Big Fight Weekend Boxing Podcast

It was another busy fight weekend primarily with the Ring/Netflix show in London but in other parts of the globe, as well. And, we go over it all on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back with their takes and insight.First up is the recap of the Saturday Ring magazine Netflix card in LondonHeavyweight Tyson Fury W12 Arslanbek Makhmudov – Fury gets the expected win in his first fight in almost a year and a half. But, more interesting was the back and forth with with Anthony Joshua afterwards and will they fight next/soon?Then, a recap of the junior middleweight co-feature Conor Benn decisions Regis Prograis over 10 rounds. Benn had some adversity with cuts and Prograis landing some on him too. But, he wins easily, so now, what's next at welterweight?Also, Heavyweight Richard Riakporhe TKO5 Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva, and wins British title Heavyweight.Plus, Justis Huni W10 Frazer Clarke. A good win, but a legal mess with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, too.Then, a Recap of the Saturday Teiken Boxing main event in TokyoBantamweight Tenshin Nasukawa TKO9 Juan Francisco Estrada, WBC final eliminator. Nasukawa wins and is it time for Estrada to hang'em up? And, a recap of Thursday Eye of the Tiger DAZN main event in MontrealSuper middleweight Osleys Iglesias TKO8 Pavel Silyagin, wins vacant IBF title. Big Dan is high on Iglesias and his potential. Next, some newsJunior middleweight contender Brandon Adams collapsed on Friday, was taken to the hospital, and his IBF title elimination fight against unbeaten Caoimhin Agyarko on Saturday was canceled. We have the latest on Adams.Next, the IRS has filed a $7.3 million lien against Floyd Mayweather for unpaid taxes in the years 2018 and 2023. Obviously, not good for Mayweather at this point.Future hall of famer Canelo Alvarez, while recovering from elbow surgery that will keep him out until September, has enrolled in college at San Diego University for Integrative Studies, he announced on Instagram. Canelo taking classes?! We have more.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to rate and review us and follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We are back and ready to go with a large show involving arguably the two biggest names in British boxing on the same show + some world title fights being made and more 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 to over it all.They start with the preview of the Saturday Ring magazine/Netflix card at Tottemham Hotspur Stadium in LondonTyson Fury returns vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov, 12 rounds, heavyweights. What does "The Gypsy King" really have left? Can Makhmudov test him at all? Then, the co-feature, Conor Benn battles Regis Prograis, 10 rounds, junior middleweights. Benn leaves Matchroom Boxing and this fight is leading to bigger things later in 2026. And two heavyweights fights- Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva vs. Richard Riakporhe, 12 rounds, for Tshikeva’s British heavyweight title and Justis Huni vs. Frazer Clarke, 10 rounds, heavyweights  Next a preview of the DMG PPV main event Saturday at Cosmoplotan of Las VegasBrandon Adams meets Caoimhin Agyarko, 12 rounds, IBF junior middleweight eliminator. Is there much here? Dan gives his take.j And, also a preview of Teiken Promotions Japan card Saturday early morning US time on DAZNFuture hall of famer Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Tenshin Nasukawa, 12 rounds, WBC bantamweight final eliminator Then, some newsAbdullah Mason will make his first WBO lightweight title defense against former junior lightweight titleholder Joe Cordina in the main event of a Top Rank card on July 4 on DAZN in Mason’s hometown of Cleveland, per sourcesIt will headline the 1st event that will also air on TNT as part of a deal between DAZN and TNT announced on Wednesday. We have more details.IBF 140 lb. titlist Richardson Hitchins and super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga sign with Zuffa Boxing, as does heavyweight Otto Wallin. Will Hitchins in particular make his mandatory defense against Lindolfo Delgado or not on a Zuffa card?Next, we have Injury updates on Deontay Wilder and Tim Tszyu following their Saturday bouts from Dan. And also, WBO interim light heavyweight titlist Callum Smith has suffered an injury and his mandatory defense against David Morrell scheduled to headline a Matchroom Boxing card on April 18 (DAZN) at M&S Bank Arena in Smith’s hometown of Liverpool, England, is off. The card will go forward with Ben Whittaker’s 10-rounder against Braian Suarez, the original co-feature, will now headline. And, O’Shaquie Foster will defend the WBC junior lightweight title against Raymond Ford in the main event of a Matchroom Boxing card on May 30 (DAZN) in the Houston area. While, unified women’s featherweight champion Amanda Serrano will defend against Cheyenne Hanson in the co-feature of MVPW-03 headlined by the rematch between WBA women’s lightweight titlist Stephanie Hand and Holly Holm also on May 30 (ESPN, ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET) at El Paso County Coliseum in Han’s hometown of El Paso, Texas, Most Valuable Promotions announced along with additional undercard fights.It's all on this edition of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to rate and review us on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are off the weekend that has seen a heavyweight showdown in England that was long on sloppy, big punching and also Tim Tszyu's Aussie return. And, we go over it all on the 'Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with Insider Dan Rafael of the Fight Freaks Unite Substack and NewsletterFirst they recap Saturday’s MF Pro DAZN PPV in LondonDeontay Wilder W12 Derek Chisora. This fight appealed to Big Dan and he talks why. Plus,Viddal Riley W12 Mateusz Masternak, IBF cruiser eliminator and wins European title. And, Denzel Bentley TKO7 Endry Saavedra, wins vacant WBO interim middleweight crown.Next, a recap of Saturday’s No Limit/PBC on Prime Video card at Wollongong, AustraliaTim Tszyu W10 Denis Nurja (157 pounds). Tszyu looked good and his Errol Spence going to be next?And, Sam Goodman W12 Rodrigo Ruiz, in an IBF junior featherweight eliminator. Also, a recap of Sunday’s MVP ESPN+ cardLightweight Caroline Dubois W10 Terri Harper, and unifies WBC/WBO women’s titlesJunior featherweight Ellie Scotney W10 Mayelli Flores, unifies all four to become women’s undisputed Junior middleweight Chantelle Cameron W10 Michaela Kotaskova, wins vacant WBO title, Mayer next   Another Recap Friday’s Treasure Boxing main event in TokyoJunior flyweight Rene Santiago W12 Masataka Taniguchi, retains the WBO/WBA titles.Recap Friday’s Matchroom Boxing on DAZN in Altrincham, England Cruiserweight Pat Brown a prospect TKO8 Vasil DucarJunior middleweight William Crolla KO7 Glenn Byrne  in a WILD FIGHT! WithCrolla down four times, but,rallies for a KO of the year contender! NewsTurki Alashikh announces full Oleksandr Usyk- Rico Verhoeven heavyweight title fight undercard. Dan has the details.Per sources,Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright headlines first Top Rank DAZN card May 16 in Norfolk, VA. The guys discuss. Per sources to Dan, June 20 is the date in the works for the vacant WBC lightweight title fight between William Zepeda and Lamont Roach Jr.And, Zuffa Boxing has announced their latest card for May and Dan has more on the main event.It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are back in a new month with more intriguing action from England to Australia and we're ready to preview it and go over some fight news and more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter go over it all.They start with the preview of Saturday’s MF Pro/DAZN card at London’s O2 ArenaDeontay Wilder vs. Derek Chisora, 12 rounds, heavyweights. Do either of them have anything left. Will we get a big brawl from these older veterans that cannot get out of the way? There are takes.On the undercard Poland's Mateusz Masternak vs. Viddal Riley, 12 rounds, IBF cruiserweight eliminator and for Masternak’s European title. Plus, British star Denzel Bentley vs. Endry Saavedra, 12 rounds, for vacant WBO interim middleweight title.Next, preview Saturday night’s No Limit PBC on Prime Video in Wollongong, AustraliaTim Tszyu vs. Denis Nurja, 10 rounds, middleweights. Tszyu spoke with Dan earlier in the week and now risks a future fight with Errol Spence that will pay him much more wih this one. Preview MVP’s Sunday ESPN+ card in LononCaroline Dubois vs. Terri Harper, 10 rounds, WBC/WBO women’s lightweight unification. Should be a highly entertaining bout with Dubois on the rise.   NewsXander Zayas set to defend unified 154 titles against Jaron 'Boots' Ennis on June 27 at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on DAZN PPV, it was announced Monday. This has a lot of intrigue.Next, the negotiations for a May 30th unification fight between WBO welterweight titlist Devin Haney and WBA titleholder Rolando Romero have fallen through.... SHOCKER, unless it's not. Now, what for Haney?Also, rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma is supposed to be back in action in July in England but after that Frank Warren told Dan that the plan is to bring him to fight in the U.S. in September. Let’s hear it for actvitiy!  And, the IBA looking to put on Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev III, but that will be late this year at the earliest. They discuss.And, per Dan's sources, welterweight contenders Shakhram Giyasov and Jack Catterall have reached an agreement to meet for the vacant WBA “regular” welterweight title on the undercard of lineal and unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk’s defense against Rico Verhoeven on May 23 (DAZN PPV) at the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt.We go over it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

One of the premier fighters at 154 lb., Tim Tszyu, is returning to the ring this weekend, but first he's with our insider Dan Rafael on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"Tszyu, who faces unbeaten Denis Nurja on Prime Video on April 4th U.S. time (April 5th in Tszyu’s home country of Australia) looks to set up a likely summer fight against Errol Spence. He and Dan discussed plenty: his stoppage loss to Sebastian Fundora in their rematch last July; why, after having fought in December, he is risking the Spence fight with a tune-up now? Plus, what are his thoughts on working with new trainer Pedro Diaz in Miami and ultimately, his thoughts on the potential Spence fight and more.It's all part of our "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" on this feed and make sure to follow/subscirbe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

We're back off a weekend that has seen a championship thumping in Vegas and a British heavyweight rising star scores another big KO. And, we're ready to break it all down on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Show!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter give their insight and analysis.First a recap of Saturday’s PBC on Prime Video PPVJunior middleweight Sebastian Fundora TKO6 Keith Thurman, retains WBC title. It was a beatiing that Keith Thurman didn't agree with, but everyone else thought was correct. We discuss. In the co-featurejunior middleweight Yoenis Tellez W10 Brian Mendoza. Tellez could be next for Fundora? Pluls, more on middleweight Yoenli Hernandez TKO4 Terrell Gausha and heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan TKO5 Cesar Navarro. Next a recap Saturday’s Queensberry DAZN main event in Manchester, England (DAZN)Heavyweight Moses Itauma continues a roll with a KO5 of veteran of Jermaine Franklin. We discuss his rise and does he get a title shot soon?Then, some newsManny Pacquiao-Ruslan Provodnikov exhibition for April 18th postponed and now, Floyd Mayweather claims the fight he signed to rematch Manny won’t be an official fight?! And, he says it might not be at the Sphere!!? What are we doing here?!Per Dan's reporting, the fight between lineal and unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert will top an RCC Promotions card in Ekaterinburg, Russia, in May, and won’t be on the Oleksandr Usyk card in Egypt.  And, the guys spend some time contemplating the 60th anniversary of Bob Arum promoting his first fight on March 29th, 1966 and he's still going strong now, at 94 years old! 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 wtih a championship PPV showdown in Las Vegas, a heavyweight rising star in Manchester, England and a former world champion joins us in conversation on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all.First they talk the Saturday "PBC on Prime PPV" in Las VegasSebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman, 12 rounds, for Fundora’s WBC junior middleweight title. Fundora with the massive height and reach, but the veteran Thurman could pose a threat. On the undercard Yoenis Tellez vs. Brian Mendoza, 10 rounds, junior middleweights and Yoenli Hernandez vs. Terrell Gausha, 10 rounds, middleweights. Plus, we have big Gurgen Hovhannisyan vs. Cesar Navarro, 10 rounds, heavyweights  Then, Saturday's Queensberry main event on DAZN in ManchesterUnbeaten Moses Itauma vs. Jermaine Franklin, 10 rounds, heavyweights. Dan is intrigued as this is the first "real guy" Itauma is in with in his 2026 debut. Then it's Tim Tszyu in an interview with DanTszyu fights Denis Nurja in a 10-rounder at 157 live on Prime Video on April 4 US prime time (April 5 in Wollongong, Australia) looking to set up planned summer Errol Spnece Jr. fight. Hear them discuss why Tszyu wants to risk the bigger payday fighting this bout in his homeland? Next, Some NEWSGolden Boy Promotions and DAZN announce a new multi-year rights deal after a very long negotiation. Dan's sources tell him it’s a 2-year deal with option language for an extension. They discuss what it could mean, pricewise, for fans paying for DAZN, too.Some good news- Isis Sio, 19-year-old the novice female junior flyweight who was  brutally knocked out on Saturday night, is out of a medically induced coma and has been almost miraculously been released from the hospital just days later.On Tuesday, the U.S. House in voice vote (massively bipartisan) passed the Zuffa Boxing-based "Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act." Soon a Senate vote will come before it would go the president’s desk to be signed into law. Oscar De La Hoya says he will be in Washington speaking with Senators hoping to stop it. We have more.Also, the IBF announced it has formally stripped Jai Opetaia of its cruiserweight title 2 weeks after it withdrew sanction of his March 8 bout vs. Brandon Glanton on the Zuffa Boxing card. This story is far from over, however.IBF featherweight titleholder Angelo Leo will take on mandatory challenger Ra’eese Aleem on May 9 (DAZN) on a Salita Promotions card at Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta. We have the details.And, off his win last Saturday, WBC middleweight titleholder Carlos Adames indicated on social media that he is moving up to super middleweight following his rout of Austin Williams last Saturday. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We're back off an entertaining weekend of action, as the WBC middleweight crown was on the line in Orlando, FL, an interim super middleweight title fight in California and was it the end for a featherweight big name contender in Ireland? We go over it all on the latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to give their takes.First, a recap of Saturday’s Matchroom DAZN card in Orlando, FloridaMiddleweight Carlos Adames dominates Austin "Ammo" Williams over 12 rounds and retains the WBC title, Now, what's next?Also on the card, junior middleweight Omari Jones was impressive in a decision over Christian Gomez and Heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana KOs Curtis Harper with one shot. Dan has more on both.Then, a recap of Saturday’s ProBoxTV card in San Bernardino, CaliforniaSuper middleweight Lester Martinez wins easily too over 12 rounds over Immanuwel Aleem, andwins the "vacant" interim WBC 168 lb. Now, do we get a rematch with Christian Mbilli?Plus, Dan's No. 7 prospect, featherweight Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez smashes Brandon Chambers in the first. BIG future for Chop Chop.And, a recap of Friday’s MF Pro main event on DAZN in Belfast, Northern IrelandFeatherweight Kevin Walsh of Massachuesetts gets a controversial split over home country favorite Michael Conlan, And, Conlan announces retirement after fight. Then, Some newsNegotiations are going on for WBO/WBA junior middleweight titleholder Xander Zayas to defend against WBA interim titlist Jaron “Boots” Ennis in a fight targeted for June now that Vergil Ortiz-Ennis talks are dead for now. We like this.... if it happens. There are reports that Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN will announce a new contract in the coming days. Oscar is hinting at it and what does this mean for the DAZN subscription price rising, too?Dan is reporting on plans for new WBC welterweight titlist Ryan Garcia make his first defense headlining a Ring magazine card in mid-July.  Dan has more on Garcia's hand injury.And, light heavyweight up-and-comer Ben Whittaker, the flashy 2020 British Olympic silver medalist many tab for surefire stardom, will be back for his second fight with Matchroom on the undercard of WBO interim light heavyweight titlist Callum Smith’s first defense against David Morrell on April 18 (DAZN) at M&S Bank Arena in Smith’s hometown of Liverpool, England.It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are back for a weekend that has compelling title fights in Orlando and California and we have lots of fight news to go over, too, 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 allFirst a preview of the Saturday Matchroom DAZN card in Orlando, FloridaCarlos Adames vs. Austin Williams, 12 rounds, for Adames’ WBC middleweight title. Adames had problems making weight two months ago to postpone this one. And, "Ammo" Williams can fight. We have some analysis.Also, former Olympian Omari Jones vs. Christian Gomez, 8 rounds, junior middleweights. And massive Teremoana Teremoana vs. Curtis Harper, 8 rounds, heavyweights. We have more on those two bouts.Then, a preview of Saturday's ProBoxTV main event in San Bernardino, CaliforniaLester Martinez vs. Immanuwel Aleem, for vacant WBC interim super middleweight title. Martinez is an action fighter looking to move up in the status in 168 lb. ranks.Some News Top Rank back in business. Press conference was on Wednesday at New York’s Madison Square Garden to announce their multi-year deal with DAZN. We have more on some of the specifics and does it mean that another prominent promotion, Golden Boy, is now out in the cold with DAZN?Next, WBC junior welterweight titlist Dalton Smith and former titleholder and mandatory challenger Alberto Puello two weeks after their mandatory was ordered have a deal. Paperwork being finalized for June 6th in a Matchroom Boxing headlined in Smith’s hometown of Sheffield, England. Dan has more.With Frank Sanchez-Richard Torrez Jr. IBF heavyweight eliminator postponed, PBC made some changes to the Sebastian Fundora-Keith Thurman PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view card on March 28: New co-feature is a junior middleweight fight between former interim titleholders Yoenis Tellez and Brian Mendoza.-- Middleweight bout between Yoenli Hernandez Terrell Gausha intact --New PPV opener: 10-round heavyweight fight between promising Gurgen Hovhannisyan and Cesar Navarro-- Super middleweight fight between Elijah Garcia and Kevin Newman II was the opener but now will be the final bout of the free prelims on Prime Video.Also, PBC officially announces David Benavidez-Zurdo Ramirez PPV undercard on May 2: WBA super mddleweight titlist Armando Reséndiz defends vs. Jaime Munguía Junior welterweight Oscar Duarte vs. Angel Fierro Junior middleweight Isaac Lucero vs. Alan Sandoval  And, back to Top Rank, which has promoted heavyweight Jared Anderson for his entire career, is in talks with Queensberry Promotions about a co-promotional deal, that could start with his appearance the Wardley-Dubois card May 9th. Dan has more on why this move and they discuss is Anderson still motivated to be a a great fighter or not?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 March 28th in Las Vegas, former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman will challenge WBC junior middleweight champ Sebastian Fundora in an intriguing "PBC on Prime" PPV main event.But before we get to that fight week, hear "One Time" with our insider Dan Rafael in a one on one conversation.Can Thurman recapture his championship form of the 2010's despite a series of long layoffs that have him having fought only twice since 2019? His only career loss is to future hall of famer Manny Pacquiao and he did demonstrate somethig by going to Australia and getting a KO of Brock Jarvis.Also, what about the imposing height and reach of the champion Fundora in this matchup?Thurman always has something to say on any and all subjects, and he doesn't disappoint here on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast." And, make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We ready for an action packed weekend of championship action from Ireland to Southern California on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return for their insight and takes.First, they preview the Golden Boy DAZN card Saturday night in Anaheim, CaliforniaWelterweight Arnold Barboza meets Kenneth Sims in a 12 round contender main event. Both are looking to stay in contention in the division.Also, WBO/WBA strawweight champion Oscar Collazo defends against Jesus Haro. Welterweight Alexis Rocha looks to get back on the winning track vs. veteran Jo Jo Diaz, and  undisputed women’s flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora meets her mandatory challenger Viviana Ruiz Corredor. Then, a preview of the Queensberry DAZN main event on Saturday in Dublin, IrelandJames "Jazza" Dickens battles former world champ. Anthony Cacace, 12 rounds, for Dickens’ WBA junior lightweight title. This will be a rockiing atmosphere for two hard hitting 130 lb. fighters. Some newsJai Opetaia team has sent legal letters to various industry folks demanding records preservation ahead of a possible lawsuit against the IBF by he and Zuffa Boxing claiming “that the IBF's abrupt decision to withdraw was the product of coordinated, industry-wide collusion designed to punish him for working with Zuffa and to deter other athletes from doing the same.”Big Dan was texted the letter from a numbe he did not know and I know at least one other boxing writer it was also sent to. It's CRAZY and he has more! Per sources, negotiations are ongoing for a fight between former lightweight titlist Gervonta Davis and WBC interim junior welterweight titlist Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz to meet in a rematch that would headline a PBC on Prime PPV this summer while Davis’ court case winds it way through the Florida legal system. The boys discuss.Dan is also reporting, lineal and unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert have a  deal. The purse bid scheduled for this past Tuesday was cancdeled and the fight is supposed to be added to the Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven Ring magazine undercard on May 23 outdoors at the Pyramids of Giza in Giza, Egypt.Bivol's manager Vadim Kornilov also told Dan about Bivol’s “hit list” for his next three fights.  Heavyweight contender Frank Sanchez is dealing with inflammation in his surgically repaired knee, which forced him on Wednesday to postpone his IBF title eliminator against Richard Torrez Jr. on the March 28 Sebastian Fundora-Keith Thurman PBC on Prime Video PPV. Sources told me plans are to reschedule it for May 30 on the undercard of the soon-to-be-finalized Devin Haney-Rolando Romero welterweight unification fight in Brooklyn.  The IBF on Tuesday stripped Janibek Alimkhanuly of its middleweight world title but not specifically due to the failed VADA test but because by the time returns from a year suspension he will not have been able to fulfill his mandatory defense, which is due on or before July 4.  Tim Tszyu will take a warm-up fight before an expected summer bout with Errol Spence. He will fight Denis Nurja in a 10-rounder at 157 pounds in Wollongong, Australia. PBC announced Wednesday the card will be stream on Prime Video in the U.S. on April 4 at 9 p.m. (April 5 morning in Australia). Card also includes Australia’s Sam Goodman in a hometown fight against Rodrigo Ruiz in an IBF junior featherweight title eliminator.  And, Zuffa Boxing 05 card is set for April 5 at Apex in Las Vegas. Main event announced during Opetaia-Glanton card: Andres Cortes will move up to lightweight and fight Eridson Garcia. Also, not announced yet but per Dan's reporting, in the co-feature, former WBC featherweight titlist Mark Magsayo will face former WBA junior lightweight title challenger Feargal McCrory in a 10-rounder as both also move up to lightweight.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

Off of a controversial wekend in Vegas, where it ended up that Jai Opetaia of Australia was NOT the IBF champiion any longer for fighting the Zuffa Boxing main event, we're ready to recap his victory in the ring, have some other fight news 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 have their insight on it all.They begin with the background of the IBF stripping Opetaia just before the bout in Las Vegas with American Brandon Glanton- a fight that the Aussie won easily over 12 rounds. It was still for the Ring Magazine version of the crusierweight crown and  for Opetaia’s lineal cruiserweight title, but Dan wants to konw- WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!The guys have thoughts, including the ramifications for Opetaia down the road, etc.Also, there's a recap of former WBA featherweight titlist Mauricio Lara scoring a TKO2 over Mexican countryman Rafael Rosas on Saturday night in the main event of the Boxstrs/Chiquita Boxing card that headlined the ESPN "Knock Out" telecast.  Then, some news:WBO welterweight titleholder Devin Haney and WBA titlist Rolando Romero are negotiating a unification fight targeted for May 30 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The bout would be PBC on Prime Video PPV and Dan has also latest.Next, undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue will defend his crown against three-division titleholder Junto Nakatani in the long-expected and highly anticipated showdown on May 2nd at the Tokyodome in Tokyo, Ohashi Promotions announced at a news conference on Friday in Tokyo. This is a tremendous all Japanese matchup that we are looking forward to for May.We have more on Friday’s announcement of the Most Valuable Promotions/ESPN deal that is long term for women's boxing to regularly be part of ESPN's linear channel and their other platforms over a multi-year deal. Alycia Baumgardner headlines the first U.S. show in April.The WBC has ordered junior welterweight titlist Dalton Smith to make his first defense against mandatory challenger and former titleholder Alberto Puello. A purse bid on April 3rd will happen, if no deal is reached before then.And, Mario Barrios announced that he will move up to junior middleweight in the wake of losing the WBC welterweight title by near-shutout decision to Ryan Garcia last month.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 a "Title" Fight at cruiserweight, but curious as to which title is at stake in Las Vegas Sunday night. We sort that and preview that matchup and have some fight news on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast!Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all.They start with Sunday night’s Zuffa Boxing main event at the Apex in Las VegasJai Opetaia vs. Brandon Glanton, for Opetaia’s lineal cruiserweight title, the Ring Magazine belt, the Zuffa new title, but what about Opetaia's IBF championship? That's unclear. We have the latest.  Then, some newsGolden Boy Promotions won a legal victory in United States District Court in Nevada on Monday night, as Judge Cristina Silva keeps Golden Boy's interim injunctive relief preventing, at least for now, Vergil Ortiz from contracting for the Jarpm Ennis. She has ordered the case be settled in arbitration. We explain what it all means for now?Then, William Zepeda and Lamont Roach Jr. will fight for the vacant WBC lightweight title stripped from Shakur Stevenson last month. However, how is the "interim" WBC 135 lb. champ Jadier Herrera not involved?Floyd Mayweather announces another exhibition- this one for June 27 in Athens, Greece, vs. Mike Zambidis, a retired Greek kickboxer who won a variety of world titles in various promotions during his 2000 to 2015 career.  How many exhibitions are we up to with Floyd before he rematches Pacquiao in September?MVP is hosting a press conference at Madison Square Garden on Friday for what it says is a major announcement. Per Dan's reporting, it will be to announce an April 17 card involving Alycia Baumgardner in a unified women’s junior lightweight title defense vs. former lightweight title challenger Bo Mi Re Shin of Korea with the card on ESPN as the first of multiple ESPN events.  Eddie Hearn announced Thursday he has signed UFC heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall as his first client of the newly created Matchroom Talent Agency. Will put him negotiating with Dana White on Aspinnal’s UFC fight. That should be fun to hear Eddie talk about how underpaid UFC fighters are. We go over the latest in the fued.And, with Oscar Duarte having his title shot vs. Richardson Hitchins canceled the day of the fight from the Barrios-Garcia card,  Golden Boy tells Dan they plan to add him to the May 2 Benavidez-Zurdo PPV card.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

Coming up Sunday night in Las Vegas, IBF cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia will make his debut with Zuffa Boxing in their main event.However, is this fight for his title or will he potentially have to give it up, as Zuffa seems insistent on not doing business with the existing boxing organizations?Well he addresses that situation and the opponent he's faciing, American Brandon Glanton and more with our insider Dan Rafael. Will the hard hitting, unbeaten Aussie Opetaia get bigger and better fights because of Zuffa or will this quicklly turn into a mess out of the ring for him?We are about to find out.Here more from the champ on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It was a devastating performance for Mexican star Emanuel Navarrete to become unified champ, plus, we've got the IBF cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia with us and more on the latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives is back along with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to give their insight and more.First, they recap Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing DAZN card from Glendale, ArizonaNavarrete dominated and scored a TKO11 over Eduardo "Sugar" Nunez and unifies WBO/IBF 130 lb. titles. It was a great showing, but why did the referee and ring doctor, etc. not stop it quicker? Plus, what's out there for the new unified champ?And, on the undercard, Emiliano Vargas TKO9 Agustin Quintana, junior welterweights and upset as Abel Ramos W10 split decision over prospect Tahmir Smalls at welterweight Next, Jai Opetaia joins Dan, as next Sunday March 8th he defends the lineal, and supposedly the IBF cruiserweight title against Brandon Glanton in the main event of the Zuffa Boxing card at the Apex in Las Vegas on Paramount+. Hear Opetaia on why he's signed with Zuffa and what he expects in this one and beyond?Then, NEWSLineal/unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will fight Rico Verhoeven, a former longtime kickboxing heavyweight champion and regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers ever, in the main event of a Ring magazine card on May 23 (DAZN PPV) outdoors to the exotic backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza in Giza, Egypt. On Sunday, the WBC announced it will sanction it as a title fight. WBA and IBF have both told me they have not been contacted about the bout.Ryan Garcia healing from a sprained right hand in his win over Mario Barrios but said on social media he will be back this summer and wants to fight Devin Haney in a rematch/unification fight.Discussions for a fight between Edgar Berlanga and Chris Eubank Jr. possibly at super middleweight. Both need a win.The exodus of talent continues in drips from Top Rank as former WBO featherweight titlist and two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez announced Friday that his contract with Top Rank has expired and that he is a free agent.And, Queensberry Promotions is headed to France as its international expansion continues in April with a DAZN card in Paris headlined by French heavyweight Tony Yoka vs. former cruserweight champ, Lawrence Okolie and junior middleweight up-and-comer Bakary Samake vs. Ermal Hadribeaj in the co-feature.  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 with a potential exciting junior lightweight battle in Arizona for unification as the most prominent fight of the weekend and some very interesting fight news, too on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter return with their insight and takesPreview Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing DAZN card in Glendale, ArizonaEmanuel Navarrete vs. Eduardo Nunez, WBO/IBF junior lightweight unification. Both guys can really punch and also get hit. We have thoughts on the battle. Plus,Tahmir Smalls vs. Abel Ramos, 10 rounds, welterweightsEmiliano Vargas vs. Agustin Quintana, 10 rounds, junior welterweights  News Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao rematch announced Monday for Sept. 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas and on Netflix in a bout that counts on the recrods. Both are in their late 40's and it's 11 years after they fought. What ARE WE DOING HERE?!Conor Benn’s one-fight, $15 million fight with Zuffa/Turki Alashikh will be against Regis Prograis in a 10-rounder at 150 pounds on the Tyson Fury-Arslanbek Makhmudov card it was announced on Thursday. Will make him by far the highest paid undercard fight of all time.  Jake Paul announced he had to have a second surgery on the broken jaw he suffered in the sixth-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua on Dec.19. Will we see him again in 2026?Katie Taylor, one of the greatest female boxers of all time, announced she will have a farewell fight later this year in Dublin. We have more.Claressa Shields shutout over Franchon Crews Dezurn on Sunday night to retain the women’s undisputed heavyweight title  in their rematch. Huge crowd of about 18,000 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.  WBO/IBF middleweight titleholder Janibek Alimkhanuly was suspended by the WBO for a year – but allowed to keep the title -- and by the Kazakhstan Professional Boxing Federation for six months. This is related to testing positive for the banned substance Meldonium days before he was scheduled to face WBA titlist Erislandy Lara in a three-belt unification fight on Dec. 6. The IBF has yet to rule. He gets to keep the belts?!  Again, WHAT are we doing here?! Also, WBC middleweight titlist Carlos Adames will make his third defense in a rescheduled bout against Austin “Ammo” Williams in the main event of a quickly scheduled Matchroom Boxing card on March 21 (DAZN) at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.  And, finally, the IBF on Monday ordered junior welterweight titlist Richardson Hitchins to next make his mandatory defense against Lindolfo Delgado. This comes days after Hitchins’ optional against Oscar Duarte was canceled when Hitchins became ill and was vomiting after breakfast on the morning of the fight. We explain why Duarte isn't getting the title fight, for now.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's a SWERVE in the boxing promotional world as the new start up, Zuffa Boxing, in the U.S. has snatched away British prominent fighter Conor Benn from U.K. based Matchroom Boxing.We had a spirited discussion on this weekend's "Fight Freaks Unite Recap," as host T.J. Rives particularly is criticizing the terms of the signing by Zuffa and how it hypocritically contradicts their supposed "revolutionizing" boxing promotions with their own system, fighter pay model and ignoring the boxing organizations.Insider Dan Rafael provides his counter points, but also agrees and is questioning how Zuffa can justify the apparent ridiculous money that Benn is getting for a "one off" fight with them?Benn is off his career best win defeating Chris Eubank Jr. in their rematch last November. And what about how he left Matchroom, whom had stood by him, including financially, during his PED suspension?Enjoy this portion of the Pod and a reminder to hear the whole show, just click the previous podcast on this feed. And, make sure to follow/subscribe for all the content here on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

A Tremendous performance by Ryan Garcia leads the weekend and we talk about his long awaited world title win on Saturday night in Vegas, plus the rest of the PPV card, a win for Leigh Wood in his all British showdown and some very intriguing fight news too on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.The start with the Ring mag DAZN PPV card Saturday night in Las Vegas ,as Ryan Garcia dominated Mario Barrios over 12 and wins the WBC welterweight crown. It was a great performance by "King Ry" and we dissect why.Next the Richardson Hitchins IBF 140 lb. defense with Oscar Duarte was canceled Saturday late morning in Vegas. Dan has the latest on what happened and why the conspiracy theorists should PIPE DOWN.Also, Gary Antuanne Russell W12 over Andy Hiraoka, and keeps the WBA junior welterweight crownFrank Martin had a draw with Nahir Albright in a junior welterweight clash.Bektemir Melikuziev deeats Sena Agbeko,and keeps WBA "Continental" super middleweight crownPlus Amari Jones and Mohammed Alakel get KOs, but American heayweight Joshua Edwards struggled over six rounds with his opponent, Brandon Colantonio.Next the Matchroom Boxing DAZN main event Saturday in Nottingham, EnglandLeigh Wood won an easy 12 rounder for the most part with Josh Warrington, in their junor lightweight rematch. Could it have been both of their final fights?Next, some NEWSHall of famer Floyd Mayweather, who turns 49 on Tuesday, announces he will exit retirement for an official fight later this summer after his spring exhibition with Mike Tyson slated for Afrrica.... WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!Next, in something of shocker, British welterweight star Conor Benn has signed with Zuffa Boxing, they announced on Friday. Per Dan's sources it is one-fight deal worth a staggering $15 million to fight by the end of May.  There are lots of takes, including T.J. pointing out that Zuffa is not raally revolutionizing anything... they're just like all the other promotions competing for fighters and willing to overpay to do it.And finally unified cruiserweight titleholder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and David Benavidez, the WBC light heavyweight titleholder moving up in weight, met he media on Saturday morning in Las Vegas to officially announce their May 2 PBC on Prime Video PPV fight, which will take place T-Mobile Arena.Dan has some thoughts on the kickoff presser.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's an intriguing weekend of fights and we're ready to go over it all from Las Vegas to England and back to Detroit on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack/Newsletter with their insight and analysis.First, Saturday’s Ring magazine DAZN PPV at T-Mobile Arena in Las VegasMario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia, 12 rounds, for Barrios’ WBC welterweight title, There are more questions than answers about both of these guys, but mainly for Garcia in this one. What kind of fighter is he still? We're about to find out.The co feature is Richardson Hitchins vs. Oscar Duarte, 12 rounds, for Hitchins’ IBF junior welterweight title and Gary Antuanne Russell meets Andy Hiraoka, 12 rounds, for Russell’s WBA junior welterweight title. We have takes and could these two meet in a unification bout?Dan also has quick insight on:Frank Martin vs. Nahir Albright, 10 rounds, junior welterweightsBektemir Melikuziev vs. Sena Agbeko, 10 rounds, super middleweightsAmari Jones vs. Luis Arias, 10 rounds, middleweightsJoshua Edwards vs. Brandon Colantonio, 6 rounds, heavyweightsMohammed Alakel vs. David Calabro, 6 rounds, junior lightweightsThen, it's Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing DAZN main event in Nottingham, EnglandLeigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington, rematch, 12 rounds, junior lightweights. This will have an atmosphere and let's see if the fight lives up to the build up. Wood won easily the first time. And, also, Sunday’s Salita Promotions DAZN main event in DetroitClaressa Shields vs. Franchon Crews-Dezurn, rematch, 10 rounds, for Shields’ women’s undisputed heavyweight title. She's arguably the top women's fighter of this generation, but she doesn't punch that hard and has had very little challenges recently. This bout is a rematch and let's see if Shields is dominant again. Next, some newsGolden Boy and Team Vergil Ortiz are set for Friday hearing in Las Vegas on their lawsuit battles and the temporary restraining order that GB got to stop Ortiz, for now, from negotiating without him. We have more on the situation. Meanwhile, Golden Boy announces March 14 "one-off" card with DAZN at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California-Arnold Barboza Jr. will move up to welterweight and face Kenneth Sims Jr.in the main eventAlso: WBO/WBA strawweight champion Oscar Collazo defends vs. Jesus Haro but not the three-belt unification originally planned vs. WBC titlist Melvin JerusalemPlus, women’s undisputed flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora vs. WBA interim titlist Viviana Ruiz Corredor  Next, the announcement that Manny Pacquiao, age 47, will face former junior welterweight titlist Ruslan Provodnikov in a 10-round welterweight exhibition bout on April 18 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Industry Media and Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions announced on Tuesday night.  Ready? WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!And, Queensberry Promotions had the official announcement that WBO heavyweight titleholder Fabio Wardley will make his first defense against British countryman and former IBF titlist Daniel Dubois on May 9 at Co-Op Live in Manchester, England.It's all on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Coming up Saturday night February 21st in Las Vegas, WBC welterweight champ Mario Barrios returns in a pay per view main event against Ryan Garcia. However, before we get to fight week Barrios spent time with our insider Dan Rafael discussing several subjects.These include his draw last Summer with hall of famer Manny Pacquiao, the feud that Garcia has created with Barrios' trainer Joe Goossen, who was briefly trained by Goossen and what's the future of the welterweight division?Barrios has been in the ring with the likes of Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Keith Thurman, as well as the legend Pacquiao, and now he headlines with the social media star Garcia in a massive financial and career moment, again.Hear him in his own words with Dan, as fight week gets cranked up in Vegas.It's all part our of coverage here on the Big Fight Weekend Podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!