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Big Fight Weekend Boxing Podcast

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From the opening bell to the final round, our boxing shows are tailored to the fight fan of today and even, yesterday.

Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael, who is the premier boxing media personality in the U.S., come your way with a Friday preview and a Monday recap of everything in the boxing ring, every weekend.

Plus, you'll hear from the biggest named fighters present and past in one on one interviews. And, the guys LOVE to talk nostalgia of the great fighters like Muhammad Ail, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquaio and more.

If you are even a casual boxing fan, you will want to be with us on the "Big Fight Weekend Boxing Podcast Feed."
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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.!
Coming up Saturday night in Las Vegas, IBF junior welterweight champ Richardson Hitchins will face Oscar Duarte at T-Mobile Arena on the undercard of the Mario Barrios-Ryan Garcia PPV.The bout will be the second IBF defense for Hitchins and before he makes it, he spent some time with our insider Dan Rafael. They discuss the battle with the veteran Duarte and the future for the New Yorker at 140 lb. should he be victorious?Hear it here on our podcast feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
It's a light weekend in the ring, but there is a heavyweight main event of note, plus, a world champ who's about to defend joins us one on one. All on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter.First, a preview of the Zuffa Boxing Paramount+ card on Sunday at Apex in Las VegasEfe Ajagba vs. Charles Martin, 10 rounds, heavyweights. What do either of these guys have at this stage with both having recent losses and having been relatively inactive? Next, Dan talks with Mario Barrios, as he defends the WBC welterweight title vs. Ryan Garcia in the main event of the Ring magazine DAZN PPV card on Feb. 21 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. And, some newsErrol Spence vs. Tim Tszyu in works for June in Australia? Spence out of a near three year hiatius. Is he really coming back? We discuss.Next- Announced Thursday: Tyson Fury-Arslanbek Mahkmudov will take place at Tottrernham Hotspur Stadium in London for Aprill 11.Also,Osleys Iglesias, a heavy-hitting Cuban southpaw, and Russia’s Pavel Silyagin will fight for the vacant IBF super middleweight title April 9 in Montreal in the Eye of the Tiger main event.Baltimore circuit court judge Althea Handy has recalled the arrest warrant issued for Gervonta Davis and instead, at the request of his lawyer, instead issue a summons to appear and order GPS monitoring. Will Davis comply and show up, though? And, his legal troubles are still in progress thre and in South Florida on domestic violence charges.And, a little chit chat on Xander Zayas and Emiliano Vargas being part of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show Sunday night!And, a happy birthday shoutout to legendary HBO broadcaster Larry Merchant for turning an amazing 95 years old!It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
We are back off a weekend with world title fights in Mexico and England, including a dramatic KO in the final round for a former champ, who's a champ, again. We have that and fight news, including a hall of famer filing suit for what he says are hundreds of millions owed. It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack And NewsletterFirst we talk Saturday’s Queensberry/DAZN main event in LiverpoolFeatherweight Brandon Figueroa scores a dramatic TKO12 over Nick Ball and wins the WBA title. The guys discuss the huge final round, the silliness of Ball's corner and supporters after the fight in the ring and what are the options for Figueroa, now? Then, they talk Friday’s Matchroom/BXSTARS/DAZN main event in Guadalajara, MexicoBantamweight Christian Medina wins convincingly over Adrian Curiel by decision, retains WBO title. Next some NewsFlloyd Mayweather sues Showtime, Stephen Espinoza for $340 million and punitive damages late last week saying he's owed for mega-fights with Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor. Dan has the lawsuit and particulars and the boys discuss.Talks under way for Fabio Wardley to defend WBO heavyweight title vs. Daniel Dubois. Dan thinks it's compelling... TJ, not so much.Two-time featherweight title challenger Michael Conlan, the popular two-time Irish Olympian aiming to land another shot, will fight Kevin Walsh in a Belfast, Northern Ireland, hometown bout on March 20 (DAZN) at SSE Arena on an MF Pro card.And, MVP set for first UK card with four women’s world title fights with Caroline Dubois-Terri Harper headlining in a lightweight unification bout. We discuss.It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
We're back to go over two separate world title main events in both Mexico and England, plus, LOTS of 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 NewsletterPreviewsMatchroom/BXSTARS card Friday night on DAZN in Guadalajara, MexicoChristian Medina vs. Adrian Curiel, for Medina’s WBO bantamweight title. Should be a highly competitve world title fight.Queensberry card Saturday on DAZN in Liverpool, EnglandNick Ball vs. Brandon Figueroa, for Ball’s WBA featherweight title. This fight has the makings of an entertaining, brawling battle. NewsWBC strips Shakur Stevenson of lightweight belt in an apparent sanctioning fee dispute like with Crawford. We HAVE TAKES! Baltimore judge in Gervonta Davis hit and run case issues warrant for his arrest due violating probation terms related the domestic violence case in Miami Gardens, Florida. Will he be doing time again in Baltimore. Bakhram Murtazaliev, who lost the IBF junior middleweight title by majority decision to Josh Kelly last Saturday, has formally asked the IBF to order an immediate rematch. What kind of chance does he have?Lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who became the first current champion to sign with upstart Zuffa Boxing last month and whose first fight with the company was announced for March 8 (Paramount+) at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, will face Brandon Glanton, per source to Dan.Mandatory challenger Liam Paro will have the Australian home advantage when he challenges IBF welterweight titlist Lewis Crocker after his promoter, No Limit Boxing, beat Matchoom Boxing in a purse bid on Tuesday. Dan has the details on how it happened.With Diego Pacheco pulling out of talks with Hamzah Sheeraz for the vacant WBO super middleweight title, Sheeraz will fight Alem Begic (29-0-1, 23 KOs), 38, of Germany, whose record is glittering but whose resume is devoid of a single notable foe. The fight hasn’t been announced yet but, per Dan sources, it will take place May 9 in Manchester, England.  NostalgiaFirst-ever HBO “Boxing After Dark” card at the Forum in Inglewood, California, where Marco Antonio Barrera TKO12 Kennedy McKinney in a spectacular war – Feb. 3, 1996 – 30 years ago on Tuesday. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
It was an action packed weekend of big time main event fights in the USA and the U.K. and we're ready to go over it all and have some fight news 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 on the fights and implications for the winners.First, they go over the Ring 6 DAZN PPV card on Saturday night in New York ]Shakur Stevenson dominates over 12 Teofimo Lopez and wins lineal/WBO 140 lb. title. A tremendous boxing exhibition and what's next for Shakur?Also, Keyshawn Davis TKO12 Jamaine Ortiz, 12 rounds, junior welterweights. A bounceback night that the talented Davis needed.Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington KO9 Carlos Castro and wins vacant WBC featherweight crown. Big night for Shu Shu.Plus,Jarrell Miller "loses his lid" in a W10 over Kingsley Ibeh in a heavyweight fight.Austin “Ammo” Williams defeats Wendy Toussaint by decision.Kevin Castillo W8  over Saudi prospect Ziyad Almayouf junior welterweights.Then, the Top Rank card Saturday in San Juan, Puerto RicoXander Zayas W12 split decision over Abass Baraou and unifies WBO/WBA 154 lb. tiles. Huge night for Zayas and what's next?Also, Matchroom Boxing main event on DAZN on Saturday in Newcastle, EnglandJosh Kelly W12 in an upset over Bakhram Murtazaliev, and wins the IBF 154  lb. What a moment for the Brit and what's next? Is it the name Jaron Ennis?Finally, some newsDeontay Wilder-Derek Chisora is official for April 4th at The 02 in London  BWAA and Ring magazine 2025 awards announced and we discussNonito Donaire to fight on in WBA bantamweight eliminator on a big show in Japan March 15th. Why is he continuing?Hear it all on the 'Fight Freaks Unite Recap" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
This is a LOADED weekend of action as multiple world title main events are happening in NYC, Puerto Rico and Newcastle, England. And, we're ready for it all, including some fight news, too, on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter to go over it all.First, a Preview of the Ring magazine DAZN PPV card Saturday in New York CityTeofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson, for Lopez’s lineal/WBO junior welterweight title. Shakur moves up against arguably his toughest challenge yet in Lopez. The guys give their thoughts. Plus, a loaded undercard:Keyshawn Davis returns from disgrace to meet Jamaine Ortiz in a10 round  junior welterweight bout.Carlos Adames vs. Austin “Ammo” Williams, for Adames’ WBC middleweight title.Local favoririte Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington vs. Carlos Castro, for the vacant WBC featherweight title and Jarrell Miller vs. Kingsley Ibeh, 10 rounds, heavyweights. Plus, Ziyad Almayouf vs. Kevin Castillo, 8 rounds, junior welterweights Next, it's a preview of the Top Rank card Saturday in San Juan on TR Classics FAST channelXander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou, 12 rounds, WBO/WBA junior middleweight unification. A HUGE homecoming fight for the young Zayas, but is Baraou going to be tough? And, rising Rohan Polanco vs. Christian Gomez, 10 rounds, welterweights Then, a preview of the Matchroom Boxing DAZN card Saturday in Newcastle, EnglandBakhram Murtazaliev finally returns after 16 months vs. Josh Kelly, 12 rounds, for Murtazaliev’s IBF junior middleweight title. And, a Preview of the Zuffa Boxing Paramount+ card Sunday in Las VegasJose Valenzeula vs. Diego Torres, 10 rounds, lightweightsSerhii Bohachuk vs. Radzhab Butaev, 10 rounds, middleweightsOleksandr Gvozdyk vs. Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic, 10 rounds, light heavyweights  NEWSTyson Fury’s ring return is official: He will fight Arslanbek Makhmudov in the headliner of a Ring magazine card on April 11, live on Netflix, at a UK site to be announced. We have more.Gervonta Davis was arrested in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Wednesday, two weeks after a warrant was issued on battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping charges related to an alleged domestic violence incident with a former girlfriend on Oct. 27. Is his career over?The undercard Mario Barrios-Ryan Garcia announced by Turki Alashikh:IBF junior welterweight titlist Richardson Hitchins defends against Oscar Duarte, WBA junior welterweight titlist Gary Antuanne Russell against mandatory Andy Hiraoka, Junior welterweight Frank Martin against Nahir Albright and super middleweight Bektemir Melikuziev against Sena Agbeko.  The WBC announced on Tuesday that Christian Mbilli has been elevated from the organization’s interim super middleweight titleholder to the full world titlist. Who is he fighting next?And, Warriors Boxing Top Rank both Told big Dan they have reached an agreement for the IBF heavyweight title eliminator between Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez purse bid canceled. Fight is likely to be on March 28 in Las Vegas on the Sebastian Fundora-Keith Thurman PPV.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
Coming up Satruday night in NYC at Madison Square Garden it's the return of WBO junior welterweight champ Teofimo Lopez, as he takes on unbeaten WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson in a Ring/Turki Alashikh PPV main event.But, before fight night, you can hear Teofimo with our insider Dan Rafael on why he took this fight with the fellow American star Stevenson. The New York (Lopez) vs. New Jersey (Stevenson) angle and much more on the possible future for Lopez, if he wins.It's never dull with Teofimo on the show and he's direct with his thoughts on it all.It's all part of our coverage on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
We're back to recap the weekend from Las Vegas, including Raymond Muratalla defending his IBF Lightweight Crown, plus the Zuffa Boxing innagural card/broadcast took place on Friday night and we have some fight news too on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter give their takes and insightFirst, a recap of the Saturday Matchroom DAZN card in Las VegasLightweight Raymond Muratalla W12 majority decision over Andy Cruz and retains IBF title. Why was he so good and what's next for Muratalla? Then, on the undercard light heavyweight but massively overweight Khalil Coe wins majority  decision over Jesse Hart,Junior middleweight Israil Madrimov decisions Luis David Salazar and rising junior middleweight Omari Jones decisions Jerome Baxter. Dan gives some analysis. Then, a recap of Friday’s Zuffa Boxing debut on Paramount+in Las VegasCallum Walsh decisions Carlos Ocampo, 10 rounds, middleweights, as expected. And, on the undercard middleweight Misael Rodriguez won over Austin Deanda in 10 rounds and Cain Sandoval outpoints Julian Rodrigue in a junior welterweight fight.Plus, they go over some general thoughts on the launch/production/product of Zuffa and the streamer Paramount+Next, some newsLineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who became the first current champion to sign with Zuffa Boxing, will defend the title on March 8 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. But, who's the opponent?Matchroom Boxing will re-sign unified junior bantamweight champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez. Although he was a free agent, Matchroom retained the right to match any offer and has done so, matching an offer from Zuffa.  Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who announced earlier this month — to the surprise of nobody — that he would end his latest retirement, is being lined up for an April ring return. Who's the likely opponent for him?And, Boxxer’s Jan. 31 main event in London, Adam Azim vs. Gustavo Lemos, IBF junior welterweight eliminator for No. 2 spot is postponed after BOTH fighters suffered injuries. It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc. !!
We have some action this weekend in Las Vegas to discuss and the WBO 140 lb. champ joins us too on the "BFW Preview Podcast"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.First they talk the debut of the Zuffa Boxing/Paramount+ card from Las VegasCallum Walsh vs. Carlos Ocampo, 10 rounds, middleweightsMisael Rodriguez vs. Austin Deanda, 10 rounds, middleweightsCain Sandoval vs. Julian Rodriguez, 10 rounds, junior welterweights Then, they preview the Saturday night Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card in Las VegasRaymond Muratalla vs. Andy Cruz, 12 rounds, for Muratalla’s IBF lightweight titleIsrail Madrimov vs. Luis David Salazar, 10 rounds, middleweights Khalil Coe vs. Jesse Hart, 10 rounds, light heavyweights Omari Jones vs. Jerome Baxter, 6 rounds, junior middleweights  Teofimo Lope INTERVIEWHe defends the lineal/WBO junior welterweight title against WBC lightweight titlist Shakur Stevenson on January 31 on a DAZN PPV at New York’s Madison Square Garden in a big one Then, some newsThoughts on the Mario Barrios-Ryan Garcia kickoff presse on ThuesdayZuffa Boxing in talks to sign unified heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk?!Heavyweights Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora are finalizing an April 4 fight in London. What is this? Wasn't Wilder fighting Usyk in the USA?WBA strips Gervonta Davis (who's still at large from South Florida authorities) of lightweight title, makes him “champion in recess”Valdez, Top Rank part ways, been together his whole careerTop Rank announces Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou junior middleweight unification fight on January 31 in San Juan will stream live in the United States on its Top Rank Classics FAST channel, still no deal with a broadcaster. There are takes.Hear it all on the "BFW Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreker/Spotify, etc.
We are back with Big Dan Rafael feeling better to go over the light weekend of action and TONS of interesting news on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with Dan to go over it all.First, they recap Friday night's Golden Boy/DAZN card in Palm Desert, Calif.Middleweight Raul Curiel W10 Jordan Panthen. This main event was a mess to make and we explain. Next, some newsCanelo Alvarez and Turki Alashikh announce he will return September 15th in Riyadh. Who's the likely opponent? How many more times do we see Canelo, etc?Next, It’s fight week for first Zuffa Boxing and Paramount+ event and on Friday they made a major move, announcing the signing of lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia. That's a BIG move, but what does it mean for his next couple of fights?Then, Vergil Ortiz has sued Golden Boy Promotions and Oscar De La Hoya on Thursday for breach of contract and interference with earnings in U.S. District Court in Nevada. Ortiz seeks that the court upholds his claim that his promotional agreement is terminated and he can make his own deal to fight Jaron "Boots" Ennis if he wants.Also, an arrest warrant issued for Gervonta Davis by Miami Gardens, Florida, police related to the alleged domestic violence incident that led to him being dropped from the Jake Paul exhibition. However, no one can find him.Next, the Mario Barrios-Ryan Garcia PPV main event officially announced for February 21st at T-Mobile Arena in Vegas. Not official yet but Richardson Hitchins-Oscar Duarte and Gary A. Russell-Hiraoka planned for undercard in title bouts at 140 lb.Finally, rising heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma of England injured, fight with Jermaine Franklin that was to take place this coming Saturday was postponed until March 28th. We have more.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
Two exciting KOs in main events in both Germany and Brooklyn, NY headline our latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back with their insight and analysis.First, they recap Saturday’s Fresh Productions PPV main event from Brooklyn, New YorkDalton Smith TKO5 Subriel Matias, wins WBC junior welterweight title in a wild, short fight. The boys go over the stoppage and what does it mean short term for Smith? Then, a recap of Saturday’s Queensberry DAZN fights from Oberhausen, GermanyAgit Kabayel stops Damian Knyba in three rounds for Kabayel’s WBC interim heavyweight title. Tremendous atmosphere and Kabayel delivers another KO. Now what for him? Also, earlier on the card Jadier Herrera TKO8 Ricardo Nunez, and wins the vacant WBC interim lightweight title. Big things ahead for the Cuban, Herrera? Also, the guys have a brief recap of Tapia Promotions event on Friday night in Albuquerque, NMTwo of the late Hall of Fame three-division champion Johnny Tapia’s sons won their professional debuts, junior middleweight Johnny Tapia Jr. and super middleweight Nicco Tapia. Dan has more. Then, some newsThe Vergil Ortiz-Jaron Ennis disastrous negotiations are more sorted than a week of "Days of Our Lives." Dan goes over the obstacles with $$ for Oscar De La Hoya and his fighter Ortiz at the crux of it.Next, Dana White in an interview with Stephen A. Smith announced the Zuffa Boxing main event for its first Paramount+ card on January 23. It's an underwhelming junior middleweight Callum Walsh vs. former world title challenger Carlos Ocampo  Per Dan;s reporting, unified cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will forgo a tune-up fight and go straight to the massive financial bout May 2nd with David Benavidez  And, the IBF denies Lewis Crocker's request for an optional welterweight title fight, and they will order a Liam Paro mandatory fight instead. Dan explains.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 our first preview show of 2026 with a heavyweight main event in Germany and a world junior welterweight title fight in Brooklyn, NY to discuss on the "BFW Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and NewsletterThey begin with a Preview of the Saturday Queensberry/DAZN card from Oberhausen, GermanyAgit Kabayel vs. Damian Knyba, 12 rounds, for Kabayel’s WBC interim heavyweight title. Kabayel is little known in the U.S. but can position himself for a serious payday and possible world title fight with a win. Plus, Jadier Herrera vs. Ricardo Nunez, 12 rounds, for vacant WBC interim lightweight title. Dan hss more on Herrera's potential.Then, they talk Saturday's Fresh Productions PPV card from Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY (yes we've not heard of them either)Subriel Matias vs. Dalton Smith, 12 rounds, for Matias’ WBC junior welterweight title. Will the hard hitting Matias get the best of the unbeaten Brit? And, some newsDan is reporting on lineal/unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol’s and his plans to return in April following back surgery in August. Plus, whom is he looking at fighting?Next WBA junior lightweight titlist James "Jazza" Dickens, whose defense on the Night of the Samurai card last month was canceled last minute due to opponent injury, will make his first defense against former IBF titlist Anthony Cacace on March 14 (DAZN). This fight is on St. Patrick’s Day weekend — at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, Queensberry Promotions announced the show. Also, Canelo Alvarez and now, Jaime Munguia have both turned positions to fight Osleys Iglesias for the vacant IBF super middleweight title. Who will Iglesias end up fightiing?And, Tuesday’s IBF final heavyweight eliminator purse bid for the fight between Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr. postponed because they are close to a deal for the fight to likely land on a February or March on a PBC PPV card. Dan has more.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
It's a brand new year in 2026 and for the first time, our guys are back to recap the weekend action in Puerto Rico and have some fight nrews too on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back to give their takes.First a recap of the Saturday MVP DAZN bouts in San Juan, Puerto RicoFeatherweight Amanda Serrano W10 Reina Tellez, retains WBO/WBA women’s title. What's next for one of the women's all time greats? Plus, lightweight Stephanie Han scores tech dec after 7 rounds over Holly Holm and retains WBA women’s title. Could she be a Serrano opponent? And, flyweight Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez surprises with a 12 round win over Yankiel Rivera and wins vacant WBA interim title.Also, a recap of the December 31st Shisei Promotions main event in TokyoKazuto Ioka, who was making his bantamweight debut, put himself in position to win a world title in a fifth weight division when he knocked out Maikel Ordosgoitti in the fourth round of a WBA title eliminator. Dan loves him some Japanese boxing and has more!NewsAnthony Joshua injured in a car accident in Nigeria on Monday that killed two of his close friends and members of his training team, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele. Joshua released from the hospital on Wednesday. Boxing is a distant priority, but does this mean Joshua might not be in the ring for a longer amount of time?Related- To zero surprise, Tyson Fury posted on Instagram that he is coming out of the retirement. ABSOLUTE SHOCKER!  Dand and TJ discuss.Next, Matchroom announced it has signed WBO bantamweight titlist Christian Medina and that he will make his first defense at home in Guadalajara on Feb. 6 (DAZN) vs. countryman Adrian Curiel, 26, a former IBF junior flyweight titlist.  Due to illness, welterweight contender Paddy Donovan has withdrawn from an IBF final eliminator against former junior welterweight titlist Liam Paro scheduled for Jan. 16. No Limit said Paro would remain on the card if a suitable replacement can be found. The winner would have become the mandatory challenger for IBF titlist Lewis Crocker.  Jake Paul is dropped from new WBA cruiserweight rankings.... that he should have never been ranked in. We have more. Also, Terence Crawford officially vacated the WBA super middleweight title, the last one, and WBA has elevated interim titlist Armando Resendiz.  In the IBF it invited No. 1 contender Osleys Iglesias and former champion Canelo Alvarez to fight for the vacant title. Canelo not taking it as he is still sidelined after elbow surgery. Next up to accept the position will be Jamie Mungia. Stay tuned.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
It's a great debate on what the "Fight of the Year" for 2025 should be and why? And, we're ready to have that debate on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcsat!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafel of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack are back to go over what they think were the best battles in the boxing ring for this year.They discuss:Honorable Mentions first- Pitbull Cruz vs. Angel Fierro in an all action battleBrits Callum Smith-Joshua Buatsi tangle for a light heavyweight great fightChristian Mbilli-Lester Martinez slugged it out on the Canelo-Crawford undercardAbdullah Mason of the USA against Sam Noakes of England in a toe-to-toe slugfestPlus, WBC junior flyweight titlist Carlos Canizales-Panya Pradabsri rematchThen, it's a great conversation on what is the fight of 2025??Chris Eubank Jr.- Conor Benn 1 in London orKenshiro Teragi - Seigo Akui battle for the unified flyweight beltsHear the guys and their takes on these matchups and why they were so good on the "Fight Freaks Unite" podcast feed and find more great content here on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
We have come to the end of the calendar year of 2025 and it's time to crank up a debate about which boxer deserves "Figther of the Year" status for work done this year? We're ready to debate on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back to go over it?In a debate of future hall of famers Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue, which resume was better in 2025? And, how much consideration should someone like Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez or Dmitry Bivol be given in the conversation, too?Hear the guys go over it and make their selections for Fighter of the Year on this pod! And, make sure that you follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
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