fellow southpaw Andy Hiraoka is being lined up for the pay-per-view undercard of WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios' defense against Ryan Garcia on Feb. 21 in Las Vegas.We have it all for you headed into the final weekend of the year on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

Coming up Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, it's the "Night of the Samurai" card from Riyadh season feturing a series of fights with Japanese stars and the card is headlined by undisputed junior featherweight champ Naoya "The Monster" Inoue back defending his titles in the main event.However, the second biggest name is former three division world champ himself, Junto Nakatani, Inoue's new potential rival, fighting a non-title, tune up at 122 lb. And, the beileft is that Nakatani will be meeting Inoue in the Tokyo Dome coming in a massive all Japan showdown in 2026.So, with all that in mind, our insider Dan Rafael went to work and scored a one on one conversation with Nakatani prior to him leaving for Saudi Arabia, to talk moving up in weight and possibly fighting Inoue, etc.?Hear the conversation now, as Dan talks to Nakatani through the interpreter on a special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Coming up Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, it's the "Night of the Samurai" card from Riyadh season feturing a series of fights with Japanese stars and the card is headlined by undisputed junior featherweight champ Naoya "The Monster" Inoue back defending his titles in the main event.However, the second biggest name is former three division world champ himself, Junto Nakatani, Inoue's new potential rival, fighting a non-title, tune up at 122 lb. And, the beileft is that Nakatani will be meeting Inoue in the Tokyo Dome coming in a massive all Japan showdown in 2026.So, with all that in mind, our insider Dan Rafael went to work and scored a one on one conversation with Nakatani prior to him leaving for Saudi Arabia, to talk moving up in weight and possibly fighting Inoue, etc.?Hear the conversation now, as Dan talks to Nakatani through the interpreter on a special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It was KO return for former unified heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua, as he did as expected and kayoed Jake Paul in the Miami main event Friday night. And, we are ready to discuss that fight, the entire card and be joined by a special guest, too on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter return with their takes.The recap is from our early Saturday morning Youtube coverage on our Big Fight Weekend page and you'll hear the discussion of Jake Paul seemingly running throughout the first four rounds and eventually, Joshua got to him with big shots, knockdowns and the knockout. The guys also talk whether Joshua should take another fight before fighting Tyson Fury in 2026? And, they recap the undercard including the Alycia Baumgardner and Caroline Dubois victories. Then, hear Dan with former bantamweight champ Junto Nakatani, as he moves up to 122 lb. for a non-title, tune up with Sebastian Hernandez Saturday night on the "Night of the Samuri Card" from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Naoya "the Monster' Inoue defends the four 122 lb. titles in the main event and Nakatani may be his next opponent in a Japanese mega fight. It's all covered through an interpreter on the pod!It's the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaer/Spotify, etc.

It was KO return for former unified heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua, as he did as expected and kayoed Jake Paul in the Miami main event Friday night. And, we are ready to discuss that fight, the entire card and be joined by a special guest, too on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter return with their takes.The recap is from our early Saturday morning Youtube coverage on our Big Fight Weekend page and you'll hear the discussion of Jake Paul seemingly running throughout the first four rounds and eventually, Joshua got to him with big shots, knockdowns and the knockout. The guys also talk whether Joshua should take another fight before fighting Tyson Fury in 2026? And, they recap the undercard including the Alycia Baumgardner and Caroline Dubois victories. Then, hear Dan with former bantamweight champ Junto Nakatani, as he moves up to 122 lb. for a non-title, tune up with Sebastian Hernandez Saturday night on the "Night of the Samuri Card" from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Naoya "the Monster' Inoue defends the four 122 lb. titles in the main event and Nakatani may be his next opponent in a Japanese mega fight. It's all covered through an interpreter on the pod!It's the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaer/Spotify, etc.

We are ready for the weekend and a world title fight in L.A. + fight news all over the globe on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.They preview Saturday's Integrated Sports PPV, PPV.COM main event in Los AngelesBadou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelian, rematch, for Jack's WBC cruiserweight title. Will we get an exciting battle in this one and what's the future at cruiserweight?Next, a preview Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN card in Stockton, Calif.Diego Pacheco vs. Kevin Lele Sadjo, 12 rounds, super middleweights. A good challenge for the young Pachecho?? Plus,Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Joe Cordina, 12 rounds, WBO lightweight eliminatorSkye Nicolson vs. Yuliahn Luna, 10 rounds, for vacant WBC women's interim junior featherweight title Ernesto “Tito” Mercado vs. Antonio Moran, 10 rounds, junior welterweights  Next, some newsTeofimo Lopez-Shakur Stevenson kickoff press conference for their Jan. 31 fight was Wednesday at Madison Square GardenCruiserweight Huseyin Cinkara was released from the hospital on Tuesday after being admitted with various injuries following a titanic eighth-round knockout loss in a mandatory fight against lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia on Saturday in Broadbeach, Australia.TKO announced on an earnings call this week that the first Zuffa Boxing card of the Paramount+ deal will be on Jan. 23 No. 1 women's pound-for-pound and undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields announced her next defense will be a rematch with former undisputed super middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn on Feb. 22 (DAZN) at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. They fought each other in their 2016 pro debut with Shields winning a four-round decision.  WBC lightweight titlist Caroline Dubois is latest to leave Boxxer after the end of its Sky Sports deal. She has signed with MVP and will defend against Camila Panatta on the Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua card Dec. 19 in Miami.  And, WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios announced that he has split from trainer Bob Santos and will be trained by Joe Goossen for the Feb. 21 fight vs. Ryan Garcia.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are ready for the weekend and a world title fight in L.A. + fight news all over the globe on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.They preview Saturday's Integrated Sports PPV, PPV.COM main event in Los AngelesBadou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelian, rematch, for Jack's WBC cruiserweight title. Will we get an exciting battle in this one and what's the future at cruiserweight?Next, a preview Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN card in Stockton, Calif.Diego Pacheco vs. Kevin Lele Sadjo, 12 rounds, super middleweights. A good challenge for the young Pachecho?? Plus,Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Joe Cordina, 12 rounds, WBO lightweight eliminatorSkye Nicolson vs. Yuliahn Luna, 10 rounds, for vacant WBC women's interim junior featherweight title Ernesto “Tito” Mercado vs. Antonio Moran, 10 rounds, junior welterweights  Next, some newsTeofimo Lopez-Shakur Stevenson kickoff press conference for their Jan. 31 fight was Wednesday at Madison Square GardenCruiserweight Huseyin Cinkara was released from the hospital on Tuesday after being admitted with various injuries following a titanic eighth-round knockout loss in a mandatory fight against lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia on Saturday in Broadbeach, Australia.TKO announced on an earnings call this week that the first Zuffa Boxing card of the Paramount+ deal will be on Jan. 23 No. 1 women's pound-for-pound and undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields announced her next defense will be a rematch with former undisputed super middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn on Feb. 22 (DAZN) at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. They fought each other in their 2016 pro debut with Shields winning a four-round decision.  WBC lightweight titlist Caroline Dubois is latest to leave Boxxer after the end of its Sky Sports deal. She has signed with MVP and will defend against Camila Panatta on the Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua card Dec. 19 in Miami.  And, WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios announced that he has split from trainer Bob Santos and will be trained by Joe Goossen for the Feb. 21 fight vs. Ryan Garcia.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Saturday night in Los Angeles, WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack returns in an immediate rematch of a close decision over former titlist Noel Mikaelian. The bout is the headliner of an Inegrated Sports PPV card in Los Angeles. But, before the action heats back up, Jack is one on one with our insider Dan Rafael.What does he think of having to battle Mikaelian again? Also, Jack is in position for a possible unification battle with either IBF champ Jai Opetaia or down the road maybe the winner of the upcoming "Zurdo Ramirez" vs. David Benavidez WBA/WBO unified fight set for May.It's all part of the discussion on the "Big Fight Weekend Podcast" feed found on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Saturday night in Los Angeles, WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack returns in an immediate rematch of a close decision over former titlist Noel Mikaelian. The bout is the headliner of an Inegrated Sports PPV card in Los Angeles. But, before the action heats back up, Jack is one on one with our insider Dan Rafael.What does he think of having to battle Mikaelian again? Also, Jack is in position for a possible unification battle with either IBF champ Jai Opetaia or down the road maybe the winner of the upcoming "Zurdo Ramirez" vs. David Benavidez WBA/WBO unified fight set for May.It's all part of the discussion on the "Big Fight Weekend Podcast" feed found on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

A very busy but P.R. damaged PPV took place in San Antonio, TX, and we're ready to recap it all, plus, hear from a cruiserweight world champ and more on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.They have a full recap of the "PBC on Prime Video" PPV card on Saturday Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz draw with Lamont Roach and keeps WBC interim 140 lb. title. Was this a just draw or not? Will they meet again?O'Shaquie Foster dominates Stephen Fulton and wins vacant WBC interim 135 lb. title. Yes, you read right. The WBC now just makes up interim title fights the day before fight cards. We explain the comedy and debate. Foster also has options in multiple weight divisions, now too.Then, a dreadful Erislandy Lara decision over late replacement Johan Gonzalez and keeps WBA 160 lb. A boring defense.And, Jesus Ramos decisions Shane Mosley Jr., in an action packed bout and wiins the vacant WBC interim 160 lb title.Also, on the free PrelimsA HUGE KO! Frank Martin in the 4th over Rances Barthelemy, junior welterweightsIsaac Lucero decisions Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in a good fight.And, junior middleweights Luis Nunez looks good against Hector Sosa in a featherweight decision. Next, a recap of Saturday's Tasman Fighters main event in Broadbeach, AustraliaHUUUUUUUUGE KO Jai Opetaia with one punch in the eigth over Huseyin Cinkara. Opetaia retains lineal/IBF cruiserweight title and has a big future coming. Next an interview with WBC Cruiserweight Champ BADOU JACK He defends vs. former titlist Noel Mikaelian on Saturday in Los Angeles on PPV in a rematch of their close fight in May on the Canelo-Scull card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.And, some newsTyson Fury social media post indicates he is headed out of retirement –SHOCKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yes, Dan approved all those !'sA deal has been made for vacant WBO interim light heavyweight title bout between Callum Smith and David Morrell, and the purse bid that was due to take place this past Friday was canceled  And, finally, MVP added junior lightweight Jahmal Harvey, a 2024 U.S. Olympian, to the main card of Paul-Joshua on January 19th.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

A very busy but P.R. damaged PPV took place in San Antonio, TX, and we're ready to recap it all, plus, hear from a cruiserweight world champ and more on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.They have a full recap of the "PBC on Prime Video" PPV card on Saturday Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz draw with Lamont Roach and keeps WBC interim 140 lb. title. Was this a just draw or not? Will they meet again?O'Shaquie Foster dominates Stephen Fulton and wins vacant WBC interim 135 lb. title. Yes, you read right. The WBC now just makes up interim title fights the day before fight cards. We explain the comedy and debate. Foster also has options in multiple weight divisions, now too.Then, a dreadful Erislandy Lara decision over late replacement Johan Gonzalez and keeps WBA 160 lb. A boring defense.And, Jesus Ramos decisions Shane Mosley Jr., in an action packed bout and wiins the vacant WBC interim 160 lb title.Also, on the free PrelimsA HUGE KO! Frank Martin in the 4th over Rances Barthelemy, junior welterweightsIsaac Lucero decisions Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in a good fight.And, junior middleweights Luis Nunez looks good against Hector Sosa in a featherweight decision. Next, a recap of Saturday's Tasman Fighters main event in Broadbeach, AustraliaHUUUUUUUUGE KO Jai Opetaia with one punch in the eigth over Huseyin Cinkara. Opetaia retains lineal/IBF cruiserweight title and has a big future coming. Next an interview with WBC Cruiserweight Champ BADOU JACK He defends vs. former titlist Noel Mikaelian on Saturday in Los Angeles on PPV in a rematch of their close fight in May on the Canelo-Scull card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.And, some newsTyson Fury social media post indicates he is headed out of retirement –SHOCKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yes, Dan approved all those !'sA deal has been made for vacant WBO interim light heavyweight title bout between Callum Smith and David Morrell, and the purse bid that was due to take place this past Friday was canceled  And, finally, MVP added junior lightweight Jahmal Harvey, a 2024 U.S. Olympian, to the main card of Paul-Joshua on January 19th.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are back and ready for an intriguing PPV card in San Antonio, TX and have some interesting fight news and Boxing Hall of Fame new members, too, on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" podcast.Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter and they're ready to go over it all.They begin with the preview of Saturday's PBC on Prime Video PPV in San AntonioIsaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach Jr.,  for Cruz's WBC interim junior welterweight title. In the co-featured O'Shaquie Foster vs. Stephen Fulton, for Foster's WBC junior lightweight title.Also, Erislandy Lara vs. Johan Gonzalez, for Lara's WBA middleweight title, as Janibek is out of the fight due to a positive PED test. And, Jesus Ramos vs. Shane Mosley Jr., for the vacant WBC interim middleweight title.Also, the free prelims on Prime videoFrank Martin vs. Rances Barthelemy, 10 rounds, junior welterweightsIsaac Lucero vs. Roberto Valenzuela Jr., 10 rounds, junior middleweightsLuis Nunez vs. Hector Sosa, 10 rounds, featherweights Then, they preview Tasman Fighters main event on Saturday in Broadbeach, Australia (UFC Fight Pass in the US with card start at 2 a.m. ET)Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara, 12 rounds, for Opetaia's lineal/IBF cruiserweight title. He's a tremendous punching champ looking for another big KO. Then some News: Thammanoon Niyomtrong wins in 12 rounds over Junior Zarate to win the vacant WBC junior flyweight title on Thursday at the Imperial Queens Park Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. This was part of the WBC convention.Also, from the convention the WBC strips Terence Crawford of super middleweight title and Crawford goes off in IG video! The boys discuss both sides of this.More stuff from the convention on mandatories/eliminators orders – Oleksandr Usyk wants to fight Deontay Wilder, and more, Conor Benn made welter mandatory by the organization. What. Are. We. Doing. Here?Next, the International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2026 announced, including GGG, Antonio Tarver and Nigel Benn. Dan has thoughtsTeofimo Lopez-Shakur Stevenson official for Jan. 31 in NY, with a presser coming on Wednesday.And, heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. notified the IBF in writing that he has accepted a position in a final title eliminator against Frank Sanchez to produce the organization's mandatory challenger.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 and ready for an intriguing PPV card in San Antonio, TX and have some interesting fight news and Boxing Hall of Fame new members, too, on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" podcast.Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter and they're ready to go over it all.They begin with the preview of Saturday's PBC on Prime Video PPV in San AntonioIsaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach Jr.,  for Cruz's WBC interim junior welterweight title. In the co-featured O'Shaquie Foster vs. Stephen Fulton, for Foster's WBC junior lightweight title.Also, Erislandy Lara vs. Johan Gonzalez, for Lara's WBA middleweight title, as Janibek is out of the fight due to a positive PED test. And, Jesus Ramos vs. Shane Mosley Jr., for the vacant WBC interim middleweight title.Also, the free prelims on Prime videoFrank Martin vs. Rances Barthelemy, 10 rounds, junior welterweightsIsaac Lucero vs. Roberto Valenzuela Jr., 10 rounds, junior middleweightsLuis Nunez vs. Hector Sosa, 10 rounds, featherweights Then, they preview Tasman Fighters main event on Saturday in Broadbeach, Australia (UFC Fight Pass in the US with card start at 2 a.m. ET)Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara, 12 rounds, for Opetaia's lineal/IBF cruiserweight title. He's a tremendous punching champ looking for another big KO. Then some News: Thammanoon Niyomtrong wins in 12 rounds over Junior Zarate to win the vacant WBC junior flyweight title on Thursday at the Imperial Queens Park Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. This was part of the WBC convention.Also, from the convention the WBC strips Terence Crawford of super middleweight title and Crawford goes off in IG video! The boys discuss both sides of this.More stuff from the convention on mandatories/eliminators orders – Oleksandr Usyk wants to fight Deontay Wilder, and more, Conor Benn made welter mandatory by the organization. What. Are. We. Doing. Here?Next, the International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2026 announced, including GGG, Antonio Tarver and Nigel Benn. Dan has thoughtsTeofimo Lopez-Shakur Stevenson official for Jan. 31 in NY, with a presser coming on Wednesday.And, heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. notified the IBF in writing that he has accepted a position in a final title eliminator against Frank Sanchez to produce the organization's mandatory challenger.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!!

Coming up on Saturday night in the "Lonestar State" WBC featherweight champion Stephen Fulton is moving up to challenge O'Shaquie Foster for his WBC junior lightweight title on the "PBC on Prime Video" undercard of Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach main event.But, before fight week cranks up, you can hear from the Philly star Fulton one on one with our insider Dan Rafael on this special conversation.Fulton is moving up to 130 lb. to battle the Texan Foster in a compelling U.S. champ vs. U.S. champ matchup. How does he feel about the extra weight and would he remain at junior lightweight with the win? Also, Fulton famously was kayoed by one of the best fighters in the sport Naoya Inoue, though he deserves credit for having fought "The Monster" in Japan. He relays what that experience against a great fighter meant to helping him the rest of his career.It's all part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe for all of the content on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc. 

Coming up on Saturday night in the "Lonestar State" WBC featherweight champion Stephen Fulton is moving up to challenge O'Shaquie Foster for his WBC junior lightweight title on the "PBC on Prime Video" undercard of Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach main event.But, before fight week cranks up, you can hear from the Philly star Fulton one on one with our insider Dan Rafael on this special conversation.Fulton is moving up to 130 lb. to battle the Texan Foster in a compelling U.S. champ vs. U.S. champ matchup. How does he feel about the extra weight and would he remain at junior lightweight with the win? Also, Fulton famously was kayoed by one of the best fighters in the sport Naoya Inoue, though he deserves credit for having fought "The Monster" in Japan. He relays what that experience against a great fighter meant to helping him the rest of his career.It's all part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe for all of the content on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc. 

Coming up on Saturday night in San Antonio, TX, Lamont Roach will battle interim junior welterweight titlist Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz in the "PBC on Prime Video" PPV main event.On this edition of the podcast hear Roach with our insider Dan Rafael discussing moving up to 140 lb. for a significant showdown with Cruz. Plus, will Roach eventually get the chance to rematch Gervonta "Tank" Davis, whom he fought to a controversial draw with for Davis' WBA lightweight title earlier this year?Will the D.C. native Roach, who hasn't lost a fight in six years, score big this weekend and set himself up for a more lucrative battle in the first part of 2026?We cover it all on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" conversation and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Coming up on Saturday night in San Antonio, TX, Lamont Roach will battle interim junior welterweight titlist Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz in the "PBC on Prime Video" PPV main event.On this edition of the podcast hear Roach with our insider Dan Rafael discussing moving up to 140 lb. for a significant showdown with Cruz. Plus, will Roach eventually get the chance to rematch Gervonta "Tank" Davis, whom he fought to a controversial draw with for Davis' WBA lightweight title earlier this year?Will the D.C. native Roach, who hasn't lost a fight in six years, score big this weekend and set himself up for a more lucrative battle in the first part of 2026?We cover it all on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" conversation and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Some fight action in England and California and a world champ readying to move up and fight for antother world title in another weight division joins us on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are backFirst a recap of the Saturday Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event at Birmingham, EnglandLight heavyweight Ben Whittaker massive KO1 Benjamin Gavazi. Was this really even a test? What's next for the flamboyant Whittaker? Next we recap Saturday's Boxxer/BBC main event at Derby, England Heavyweight Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva upsets Frazer Clarke by decision and wins vacant British title. Dan has more.  Plus, a quick recap from the Saturday Manny Pacquiao Promotions ESPN Knock Out bout at Temecula, Calif.Lightweight Manny Pacquiao Jr. Draw  over four rounds with Brendan Lally (both making pro debuts). Not good for Pac-man son's debut.Then, WBC featherweight champion Stephen Fulton is on the Pod as he is moving up to challenge O'Shaquie Foster for his WBC junior lightweight title this Saturday in San Antonio on the PBC on Prime Video PPV undercard of Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach Jr.Foster-Fulton was originally scheduled on the Octover 25th FUNDORA-THURMAN undercard, but that main event was postponed. So now it's on this show inTexas. And, we have this conversation from earlier.   Some fight news:An update on Teofimo Lopez slated to meet Shakur Stevenson. Dan has the latest on when and where?Zurdo Ramirez's decision to face David Benavidez in May angers Cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia and his team.And, four division titleholder Kazuto Ioka, who announced in late October that he would move up to bantamweight in pursuit of a title in fifth weight class, will make his debut in at 118 pounds in a WBA title eliminator Maikel Ordosgoitti on Dec. 31 in Tokyo. Dan has the latest.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Some fight action in England and California and a world champ readying to move up and fight for antother world title in another weight division joins us on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are backFirst a recap of the Saturday Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event at Birmingham, EnglandLight heavyweight Ben Whittaker massive KO1 Benjamin Gavazi. Was this really even a test? What's next for the flamboyant Whittaker? Next we recap Saturday's Boxxer/BBC main event at Derby, England Heavyweight Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva upsets Frazer Clarke by decision and wins vacant British title. Dan has more.  Plus, a quick recap from the Saturday Manny Pacquiao Promotions ESPN Knock Out bout at Temecula, Calif.Lightweight Manny Pacquiao Jr. Draw  over four rounds with Brendan Lally (both making pro debuts). Not good for Pac-man son's debut.Then, WBC featherweight champion Stephen Fulton is on the Pod as he is moving up to challenge O'Shaquie Foster for his WBC junior lightweight title this Saturday in San Antonio on the PBC on Prime Video PPV undercard of Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach Jr.Foster-Fulton was originally scheduled on the Octover 25th FUNDORA-THURMAN undercard, but that main event was postponed. So now it's on this show inTexas. And, we have this conversation from earlier.   Some fight news:An update on Teofimo Lopez slated to meet Shakur Stevenson. Dan has the latest on when and where?Zurdo Ramirez's decision to face David Benavidez in May angers Cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia and his team.And, four division titleholder Kazuto Ioka, who announced in late October that he would move up to bantamweight in pursuit of a title in fifth weight class, will make his debut in at 118 pounds in a WBA title eliminator Maikel Ordosgoitti on Dec. 31 in Tokyo. Dan has the latest.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Preview Saturday's Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event in Birmingham, EnglandBen Whittaker vs. Benjamin Gavazi, 10 rounds, light heavyweightsOff the Thanksgiving Thursday, we're BACK with a quick preview, a special guest with Dan and some fight news on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over everything from Turkey Day eats to the fights!They start with a preview of Saturday's Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event in Birmingham, EnglandBen Whittaker returns vs. Benjamin Gavazi, 10 rounds, light heavyweights. Will he start to live up to the talking he does, etc?!Next, a preview of Saturday's Boxxer main event in Derby, England (available on TrillerTV+ in U.S.)Frazer Clarke vs. Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva, 12 rounds, for vacant British heavyweight title  Preview. Clarke is recently known for getting blitzed by Fabio Wardley, but he's trying to get back into contention. Then, Saturday's 1st Manny Pacquiao Promotions U.S. card in Temecula, Calif. (ESPN Deportes & ESPN+)The main event is Lorenzo Parra vs. Elijah Pierce, 12 rounds, featherweightsBut bigger is the pro debut of Manny Pacquiao Jr. vs. Brendan Lally, 4 rounds, lightweights in the co-feature  Also, a brief recap of Monday's Teiken card on TokyoTakuma Inoue (Naoya younger brother) W12 Tenshin Nasukawa, wins vacant WBC  bantamweight title.  American Ra'eese Aleem W12 Mikito Nakano, IBF feather title eliminator (now Angelo Leo's mandatory challenger) Junior bantamweight Tomoya Tsuboi (now 3-0, 2 KO) TKO8 former titlist Carlos Cuadras, after which Cuadras announced his retirement  Next a LAMONT ROACH Jr. interviewHe challenges WBC interim junior welterweight titlist Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz December 6th in PBC on Prime Video PPV main event in San Antonio. Next, some quick newsThe death on Sunday of Vanes Martirosyan, a 2004 U.S. Olympian and three-time world title challenger against Gennadiy Golovkin, Erislandy Lara and Demetrius Andrade, from skin cancer, which he battled for about two years. He was 39. Dan has more on his career.Finally, the Subriel Matias-Dalton Smith main event probably will move forward January 10, despite the adverse finding Matias returned for Ostarine in a VADA test. Dan explains the "why?" and the finding below the allowable threshold in NY.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Preview Saturday's Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event in Birmingham, EnglandBen Whittaker vs. Benjamin Gavazi, 10 rounds, light heavyweightsOff the Thanksgiving Thursday, we're BACK with a quick preview, a special guest with Dan and some fight news on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over everything from Turkey Day eats to the fights!They start with a preview of Saturday's Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event in Birmingham, EnglandBen Whittaker returns vs. Benjamin Gavazi, 10 rounds, light heavyweights. Will he start to live up to the talking he does, etc?!Next, a preview of Saturday's Boxxer main event in Derby, England (available on TrillerTV+ in U.S.)Frazer Clarke vs. Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva, 12 rounds, for vacant British heavyweight title  Preview. Clarke is recently known for getting blitzed by Fabio Wardley, but he's trying to get back into contention. Then, Saturday's 1st Manny Pacquiao Promotions U.S. card in Temecula, Calif. (ESPN Deportes & ESPN+)The main event is Lorenzo Parra vs. Elijah Pierce, 12 rounds, featherweightsBut bigger is the pro debut of Manny Pacquiao Jr. vs. Brendan Lally, 4 rounds, lightweights in the co-feature  Also, a brief recap of Monday's Teiken card on TokyoTakuma Inoue (Naoya younger brother) W12 Tenshin Nasukawa, wins vacant WBC  bantamweight title.  American Ra'eese Aleem W12 Mikito Nakano, IBF feather title eliminator (now Angelo Leo's mandatory challenger) Junior bantamweight Tomoya Tsuboi (now 3-0, 2 KO) TKO8 former titlist Carlos Cuadras, after which Cuadras announced his retirement  Next a LAMONT ROACH Jr. interviewHe challenges WBC interim junior welterweight titlist Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz December 6th in PBC on Prime Video PPV main event in San Antonio. Next, some quick newsThe death on Sunday of Vanes Martirosyan, a 2004 U.S. Olympian and three-time world title challenger against Gennadiy Golovkin, Erislandy Lara and Demetrius Andrade, from skin cancer, which he battled for about two years. He was 39. Dan has more on his career.Finally, the Subriel Matias-Dalton Smith main event probably will move forward January 10, despite the adverse finding Matias returned for Ostarine in a VADA test. Dan explains the "why?" and the finding below the allowable threshold in NY.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Interview by Andrew McCART | Dan Rafael doesn't hold back when discussing the Ring IV card in Riyadh, with all 4 of the world title fights & discussing the 'huge'' size difference between Jake Paul & Anthony Joshua. Here's the link to Dan's podcast on Spreaker but it's also on spotify, apple, all the main podcast platforms. Twice a week -- Thursday and Sunday night: https://www.spreaker.c... Subscride to Dan's newsletter is here. Takes two seconds to sign up just by putting your email in: https://danrafael.subs... You can also support Dan by subscribing to his YouTube channel here:    / @bigfightweekend9132  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was an action packed Saturday night (early Sunday a.m. there) in Saudi Arabia, as the "Ring IV- Night of Champions" played out with four world title fights and we're ready to go over all of it, including the winners and what's potentially next for them on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast"This pod originally aired as a live recap show on the Big Fight Weekend Youtube page Saturday night!Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter to go over the action and give their analysis.They discuss:David Benavidez retaining his WBC light heavyweigh crown with a dominant stoppage of Anthony Yarde. We break it down and what's next for one of the better bigger fighters in U.S. boxing?Next, Devin Haney became a world champ in his thrid weight division with an impressive decision win over Brian Norman taking the WBO welterweight crown. Haney got an early knockdown and controlled the bout. Now, what's next for him at 147 lb.?Meanwhile, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez continues to surge, as defended the WBC/WBO 115lb. crowns and added the WBA title with a one-sided bludgeoning of Fernando Martinez. It ultimately resulted in a 9th round KO for Bam. He's clearly the best small weight fighter in the U.S. and what's next for him? The guys go over it.And, the fourth title fight was TREMENDOUS as American Abdullah Mason out-slugged England's Sam Noakes over 12 rounds to become the new WBO lightweight champ and boxing's youngest world champ at 21 years old. It looks like a big future for Mason.And, you'll hear some interaction from exclusive Youtube audience with the guys from Saturday night, too.It's all part of this podcast feed and the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" and make sure to subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It was an action packed Saturday night (early Sunday a.m. there) in Saudi Arabia, as the "Ring IV- Night of Champions" played out with four world title fights and we're ready to go over all of it, including the winners and what's potentially next for them on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast"This pod originally aired as a live recap show on the Big Fight Weekend Youtube page Saturday night!Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter to go over the action and give their analysis.They discuss:David Benavidez retaining his WBC light heavyweigh crown with a dominant stoppage of Anthony Yarde. We break it down and what's next for one of the better bigger fighters in U.S. boxing?Next, Devin Haney became a world champ in his thrid weight division with an impressive decision win over Brian Norman taking the WBO welterweight crown. Haney got an early knockdown and controlled the bout. Now, what's next for him at 147 lb.?Meanwhile, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez continues to surge, as defended the WBC/WBO 115lb. crowns and added the WBA title with a one-sided bludgeoning of Fernando Martinez. It ultimately resulted in a 9th round KO for Bam. He's clearly the best small weight fighter in the U.S. and what's next for him? The guys go over it.And, the fourth title fight was TREMENDOUS as American Abdullah Mason out-slugged England's Sam Noakes over 12 rounds to become the new WBO lightweight champ and boxing's youngest world champ at 21 years old. It looks like a big future for Mason.And, you'll hear some interaction from exclusive Youtube audience with the guys from Saturday night, too.It's all part of this podcast feed and the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" and make sure to subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's arguably the biggest fight card of the entire year, as the "Ring IV- Night of Champions" pay per view comes off in Saudi Arabia and we're ready to preview it  and have more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast.Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to go over all the title action coming up as they preview Saturday's DAZN PPV card from RiyadhDavid Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde, 12 rounds, for Benavidez's WBC and WBA “regular” light heavyweight titles. A big moment for Benavidez in trying to get an undisputed shot with Dmitry Bivol.Next, Brian Norman Jr. vs. Devin Haney, 12 rounds, for Norman's WBO welterweight title in a showdown with two unbeaten American stars. Can Haney take the welteerweight punch and how will Norman fare against his best opponent to date?Also, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs. Fernando Martinez, 12 rounds, WBC/WBO/WBA junior bantamweight titles. A highly underrated showdown in this one. Can Bam continue the roll he's been on?And unbeatens Abdullah Mason vs. Sam Noakes, 12 rounds, for vacant WBO lightweight title and the fourth of the four world title fights that lead the main card.Then, some newsAn official announcement of Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua, Dec. 19 on Netflix at Kaseya Center in Miami. The kickoff news conference is on Friday at the arena. We have takes.Next, Ryan Garcia went on social in a video and said he signed deal to fight Mario Barrios for his WBC welterweight title Feb. 21. But…there's still a lot to iron out.And, Oleksandr Usyk makes a mild surprise and vacates WBO title. Therefore, he gives up undisputed status for second time; Fabio Wardley elevated to full WBO titleholder, but whom would he fight next?Staying with the heavyweights, Daniel Dubois pulled out of Frank Sanchez IBF heavyweight purse bid scheduled for Thursday. What does this mean for Sanchez.Next, former WBO junior middleweight titlist Tim Tszyu will return vs. Anthony Velazquez in a 10-round middleweight Dec. 17 in his hometown of Sydney, Australia, No Limit Boxing announced.  We discuss.And, finally, Golden Boy Boxing kicks off its 2026 schedule Jan. 16 with the discussed rematch between welterweight contenders Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. They battled to a majority draw in an action-packed battle last December. The co-feature is also a rematch of a July 24 draw between junior featherweights “Gucci” Manny Flores and Jorge Chavez. Dan gives you the latest.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's arguably the biggest fight card of the entire year, as the "Ring IV- Night of Champions" pay per view comes off in Saudi Arabia and we're ready to preview it  and have more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast.Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to go over all the title action coming up as they preview Saturday's DAZN PPV card from RiyadhDavid Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde, 12 rounds, for Benavidez's WBC and WBA “regular” light heavyweight titles. A big moment for Benavidez in trying to get an undisputed shot with Dmitry Bivol.Next, Brian Norman Jr. vs. Devin Haney, 12 rounds, for Norman's WBO welterweight title in a showdown with two unbeaten American stars. Can Haney take the welteerweight punch and how will Norman fare against his best opponent to date?Also, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs. Fernando Martinez, 12 rounds, WBC/WBO/WBA junior bantamweight titles. A highly underrated showdown in this one. Can Bam continue the roll he's been on?And unbeatens Abdullah Mason vs. Sam Noakes, 12 rounds, for vacant WBO lightweight title and the fourth of the four world title fights that lead the main card.Then, some newsAn official announcement of Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua, Dec. 19 on Netflix at Kaseya Center in Miami. The kickoff news conference is on Friday at the arena. We have takes.Next, Ryan Garcia went on social in a video and said he signed deal to fight Mario Barrios for his WBC welterweight title Feb. 21. But…there's still a lot to iron out.And, Oleksandr Usyk makes a mild surprise and vacates WBO title. Therefore, he gives up undisputed status for second time; Fabio Wardley elevated to full WBO titleholder, but whom would he fight next?Staying with the heavyweights, Daniel Dubois pulled out of Frank Sanchez IBF heavyweight purse bid scheduled for Thursday. What does this mean for Sanchez.Next, former WBO junior middleweight titlist Tim Tszyu will return vs. Anthony Velazquez in a 10-round middleweight Dec. 17 in his hometown of Sydney, Australia, No Limit Boxing announced.  We discuss.And, finally, Golden Boy Boxing kicks off its 2026 schedule Jan. 16 with the discussed rematch between welterweight contenders Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. They battled to a majority draw in an action-packed battle last December. The co-feature is also a rematch of a July 24 draw between junior featherweights “Gucci” Manny Flores and Jorge Chavez. Dan gives you the latest.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Coming up Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, newly elevated WBC light heavyweight champ David Benavidez will defend against Britain's Anthony Yarde in a 12 round main event. Benavidez is headlining the Ring Magazine/ DAZN PPV that is probably the deepest and most interesting card of title fights in the final four months of the year.But, before we get to Saturday, Benavidez is with our insider Dan Rafael to talk more about this bout with Yarde, his future at 175 lb. which might include an undisputed title shot with unified champ Dmitry Bivol and more.Hear it all as part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify for more great content.

Coming up Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, newly elevated WBC light heavyweight champ David Benavidez will defend against Britain's Anthony Yarde in a 12 round main event. Benavidez is headlining the Ring Magazine/ DAZN PPV that is probably the deepest and most interesting card of title fights in the final four months of the year.But, before we get to Saturday, Benavidez is with our insider Dan Rafael to talk more about this bout with Yarde, his future at 175 lb. which might include an undisputed title shot with unified champ Dmitry Bivol and more.Hear it all as part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify for more great content.

Off the weekend and the compelling Conor Benn rematch win over Chris Eubank Jr. and Rafael Espinoza battering another opponent in a WBO title defense we're ready to recap it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter have their takes here. First, they recap Saturday's Ring magazine DAZN PPV card in LondonConor Benn W12 Chris Eubank Jr. in a rematch, where the Benn's finally get a win over the Eubanks. Where do both go from here? Also, on the undercardJack Catterall scores a KO12 of Ekow Essuman and wins WBO GlobalPlus, 147 lb. contender Adam Azim TKO12 against Kurt Scoby and wins vacant WBO Intercontinental 140Next a Recap of  Saturday's Top Rank/Zanfer card in San Luis Potosi, MexicoFeatherweight Rafael Espinoza TKO11 Arnold Khegai, retains WBO featherweight title. A brutal beating of Khegai that should have been stopped sooner. And on the undercard,Junior welterweight Emiliano Vargas W10 Jonathan Montrel and Junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado W12 split Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, IBF title eliminator –with controversy! And, Heavyweight Richard Torrez TKO1 against Tomas Salek. Torrez need better competition.  NewsFormer WBO heavyweight titleholder Joseph Parker tested positive for cocaine in a urine test administered on the day that he suffered an 11th-round knockout loss to Fabio Wardley last month that cost him the WBO interim belt and a due mandatory shot at undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.Turki Alasheikh/Eddie Hearn hinted at Fury-Joshua in September during the Benn-Eubank show. September?? Really? And, Matchroom and DAZN announce four Jan/Feb main events, which includes:IBF lightweight titlist Raymond Muratalla vs. mandatory challenger Andy Cruz  IBF junior middleweight titlist Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. mandatory challenger Josh Kelly  Junior lightweight rematch between former featherweight titleholders Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington  Junior lightweight unification fight pairing WBO titlist Emanuel Navarrete and IBF titlist Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez.Dan has more on these.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Off the weekend and the compelling Conor Benn rematch win over Chris Eubank Jr. and Rafael Espinoza battering another opponent in a WBO title defense we're ready to recap it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter have their takes here. First, they recap Saturday's Ring magazine DAZN PPV card in LondonConor Benn W12 Chris Eubank Jr. in a rematch, where the Benn's finally get a win over the Eubanks. Where do both go from here? Also, on the undercardJack Catterall scores a KO12 of Ekow Essuman and wins WBO GlobalPlus, 147 lb. contender Adam Azim TKO12 against Kurt Scoby and wins vacant WBO Intercontinental 140Next a Recap of  Saturday's Top Rank/Zanfer card in San Luis Potosi, MexicoFeatherweight Rafael Espinoza TKO11 Arnold Khegai, retains WBO featherweight title. A brutal beating of Khegai that should have been stopped sooner. And on the undercard,Junior welterweight Emiliano Vargas W10 Jonathan Montrel and Junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado W12 split Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, IBF title eliminator –with controversy! And, Heavyweight Richard Torrez TKO1 against Tomas Salek. Torrez need better competition.  NewsFormer WBO heavyweight titleholder Joseph Parker tested positive for cocaine in a urine test administered on the day that he suffered an 11th-round knockout loss to Fabio Wardley last month that cost him the WBO interim belt and a due mandatory shot at undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.Turki Alasheikh/Eddie Hearn hinted at Fury-Joshua in September during the Benn-Eubank show. September?? Really? And, Matchroom and DAZN announce four Jan/Feb main events, which includes:IBF lightweight titlist Raymond Muratalla vs. mandatory challenger Andy Cruz  IBF junior middleweight titlist Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. mandatory challenger Josh Kelly  Junior lightweight rematch between former featherweight titleholders Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington  Junior lightweight unification fight pairing WBO titlist Emanuel Navarrete and IBF titlist Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez.Dan has more on these.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 and we finally have a weekend with multiple compelling fights on separate cards in both London and Mexico and we're ready to preview those, plus a bonafide light heavyweight star is on the show for the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all. They start with the preview of the Boxxer/Matchroom DAZN PPV card Saturday in LondonChris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn, rematch, 12 rounds, middleweights. It was an amazing first fight in April and now, they are back again before the end of 2025 to slug it out again. The gents discuss.There's also more on the undercard with Jack Catterall vs. Ekow Essuman, 12 rounds, welterweights and Adam Azim vs. Kurt Scoby, 12 rounds, junior welterweights.Next, we preview the Zanfer Promotions/Top Rank card on TR Classics FAST channel in San Luis Potosi, MexicoRafael Espinoza returns to meet Arnold Khegai, 12 rounds, for Espinoza's WBO featherweight title. This is a true height mismatch and will Espinoza roll in his home country defense. We discuss.The co-feature has Lindolfo Delgado vs. Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, 12 rounds, IBF junior welterweight eliminator. Plus, Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Tomas Salek, 10 rounds, heavyweights Emiliano Vargas vs. Jonathan Montrel, 10 rounds, junior welterweights Next it's Dan and David Benavidez in conversation.Benavidez defends WBC and WBA “regular” light heavyweight belts vs. Anthony Yarde in the main event of the Ring magazing DAZN PPV on Nov. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Benavidez is in position for a massive fight potentially with Dmitry Bivol for all the 175 lb. titles.  NewsDeal near for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua on either Dec. 9 or Dec. 16 – Dan and T.J. want to know- What are we doing here?!? What is the "realism" of this actually happening?Next, heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma back in action to face battle-tested Jermain Franklin in the main event of a Queensberry DAZN card Jan. 24 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.Also, in the wake of KO1 loss to Vergil Ortiz, Erickson Lubin addressed his future via social media, writng he will return and move up to middleweight.Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya said the hope is unified cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will return to action in February and then to get him a much bigger fight.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!  

We're back and we finally have a weekend with multiple compelling fights on separate cards in both London and Mexico and we're ready to preview those, plus a bonafide light heavyweight star is on the show for the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all. They start with the preview of the Boxxer/Matchroom DAZN PPV card Saturday in LondonChris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn, rematch, 12 rounds, middleweights. It was an amazing first fight in April and now, they are back again before the end of 2025 to slug it out again. The gents discuss.There's also more on the undercard with Jack Catterall vs. Ekow Essuman, 12 rounds, welterweights and Adam Azim vs. Kurt Scoby, 12 rounds, junior welterweights.Next, we preview the Zanfer Promotions/Top Rank card on TR Classics FAST channel in San Luis Potosi, MexicoRafael Espinoza returns to meet Arnold Khegai, 12 rounds, for Espinoza's WBO featherweight title. This is a true height mismatch and will Espinoza roll in his home country defense. We discuss.The co-feature has Lindolfo Delgado vs. Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, 12 rounds, IBF junior welterweight eliminator. Plus, Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Tomas Salek, 10 rounds, heavyweights Emiliano Vargas vs. Jonathan Montrel, 10 rounds, junior welterweights Next it's Dan and David Benavidez in conversation.Benavidez defends WBC and WBA “regular” light heavyweight belts vs. Anthony Yarde in the main event of the Ring magazing DAZN PPV on Nov. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Benavidez is in position for a massive fight potentially with Dmitry Bivol for all the 175 lb. titles.  NewsDeal near for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua on either Dec. 9 or Dec. 16 – Dan and T.J. want to know- What are we doing here?!? What is the "realism" of this actually happening?Next, heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma back in action to face battle-tested Jermain Franklin in the main event of a Queensberry DAZN card Jan. 24 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.Also, in the wake of KO1 loss to Vergil Ortiz, Erickson Lubin addressed his future via social media, writng he will return and move up to middleweight.Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya said the hope is unified cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will return to action in February and then to get him a much bigger fight.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!  

Coming up on Saturday night November 22nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, unbeaten U.S. lightweight contender Abdullah Mason will go for his first world title. That's when he battles England's Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO 135 lb. crown.But, before that happens he spoke with our insider Dan Rafael in a one on one conversation.Find out more about what the Cleveland, OH, native thinks about this big moment in his career, what kind of threat Noakes will be and more, as part of our preview coverage of this great card.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Conversation podcast with Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Coming up on Saturday night November 22nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, unbeaten U.S. lightweight contender Abdullah Mason will go for his first world title. That's when he battles England's Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO 135 lb. crown.But, before that happens he spoke with our insider Dan Rafael in a one on one conversation.Find out more about what the Cleveland, OH, native thinks about this big moment in his career, what kind of threat Noakes will be and more, as part of our preview coverage of this great card.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Conversation podcast with Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It was a quick and decisive night for Vergil Ortiz in the Golden Boy main event, Dan talks with a rising lightweight star and we have fight news, too, on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of the Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter with "The Tea." (good info/takes)First a Recap of the Saturday Golden Boy / DAZN card in Fort Worth, TexasVergil Ortiz scores quick TKO2 over Erickson Lubin, for Ortiz's WBC interim 154 lb. title.The guys iscuss prospect of Ortiz-Jaron Ennis next and do we believe them?Next, what turned out to be a terrible undercardDarius Fulghum D10 David Stevens in a boring bout.Amari Jones TKO3 Shady Gamhou middleweights.Joshua Edwards heavyweight win over Zeno VoorisRobin Safar W10 Derick Miller Jr., cruiserweight bout Also a quick recap of the Friday night ProBox main event in Lakeland, FloridaWelterweight Tiger Johnson, the Top Rank-promoted 2020 U.S. Olympian, pummeled Nicklaus Flaz in a TKO4. Dan has more.Then hear from Abdullah Mason, the unbeaten U.S. lightweight with Dan who battles unbeaten English contender Sam Noakes on 11/22 in the massive Riyadh Season PPV. And, some news:WBO junior middleweight titlist Xander Zayas and WBA counterpart Abass Baraou will meet in a title unification fight on Jan. 31 in San Juan, according to the WBO and confirmed by Zayas promoter Top Rank. Is this possibly going to be the first fight card for Top Rank's new fight deal with a broadcaster.WBA bantamweight titleholder Seiya Tsutsumi will defend against interim titlist and surefire future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire, age 42, on Dec.17 in Tokyo, Teiken Promotions announced  And, undisputed women's heavyweight champion and female No. 1 pound-for-pound Claressa Shields, who had become a promotional free agent, has re-signed with Salita Promotions as and brought on Wynn Records as a co-promoter, in an $8 million multi-fight partnership We go over the deal.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 quick and decisive night for Vergil Ortiz in the Golden Boy main event, Dan talks with a rising lightweight star and we have fight news, too, on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of the Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter with "The Tea." (good info/takes)First a Recap of the Saturday Golden Boy / DAZN card in Fort Worth, TexasVergil Ortiz scores quick TKO2 over Erickson Lubin, for Ortiz's WBC interim 154 lb. title.The guys iscuss prospect of Ortiz-Jaron Ennis next and do we believe them?Next, what turned out to be a terrible undercardDarius Fulghum D10 David Stevens in a boring bout.Amari Jones TKO3 Shady Gamhou middleweights.Joshua Edwards heavyweight win over Zeno VoorisRobin Safar W10 Derick Miller Jr., cruiserweight bout Also a quick recap of the Friday night ProBox main event in Lakeland, FloridaWelterweight Tiger Johnson, the Top Rank-promoted 2020 U.S. Olympian, pummeled Nicklaus Flaz in a TKO4. Dan has more.Then hear from Abdullah Mason, the unbeaten U.S. lightweight with Dan who battles unbeaten English contender Sam Noakes on 11/22 in the massive Riyadh Season PPV. And, some news:WBO junior middleweight titlist Xander Zayas and WBA counterpart Abass Baraou will meet in a title unification fight on Jan. 31 in San Juan, according to the WBO and confirmed by Zayas promoter Top Rank. Is this possibly going to be the first fight card for Top Rank's new fight deal with a broadcaster.WBA bantamweight titleholder Seiya Tsutsumi will defend against interim titlist and surefire future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire, age 42, on Dec.17 in Tokyo, Teiken Promotions announced  And, undisputed women's heavyweight champion and female No. 1 pound-for-pound Claressa Shields, who had become a promotional free agent, has re-signed with Salita Promotions as and brought on Wynn Records as a co-promoter, in an $8 million multi-fight partnership We go over the deal.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We are back and ready for an intriguing weekend of action in Texas headlined by the return of hard punching Vergil Ortiz in the main event. Plus, we have some news involving the likes of Jake Paul, Ryan Garcia and other fights being finalized, etc. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael and they are ready to go over it all.We start with the preview of the Golden Boy/DAZN card Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas with Ortiz taking on former world title challenger Erickson Lubin for Ortiz's WBC interim junior middleweight title. Ortiz is ready for a title shot himself, but the veteran Lubin will pose a threat.Plus, Dan goes over the undercard:Darius Fulghum vs. David Stevens, 10 rounds, super middleweightsAmari Jones vs. Shady Gamhour, 10 rounds, middleweightsJoshua Edwards vs. Zeno Vooris, 6 rounds, heavyweightsRobin Safar vs. Derick Miller Jr., 10 rounds, cruiserweights Then some news:Jake Paul destroys Gervonta Davis on social media for being all the things that everyone knew he was, but now, the "fight" with Davsi is off and it's time to tell the truth. We discuss.Next, the WBC lifts its ban on Ryan Garcia, clearing a major hurdle toward Marios Barrios defending the WBC welterweight title against him in early 2026. There's "healthy debate" about this.Dan, marks the death this week of polarizing PED guru Victor Conte, who was heavily involved in boxing, but also eventually put in prison for his actions/drug cheating etc. He died this week at age 75 from pancreatic cancer. Dan go to know him pretty well over the past several years. and shares the complex part of whether Conte should be viewed differently at the end of his life.  Next, the heavys and the IBF has scheduled a Nov. 13 purse bid for the final heavyweight title eliminator between Frank Sanchez and former titlist Daniel Dubois. But, will this fight happen? Also, Dan is reporting that despite Queensberry promoter Frank Warren and British heavyweights Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte talking up a third fight and it being penciled in to headline a DAZN PPV event on December 13, the fight has been scrapped.Finally, Golden Boy working to finalize a January rematch between welterweight contenders Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel, who fought a blazing draw this past December. And there are plans in the works for super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga to challenge WBA interim titlist Armando Resendiz on a PBC show in early 2026.Hear us talk it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We are back and ready for an intriguing weekend of action in Texas headlined by the return of hard punching Vergil Ortiz in the main event. Plus, we have some news involving the likes of Jake Paul, Ryan Garcia and other fights being finalized, etc. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael and they are ready to go over it all.We start with the preview of the Golden Boy/DAZN card Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas with Ortiz taking on former world title challenger Erickson Lubin for Ortiz's WBC interim junior middleweight title. Ortiz is ready for a title shot himself, but the veteran Lubin will pose a threat.Plus, Dan goes over the undercard:Darius Fulghum vs. David Stevens, 10 rounds, super middleweightsAmari Jones vs. Shady Gamhour, 10 rounds, middleweightsJoshua Edwards vs. Zeno Vooris, 6 rounds, heavyweightsRobin Safar vs. Derick Miller Jr., 10 rounds, cruiserweights Then some news:Jake Paul destroys Gervonta Davis on social media for being all the things that everyone knew he was, but now, the "fight" with Davsi is off and it's time to tell the truth. We discuss.Next, the WBC lifts its ban on Ryan Garcia, clearing a major hurdle toward Marios Barrios defending the WBC welterweight title against him in early 2026. There's "healthy debate" about this.Dan, marks the death this week of polarizing PED guru Victor Conte, who was heavily involved in boxing, but also eventually put in prison for his actions/drug cheating etc. He died this week at age 75 from pancreatic cancer. Dan go to know him pretty well over the past several years. and shares the complex part of whether Conte should be viewed differently at the end of his life.  Next, the heavys and the IBF has scheduled a Nov. 13 purse bid for the final heavyweight title eliminator between Frank Sanchez and former titlist Daniel Dubois. But, will this fight happen? Also, Dan is reporting that despite Queensberry promoter Frank Warren and British heavyweights Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte talking up a third fight and it being penciled in to headline a DAZN PPV event on December 13, the fight has been scrapped.Finally, Golden Boy working to finalize a January rematch between welterweight contenders Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel, who fought a blazing draw this past December. And there are plans in the works for super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga to challenge WBA interim titlist Armando Resendiz on a PBC show in early 2026.Hear us talk it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Off of a weekend that hsd controversial action in England, up and coming fighters in Orlando, FL and more we are back on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return with their insight and takes.First, a recap of Saturday Queensberry DAZN main event in ManchesterLight heavyweight Joshua Buatsi decision over Zach Parker in what Dan says was a horrendous fight and worse decisio! We go over it. Then, a recap of the Saturday Matchroom DAZN card in Orlando, Fla.Heavyweight Lenier Pero decisions Jordan Thompson over 10.Junior middleweight prospect Omari Jones TKO3 against Yusuph Metu and  Cruiserweight Pat Brown KO2 Felix Valera.Also, Mikaela Mayer wins an easy decision over Mary Spencer to win her WBA, but also the vacant WBC/WBO women's 154 lb. titles. T.J. has an issue with the two additional belts being "bestowed" on Mayer for no reason. Finally, some newsA deal is close for a deal for Ryan Garcia to challenge WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios in the first quarter of 2026 in Las Vegas in a joint DAZN/PBC PPV. Dan has the lastest. But, could Garcia have another option because.....The Jake Paul-Tank Davis November 14 exhibition is in jeopardy because of Davis' latest domestic violence accusations, MVP looking for a replacement and likely to change the date.Meanwhile, Eddie Hearn said on the DAZN show when asked by Mannix if Joshua would fight this year and he said “Yes” Hmmmm. We have thoughts.Also, Matchroom Boxing is planning to the IBF lightweight title fight between Raymond Muratalla and mandatory challenger Andy Cruz for Jan. 24 to headline on DAZN at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. We discuss.And, Manny Pacquiao confirmed this week that he is indeed in talks for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather. The guys go over it.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreker/Spotify, etc.!

Off of a weekend that hsd controversial action in England, up and coming fighters in Orlando, FL and more we are back on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return with their insight and takes.First, a recap of Saturday Queensberry DAZN main event in ManchesterLight heavyweight Joshua Buatsi decision over Zach Parker in what Dan says was a horrendous fight and worse decisio! We go over it. Then, a recap of the Saturday Matchroom DAZN card in Orlando, Fla.Heavyweight Lenier Pero decisions Jordan Thompson over 10.Junior middleweight prospect Omari Jones TKO3 against Yusuph Metu and  Cruiserweight Pat Brown KO2 Felix Valera.Also, Mikaela Mayer wins an easy decision over Mary Spencer to win her WBA, but also the vacant WBC/WBO women's 154 lb. titles. T.J. has an issue with the two additional belts being "bestowed" on Mayer for no reason. Finally, some newsA deal is close for a deal for Ryan Garcia to challenge WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios in the first quarter of 2026 in Las Vegas in a joint DAZN/PBC PPV. Dan has the lastest. But, could Garcia have another option because.....The Jake Paul-Tank Davis November 14 exhibition is in jeopardy because of Davis' latest domestic violence accusations, MVP looking for a replacement and likely to change the date.Meanwhile, Eddie Hearn said on the DAZN show when asked by Mannix if Joshua would fight this year and he said “Yes” Hmmmm. We have thoughts.Also, Matchroom Boxing is planning to the IBF lightweight title fight between Raymond Muratalla and mandatory challenger Andy Cruz for Jan. 24 to headline on DAZN at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. We discuss.And, Manny Pacquiao confirmed this week that he is indeed in talks for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather. The guys go over it.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreker/Spotify, etc.!

Some action on two continents to go over, will aged, legends rematch next year and more is all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael return with their takes on everything.First, they preview Saturday's Queensberry Promotions/DAZN main event from Manchester, England.Joshua Buatsi vs. Zach Parker, 12 rounds, light heavyweights. Buatsii is looking to get a title shot with a main event win here. Will Parker provide a challenge? Next a preview briefly Saturday's Matchrooom/Boxlab/DAZN from Orlando, FloridaCuban Lenier Pero vs. Jordan Thompson, 10 rounds, heavyweightsProspect Omari Jones vs. Yusuph Metu, 6 rounds, junior middleweights and prospect Pat Brown vs. Felix Valera, 10 rounds, cruiserweights. Dan has more on the whole card. NewsFloyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao 2 talks are advanced down the road for first part of next year.... What are we doing here 11 years after their first fight?!Top Rank and Matchroom Boxing are in talks for junior lightweight unification fight between WBO titlist Emanuel Navarrete and WBO titlist Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez for early 2026. Dan explains why it's likely to happen.A deal has been made for IBF junior middleweight titlist Bakhram Murtazaliev and mandatory challenger Josh Kelly to meet in January in England. This, as this week's purse bid was canceled. We finally see Bakhram return after he destroyed Tim Tszyu more than 15 months before this fight.PBC finalizes the Pitbull-Roach card for December 6 by rescheduling O'Shaquie Foster WBC junior lightweight title defense vs. Stephen Fulton. This is an impressive card.And, lightweight contender Floyd Schofield Jr. has suffered a wrist injury and withdrawn from a scheduled 10-rounder against former junior lightweight titlist Joseph Diaz Jr. That bout was to have served as the co-feature of the Vergil Ortiz-Erickson Lubin card on Nov. 8 It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

A thrilling main event in London leads our show as Fabio Wardley has become the WBO's interim champ at heavyweight and we're ready to go over the win and the impiclications on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back to go over it all.First, it's the recap of the Queensberry/DAZN PPV main event from Londonand Wardley's TKO of Parker to win the WBO interim strap. Dan and T.J. disagree about the stoppage and it's a healthy debate! Plus, will Wardley get a shot at undisputed champ Oleksandr Usyk around March or at all?Then, some news:Queensberry Promotions is trying to finalize a fight between British former heavyweight world title challengers Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte, which would headline a DAZN PPV card on Dec. 13 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Likely moves Moses Itauma's next fight into February. But, why not have Itauma fight quicker and maybe fight Wardley at the beginning of part of 2026?Also, Queensberry announces it is going to begin putting on events in Germany beginning with the talented WBC interim heavyweight titlist Agit Kabayel defending vs. opponent TBA. Dan has more on why?Next, he's reporting that the Janibek Alimkhanuly-Erislandy Lara three-belt middleweight unification fight is signed for December 6th and will be the co-feature on the "PBC on Prime Video" PPV card headlined by Pitbull Cruz-Lamont Roach Jr. in San Antonio, TX.Also, former WBO junior middleweight titlist Tim Tszyu, months after he got dominated and stopped by Sebastian Fundora in their Jully rematch, says he has parted ways with career-long trainer Igor Goloubev and will now train in Miami with Pedro Diaz. What about this move for Tszyu?And, Manny Pacquiao's son, 24-year-old lightweight Manny “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr., will turn pro on November 29 on the first Manny Pacquiao Promotions card in the United States at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. He's in a four-rounder vs. Brendan Lally, who is also turning pro.We also briefly talk Thursday's Eye of the Tiger/Top Rank main event from Montreal, asMary Spencer meets Mikaela Mayer, for Spencer's WBA women's junior middleweight titleFinally, a little NostalgiaOctober 25, 1990 — 35 years ago on Saturday – Evander Holyfield kayoed Buster Douglas with one shot to win the undisputed heavyweight title. We relive how Douglas went from the highest of highs in the upset of Tyson that February to being 25 lbs. overweight and done as a champ forever eight months later. And, it was the begining of Holyfield's long run as a hall of fame heavvyweight, too.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

A very intriguing heavyweight main event in England leads our show and we got lots of news incluidng on the heavyweight division's top stars on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to give their takes.First a preview of Saturday's Queensberry/DAZN PPV main event from LondonJoseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley, 12 rounds, for Parker's WBO interim heavyweight title. It's a significant risk for Parker against the hard punching Wardley, when he's already in line to be the full WBO champ or get the undisputed title shot with Oleksandr Usyk next year. Then, some NewsWe are recapping Danny Garcia's KO4 of Daniel Rodriguez last Saturday night in Brooklyn, NY. Is Danny done and is he a HOFer?Next, Usyk says he is back in training after back injury, plans to fight in 2026 and wants to fight for three more years (until he is 41). We're not so sure on that last one.Meanwhile, Tyson Fury strongly reiterated his retirement (yet, again) in an interview with YouTube channel FurociTV. We still don't believe him at this point.And, then that leaves... After teasing a December return for Anthony Joshua, Eddie Hearn has said he won't be back until at least February and perhaps, in Africa. Will Joshua end up fighting Fury??Next, Matchroom Boxing on Thursday won the purse bid for the fight between IBF lightweight titlist Raymond Muratalla and Matchroom-promoted mandatory challenger Andy Cruz. Dan has the latest.Former IBF welterweight titlist Kell Brook is ending a four-year retirement an will fight on February 13 to honor his friend Ricky Hatton. He fights Eisa Al Dah, who was supposed to fight Hatton in December, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  And, finally, Top Rank has no deal for a platform yet but announced that it will show the Mary Spencer-Mikaela Mayer card from Montreal that headlines an Eye of the Tiger Promotions card on its Top Rank Classics channel, which is free on major FAST hubs, including Tubi, Pluto and Roku. We have more on that.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Coming up Saturday night in London, the interim WBO heavyweight champ will risk his position and interim belt in a Queensberry Promotions main event. But, before that happens, hear from Joseph Paker with our insider Dan Rafael on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"Parker Defends his WBO interim heavyweight title vs. England's Fabio Wardley at The O2 In London headlining the DAZN PPV event. At stake for both, is a possible pathway to fight undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in a massive opportunity. At the minimum, the winner would eventually be promoted to the full WBO title, if Usyk won't him.Dan goes over it all and talks with Parker, 36-3, about his string of recent impressive wins over former WBC heavweight champ Deontay Wilder, massive Chinese contender Zhilei Zhang and a quick KO of Martin Bakole earlier this year. Wardley is dangerous with a 19-0-1 record and couple of large recent KOs on his resume' that make him a threat to Parker.Hear it all as part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify!  

It's yet another light weekend worldwide in the sport, but there is a decent name coming back in the ring in New York and the WBO interim heavyweight champ Joseph Parker is also our guest on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast.Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter. First, a preview of the Saturday's Swift Promotions main at Barclays Center/Brooklyn on Million.co PPV, as Junior middleweight Danny Garcia returns vs. Daniel Gonzalez, 10 rounds in his supposed farewell fight. Dan talked to Garcia recently and gives more. Then, the Parker Interview, as he meets Fabio Wardley October 25th at The O2 Arena In London headlining a Queensberry Promotions DAZN PPV event. Parker taking a significant risk, when he could be fighting Oleksandr Usyk next by sitting tight. Next, some NewsTop Rank confirms the November show in Mexico with their fighters fighting on the Zanfier Promotions card headlined by Rafael Espinoza defending his WBO Featherweight crown. We have the latest.Next, an Update on the Itauama/Pulev-Gassiev heavyweight situation with the WBA. Dan explains.The California athletic commission on Wednesday voted 6-0 to endorse the TKO/Zuffa-based "Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act." There's good back and forth on the situation.Also, Amanda Serrano will return to featherweight to defend her unified WBO/WBA women's titles against Erika Cruz in a rematch of their epic battle in 2023. The fight tops the MVP card on January 3rd on DAZN in San Juan.Back to the always comical WBA, as they ordered newly elevated welterweight titleholder Rolando Romero and mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov to meet next. Rolly supposed to, however, fight Manny Pacquiao in January.They have also ordered WBA featherweight titlist Nick Ball to next face mandatory challenger Brandon Figueroa, which is a much better fight, if it comes off.And, Matchroom announced super middleweight contenders Diego Pacheco and Kevin Lele Sadjo will meet in the main event Dec. 13 (DAZN) at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton, California. Meanwhile, WBC cruiserweight titlist Badou Jack and former titlist Noel Mikaelian will meet in a rematch on Dec.13 at a venue to be announced in Los Angeles. First fight was a highly disputed decision in May.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast

We got back to action in the ring in Philly and in Sheffield, England and we're ready to go over both the main events, add some fight news and more on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.First, a recap of Saturday night's Matchroom/DAZN card in PhiladelphiaJunior middleweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis TKO1 Uisma Lima, wins the (don't laught) vacant WBA interim title. So, what's next for Boots in this one? In the co-feature Heavyweight Guido Vianello KO5 of Alexis Barriere in what's likely his best win as a pro.Then, we recap Saturday's Matchroom/DAZN main event earlier in the day in the U.S. from  Sheffield, England Heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov out punched David Allen in a really intriguing fight for a 12 round decision. Is the name Anthony Johsua on the horizon, too?Then, to some Fight newsSebastian Fundora is injured, PBC postpones the Keith Thurman PPV fight and also, the entire Oct. 25 card is now gone. Dan has the latest on the reschedule of the main event and an uppdate on where the other fights are going?Dan is reporting that WBO/IBF middleweight titlist Janibek Alimkhanuly and WBA titleholder Erislandy Lara deal is nearly done for them to in a three-belt unification that be co-feature on the Pitbull Cruz-Lamont Roach Jr. PBC PPV card on Dec. 6.Former undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev is off the Nov. 22 Ring magazine card. But, it's not an injury. Dan has learned more.We reminisce on the passing of longtime ABC boxing analyst Alex Wallau who died at age 80 earlier last week. Wallau is definitely known for commentating on some significant fights in the 1980s in particular.During the Ennis-Lima card, it was also announced that super middleweight Diego Pacheco will face  Kevin Lele Sadjo in the main event of a Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card on Dec. 13 in Stockton, California. Dan has more on Pacheco's opponent and is this his biggest threat to date?It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify!

Finally some decent action in the ring this weekend in both Philly and England and we're ready to go over it and the news and more on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast.Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back aboard to go over it all.They start with the preview of Saturday's Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card in PhiladelphiaJaron “Boots” Ennis vs. Uisma Lima, 12 rounds, for vacant WBA interim junior middleweight title. Boots has moved up but the opponent is...questionable, to be kind. We discuss.And, the co feature has Alexis Barriere vs. Guido Vianello, 10 rounds, heavyweights. Anything of note here? Next, a preview of the Saturday Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event in Sheffield, EnglandDavid Allen vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov, 12 rounds, heavyweight main event. Allen is a popular fighter who's come out of retirement a couple of times and Makhmudov either KOs or gets Kay-oed. So, stay tuned.Then, the News:Arturo Gatti Jr., the 17 year old son of the legend and rising amateur fighter, allegedly commits suicide in Mexico this week. However, there should be questions asked, as his mother and Gatti Sr.'s widow is involved again just like the death investigation into the father's death in Brazil 16 years ago that is still shrouded in controversy. Dan has tremendous insight on this and T.J. is, let's just say, not buying the intial reports of a "suicide" for the younger Gatti, too.Next the Issac "Pitbul" Cruzl- Lamont Roach bout had a  kick off news conference on Wednesday in San Antonio, TX ahead of their December 6 PBC Prime Video PPV. We have more.IBF lightweight titlist Raymond Muratalla and mandatory challenger Andy Cruz have the mandatory ordered. Cruz's team at Matchroom didn't want to negotiate and asked for immediate purse bid, which the IBF set for Oct. 16. What's it all mean and when will they likely fight?And, Light heavyweight prospect Ben Whittaker, the polarizing, brash and tremendously talented 2020 British Olympic silver medalist, has signed “a long-term” promotional contract with Matchroom Boxing, the company announced on Monday. Will he start fighting, as much as showboating and talking about it? Stay tuned.Finally, NostalgiaOct. 8, 2005 – 20 years ago on Wednesday – Jose Luis Castillo, who missed weight by 3.5 lbs, was stripped of 135 title & whose team member was suspended for scale tampering, KO'd Diego Corrales in round 4 of a shootout in the rematch of their legendary first fight five months earlier. Big Dan was at the crazy weigh-in and then, ringside for the Castillo KO.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!