Podcast appearances and mentions of Dan Rafael

It's a jammed packed weekend in NYC for two fight cards on Friday and Saturday night. Plus, hall of famer Manny Pacquiao is with us on the latest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast.Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to get the full breakdown and takes.They start with the Preview of Friday's MVP card on Netflix in New YorkKatie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in a trilogy battle for Taylor's undisputed women's junior welterweight title. They meet at famed MSG for a second time and will Serrano finally get a win in the series or does Taylor make it 3 for 3? The guys discuss the impact of this bout for women's boxing all time and Dan also talks the rest of the women's championship fights, too. Next, they Preview Saturday's Ring mag DAZN PPV card in Queens, New YorkEdgar Berlanga takes on England's Hamzah Sheeraz, 12 rounds for the WBC super middleweight eliminator. Big moment for both in this showdown. In the co-feature, Shakur Stevenson battles top contender William Zepeda for Stevenson's WBC lightweight title. Will Shakur be threatened by Zepeda's punch output and chances or will he dominate a quality contender?Dan also goes over the undercard with Alberto Puello vs. Subriel Matias for Puello's WBC junior welterweight title and David Morrell meeting Imam Khataev in a 10 rounds light heavyweight bout. Then, the PACQUIAO convo:Manny ends 4-year retirement at 46 years old to challenge Mario Barrios for WBC welterweight title on July 19 on Prime Video PPV and PPV.COM at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Dan wonders why he wants to comeback and is this just a "one off" or will he fight on, if victorious? Some quick News:Hall of fame former junior welterweight and welterweight champion Ricky "Hitman" Hatton is coming of a 13-year retirement to fight Dec. 2nd in Dubai, official 8 rounder at middleweight against Eisa Al Dah. Let's say it together- "What Are We Doing Here?!"Former IBF junior lightweight titlist Anthony Cacace has suffered a back injury, which has forced him to withdraw from a fight scheduled against fellow southpaw and former WBA featherweight titlist Raymond Ford on the Moses Itauma-Dillian Whyte card Aug. 16 in Riyadh. Turki Alashikh is looking for a replacement for Ford to fight.And, Francisco Rodriguez tested positive for a banned substance in the wake of his shockingly dominant upset decision over Galal Yafai to win the WBC interim flyweight title on June 21. Yet another Mexican fighter with a failed post-fight test. There are takes.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview' and follow/subscribe to this podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Coming up Saturday night in New York, super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga returns and headlines against Hamzah Sheeraz on Turki Alashikh's Ring Magazine PPV card at Louis Armstrong Stadium.But, before he enters the ring, hear from the brash Berlanga with our insider Dan Rafael about: his thoughts on fighting the Brit Sheeraz, his future at 168 lb. and of course, having been in the ring last Fall with future hall of famer Canelo Alvarez.It's all part of our coverage here on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and this feed. And, make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It was a light weekend for the July 4th holiday in the USA, but there was a significant fight card in the U.K. and we're ready to recap that and also hear from an exciting, two division world, who's about to return to the ring later this month 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 Newletter to discuss:The Recap of Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN at Manchester, EnglandWelterweight Jack Catterall scores a tech decision after 6 rounds over Harlem Eubank. Not much to see here, but will we have to endure it again? Also, lightweight Joe Cordina won easily by decision over Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz in his 135 lb. debut. Could Cordina get in the lightweight title mix soon?Then, hear from Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez with Dan He fights Phumelele Cafu in a WBC/WBO junior bantamweight unification bout set for July 19 in Frisco, Texas, on DAZN. Bam is one of the young championship stars in the U.S. and has big plans. Then, some NewsTurki Alashikh announces “Bam” Rodriguez vs. Fernando Martinez in a three-belt juior bantamweight unification fight for the November Riyadh Season card (Bam obviously has to beat Cafu on July 19th) Also, Turki also announced another fight for that November Riyadh card: Abdullah Mason vs. Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO lightweight title stripped from Keyshawn Davis. And, we have the latest on the Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev trilogy fight, where Beterbiev is saying that he doesn't know what's going on and where the fight will take place and when? What. Are. We. Doing. Here?!Also legend Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez return is announced for Sept. 12 in Managua, Nicaragua, his hometown. Dan has the details.Hear it all on the 'Fight Freaks Unite Recap" Podcast and make suret to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!!

It's a lighter weekend of fights with only one prominent show in Manchester, England but we are here to preview that Matchroom card and a prominent super middleweight is with us 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 a Preview of the Matchroom Boxing card Saturday on DAZN in Manchester, England that has Jack Catterall against Harlem Eubank in a 12 rounds welterweight battle. It's a significant fight for both of them at 147 in the U.K.Plus, Joe Cordina meets Jaret Gonzalez Quiroz in a 10 round lightweight co-feature. The boys go over bothNext, an Edgar Berlanga interview with Dan, as he headlines against Hamzah Sheeraz on Turki Alashikh's Ring card July 12 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in NY. Berlanga looks help his resume' at 168 lb.Then, some NewsIn the "You can't make this up" category- The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security has taken Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. into custody for an outstanding Mexican arrest warrent for being part of an alleged crime ring for guns and ammuntion there. It begs the question on why they didn't know/chose to arrest him before or after the fight with Jake Paul last Saturday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA?! What are we doing here?!Next another SHOCKER!!!!!!!!!!  Tyson Fury is unretiring supposedly to fight Oleksandr Usyk for a third time in April 2026 at Wembley Stadium in London. But, why this fight?Also, WBO welterweight champ Brian Norman will fight former undisputed lightweight champ Devin Haney this fall. And, could it be on a card with WBC heavyweight champ David Benavidez in Riyadh vs. Anthony Yarde in November that is also announced by Turki and confirmed by Team Benavidez to Dan. Dan is also reporting on junior lightweight Oscar Valdez who will be back in action in Mexico in September on a Zanfer Promotions card, while Top Rank's broadcast situation is up in the air. Finally, No opponent yet But, PBC announced the free prelims for Pacquio-Barrios PPV, will include Gary Russell Jr. ending a 3+ year layoff layoff, since losing his WBC featherweight title to Mark Magsayo in Jan. 2022. He's been so inactive that does this matter?Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and Happy 4th of July Weekend! 

Off the final weekend of June there's lots to go over from Anaheim, CA, to Wichita, KS and even, Quebec, Canada and we're ready to do it on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" show/podcast.This edition aired live on our Big Fight Weekend Youtube page Saturday night with host T.J. Rives in Anaheim for the Jake Paul-Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. PPV giving his insight and insider Dan Rafael providing his analysis on the entire weekend.They begin with the recap of the Saturday night MVP/Golden Boy showthat saw Jake Paul easily decision a badly faded  Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. over 10 rounds. Big Dan is long over this fight, but T.J. has more on what he saw first hand and what's next for Jake? In the co-feature Cruiserweight Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez rallied to beat Yuniel Dorticos and retains his WBO/WBA titles. Zurdo didn't look great, but could be in for a huge payday next.Also, a series of thrilling KO's on the undercard for Welterweight Raul Curiel over Victor Rodriguez in a WBA eliminator and Julian Rodriguez's dramatic KO10 with seconds left in the fight with Avious Griffin. Plus, lightweight rising prospect Floyd Schofield destroyed Tevin Farmer with two quick knockdowns in a 2 min TKO win. The boys have takes on it all.Next, a recap of the Friday night Global Combat Collective main event in Wichitawith former WBC heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder returning for a TKO7 against Tyrrell Herndon. It was expected and now what's next possibly for Wilder? And, a final Recap of the Friday night Eye of the Tiger main event in QuebecSuper middleweight Christian Mbilli destroyed Maciej Suleki in the first round and wins vacant WBC interim title. Now, is he in the picture for that name "Canelo" possibly for 2026??It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" Show and podcast. Make sure that you are subscribed to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's a fairly action packed weekend, especially, in Anaheim, CA and we're to go over all the fights and a little bit of news out of the ring on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast.Host T.J. is in Southern California this weekend and insider Dan Rafael has his takes, too, as this show originally aired live on our Youtube channel.They begin with the previewsSaturday's MVP/Golden Boy DAZN PPV at Anaheim, Calif.Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., 10 rounds, cruiserweights. is this one worthwhile or Chavez Jr. gonna pull similar issues as his recent past and it's an easy night for Jake?Also, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez vs. Yuniel Dorticos, 12 rounds, for Ramirez's WBO/WBA cruiserweight titles in an intriguing defense.Plus, Floyd Schofield vs. Tevin Farmer, 10 rounds, lightweights in a compelling youth vs. experience battle.Next we work backwards to Friday's Global Combat Collection PPV.COM main event at Wichita, KansasDeontay Wilder vs. Tyrrell Herndon, 10 rounds, heavyweights. Does Wilder have anything left in the tank after 4 losses in the last 5 fights? Also, the guys preview Friday's Eye of the Tiger ESPN+ main event at Quebec CityChristian Mbilli vs. Maciej Sulecki, 12 rounds, for vacant WBC interim super middleweight title Mbilli is poised to go to the next level in middleweight of super middleweight, too. NewsDiscussions are on for fall fight in Riyadh for Brian Norman to defend the WBO welterweight title vs. Devin Haney. Dan explains more on why Haney and when we could we expect to see them neet.Plus, Naoya "The Monster" Inoue-Alan David Picasso is the December fight for Inoue in Riyadh if they win their upcoming fights. We discuss more.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's a fairly action packed weekend, especially, in Anaheim, CA and we're to go over all the fights and a little bit of news out of the ring on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast.Host T.J. is in Southern California this weekend and insider Dan Rafael has his takes, too, as this show originally aired live on our Youtube channel.They begin with the previewsSaturday's MVP/Golden Boy DAZN PPV at Anaheim, Calif.Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., 10 rounds, cruiserweights. is this one worthwhile or Chavez Jr. gonna pull similar issues as his recent past and it's an easy night for Jake?Also, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez vs. Yuniel Dorticos, 12 rounds, for Ramirez's WBO/WBA cruiserweight titles in an intriguing defense.Plus, Floyd Schofield vs. Tevin Farmer, 10 rounds, lightweights in a compelling youth vs. experience battle.Next we work backwards to Friday's Global Combat Collection PPV.COM main event at Wichita, KansasDeontay Wilder vs. Tyrrell Herndon, 10 rounds, heavyweights. Does Wilder have anything left in the tank after 4 losses in the last 5 fights? Also, the guys preview Friday's Eye of the Tiger ESPN+ main event at Quebec CityChristian Mbilli vs. Maciej Sulecki, 12 rounds, for vacant WBC interim super middleweight title Mbilli is poised to go to the next level in middleweight of super middleweight, too. NewsDiscussions are on for fall fight in Riyadh for Brian Norman to defend the WBO welterweight title vs. Devin Haney. Dan explains more on why Haney and when we could we expect to see them neet.Plus, Naoya "The Monster" Inoue-Alan David Picasso is the December fight for Inoue in Riyadh if they win their upcoming fights. We discuss more.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

'I'M NOT GOING TO SIT HERE & SLAG HIM OFF...' - DAN RAFAEL ON CANELO/CRAWFORD, HEARN, HANEY & YAFAI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming up Friday night in Wichita, Kansas, former WBC heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder returns after a year long layoff and back to back losses in a comeback bout. But, before he enters the ring he spoke with our insider Dan Rafael about his return against little regarded Tyrell Herndon on PPV.com etc.They discuss his losses by decision to Joseph Parker and brutal KO defeat to Zhelei Zhang last May that have all but ended his career at the championship level. Or, did they?Can Wilder regain the form (and big punch) that made him one of the stars of the sport in the 2010s with several spectacular KOs? Will Herndon be able to challenge him at all? And, if Wilder does win, is a possible bout with former unified heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua down the road, as well?Hear "The Bronze Bomber" in his own words on this 'Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" with Dan and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Coming up Friday night in Wichita, Kansas, former WBC heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder returns after a year long layoff and back to back losses in a comeback bout. But, before he enters the ring he spoke with our insider Dan Rafael about his return against little regarded Tyrell Herndon on PPV.com etc.They discuss his losses by decision to Joseph Parker and brutal KO defeat to Zhelei Zhang last May that have all but ended his career at the championship level. Or, did they?Can Wilder regain the form (and big punch) that made him one of the stars of the sport in the 2010s with several spectacular KOs? Will Herndon be able to challenge him at all? And, if Wilder does win, is a possible bout with former unified heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua down the road, as well?Hear "The Bronze Bomber" in his own words on this 'Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" with Dan and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It was a lighter weekend of action as Summer is underway in earnest, but our boys are back to go over the upset loss for a British favored flyweight and more on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are ready to go.They recap Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN main event in Birmingham, EnglandFlyweight Francisco Rodriguez easily pounds Galal Yafai in a 12 round upset and wins WBC interim title by upset in Yafai's hometown. What happened here and what does it mean for the Mexican with the win? Next, a Recap of Saturday's Top Rank  ESPN+ top two bouts in Newark, New JerseyMiddleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr. W10 Kamil Gardzieli, but what does it mean for his future? Meanwhile, Middleweight Jahi Tucker decisions Lorenzo Simpson and could he be fightining Mielnicki next? NewsCanelo- Terence Crawford media tour kicks off in Riyadh on Friday and continued in NY on Sunday. Dan goes over what he liked. And, at the NY presser, Dana White introduced Max Kellerman as the first member of the broadcast team on Netflix. Max has been completely out of the public spotlight for two years since ESPN fired him. We have the latestThe IBF has ordered final heavyweight title eliminator between No. 3 Efe Ajagba and No. 4 Frank Sanchez. Both accepted their positions so if the fight happens winner is IBF mandatory for Oleksandr Usyk-Daniel Dubois 2 winner next month. Sanchez outpointed Ajaba in 2021, but both have a lot on the line in fight 2.NostalgiaJune 22, 2002 – 23 years ago Sunday – Marco Antonio Barrera W12 Erik Morales in the rematch of their epic trilogy for featherweight supremacy. Big Dan was ringside at MGM Grand. andJune 21, 2003- 22 years ago Saturday- heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis ended his hall of fame career by stopping a bloody Vitali Klitschko. And, Dan was also there that night, as well.Find the Big Fight Weekend Youtube Page for the full video reviews!And, we thank you for finding this "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" and make sure to stay with us on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It was a lighter weekend of action as Summer is underway in earnest, but our boys are back to go over the upset loss for a British favored flyweight and more on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are ready to go.They recap Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN main event in Birmingham, EnglandFlyweight Francisco Rodriguez easily pounds Galal Yafai in a 12 round upset and wins WBC interim title by upset in Yafai's hometown. What happened here and what does it mean for the Mexican with the win? Next, a Recap of Saturday's Top Rank  ESPN+ top two bouts in Newark, New JerseyMiddleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr. W10 Kamil Gardzieli, but what does it mean for his future? Meanwhile, Middleweight Jahi Tucker decisions Lorenzo Simpson and could he be fightining Mielnicki next? NewsCanelo- Terence Crawford media tour kicks off in Riyadh on Friday and continued in NY on Sunday. Dan goes over what he liked. And, at the NY presser, Dana White introduced Max Kellerman as the first member of the broadcast team on Netflix. Max has been completely out of the public spotlight for two years since ESPN fired him. We have the latestThe IBF has ordered final heavyweight title eliminator between No. 3 Efe Ajagba and No. 4 Frank Sanchez. Both accepted their positions so if the fight happens winner is IBF mandatory for Oleksandr Usyk-Daniel Dubois 2 winner next month. Sanchez outpointed Ajaba in 2021, but both have a lot on the line in fight 2.NostalgiaJune 22, 2002 – 23 years ago Sunday – Marco Antonio Barrera W12 Erik Morales in the rematch of their epic trilogy for featherweight supremacy. Big Dan was ringside at MGM Grand. andJune 21, 2003- 22 years ago Saturday- heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis ended his hall of fame career by stopping a bloody Vitali Klitschko. And, Dan was also there that night, as well.Find the Big Fight Weekend Youtube Page for the full video reviews!And, we thank you for finding this "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" and make sure to stay with us on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We're ready to go with another weekend of action from England to New Jersey and a former heavyweight champ is on the show, as well. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return with their insight and opinions.They begin with the Recap of Thursday's Ohashi Promotions card in TokyoBrian Norman booming one-punch KO of challenger Jin Sasaki, as he retains the WBO welterweight title. Norman is clearly on the rise at 147 lb. and the guys give more on his future. Briefly, on the undercard,Thanongsak Simsri gets a split decision Cristian Araneta, and wins the vacant IBF junior flyweight title.Next, a Preview of the Macthroom Boxing / DAZN main event Saturday in Birmingham, England Galal Yafai takes on Francisco Rodriguez, 12 rounds, for Yafai's WBC interim flyweight title. Yafai is more decorated as an amateur but Rodriguez has had many more fights.  Then, a Preview of the Top Rank ESPN+ top two fights Saturday in Newark, N.J. (ESPN+)Jersey's Vito Mielnicki Jr. meets Poland's. Kamil Gardzielik, 10 rounds, middleweights and in the co-feature, Jahi Tucker vs. Lorenzo Simpson, 10 rounds, middleweights. They go over both.NewsIt's official – Canelo-Crawford will be at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas & TKO's boxing promotion will be called Zuffa Boxing  No shock but Jamie Munguia's B sample was also positive for exogenous testosterone and the guys discuss what it means again. Jaron Ennis announces on social media that he is officially moving up to 154 lb. Dan has more and T.J. invokes "What are we doing here?!"NostalgiaThe boys wrap talking  briefly June 17, 2000 — 25 years ago on Tuesday – Shane Mosley W12 Oscar De La Hoya to win the WBC welterweight title. A huge fight that lived up to the hype. Big Dan was ringside for it all.It' all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" podcast and make suret to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We're ready to go with another weekend of action from England to New Jersey and a former heavyweight champ is on the show, as well. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return with their insight and opinions.They begin with the Recap of Thursday's Ohashi Promotions card in TokyoBrian Norman booming one-punch KO of challenger Jin Sasaki, as he retains the WBO welterweight title. Norman is clearly on the rise at 147 lb. and the guys give more on his future. Briefly, on the undercard,Thanongsak Simsri gets a split decision Cristian Araneta, and wins the vacant IBF junior flyweight title.Next, a Preview of the Macthroom Boxing / DAZN main event Saturday in Birmingham, England Galal Yafai takes on Francisco Rodriguez, 12 rounds, for Yafai's WBC interim flyweight title. Yafai is more decorated as an amateur but Rodriguez has had many more fights.  Then, a Preview of the Top Rank ESPN+ top two fights Saturday in Newark, N.J. (ESPN+)Jersey's Vito Mielnicki Jr. meets Poland's. Kamil Gardzielik, 10 rounds, middleweights and in the co-feature, Jahi Tucker vs. Lorenzo Simpson, 10 rounds, middleweights. They go over both.NewsIt's official – Canelo-Crawford will be at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas & TKO's boxing promotion will be called Zuffa Boxing  No shock but Jamie Munguia's B sample was also positive for exogenous testosterone and the guys discuss what it means again. Jaron Ennis announces on social media that he is officially moving up to 154 lb. Dan has more and T.J. invokes "What are we doing here?!"NostalgiaThe boys wrap talking  briefly June 17, 2000 — 25 years ago on Tuesday – Shane Mosley W12 Oscar De La Hoya to win the WBC welterweight title. A huge fight that lived up to the hype. Big Dan was ringside for it all.It' all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" podcast and make suret to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Thursday night  in Tokyo, WBO welterweight champ Brian Norman will make the second defense of his version of the 147 lb. world title against tough, unbeaten challenger Jin Sasaki in a scheduled 12 rounder.Prior to departing for Japan last week, Norman (27-0, 21 KOs) out of Conyers, GA, joined our insider Dan Rafael to talk more about his willingness to go to the Far East for this defense. Sasaki is a solid puncher at 19-1-1, 17 KOs.The two go one on one and also covered the possibility of Norman meeting IBF/WBA welterweight champ Jaron "Boots" Ennis in a unification battle later this year. Plus, whether Ennis is now the one reluctant to do that or not?It's all part of this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Thursday night  in Tokyo, WBO welterweight champ Brian Norman will make the second defense of his version of the 147 lb. world title against tough, unbeaten challenger Jin Sasaki in a scheduled 12 rounder.Prior to departing for Japan last week, Norman (27-0, 21 KOs) out of Conyers, GA, joined our insider Dan Rafael to talk more about his willingness to go to the Far East for this defense. Sasaki is a solid puncher at 19-1-1, 17 KOs.The two go one on one and also covered the possibility of Norman meeting IBF/WBA welterweight champ Jaron "Boots" Ennis in a unification battle later this year. Plus, whether Ennis is now the one reluctant to do that or not?It's all part of this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Off a weekend with one significant show in New York our guys return to go over that, some news and more on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back with their insight and takes.They begin with the recap of Saturday night's Matchroom Boxing DAZN card in NYCRichardson Hitchins TKO8 George Kambosos Jr., for Hitchins' IBF 140. It was expected and now, what's next for Hitchins?Also, Andy Cruz TKO5 Hironori Mishiro, IBF 135 lb. eliminator and heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana KO1 Aleem Whitfield, as well. Plus, they recap Saturday night's WBA "KO Drugs" main event in Buenos Aires, ArgentinaNonito Donaire Tech Dec 8 Andres Campos, wins vacant WBA interim bantamweight. It's a win, but there's concern for the aging Donaire. The guys also briefly preview Thursday's Teiken Boxing main event on ESPN+ in TokyoBrian Norman vs. Jin Sasaki, for Norman's WBO welterweight titleNews After everything that happened with the cancellation of Keyshawn Davis-Edwin De Los Santos, De Los Santos' promoter Sampson Lewkowicz announced he has given the fighter a release from his promotional contract, because De Los Santos was so upset the promoter and trainer called off the fight. Our guys weigh in on the "weight debacle" fallout continuing.As expected, the WBO formally ordered England's Sam Noakes and Ohio's Abdullah Mason to meet for the organization's vacant lightweight world title stripped from overweight Davis. They have 20 days to negotiate an agreement or there will be a purse bid. Dan has more.NostalgiaJune 15, 1984 – 41 years ago Sunday – Thomas Hearns MASSIVE KO2 Roberto Duran to retain the WBC junior middleweight title at Caesars Palace. It's an All-time great KO and Hearns' only win of the "Four Kings" series of fights (he was 1-2-1).Make sure to go to the Big Fight Weekend Youtube page to watch the guys discuss it more!And, be part of all our content on this podcast feed on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, etc.! 

Off a weekend with one significant show in New York our guys return to go over that, some news and more on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back with their insight and takes.They begin with the recap of Saturday night's Matchroom Boxing DAZN card in NYCRichardson Hitchins TKO8 George Kambosos Jr., for Hitchins' IBF 140. It was expected and now, what's next for Hitchins?Also, Andy Cruz TKO5 Hironori Mishiro, IBF 135 lb. eliminator and heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana KO1 Aleem Whitfield, as well. Plus, they recap Saturday night's WBA "KO Drugs" main event in Buenos Aires, ArgentinaNonito Donaire Tech Dec 8 Andres Campos, wins vacant WBA interim bantamweight. It's a win, but there's concern for the aging Donaire. The guys also briefly preview Thursday's Teiken Boxing main event on ESPN+ in TokyoBrian Norman vs. Jin Sasaki, for Norman's WBO welterweight titleNews After everything that happened with the cancellation of Keyshawn Davis-Edwin De Los Santos, De Los Santos' promoter Sampson Lewkowicz announced he has given the fighter a release from his promotional contract, because De Los Santos was so upset the promoter and trainer called off the fight. Our guys weigh in on the "weight debacle" fallout continuing.As expected, the WBO formally ordered England's Sam Noakes and Ohio's Abdullah Mason to meet for the organization's vacant lightweight world title stripped from overweight Davis. They have 20 days to negotiate an agreement or there will be a purse bid. Dan has more.NostalgiaJune 15, 1984 – 41 years ago Sunday – Thomas Hearns MASSIVE KO2 Roberto Duran to retain the WBC junior middleweight title at Caesars Palace. It's an All-time great KO and Hearns' only win of the "Four Kings" series of fights (he was 1-2-1).Make sure to go to the Big Fight Weekend Youtube page to watch the guys discuss it more!And, be part of all our content on this podcast feed on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, etc.! 

We are back and ready to preview the Matchroom Boxing world title fight in New York, plus hear from a U.S. world champ on his way to Japan for a title defense next week and more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return and have their insight and takes on:The Matchroom Boxing ? DAZN card Saturday at Theater at MSG in NYJunior welterweight Richardson Hitchins vs. George Kambosos, for Hitchins IBF world title. Will this be easy work for Hitchins? Plus, lightweight Andy Cruz vs. Hironori Mishiro in an IBF lightweight eliminator bout. Then, a quick preview of the WBA "KO Drugs Festival" main event Saturday in Buenos Aires, ArgentinaBantamweight Nonito Donaire vs. Andres Campos, for vacant WBA interim title. Donaire is a hall of famer but hasn't fought in nearly two years and is coming off 2 losses, as well.Next, Dan with a Brian Norman conversation, as he makes his second WBO welterweight title defense vs. Jin Sasaki on June 19 (ESPN+) in Tokyo, Japan.News Canelo-Crawford is set for Sept. 13 in Las Vegas officially and will be on Netflix globally. The boys have the latest.WBC/WBA flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji will headline a world title tripleheader defending against Ricardo Rafael Sandoval on July 30 in Yokohama, Japan. Dan has more.Also, Edwin De Los Santos promoter Sampson Lewkowicz told Dan this week he made a deal with Top Rank and De Los Santos will get half his purse ($165K of a $330K purse) from the canceled Keyshawn Davis fight.. It's interesting, as Top Rank Boxing was not obligated to do so.  And, Golden Boy announces the rescheduled junior welterweight Oscar Duarte vs. Kenneth Sims Jr. bout for Aug. 2 on DAZN in Sims' hometown of Chicago. NostalgiaJune 12, 1989 — 36 years ago on Thursday – Sugar Ray Leonard D12 Thomas Hearns in their long-awaited rematch. The boys briefly talk the bout and WATCH the full nostalgia recap on our Big Fight Weekend Youtube Page.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Prevew Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are back and ready to preview the Matchroom Boxing world title fight in New York, plus hear from a U.S. world champ on his way to Japan for a title defense next week and more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return and have their insight and takes on:The Matchroom Boxing ? DAZN card Saturday at Theater at MSG in NYJunior welterweight Richardson Hitchins vs. George Kambosos, for Hitchins IBF world title. Will this be easy work for Hitchins? Plus, lightweight Andy Cruz vs. Hironori Mishiro in an IBF lightweight eliminator bout. Then, a quick preview of the WBA "KO Drugs Festival" main event Saturday in Buenos Aires, ArgentinaBantamweight Nonito Donaire vs. Andres Campos, for vacant WBA interim title. Donaire is a hall of famer but hasn't fought in nearly two years and is coming off 2 losses, as well.Next, Dan with a Brian Norman conversation, as he makes his second WBO welterweight title defense vs. Jin Sasaki on June 19 (ESPN+) in Tokyo, Japan.News Canelo-Crawford is set for Sept. 13 in Las Vegas officially and will be on Netflix globally. The boys have the latest.WBC/WBA flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji will headline a world title tripleheader defending against Ricardo Rafael Sandoval on July 30 in Yokohama, Japan. Dan has more.Also, Edwin De Los Santos promoter Sampson Lewkowicz told Dan this week he made a deal with Top Rank and De Los Santos will get half his purse ($165K of a $330K purse) from the canceled Keyshawn Davis fight.. It's interesting, as Top Rank Boxing was not obligated to do so.  And, Golden Boy announces the rescheduled junior welterweight Oscar Duarte vs. Kenneth Sims Jr. bout for Aug. 2 on DAZN in Sims' hometown of Chicago. NostalgiaJune 12, 1989 — 36 years ago on Thursday – Sugar Ray Leonard D12 Thomas Hearns in their long-awaited rematch. The boys briefly talk the bout and WATCH the full nostalgia recap on our Big Fight Weekend Youtube Page.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Prevew Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

iFLTV's Andrew McCart spoke with American sports writer Dan Rafael to get his thoughts on Canelo vs Terence Crawford being on Netflix, Teofimo Lopez turning down Devin Haney fight, Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte, Lomachenko retirement & Keyshawn Davis altercation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming up Saturday night in New York City, unbeaten 140 lb. champ Richardson Hitchins is back headlining the Matchroom Boxing main event. And, here he talks one on one with our insider Dan Rafael on a special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."Hitchins will make his first IBF junior welterweight title defense against former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. on June 14 on DAZN at the MSG Theater. And, interestingly, the 27 year old New Yorker has little use or respect for what Kambosos has done.Will it be an easy night for the champ and if he wins, what fight does he want next?It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subsribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Coming up Saturday night in New York City, unbeaten 140 lb. champ Richardson Hitchins is back headlining the Matchroom Boxing main event. And, here he talks one on one with our insider Dan Rafael on a special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."Hitchins will make his first IBF junior welterweight title defense against former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. on June 14 on DAZN at the MSG Theater. And, interestingly, the 27 year old New Yorker has little use or respect for what Kambosos has done.Will it be an easy night for the champ and if he wins, what fight does he want next?It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subsribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's a special edition of the recap show/Pod, as we were live on Youtube Sunday night and you are also hearing us on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" Podcast!Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast are here to go over everything.They discuss:Saturday's Top Rank ESPN card in Norfolk, Va.Keyshawn missing weight and the falloutAbdullah Mason TKO6 Jeremia Nakathila, 10 rounds, lightweightsNahir Albright W10 majority Kelvin Davis, junior welterweights Saturday's Queensberry DAZN card in Ipswich, EnglandFabio Wardley booming one punch, KO10 Justis Huni, wins vacant WBA interim heavyweight titleSunday's Teiken Boxing ESPN+ card in Tolyo Junto Nakatani TKO6 Ryosuke Nishida, unifies WBC/IBF bantamweight titles and wants Naoya "The Monster" Inoue down the road!Sunday's Tasman Fighters DAZN card Broadbeach, Australia (DAZN)Jai Opetaia KO5 Claudio Squeo, retains lineal/IBF cruiserweight title and wants a huge battle with Zurdo Ramirez. NewsDan has some thoughts on the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction and speeches, including the great Manny Pacquiao.Dana White and Turki Alashikh announce (along with SELA) that they will promote Canelo-Crawford on Sept. 13. as part of new TKO venture.Also, Turki put out thru The Ring Aug. 16 card in Riyadh, which was the date for Garcia-Haney 2 that isn't happening and then Haney-Lopez, which also isn't happening: it will have Moses Itauma-Dillian Whyte as the main event and,  WBA featherweight titlist Nick Ball vs. Sam Goodman; junior lightweight bout between Anthony Cacace and Raymond Ford (17-1, 8 KOs)NostalgiaJune 7, 2014 – 11 years ago on Saturday – Miguel Cotto TKO10 Sergio Martinez to win the lineal/WBC middleweight title at Madison Square Garden, First Puerto Rican to win a title in four divisions, dominated. Big Dan was ringside.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" Podcast and make sure for more of this great content, you find us on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's a special edition of the recap show/Pod, as we were live on Youtube Sunday night and you are also hearing us on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" Podcast!Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast are here to go over everything.They discuss:Saturday's Top Rank ESPN card in Norfolk, Va.Keyshawn missing weight and the falloutAbdullah Mason TKO6 Jeremia Nakathila, 10 rounds, lightweightsNahir Albright W10 majority Kelvin Davis, junior welterweights Saturday's Queensberry DAZN card in Ipswich, EnglandFabio Wardley booming one punch, KO10 Justis Huni, wins vacant WBA interim heavyweight titleSunday's Teiken Boxing ESPN+ card in Tolyo Junto Nakatani TKO6 Ryosuke Nishida, unifies WBC/IBF bantamweight titles and wants Naoya "The Monster" Inoue down the road!Sunday's Tasman Fighters DAZN card Broadbeach, Australia (DAZN)Jai Opetaia KO5 Claudio Squeo, retains lineal/IBF cruiserweight title and wants a huge battle with Zurdo Ramirez. NewsDan has some thoughts on the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction and speeches, including the great Manny Pacquiao.Dana White and Turki Alashikh announce (along with SELA) that they will promote Canelo-Crawford on Sept. 13. as part of new TKO venture.Also, Turki put out thru The Ring Aug. 16 card in Riyadh, which was the date for Garcia-Haney 2 that isn't happening and then Haney-Lopez, which also isn't happening: it will have Moses Itauma-Dillian Whyte as the main event and,  WBA featherweight titlist Nick Ball vs. Sam Goodman; junior lightweight bout between Anthony Cacace and Raymond Ford (17-1, 8 KOs)NostalgiaJune 7, 2014 – 11 years ago on Saturday – Miguel Cotto TKO10 Sergio Martinez to win the lineal/WBC middleweight title at Madison Square Garden, First Puerto Rican to win a title in four divisions, dominated. Big Dan was ringside.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" Podcast and make sure for more of this great content, you find us on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

An action packed weekend all over the globe awaits and we're ready to preview it all. Plus, a world champ is talking to us, also, on our newest "Big Fight Weekend Podcast"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return with their thoughts and takes on all the action.We start with the previews:Saturday Top Rank/ESPN card in Norfolk, Va.Keyshawn Davis vs. Edwin De Los Santos, for Davis' WBO lightweight title. It's Davis' first defense in his hometown. The boys discuss. And, we have  Abdullah Mason vs. Jeremia Nakathila in a 10 rounds lightweight co-feature. Earlier Saturday Queensberry/DAZN card in Ipswich, EnglandFabio Wardley vs. Justis Huni, for vacant WBA interim heavyweight title. Looking forward to this clash, as both guys can punch. On Sunday Teiken Boxing/ESPN+ card in Tokyo 4:30 a.m. ETJunto Nakatani vs. Ryosuke Nishida, WBC/IBF bantamweight unification. Nakatani has his sights set on "The Monster" but must win here first. Also, Sunday Tasman Fighters/Matchroom card in Broadbeach, Australia 3:30 a.m. ETJai Opetaia vs. Claudio Squeo, for Opetaia's lineal/IBF cruiserweight title. Opetaia is the tops in the division and should cruise. Next a RICHARDSON HITCHINS interview with Dan:Hitchins defends his IBF junior welterweight title vs. George Kambosos Jr. on June 14 at New York's MSG Theater on DAZN. He's very outspoken on this matchup being no big thing. Some News3-division champion Vasiliy Lomachenko announces retirement at 37. We recap his amazing career. Sadly, Jose Santa Cruz, who trained his four sons as professional boxers, including four-division titleholder Leo Santa Cruz, died on Monday after a years-long battle with a form of bone cancer in his spine. He was 65.  Next, Nonito Donaire returns to fight Andres Campos for the vacant WBA interim bantamweight title on June 14 at Casino Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This fight was only announced in recent days as a late addition to the WBA's annual “KO Drugs” festival event.  And, some quick mention that HOF inductions are Sunday. That bizarrely has legend Manny Pacquiao being inducted and yet, he's set to return to the ring in a July PPV. Dan goes over that and the whole 2025 class.NostalgiaJune 4, 2016 — nine years ago on Wednesday – WBC 130 champion Francisco Vargas and Orlando Salido fought to a hellacious draw in the 2016 fight of the year one night after Muhammad Ali died. Rafael ringside. We briefly talk about this here.Make sure to watch full recap of Vargas-Salido on our BFW Youtube page here: https://www.youtube.com/@bigfightweekend9132And make sure to follow/subscribe on our BFW Podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

An action packed weekend all over the globe awaits and we're ready to preview it all. Plus, a world champ is talking to us, also, on our newest "Big Fight Weekend Podcast"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return with their thoughts and takes on all the action.We start with the previews:Saturday Top Rank/ESPN card in Norfolk, Va.Keyshawn Davis vs. Edwin De Los Santos, for Davis' WBO lightweight title. It's Davis' first defense in his hometown. The boys discuss. And, we have  Abdullah Mason vs. Jeremia Nakathila in a 10 rounds lightweight co-feature. Earlier Saturday Queensberry/DAZN card in Ipswich, EnglandFabio Wardley vs. Justis Huni, for vacant WBA interim heavyweight title. Looking forward to this clash, as both guys can punch. On Sunday Teiken Boxing/ESPN+ card in Tokyo 4:30 a.m. ETJunto Nakatani vs. Ryosuke Nishida, WBC/IBF bantamweight unification. Nakatani has his sights set on "The Monster" but must win here first. Also, Sunday Tasman Fighters/Matchroom card in Broadbeach, Australia 3:30 a.m. ETJai Opetaia vs. Claudio Squeo, for Opetaia's lineal/IBF cruiserweight title. Opetaia is the tops in the division and should cruise. Next a RICHARDSON HITCHINS interview with Dan:Hitchins defends his IBF junior welterweight title vs. George Kambosos Jr. on June 14 at New York's MSG Theater on DAZN. He's very outspoken on this matchup being no big thing. Some News3-division champion Vasiliy Lomachenko announces retirement at 37. We recap his amazing career. Sadly, Jose Santa Cruz, who trained his four sons as professional boxers, including four-division titleholder Leo Santa Cruz, died on Monday after a years-long battle with a form of bone cancer in his spine. He was 65.  Next, Nonito Donaire returns to fight Andres Campos for the vacant WBA interim bantamweight title on June 14 at Casino Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This fight was only announced in recent days as a late addition to the WBA's annual “KO Drugs” festival event.  And, some quick mention that HOF inductions are Sunday. That bizarrely has legend Manny Pacquiao being inducted and yet, he's set to return to the ring in a July PPV. Dan goes over that and the whole 2025 class.NostalgiaJune 4, 2016 — nine years ago on Wednesday – WBC 130 champion Francisco Vargas and Orlando Salido fought to a hellacious draw in the 2016 fight of the year one night after Muhammad Ali died. Rafael ringside. We briefly talk about this here.Make sure to watch full recap of Vargas-Salido on our BFW Youtube page here: https://www.youtube.com/@bigfightweekend9132And make sure to follow/subscribe on our BFW Podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Another weekend and another shocker main event, as Caleb Plant was upset in Las Vegas. We discuss that bout, the undercard and also fight cards for Golden Boy Promotions and Matchroom Boxing from Friday on the latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Feaks Unite Substack and newsletter are back.The discuss.The PBC on Prime Video card Saturday in Las Vegasas little known Armando Resendiz upset Caleb Plant and wins the WBA interim 168 lb. title. Is this more verifcation that Plant's better days are behind him? And what does it do to the possible fight with super middleweight Jermall Charlo, who scored a TKO6 over Thomas "Cornflake" LaManna.They also talk the middleweight Yoenli Hernandez decisioning Kyrone Davis and also, junior middleweight Isaac Lucero with a quick TKO over Omar Valenzuela. Next a recap of the Golden Boy DAZN main event Friday in Las VegasSuper middleweight Bektemir Melikuziev wins a tremendous decision over Darius Fulghum in a WBA eliminator. More on this bout.Plus, there was a solid Matchroom DAZN card Friday in Guadalajara, MexicoLight heavyweight Khalil Coe TKO6 over Manuel Gallegos in a rematch and avenges his TKO loss. And, junior featherweight Murodjon Akhmadaliev earns a TKO8 against Luis Castillo and up next is Sept. 14 Naoa Inoue challenge for the undisputed 122 lb. belts.Some NewsDevin Haney-Teofimo Lopez back ON for Aug. 16th after Teofimo apologized to Turki Alashikh.The Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios full PPV undercard wsa announced Saturday in Vegas and the fighters met briefly with the media.Sadly, Hall of Famer Mike McCallum died in Las Vegas at age 68. One of the greats! He won titles at 154 lb., 160 lb., and 175 lb. We reminisceNostalgiaJune 1, 2019 – 6 years ago Sunday – late replacement opponent Andy Ruiz TKO7 Anthony Joshua in a massive upset to win the unified WBO/IBF/WBA heavyweight title in their first fight. Big Dan ringside at MSG. (Watch more on this huge upset on our Big Fight Weekend Youtube page)Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Another weekend and another shocker main event, as Caleb Plant was upset in Las Vegas. We discuss that bout, the undercard and also fight cards for Golden Boy Promotions and Matchroom Boxing from Friday on the latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Feaks Unite Substack and newsletter are back.The discuss.The PBC on Prime Video card Saturday in Las Vegasas little known Armando Resendiz upset Caleb Plant and wins the WBA interim 168 lb. title. Is this more verifcation that Plant's better days are behind him? And what does it do to the possible fight with super middleweight Jermall Charlo, who scored a TKO6 over Thomas "Cornflake" LaManna.They also talk the middleweight Yoenli Hernandez decisioning Kyrone Davis and also, junior middleweight Isaac Lucero with a quick TKO over Omar Valenzuela. Next a recap of the Golden Boy DAZN main event Friday in Las VegasSuper middleweight Bektemir Melikuziev wins a tremendous decision over Darius Fulghum in a WBA eliminator. More on this bout.Plus, there was a solid Matchroom DAZN card Friday in Guadalajara, MexicoLight heavyweight Khalil Coe TKO6 over Manuel Gallegos in a rematch and avenges his TKO loss. And, junior featherweight Murodjon Akhmadaliev earns a TKO8 against Luis Castillo and up next is Sept. 14 Naoa Inoue challenge for the undisputed 122 lb. belts.Some NewsDevin Haney-Teofimo Lopez back ON for Aug. 16th after Teofimo apologized to Turki Alashikh.The Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios full PPV undercard wsa announced Saturday in Vegas and the fighters met briefly with the media.Sadly, Hall of Famer Mike McCallum died in Las Vegas at age 68. One of the greats! He won titles at 154 lb., 160 lb., and 175 lb. We reminisceNostalgiaJune 1, 2019 – 6 years ago Sunday – late replacement opponent Andy Ruiz TKO7 Anthony Joshua in a massive upset to win the unified WBO/IBF/WBA heavyweight title in their first fight. Big Dan ringside at MSG. (Watch more on this huge upset on our Big Fight Weekend Youtube page)Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

A familiar fighter returns to the Las Vegas limelight, plus, some prominent fighters are in the news for the wrong reasons and we explain it all on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back aboard to go over everything.They begin with:A Recap of the Ohashi Promotions card on Wednesday in Yokohama, JapanYoshiki Takei TKO1 Yuttapong Tongdee and retains WBO bantamweight title.Plus, Eduardo Nunez wins easily in 12 rounds over Masanori Rikiishi and wins the vacant IBF junior lightweight title. Dan has a lot on both Next, a Preview of the PBC on Prime Video card Saturday night at Mandalay Bay in Las VegasCaleb Plant returns against little known. Armando Resendiz, 12 rounds, for Plant's WBA interim super middleweight title. More importantly is he's likely fighting Jermall Charlo next. Charlo first takes on. Thomas LaManna in a 10 rounds super middleweight bout. The boys discuss.NewsJaime Munguia tested positive for foreign testosterone in his system in a VADA test related to his May 3rd rematch win over Bruno Surace. What's going to happen now and does Surace get the no-contest ruling?  Dan has more on his reporting on the supposed Aug. 16 Teofimo Lopez-Devin Haney agreed to bout, but fight falling apart over Lopez's tweet storm in which he insulted Turki Alashikh. WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!Ryan Garcia undergoes right hand surgery, and the plans for Fall fight in limbo for now.Top Rank July 26th card officially announced, Xander Zayas-Jorge Garcia for vacant WBO junior middleweight title & featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington vs. Mateus Heita for the vacant WBC interim title in the co-featureYudai Shigeoka, the former WBC strawweight titlist, posted to social media on Thursday to provide an update on older brother and former IBF strawweight titlist Ginjiro Shigeoka, including that he is breathing on his own.NostalgiaWe encourage you to find our Youtube page for some thoughts on HOFer Johnny Tapia, a fan favorite, who died back on May 27, 2012 – 13 years ago on Tuesday.Meanwhile, for all our podcat content keep it locked in on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

A familiar fighter returns to the Las Vegas limelight, plus, some prominent fighters are in the news for the wrong reasons and we explain it all on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back aboard to go over everything.They begin with:A Recap of the Ohashi Promotions card on Wednesday in Yokohama, JapanYoshiki Takei TKO1 Yuttapong Tongdee and retains WBO bantamweight title.Plus, Eduardo Nunez wins easily in 12 rounds over Masanori Rikiishi and wins the vacant IBF junior lightweight title. Dan has a lot on both Next, a Preview of the PBC on Prime Video card Saturday night at Mandalay Bay in Las VegasCaleb Plant returns against little known. Armando Resendiz, 12 rounds, for Plant's WBA interim super middleweight title. More importantly is he's likely fighting Jermall Charlo next. Charlo first takes on. Thomas LaManna in a 10 rounds super middleweight bout. The boys discuss.NewsJaime Munguia tested positive for foreign testosterone in his system in a VADA test related to his May 3rd rematch win over Bruno Surace. What's going to happen now and does Surace get the no-contest ruling?  Dan has more on his reporting on the supposed Aug. 16 Teofimo Lopez-Devin Haney agreed to bout, but fight falling apart over Lopez's tweet storm in which he insulted Turki Alashikh. WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!Ryan Garcia undergoes right hand surgery, and the plans for Fall fight in limbo for now.Top Rank July 26th card officially announced, Xander Zayas-Jorge Garcia for vacant WBO junior middleweight title & featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington vs. Mateus Heita for the vacant WBC interim title in the co-featureYudai Shigeoka, the former WBC strawweight titlist, posted to social media on Thursday to provide an update on older brother and former IBF strawweight titlist Ginjiro Shigeoka, including that he is breathing on his own.NostalgiaWe encourage you to find our Youtube page for some thoughts on HOFer Johnny Tapia, a fan favorite, who died back on May 27, 2012 – 13 years ago on Tuesday.Meanwhile, for all our podcat content keep it locked in on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

On this edition of the show, insider Dan Rafael is one on one with former IBF world super middleweight champ Caleb Plant.Plant, who defends the WBA's "interim super middleweight title" against Armando Resendiz in the main event of the PBC on Prime Video card on May 31 in Las Vegas, is looking to set up a fight later in the year against Jermall Charlo. Charlo is returning from a long layoff in the co-feature.They covered a variety of topics including, Caleb being in the ring with Canelo Alvarez in an undisputed 168 lb. title bout in 2022 and whether, he believes there could be a rematch down the line or not?It's all on this special edition of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" on this feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!And, also SEE this interview on our Big Fight Weekend Youtube page!

On this edition of the show, insider Dan Rafael is one on one with former IBF world super middleweight champ Caleb Plant.Plant, who defends the WBA's "interim super middleweight title" against Armando Resendiz in the main event of the PBC on Prime Video card on May 31 in Las Vegas, is looking to set up a fight later in the year against Jermall Charlo. Charlo is returning from a long layoff in the co-feature.They covered a variety of topics including, Caleb being in the ring with Canelo Alvarez in an undisputed 168 lb. title bout in 2022 and whether, he believes there could be a rematch down the line or not?It's all on this special edition of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" on this feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!And, also SEE this interview on our Big Fight Weekend Youtube page!

Sunday night we did a LIVE Youtube version of our "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" on our Big Fight Weekend page. Here's the rundown for the podcast audience.Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael give the breakdown on:Queensberry DAZN card Saturday in Glasgow, ScotlandWelterweight Ekow Essuman W12 Josh TaylorHeavyweight Moses Itauma KO2 Mike BalogunKameda Promotions card Saturday in Osaka, JapanFeatherweight Angelo Leo W12 Tomoki Kameda, retains IBF featherweight titleStrawweight Pedro Taduran W12 Ginjiro Shigeoka, rematch, retains the IBF title Friday Zanfer main event in Zacatecas, MexicoJunior bantamweight Willibaldo Garcia W12 split Rene Calixto, rematch, wins vacant IBF title NewsTyson Fury posts video from Como, Italy, over weekend saying he is indeed retired for good and not coming back. The guys don't believe him. Canelo Alvarez says in a media scrum at a golf tournament when that Crawford fight WILL be in Vegas. Provides no more details.  NostalgiaMay 25, 1965 – 60 years ago Sunday – Muhammad Ali KO1 Sonny Liston to retain the heavyweight title in an immediate rematch. Lots of discussion and good video on the Youtube show.Thanks for finding this edition on the Big Fight Weekend podcast feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

Sunday night we did a LIVE Youtube version of our "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" on our Big Fight Weekend page. Here's the rundown for the podcast audience.Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael give the breakdown on:Queensberry DAZN card Saturday in Glasgow, ScotlandWelterweight Ekow Essuman W12 Josh TaylorHeavyweight Moses Itauma KO2 Mike BalogunKameda Promotions card Saturday in Osaka, JapanFeatherweight Angelo Leo W12 Tomoki Kameda, retains IBF featherweight titleStrawweight Pedro Taduran W12 Ginjiro Shigeoka, rematch, retains the IBF title Friday Zanfer main event in Zacatecas, MexicoJunior bantamweight Willibaldo Garcia W12 split Rene Calixto, rematch, wins vacant IBF title NewsTyson Fury posts video from Como, Italy, over weekend saying he is indeed retired for good and not coming back. The guys don't believe him. Canelo Alvarez says in a media scrum at a golf tournament when that Crawford fight WILL be in Vegas. Provides no more details.  NostalgiaMay 25, 1965 – 60 years ago Sunday – Muhammad Ali KO1 Sonny Liston to retain the heavyweight title in an immediate rematch. Lots of discussion and good video on the Youtube show.Thanks for finding this edition on the Big Fight Weekend podcast feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It's another lighter weekend of action, although there is a prominent world title on the line in the Far East. We go over the matchups and have plenty of news, including Manny Pacquiao confirming his return and more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all on this edition.They start with the preview of the Queensberry DAZN card Saturday in Glasgow, ScotlandFormer undisputed 140 lb. champ Josh Taylor is back meeting a little known fighter in Ekow Essuman, in a welterweight clash. Does Taylor have anything left?Also, promising heavyweight Moses Itauma is on this card against little known Mike Balogun and it should be a big night for Itauma. The boys also preview the Kameda Promotions / ProBox TV main event Saturday in Osaka, JapanThis sees the return of American Angelo Leo against Tomoki Kameda, for Leo's IBF featherweight title in his first defense. Leo has big things in mind, but is going on the road in this one. Next, here briefly from former IBF 168 lb. champ Caleb Plant with DanPlant defends WBA interim super middleweight title vs. Armando Resendiz in the PBC on Prime Video main event May 31 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas News Pacquiao is officially back, and announces July 19th Mario Barrios fight on social media. His training has opened with Freddie Roach at Wild Card boxing club in L.A.Also, Dan is reporting that besides the bouts he's already reported that will be on the PPV (Fundora-Tszyu 2 and Pitbull-Fierro 2), the PPV will also include former 122 lb. and 126 lb. titlist  Brandon Figueroa vs. former title challenger Joey Gonzalez.Former IBF junior welterweight titlist Liam Paro will face Jonathan Navarro in a 10-rounder contracted at 144 pounds in the main event of a No Limit Boxing card on June 25 in Cairns, Australia. Paro's first fight since losing the IBF 140 title to Richardson Hitchins in December.And, we talk more about the death of all-time great Nino Benvenuti at 87 earlier this week.. The Italian legend was 1960 Olympic gold medalist, undisputed junior middleweight champion, two-time undisputed middleweight champion and was 2-1 in one boxing's most famed trilogies against Emile Griffith all for the undisputed 160 title. Some knowledge for the younger fans!Nostalgia May 22, 2010 – 15 years go on Thursday – the unfortunate fourth fight between featherweights Rafael Marquez and Israel Vazquez, who predictably got destroyed via KO3 in his final fight. and....May 22, 1993 – 32 years ago on Thursday – Roy Jones easy wiped out Bernard Hopkins in 12 rounds to win the vacant IBF middleweight title for his first world title in the co-feature of Riddick Bowe's easy KO2 in a mismatch with Jesse Ferguson to retain the heavyweight title. Goto our Big Fight Weekend Youtube paget to watch these here: https://www.youtube.com/@bigfightweekend9132/featuredAnd make sure to follow this podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's another lighter weekend of action, although there is a prominent world title on the line in the Far East. We go over the matchups and have plenty of news, including Manny Pacquiao confirming his return and more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all on this edition.They start with the preview of the Queensberry DAZN card Saturday in Glasgow, ScotlandFormer undisputed 140 lb. champ Josh Taylor is back meeting a little known fighter in Ekow Essuman, in a welterweight clash. Does Taylor have anything left?Also, promising heavyweight Moses Itauma is on this card against little known Mike Balogun and it should be a big night for Itauma. The boys also preview the Kameda Promotions / ProBox TV main event Saturday in Osaka, JapanThis sees the return of American Angelo Leo against Tomoki Kameda, for Leo's IBF featherweight title in his first defense. Leo has big things in mind, but is going on the road in this one. Next, here briefly from former IBF 168 lb. champ Caleb Plant with DanPlant defends WBA interim super middleweight title vs. Armando Resendiz in the PBC on Prime Video main event May 31 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas News Pacquiao is officially back, and announces July 19th Mario Barrios fight on social media. His training has opened with Freddie Roach at Wild Card boxing club in L.A.Also, Dan is reporting that besides the bouts he's already reported that will be on the PPV (Fundora-Tszyu 2 and Pitbull-Fierro 2), the PPV will also include former 122 lb. and 126 lb. titlist  Brandon Figueroa vs. former title challenger Joey Gonzalez.Former IBF junior welterweight titlist Liam Paro will face Jonathan Navarro in a 10-rounder contracted at 144 pounds in the main event of a No Limit Boxing card on June 25 in Cairns, Australia. Paro's first fight since losing the IBF 140 title to Richardson Hitchins in December.And, we talk more about the death of all-time great Nino Benvenuti at 87 earlier this week.. The Italian legend was 1960 Olympic gold medalist, undisputed junior middleweight champion, two-time undisputed middleweight champion and was 2-1 in one boxing's most famed trilogies against Emile Griffith all for the undisputed 160 title. Some knowledge for the younger fans!Nostalgia May 22, 2010 – 15 years go on Thursday – the unfortunate fourth fight between featherweights Rafael Marquez and Israel Vazquez, who predictably got destroyed via KO3 in his final fight. and....May 22, 1993 – 32 years ago on Thursday – Roy Jones easy wiped out Bernard Hopkins in 12 rounds to win the vacant IBF middleweight title for his first world title in the co-feature of Riddick Bowe's easy KO2 in a mismatch with Jesse Ferguson to retain the heavyweight title. Goto our Big Fight Weekend Youtube paget to watch these here: https://www.youtube.com/@bigfightweekend9132/featuredAnd make sure to follow this podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It was a lighter weeeknd of non-title action but we still have a couple of main eventst to go over and some interesting fight news are also part of the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back with their takes.They recap the Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event in LondonHeavyweight Dave Allen demolishes Johnny Fisher in the fifth in their rematch. It's a devastating loss for Fisher to try to stay relevant and move up. Next they recap the 360 Promotions/UFC Fight Pass main event in Commerce, Calif.Junior middleweight Serhii Bohachuk easily decisioned Mykel Fox over 10 rounds in a workman effort to stay in shape for a future 154 lb. title shot. Some NewsMatchroom announces Jack Catterall is moving up to welterweight and will face British countryman Harlem Eubank on July 5 (DAZN) at AO Arena in Manchster, a home fight for Catterall. And, they  announce that the Hitchins-Kambosos lightweight title undercard for June 14th with most notably lightweight Andy Cruz vs. Hironori Mishiro in an IBF title eliminator in the co-feature.Next, Turki Alashikh announces on social media in Sunday: “We have confirmed the promoter for Canelo v Crawford will be Sela for Riyadh Season. The broadcaster we have not decided yet but the date will be Saturday 13th September. More details soon.” The guys discuss whether the bout will also remain in Vegas?During the media scrum at the Jake Paul-Chavez Jr. presser a few days ago, Jake said there is work going on "behind the scenes" for he and Tank Davis to still do an exhibition in November. T.J. in specfic again points out the sillinessPlus Golden Boy fights: Talks for Floyd Schofield-Lucas Bahdi lightweight fight on Jake Paul-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. PPV fall apart over money so now, per Dan's sources and Golden Boy looking to do Schofield-Tevin Farmer on the June 28th show. Also they're looking to reschedule Kenneth Sims Jr.-Oscar Duarte  junior welterweight contender fight for August 2nd in Chicago, Sims' hometown.NostalgiaFor full insight and analysis go to the VIDEO on the Big Fight Weekend Youtube Page!May 19, 1990- 35 years ago Monday -- Hall of famers Pernell Whitaker and Azumah Nelson met for the unified lightweight title in Las Vegas.May 18, 2002 – 23 years ago Sunday – iconic Gatti-Ward I. We can't get enoughHappy Birthday Sugar Ray Leonard, as the legend turned 69 this weekend!Enjoy our "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It was a lighter weeeknd of non-title action but we still have a couple of main eventst to go over and some interesting fight news are also part of the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back with their takes.They recap the Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event in LondonHeavyweight Dave Allen demolishes Johnny Fisher in the fifth in their rematch. It's a devastating loss for Fisher to try to stay relevant and move up. Next they recap the 360 Promotions/UFC Fight Pass main event in Commerce, Calif.Junior middleweight Serhii Bohachuk easily decisioned Mykel Fox over 10 rounds in a workman effort to stay in shape for a future 154 lb. title shot. Some NewsMatchroom announces Jack Catterall is moving up to welterweight and will face British countryman Harlem Eubank on July 5 (DAZN) at AO Arena in Manchster, a home fight for Catterall. And, they  announce that the Hitchins-Kambosos lightweight title undercard for June 14th with most notably lightweight Andy Cruz vs. Hironori Mishiro in an IBF title eliminator in the co-feature.Next, Turki Alashikh announces on social media in Sunday: “We have confirmed the promoter for Canelo v Crawford will be Sela for Riyadh Season. The broadcaster we have not decided yet but the date will be Saturday 13th September. More details soon.” The guys discuss whether the bout will also remain in Vegas?During the media scrum at the Jake Paul-Chavez Jr. presser a few days ago, Jake said there is work going on "behind the scenes" for he and Tank Davis to still do an exhibition in November. T.J. in specfic again points out the sillinessPlus Golden Boy fights: Talks for Floyd Schofield-Lucas Bahdi lightweight fight on Jake Paul-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. PPV fall apart over money so now, per Dan's sources and Golden Boy looking to do Schofield-Tevin Farmer on the June 28th show. Also they're looking to reschedule Kenneth Sims Jr.-Oscar Duarte  junior welterweight contender fight for August 2nd in Chicago, Sims' hometown.NostalgiaFor full insight and analysis go to the VIDEO on the Big Fight Weekend Youtube Page!May 19, 1990- 35 years ago Monday -- Hall of famers Pernell Whitaker and Azumah Nelson met for the unified lightweight title in Las Vegas.May 18, 2002 – 23 years ago Sunday – iconic Gatti-Ward I. We can't get enoughHappy Birthday Sugar Ray Leonard, as the legend turned 69 this weekend!Enjoy our "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Although it's a lighter weekend of action, there are a couple of solid contender main events and we've aslo got some interesting fight news and more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all.They begin with the preview of the Matchroom/DAZN main event Saturday in LondonJohnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen, rematch in a 10 round heavyweight battle. Will Fisher step up this time and decisively win over the veteran Allen? Also, they preview the 360 Promotions/UFC Fight Pass main event in Commerce, Calif.Contender Serhii Bohachuk meets. Mykel Fox, who's stepping up to junior middleweight in the main event. Bohachuk wants to get in the 154 lb. title picture with a big win. Can the crafty, southpaw Fox create problems? News Wait, the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford mega-fight, announced for September 12th for  Las Vegas isn't going to be on that date and maybe, not in Vegas?? Dan isn't so sure. The guys go over it. Also, the presser on Thursday in NYC for Turki Alashikh's July 12 Ring mag / DAZN PPV that will take place at Louis Armstrong Stadium tennis stadium in Queens, NY. Plenty of talk between Shakur Stevenson and top contender William Zepeda along with Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz at the presser.  And, Turki tells Dan he is unsure, if he will proceed with Garcia-Haney 2 right away and may look to get Garcia another fight first. Next, the California commission says Charli Suarez has appealed the technical decision loss to Emanuel Navarrete last Saturday night and the hearing is on agenda for June 2 commission meeting. Meanwhile, Bob Arum tells me he would like to do the immediate rematch in October in Manila to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila, Ali-Fraizer 3, which he also promoted  Top Rank/Golden Boy/Zanfer made deal, avoid purse bid for vacant WBO junior middleweight title bout between Xander Zayas and Jorge Garcia. Dan's reporting is it is likely going to be July 26 at TBA. And, this would be on final Top Rank/ESPN card as their contract expires July 31. Hall of Famer Holly Holm has signed with MVP and is coming back to boxing for first time since 2013 (she went UFC and became a champion) to fight Yolanda Vega, who also signed with MVP, on Jake Paul-Chavez PPV on June 28.  NostalgiaMay 14, 2005 — 20 years ago on Wednesday – Winky Wright W12 Felix Trinidad domination. Big Dan was ringside andMay 15, 2044 -- 21 years ago Thursday – in the light heavyweight title rematch Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver KO2 Roy Jones in gargantuan shocker. WATCH these famous fight recaps on our BFW Youtube page here: https://www.youtube.com/@bigfightweekend9132And, make sure to be following/subscribed to our pod content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Although it's a lighter weekend of action, there are a couple of solid contender main events and we've aslo got some interesting fight news and more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all.They begin with the preview of the Matchroom/DAZN main event Saturday in LondonJohnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen, rematch in a 10 round heavyweight battle. Will Fisher step up this time and decisively win over the veteran Allen? Also, they preview the 360 Promotions/UFC Fight Pass main event in Commerce, Calif.Contender Serhii Bohachuk meets. Mykel Fox, who's stepping up to junior middleweight in the main event. Bohachuk wants to get in the 154 lb. title picture with a big win. Can the crafty, southpaw Fox create problems? News Wait, the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford mega-fight, announced for September 12th for  Las Vegas isn't going to be on that date and maybe, not in Vegas?? Dan isn't so sure. The guys go over it. Also, the presser on Thursday in NYC for Turki Alashikh's July 12 Ring mag / DAZN PPV that will take place at Louis Armstrong Stadium tennis stadium in Queens, NY. Plenty of talk between Shakur Stevenson and top contender William Zepeda along with Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz at the presser.  And, Turki tells Dan he is unsure, if he will proceed with Garcia-Haney 2 right away and may look to get Garcia another fight first. Next, the California commission says Charli Suarez has appealed the technical decision loss to Emanuel Navarrete last Saturday night and the hearing is on agenda for June 2 commission meeting. Meanwhile, Bob Arum tells me he would like to do the immediate rematch in October in Manila to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila, Ali-Fraizer 3, which he also promoted  Top Rank/Golden Boy/Zanfer made deal, avoid purse bid for vacant WBO junior middleweight title bout between Xander Zayas and Jorge Garcia. Dan's reporting is it is likely going to be July 26 at TBA. And, this would be on final Top Rank/ESPN card as their contract expires July 31. Hall of Famer Holly Holm has signed with MVP and is coming back to boxing for first time since 2013 (she went UFC and became a champion) to fight Yolanda Vega, who also signed with MVP, on Jake Paul-Chavez PPV on June 28.  NostalgiaMay 14, 2005 — 20 years ago on Wednesday – Winky Wright W12 Felix Trinidad domination. Big Dan was ringside andMay 15, 2044 -- 21 years ago Thursday – in the light heavyweight title rematch Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver KO2 Roy Jones in gargantuan shocker. WATCH these famous fight recaps on our BFW Youtube page here: https://www.youtube.com/@bigfightweekend9132And, make sure to be following/subscribed to our pod content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Some controversy in San Diego, another big showing for Anthony Cacace in the U.K. and a tremendous under the radar Japanese title fight Sunday were all part of the weekend for us to go over on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack to talk it all.They Recap the Top Rank / ESPN show Saturday in San DiegoEmanuel Navarrete wins a Tech Decision over Charly Suarez and retains the WBO junior lightweight title. But, was it a punch or a butt that caused the Navarrete cut that stopped the fight. And, will this verdict be overturned by the California commission now? The boys go in detail about it and their opinions on what should be done?In the co-feature, Raymond Muratalla decisioned Zaur Abdullaev and wins vacant IBF interim lightweight title. What's next... Loma?? Then, a recap from the Queensberry DAZN main event Saturday in Nottingham, EnglandAnthony Cacace again gets an impressive with a TKO9 over hometown fave Leigh Wood. Third staight significant win for Cacace and was it the end for the popular Wood?A brief recap of the ProBox main event Saturday in Kissimmee, Fla. as Erickson Lubin TKO11 against Ardreal Holmes in an IBF junior middleweight eliminator. Not a thrilling fight, but Lubin helps himself with the win. Finally, the boys recap the main event in Tokyo on Sunday morning USA time, as Fernando  "Puma" Martinez wins another action packed decision with Kazuto Ioka in their rematch. And, Martinez, who got off the canvas late, retains WBA junior bantamweight title. Then, some NewsDan is reporting on plans in works for Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez to return this Summer ahead of a probable junior bantamweight title shot. Chocolatito is No. 1 in the WBO, WBC and WBA rankings.And, if the Pacquiao-Barrios happens for July 19. It will have not only the Fundora-Tszyu 2 junior middleweight rematch, but also a possible for undercard so is Pitbull Cruz vs. Angel Fierro 2, as well.Nostalgia (Go to our BFW Youtube page for:May 12, 2001 – 24 years ago on Monday – Felix Trinidad TKO5 William Joppy to win the WBA middleweight title in the Don King's and HBO's middleweight tournament semis. Dan was ringside for top 2-3 atmospheres he's ever been in. MSG was on fire inside and outside that night. Incredible memories!Go WATCH here:  https://www.youtube.com/@bigfightweekend9132/featuredAnd make sure to follow/subscribe to this podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify! 

Some controversy in San Diego, another big showing for Anthony Cacace in the U.K. and a tremendous under the radar Japanese title fight Sunday were all part of the weekend for us to go over on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack to talk it all.They Recap the Top Rank / ESPN show Saturday in San DiegoEmanuel Navarrete wins a Tech Decision over Charly Suarez and retains the WBO junior lightweight title. But, was it a punch or a butt that caused the Navarrete cut that stopped the fight. And, will this verdict be overturned by the California commission now? The boys go in detail about it and their opinions on what should be done?In the co-feature, Raymond Muratalla decisioned Zaur Abdullaev and wins vacant IBF interim lightweight title. What's next... Loma?? Then, a recap from the Queensberry DAZN main event Saturday in Nottingham, EnglandAnthony Cacace again gets an impressive with a TKO9 over hometown fave Leigh Wood. Third staight significant win for Cacace and was it the end for the popular Wood?A brief recap of the ProBox main event Saturday in Kissimmee, Fla. as Erickson Lubin TKO11 against Ardreal Holmes in an IBF junior middleweight eliminator. Not a thrilling fight, but Lubin helps himself with the win. Finally, the boys recap the main event in Tokyo on Sunday morning USA time, as Fernando  "Puma" Martinez wins another action packed decision with Kazuto Ioka in their rematch. And, Martinez, who got off the canvas late, retains WBA junior bantamweight title. Then, some NewsDan is reporting on plans in works for Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez to return this Summer ahead of a probable junior bantamweight title shot. Chocolatito is No. 1 in the WBO, WBC and WBA rankings.And, if the Pacquiao-Barrios happens for July 19. It will have not only the Fundora-Tszyu 2 junior middleweight rematch, but also a possible for undercard so is Pitbull Cruz vs. Angel Fierro 2, as well.Nostalgia (Go to our BFW Youtube page for:May 12, 2001 – 24 years ago on Monday – Felix Trinidad TKO5 William Joppy to win the WBA middleweight title in the Don King's and HBO's middleweight tournament semis. Dan was ringside for top 2-3 atmospheres he's ever been in. MSG was on fire inside and outside that night. Incredible memories!Go WATCH here:  https://www.youtube.com/@bigfightweekend9132/featuredAnd make sure to follow/subscribe to this podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify! 

We get ready for a wekkend with action all over the globe- from San Diego, CA to Nottingham, England and then, back over to Tokyo, Japan and we're ready to go over it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael for their takes and insight.They begin with the preview of the Top Rank ESPN card Saturday in San DiegoMexican star Emanuel Navarrete returns against unbeaten but largely unknown Charly Suarez for Navarrete's WBO junior lightweight title and in the co-feature unbeaten Raymond Muratalla takes on Zaur Abdullaev for the vacant IBF interim lightweight title. The boys discuss both.Earlier Saturday, U.S. time, the Queensberry DAZN main event from Nottingham, England sees Anthony Cacace battle Leigh Wood in a junior lightweight showdown of popular prominent fighters in the U.K. There's a brief preview of the ProBox TV card Saturday in Kissimmee, Fla.  as Erickson Lubin returns with Ardreal Holmes in an IBF junior middleweight eliminator  And, much more interesting a preview of the Sunday fight in Tokyo (Sunday a.m. in U.S.) with Fernando "Puma" Martinez rematching Kazuto Ioka, for Martinez's WBA junior bantamweight title. Get all the takes and opinions on these matchups. Then, some NewsDan has more on the likely July 19th return of now 46 year old Manny Pacquiao to meet WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios. #WhatAreWeDoingHereDan is further reporting that Canelo-Crawford likely will be on Netflix - not PPV for Friday night Sept. 12th and explains more about it.And, they talk briefly on the announcement that Claressa Shields will defend the women's undisputed heavyweight title vs. IBF light heavy titlist Lani Daniels on July 26 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on DAZNNostalgiaMay 8, 2004 – 21 years ago on Thursday – Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez battle to a draw in the first fight of their epic four-fight series. Was for Marquez's IBF and Manny's lineal featherweight titles and Dan was there in Las Vegas.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!Also, if you did not WATCH it. Go see our great recap of Diego Corrales-Jose Luis Castillo I from 20 years ago in Vegas on our Youtube page on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7k-7TbU0Jo

iFLTV's Andrew McCart caught up with American sports writer Dan Rafael to get his thoughts this past weekends fights, feels sorry for Turki Alalshikh, slams Devin Haney & William Scull performances, Canelo vs Terence Crawford, Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a CRAZY weekend of fights that thankfully saved the best for last as "The Monster" Naoya Inoue had to get off the canvas himself to rally and score a Sunday night KO. We are ready to go over his win and the upset of Ryan Garcia and a lackluster Canelo performance in Saudi Arabia on the latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap podcast!Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all.They start with Inoue's dramatics in Las Vegas defeating little known Ramon Cardenas to retain the four undisputed 122 lb. belts. WOW. What a fight and it saved a lackluster weekend. Dan and T.J. have thoughts on that and the Rafael Espinoza title win at featherweight in the co-feature.Then, they back up to recap Friday's Ring / Times Square DAZN PPVRolando Romero upsets Ryan Garcia by decision and wins his biggest fight to date. What happened to Garcia?And while Devin Haney won in 12 over Jose Ramirez, he looked shaky too. Now, he's still supposed to fight Garcia in a arematch next??Meantime, Teofimo Lopez looked solid and beat Arnold Barboza, to keep his lineal/WBO 140 lb titleThen to Saturday's Riyadh Season DAZN PPV in Saudi Arabia, as Canelo Alvarez beat William Scull and again, becomes undisputed at 168 lb. But, this was far from a great performance with Scull running all fight long. Concerns from Dan on Canelo?The guys discuss Canelo-Crawford announced for Sept.12 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. And go over the undercard with Badou Jack and Jaime Munguia winning. However a disgusting draw for heavyweight Efe Ajagba in a fight he clearly won with Martin Bakole.We have News:Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia says he will have elbow surgery and will be sidelined 6-8 weeks. Fury fight now significantly delayed.  And, as expected, the WBO stripped Sebastian Fundora of its junior middleweight world title on Thursday for failing to comply with its order of a mandatory defense against Xander Zayas. What's next for Zayas?Nostalgia May 5, 2007 – 18 years ago on Monday – Mayweather W12 Oscar biggest money fight in history to that point. Rafael ringside. We have taped it.  May 7, 2005 – 20 years ago Wednesday – greatest fight ever Corrales TKO10 Castillo to unify lightweight titles. Rafael ringside. Hear it all as part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

A HUGE weekend of action to go over from NYC to Saudi Arabia and back to Las Vegas with massive names headlining and we'll go over it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are ready to mix it up and analze the rare three fight nights in a row to start the month of MayThe begin with the preview of Friday Turki Alashikh/DAZN PPV in New York's Times SquareRyan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero, for vacant WBA “regular” welterweight titleDevin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez, welterweightsTeofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza, for Lopez's lineal/WBO junior welterweight title Next, in order, a preview of the Saturday Riyadh Season / DAZN PPV in Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCanelo Alvarez vs. William Scull, 12 rounds, WBC/WBO/WBA/IBF super middleweight unificationBadou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelian, 12 rounds, for Jack's WBC cruiserweight titleBruno Surace vs. Jaime Munguia, rematch, 12 rounds, super middleweightsEfe Ajagba vs. Martin Bakole, 10 rounds, heavyweights And finally, another preview for the Sunday Top Rank/ ESPN card in Las VegasNaoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas, 12 rounds, for Inoue's undisputed junior featherweight titleRafael Espinoza vs. Edward Vazquez, 12 rounds, for Espinoza's WBO featherweight title Then, some News:Change of PBC summer plans: Out Tim Tszyu-Keith Thurman and Sebastian Funora-Xander Zayas, In Fundora-Tszyu rematch, as Fundora will vacate WBO title and Zayas will fight for the vacant title. Dan goes over why?Former WBC heavyweight champ Tyson Fury posts social media video with SugarHill Steward that basically says he is ending his his retirement. We all knew that he was trying to fight Anthony Joshua this Summer all along.Meanwhile, heavyweight Jarrell Miller is out of a Fabio Wardley fight with supposed shoulder injury, Queensberry finalizing paperwork with replacement Justis Huni of Australia per Dan's reporting.And, Matchroom and DAZN make four events official: --May 28 in Yokohama, Japan, Eduardo Nunez vs. Masanori Rikiihsi, for vacant IBF junior lightweight title--May 30: Guadalajara, Mexico, Manuel Gallegos vs. Khalil Coe, rematch, light heavyweights--June 14: New York, Richardson Hitchins vs. George Kambosos, for Hitchins' IBF jr welterweight--July 19: Frisco, Texas, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs. Phumelele Cafu, WBC/WBO junior bantamweight unification and Diego Pacheco vs. Trevor McCumby, super middleweights Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to get all of our pod content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify and find our video content on Youtube/Big Fight Weekend! 

Canelo Alvarez gets set to make his 2025 ring debut in a new place for him, Saudi Arabia. And, before his super middleweight title fight, he's here to discuss why it's there and more with our insider Dan Rafael on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"Canelo talks why he did the multi-fight deal with Turki Alashikh and the Saudi Entertainment Authority and will fight in the Middle East for the first time in Riyadh early Sunday a.m. there time. Alvarez will take on little known/newly crowned IBF 168 lb. champ William Scull in a bid to be the undisputed champ for the second time.Hear the full conversation as part of this podcast feed and make sure to follow/subscribe for all the content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc! 

We are ready to go with the recap of what may end up being the Fight of the Year for 2025, as Chris Eubank Jr. outslugged Conor Benn in their London main event Saturday night. Plus, you'll hear from one of the active legends of the sport, Canelo Alvarez as he readies to return to the ring this weekend in Saudi Arabia. It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns to break it down with insider Dan Rafael of the Fight Freaks Unite Substack and NewsletterThey begin with Saturday's DAZN PPV in Londonas Eubank Jr. and Benn waged such a great battle that reminded of their father's two fights in the early 1990's. The guys go over it all and will we see it again later this Fall.Also, the rest of the undercard is reviewed including:Light heavyweight Anthony Yarde decisioning Lyndon Arthur in their third fight (Yarde now 2-1). What's next for Yarde?Middleweight Aaron McKenna gets the best "named win" over his career yet by beating vetern Liam Smith by decision. And  Cruiserweights Viddal Riley and Chris Billam-Smith were also victorious. Then, hear CANELO in his own words with Big Dan before he headlines on Saturday's PPV vs. IBF 168 titlist William Scull for the undisputed title. Canelo has lot to detail about why he did the multi-fight deal with Turki Alishikh etc. Next, some newsSunday it was announced that Oleksandr Usyk will fight Daniel Dubois in a rematch for undisputed heavyweight title as deal is done for July 19 at Wembley Stadium. We have the latest. And, Top Rank announces WBO welterweight titlist Brian Norman Jr. is in fact headed to Japan to make his second defense vs. Jin Sasaki on June 19 (ESPN+ in the U.S) at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo.Nostalgia -- for more on:April 29, 2017 – 8 years ago on Tuesday – Anthony Joshua TKO11 Wladimir Klitschko to retain IBF and win vacant WBA heavyweight title at Wembley with Dan at ringside for that awesome scene.April 29, 2000 – 25 years ago on Tuesday – Lennox Lewis KO2 Michael Grant to retain the linea/WBC/IBF heavyweight title. Dan's ringside for first ever live fight coverage as the USA Today fulltime national writer.Go watch those nostalgia videos on our Big Fight Weekend youtube page here: https://www.youtube.com/@bigfightweekend9132/featuredAnd, make sure to follow and subscribe to this podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We are ready for a classic, British "grudge match" that is over two years in the making, as host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"They start with a preview of Saturday's Turki Alahiikh/DAZN card in LondonRivals Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr., finally meet after an over two year delay due to Benn failing a PED test prior to their 2022 bout. Will we see fireworks like the elder Eubank battling the elder Benn in the early 1990s?? The guys discuss.It's a solid undercard with veteran Liam Smith meeting unbeaten but untested Aaron McKenna in a  middleweight showdown.Also, Anthony Yarde takes on Lyndon Arthur in their third fight, as the light heavyweights have split their two meetings. The winner stays relevant in the contender picture, too.Alos, former WBO cruiser weight champ Chris Billam-Smith is back on this show.Then, some NewsDan is reporting on Tank Davis-Lamont Roach 2, which was penciled in for June 21 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will still take place but will move into July or August. Also, Dan has learned that Top Rank and PBC have an agreement to put on WBC junior lightweight titlist O'Shaquie Foster defending against WBC featherweight titlist Steven Fulton that isn't signed yet, but there's a plan to have it as the Tank-Roach 2 co-feature assuming it gets finalized.  The IBF officially ordered the Daniel Dubois heavyweight mandatory vs. Derek Chisora. But, Dubois can get out of for the next fight if the Oleksandr Usyk unification is finalized before the purse bid is ordered.  Comically, the WBA outlined its welterweight title situation – approved (as fully expected) Ryan Garcia-Rolando Romero for the vacant “regular” title on May 2. Jaron Ennis, now the “super” champion, ordered to fight mandatory Shakhram Giyasov next. WBA said Ennis-Giyasov winner will be mandated to face the Garcia-Romero winner (but highly unlikely next since it's going to be Garcia-Devin Haney II in the fall if they win May 2).  Finally, Dan is also reporting that Top Rank and Ohashi Promotions are discussions WBO welterweight titlist Brian Norman vs. Japanese contender Jin Sasaki in Japan or might the Ennis unification still happen?Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/ Spreaker/Spotify.And, SEE our nostalgia fights for this weekend on the Big Fight Weekend Youtube page, as well!