Big Fight Weekend Boxing Podcast

It's arguably the greatest heavyweight title ever and it fight took place in Manila, Philippines (of all places) with "The Greatest" Muhammad Ali winning the trilogy fight with his arch rival "Smokin' Joe" Frazier dubbed "The Thrilla in Manila!"And, on the 50th anniversary of Ali's win, we're recapping it on a special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael re-live the buildup to their third fight, why it ended up in the Far East and just how ridiculously hot it was that day in the arena?Ali and Frazier pounded each other for 14 rounds before Frazier's corner stopped the bout for the Ali TKO to retain the heavyweight crown. It's still regarded half a century later as the hardest, toughest battle of both of their hall of fame careers.This is as good as it gets with nostalgia!And, make sure to follow/subscribe to this podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker//Spotify, etc.!

Yet another light week in the the ring, but we have plenty to go over and a former 2 time world champ joins us for a conversation too on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return to go over it all.First, a previewSaturday in Lilliestram, Norway on "UFC Fight Pass," Ema Kozin vs. Cecilia Braekhus, for Kozin’s WBC/WBO women’s junior middleweight titleThis is the announced farewell fight for Cecilia Braekhus at home in Norwway. She is the former longtime women’s undisputed welterweight champion and one of the best female boxers of all time. She made 25 welterweight title defenses during her 2009 to 2020 title reign.The guys talk her brillant career. Then, a DANNY GARCIA interivew with DanFormer two-division champion ends a 13-month layoff and will headline his own Swift Promotions card at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, vs. Daniel Gonzalez, a 10-round junior middleweight bout later this month. It is billed as “Farewell to Brooklyn” for Garcia. NewsThe 2026 International Boxing Hall of Fame ballots are out. Dan has the details on new editions in the various categories that will be voted on later in the year.Next, Canelo Alvarez is now set for left elbow surgery on Oct. 23. We have the latest on the injury and does it impact his 2026 and beyond??Next, it's official this week: Paramount+ and Zuffa Boxing announced their expected rights deal that will add Zuffa events to the streamer, which in August also announced a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal to acquire all U.S. broadcast and streaming rights for sister company UFC.Paramount+ will stream 12 Zuffa Boxing events in 2026 “with plans to grow that number in subsequent years.” The deal is for rights in the United States, Canada and Latin America. There is discussion.Per Dan's reporting, Issac "Pitbull" Cruz vs. Lamont Roach is a PBC PPV and will be Dec. 6 at the Frost Bank Center, which is the home arena of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs.And, WBO featherweight titlist Rafael Espinoza will make his fourth defense against Arnold Khegai in the headliner of a Zanfer Promotions card on Nov. 15 in San Luis Potosi, per multiple sources. Various other Top Rank fighters on the show including: Lindolfo Delgado, etc.Finally, a little NostalgiaOct. 2, 2004 — 21 years ago on Thursday – Felix Trinidad exits a 2½-year retirement and returned to face fellow former welterweight and junior middleweight titlist Ricardo Mayorga in a middleweight bout at Madison Square Garden. Was a great battle, great KO, sick atmosphere. Big Dan was ringside and remembers it all well.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

With another light weekend of action (or lack thereof) in the ring, we decided to go to a "heavyweight" in the boxing media outside of it. This, as ESPN's Mark Kriegel joined our coverage on Youtube and hear on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."On this special video/pod we have an extended conversation with the ESPN broadcaster and noted columnist/author for over 35 years, Kriegel, who has written a new book on Tyson's rise from trouble as a teenager into the fearsome heavyweight champ he became at just 20 years old.It's called "Baddest Man... The Making Of Mike Tyson" and our insider Dan Rafael with T.J. Rives enjoyed reminiscing with Mark about the dominance of Tyson in the mid to late 1980s. Get tremendous insight on the early days of Mike Tyson's seemingly invincible dominance.Make sure to like and subscribe to our "Big Fight Weekend Podcast" feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc, !

Without a significant fight card worldwided this weekend there is still plenty of news to go over headed to the final weekend of September on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over the prominent info and have some takes.They begin with:Jake Paul-Gervonta Davis held their media tour Monday (NYC) and Tuesday (Miami) and MVP has also announced the undercard for their November show. The guys go over it all, including what are the weight and round stipulations?Next, Frank "the Ghost" Martin, idle since Gervonta Davis spectacularly knocked him out in the eighth round of a lightweight title bout in June 2024, will end a 16-month layoff by moving up to junior welterweight against two-division titlist Rances Barthelemy on Oct. 25 on the Fundora-Thurman free prelims. Dan gives you more.Also, per his reporting, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will meet Lamont Roach for Cruz’s WBC interim junior welterweight title, being planned to headline a Dec. 6 or 20 PBC on Prime Video PPV. Intriguing late in the year bout.Next, there was a presser in Japan on Thursday to officially announce Tenshin Nasukawa vs. Takuma Inoue for the vacant WBC bantamweight title vacated by Junto Nakatani last week. Inoue is the younger brother of Naoya Inoue and will try to regain a portion of the 118 lb. titles.The Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn Nov. 15th undercard has been announced and we have more.And, finally Lindolfo Delgado and Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela have a deal for IBF junior welterweight title eliminator for a shot at Richardson Hitchins. The probable date is Nov. 15th on a Zanfer Promotions card in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, that also likely will include several Top Rank fighters (Delgado is also with TR). Dan has all the details.It's all part of the "BFW Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.And, fnd our Big Fight Weekend Youtube page, where you will see first our lengthy but excellent conversation with ESPN's Mark Kriegel, who has authored an "Iron Mike" Tyson book that is just out. See it Sunday evening on Youtube!

It was a rather light weekend worldwide, but there was a significant 2 world title fight card in California and of course, we're recapping that and have the newest fight news, too, on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host TJ. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter to give their takes.First, they recap the Golden Boy DAZN card Saturday night in Indio, Calif.Strawweight Oscar Collazo TKO7 against Jayson Vayson, retains WBO/WBA title Flyweight after Vayson's corner mysteriously throws in a towel that wasn't really needed. Also, Gabriela Fundora TKO7 over Alexas Kubicki, and retains undisputed women’s titleJunior welterweight Ruslan Abdullaev W8 Kevin Johnson battle and welterweight Joel Iriarte TKO3 over Eduardo Hernandez. Dan has a little on both.  Then, a brief recap of the No Limit Boxing main event Thursday ib Brisbane, AustraliaFormer IBF junior welterweight titlist Liam Paro decisions David Papot in IBF final welterweight eliminator. Title shot against newly elevated champ Lewis Crocker in the offing? Finally, some fight newsGolden Boy announces Vergil Ortiz-Lubin Nov. 28 undercard, including lightweight contender Floyd Schofield vs. Joseph Diaz Jr. Big Dan is less than thrilled. The Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn 2 kickoff presser was last week in London. What is Eubank Jr. bizarrely claiming now?And, we finish with the discussion of the general pitiful schedule remaining for rest of year. Pretty weak other than a Nov. 22 Saudi card. Dan is ready TO LAUNCH.It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

After the mega Canelo-Crawford week's conclusion, it's a lighter weekend of action, but still a pair of world title fights will take place in the same location in California. And, we're ready to go over that and the latest fight news on the "Big Fight Wekeend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Big Dan Rafael to go over it all and "have their say."First, it's a preview of the Saturday night Golden Boy DAZN card in Indio, Calif. Oscar Collazo vs. Jayson Vayson, 12 rounds, for Collazo’s WBO/WBA strawweight title. Collazo is an electric fighter in boxing's smallest weight class. The guys go over this bout and his future. Plus, Gabriela Fundora vs. Alexas Kubicki, 10 rounds, for Fundora’s undisputed women’s flyweight title. She's Dan's 2024 Femaie Fighter of the Year and Fundora (the sister of Sebastian) is back and looking for another KO. Then, some newsTurki Alashikh announces December 27th DAZN card in Riyadh, headlinder is Inoue-Picasso and will be the. “Ring V: Night of the Samurai” – Japan vs. the world  Canelo-Crawford Netflix numbers released and we have takes about the audience.The WBC orders immediate rematch of Saturday’s draw on the Canelo-Crawford undercard between WBC interim super middleweight titlist Christian Mbilli and Lester Martinez, who had a war over 10 rounds. But, will we actually see this rematch? Jake Paul-Gervonta Davis exhibition has now moved from Atlanta to Miami. We have more on why?And, Katie Taylor has informed the WBC she is taking time off and it has made her “in recess” 140 lb. women’s champion, ordered Chantelle Cameron-Sandy Ryan to fill title.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subcribe to us on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

A WILD weekend of action in the ring has conculuded and we're ready to talk Terence Crawford's tremendous performance in an upset decision win over fellow future hall of famer Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas Saturday night. We cover that bout, the undercard, a world title win for .... Lewis Crocker?... yes... and oh, Naoya "The Monster" Inoue on Sunday also. It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael, who was in Vegas for all the action to give their insightThey Recap Saturday's Zuffa show in Las Vegas on Netflix main event as super middleweight new champ Terence Crawford outfought Canelo Alvarez and wins the undisputed title super middleweight belts. How did Crawford pull this off? Where does this win put "Bud" in history of the sport? Dan has all the insights from being inside Allegiant Stadium.Dan has more on the under card with Callum Walsh defeating Fernando Vargas Jr. and THE all action fight of the night saw super middleweight Christian Mbilli in a draw  Lester Martinez that keeps his WBC interim 168 lb title.Dan also talks Mohammed Alakel W10 Travis Kent Crawford  And, Brandon Adams stuns Serhii Bohachuk in a rematch and Ivan Dychko defeats Jermaine Franklin in an awful, heavyweight opener. Next, they recap Saturday's Matchroom Boxing main event in Belfast, Northern Ireland on DAZN Lewis Crocker defeates Paddy Donovan in their rematch over 12 rounds, for the vacant IBF welterweight title. How did Crocker pull this off, when many (including us) thought Donovan would KO him?And we wratp with the recap of the Sunday Ohashi Promotions battle in Nagoya, Japan that saw Naoya Inoue dominate Murodjon Akhmadaliev over 12 rounds and keeps the undisputed 122 lb. ttiles. Just how great is the guy, "the Monster?!"   Sadly, our final item is the untimely death of Hall of Fame former junior welterweight and welterweight champion Ricky Hatton at age 46. We have the latest and Dan reminisces about Hatton's in ring accomplishments and dealing with him personally at many of his fights.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We are ready to go for the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford mega showdown in Vegas Satuday night on the newest edition of our "Big Fight Weekend Preview" show and podcast.Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael, who is in Vegas, did this show as a live broadcast on our Youtube channel. And, now you are hearing it on podcast!They Preview Saturday’s Zuffa Boxing card at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Netflixwith Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford, for Alvarez’s undisputed super middleweight title. The guys discuss. Also, Callum Walsh vs. Fernando Vargas Jr., 10 rounds, junior middleweights Christian Mbilli vs. Lester Martinez, 10 rounds, for Mbilli’s WBC interim super middleweight title and Mohammed Alakel vs. Travis Kent Crawford, 10 rounds, junior lightweightsSerhii Bohachuk vs. Brandon Adams, rematch, 10 rounds, middleweights  Then, hear Dan one on one in conversation with Canelo from earlier this week in advance of the showdown with Crawford.Next, they also preview Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing DAZN at Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern IrelandLewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan, rematch, for vacant IBF welterweight title. Donovan was dominating last time before he got DQ'ed knocking down Crocker just after the bell. What happens in the second fight?And, a preview of Sunday’s Ohashi Promotions card in Nagoya, JapanNaoya Inoue vs. Murodjon Akhmadaliev, for Inoue’s undisputed junior featherweight title. The "Monster" is back, but will he get a test in the defense? We finish with fight newsRising British junior welterweifght star Adam Azim has has re-signed with Boxxer after rampant speculation about where he might go following the end of Boxxer’s deal with broadcaster Sky Sports and new deal with BBC, the company announced on Thursday.  Former featherweight and junior lightweight titlist Oscar Valdez, coming off his lackluster decision over   Ricky Medina in their 130-pound bout this past Saturday in a Nogales, Mexico, homecoming fight but, had an MRI on his injured shoulder and was diagnosed two partial ruptures  Undisputed women's flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora will face late-replacement Alexas Kubicki, who has stepped in for Ayelen Granadino, on Sept. 20. Granadino is out because she could not secure a visa to come to the United States from Argentina.   Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Show/Podcast here on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It was an interesting weekend all the way around with fight cards in Ireland and two in Mexico and we have those recaps, plus, there's plenty of fight news, including two legends that are apparently going to fight despite being some 80 lbs apart?! Yes, indeed and we'll cover it 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 cover it all with their thoughts.First, they recap the Matchroom main event Saturday on DAZN in Los Mochis, MexicoJunior lightweight Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez decisions Christopher Diaz and retains his IBF title. TREMENDOUS FIGHT says Dan. They have more. Next, the Recap of the Zanfer Promotions main event Saturday on ESPN Deportes in Nogales, MexicJunior lightweight and former two division world champ Oscar Valdez decisions Ricky Medina, and rebounds from his KO loss to Navarrete in their title rematch. Plus, a quick recap of the Wasserman Boxing main event on Friday in Dublin, IrelandFeatherweight former title challenger Michael Conlan scores an easy TOK4 of Jack Bateson.Then, some NewsFloyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson sign for spring exhibition!! WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE!?!Queensberry formally announces Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley heavyweight fight for Oct. 25 at The O2 in London on DAZN PPV. Presser on Tuesday in London. Winner is Usyk mandatory. And, Frank Warren confirms rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma will be back Dec.13 to headline at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Opponent TBA.Eddie Hearn confirms Anthony Joshua, who is recovering from elbow surgery, won’t fight the rest of this year and will likely return Jan/Feb and there is interest in him fighting in Ghana.This is wild – WBC held a purse bid on Friday for the rematch between cruiserweight titlist Badou Jack and former titlist Noel Mikaelian. Two bids and it was a tie!!! The WBC said that has never happened before. Made them bid again and Bash Promotions won!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 after Labor Day Weekend off (and without much boxing) because two separate main events are happening in different Mexican cities Saturday. And, the WBC's top junior miiddleweight joins us too on the 'Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.First, they preview Saturday's Matchroon main event in Los Mochis, Mexico on DAZNEduardo “Sugar” Nunez defends his IBF 130 lb. title vs. veteran Christopher Diaz. Is Nunez ready to rock and roll in this one in his hometown? Plus, what is waiting for him, if he does? Then, a Preview of Satuday's Zanfer card in Nogales, Mexico, on ESPN Deportes in USAOscar Valdez returns vs. Ricky Medina, 10 rounds, lightweights. Does Oscar have much left? Next it's big Dan's interview with junior middleweight contender Serhii BohachukHe risks his WBC 154 mandatory status, as he looks to avenge a 2021 TKO loss to Brandon Adams in a rematch on the upcoming Sept. 13 Canelo-Crawford undercard.Then, some NewsSuper middleweight contender Jaime Munguia will not face any disciplinary action stemming from a positive drug test related to his unanimous decision win against Bruno Surace in their rematch on May 3; ruled contamination  I'm sorry what?! Dan has more.A fight is in works between interim heavyweight titleholders Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley for Oct. 25 at O2 in London. It's definitely a bigger risk for Parker, who stands to be elevated to full WBO champ or also get a shot a Oleksandr Usyk, Yet, he's fighting the big punching Wardley.Next, lineal/WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez and WBC lightweight titlist Shakur Stevenson have been in talks with Turki Alalshikh and his team about a fight targeted for a Riyadh Season card in January. It isn't done, yet, and is a hang up that one or both fighters might want the bout in the U.S.There was a presser in LA on Wednesday to officially announce the October 25 "PBC on Prime Video" PPV at MGM Grand in Las Vegas:--Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman, for Fundora’s WBC junior middleweight title--O’Shaquie Foster vs. Stephen Fulton, for Foster’s WBC junior lightweight title--Jesus Ramos vs. Shane Mosley Jr., for vacant WBC interim middleweight title--Isaac Lucero vs. TBA, 10 rounds, junior middleweightsThe guys discuss the interesting parts of the presser and the bouts.And, finally, Juan Orengo’s Fresh Productions, the promoter for WBC junior welterweight titlist Subriel Matias, won the purse bid on Tuesday for the promotional rights to his mandatory defense against Dalton Smith, so wont be on Turki Alashikh's big Nov 22 card in Riyadh.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's another light week for fights in the ring but we have plenty of news and some GREAT nostalgia involving "Money' Mayweather, etc. on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to start off Labor Day weekend with the insight and takes.They tallk first about the only main event fight of note in the U.S. as it's the return of Sadam Ali, 2008 US Olympian and former WBO junior middleweight titlist, on Sunday. He faces club fighter Cody Wilson in a 10-round junior middleweight bout in Detroit. Dan has more.Then, we have news:Turki Alashikh and his team looking to finalize a fight between lineal/WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Loepz and WBC lightweight titlist Shakur Stevenson, who would move up in weight, for a fight eyed for January. Is this the best move for Shakur? And, how realistic is this fight for the USA instead of Saudi Arabia?Next, Turki and Ring announced launch of a new monthly boxing series on DAZN called “The Underdog.” The first card will take place Sept.11 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas ahead as part of Canelo-Crawford fight week. Opening show will be headlined by Anthony Olascuaga defending the WBO flyweight title vs. mandatory challenger Juan Carlos Camacho. We have the latestHeavyweight Dillian Whyte said he plans to continue boxing despite suffering a harsh first-round knockout loss to Moses Itauma on Aug. 16. T.J. compares him to another heavyweight that like Whyte is more famous for being knocked out by prominent fighters than anything else. And, promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, bidding on behalf of Premier Boxing Champions, won Tuesday’s purse bid for the IBF final heavyweight title eliminator between Efe Ajagba and Frank Sanchez. Dan explains whether this fight will actually happen or not? Then, we have good NostalgiaAugust 26, 2017 – 8 years ago on Tuesday – Floyd Mayweather TKO10 Conor McGregor as Floyd ended a two-year retirement to handily stop McGregor, who was crossing over from UFC to boxing, in the second-biggest money fight ever. Big Dan was ringside and recalls all of the circus leading up to the fight. Plus, the fight made TONS of $$ and Mayweather became 50-0. We discuss it in detail.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and follow/subscribe to this podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It was another light weekend in the ring, but we have the recap of the MVP show in Orlando, FL, including an upset in a wild junior middleweight bout. That and some interesting fight news are 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 Newsletter. They have takes on it allStarting with the recap of Saturday’s MVP/DAZN cardFlyweight Yankiel Rivera draw with Angelino Cordova, for vacant WBA interim title leads, but this fight a "stink bomb."Bigger was the junior middleweight battle with Abass Baraou and Yoenis Tellez, won by Baraou and he's now the WBA interim champ. The final round was also fantastic and the guys discuss it all.  Also, lightweight Lucas Bahdi decisioned Roger Gutierrez and wins a WBA eliminator bout. And, from Friday night MVP/DAZN cardHeavily touted junior lightweight Jahmal Harvey, a 2024 U.S. Olympian, won his pro debut by first-round TKO. Dan has more on his potential. Next, some news:Canelo Alvarez posts photos of "Boots" Ennis in camp sparring with him. Interesting stuff to say the least. We discuss. Plus, Nevada State Athletic Commission selected the Canelo-Crawford referee and judges. Also, the guys also discuss the moving of the UNLV college footall game from Allegiant Stadium in Vegas and what they got financially from TKO Promotions to switch their game to this weekend.  Moving on, one time heavyweight contender Ike Ibeabuchi, now 52 years old and out of the ring for 26 years (much of it spent in prison), returned to the ring Saturday night in Lagos, Nigeria. He stopped Idris Afinni (now 18-9-2) in the third round. Dan reminisces on Ibeabuchi.Also, speaking of the heavyweights, the Jarrell Miller-Michael Hunter heavyweight bout that was supposed to be September 11th in Las Vegas on a card during Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford fight week has been canceled. We go through the typical boxing shennanigans that include... 94 year old Don King being involved. And, we wrap up with former WBA junior lightweight titlist Hector Luis Garcia announcing his retirement earlier in the week.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.!

In late August it's another light weekend, but we have plenty of fight news to go over and more on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all.First, a preview of the Saturday MVP card on DAZN in OrlandoYankiel Rivera meets Angelino Cordova, 12 rounds, for the vacant WBA interim flyweight title andYoenis Tellez vs. Abass Baraou, 12 rounds, for Tellez’s WBA interim junior middleweight title. They are solid fights, even if the WBA is a joke with secondary titles, and the guys go over it. Next, some news:Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis announce an exhibition bout November 14th on Netflix at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. We will say... WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!Some notable fights in process of being made or made at 154:Sebastian Fundora- Keith Thurman, Vergil Ortiz Jr.-Erickson Lubin, Bahkram Mutazaliev-Josh Kelly, Serhei Bohachuk- Brandon Adams rematch all upcoming. We have the latest.Top Rank announces a contract extension with WBO welterweight titlist Brian Norman Jr.Daniel Dubois fires trainer Don Charles, now to be trained by Mark Tibbs, in wake of his KO loss to Oleksandr Usyk last month.Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. deported this week after his arrest in July by the American DHS and is now in a Mexican jail.And, the WBO orders a cruiserweight interim title fight because Zurdo Ramirez has shoulder surgery and is out rest of year. So, Chris Billam-Smith meets Roman Fress ordered.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to us on Apple, Spreaker, Spotify, etc.

Well, we have the answer on whether British heavyweight phenom Moses Itauma would wipe out his first "named" opponent and we're ready to recap that fight/the Riyadh DAZN card and more 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.They Recap Saturday’s Queensberry/DAZN PPV card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where Itauma took two mintues to dispatch Dillian Whyte and grow his legend. The guys have thoughts on Itauma an what should be next. Is it possibly Filip Hrgovic who had a battle on the undercard, including a great 8th round of drama, with David Adeleye before winning by decision? Or will it be someone else?Also, featherweight Nick Ball won a hard fought decison over Sam Goodman and retains his WBA title. Will unification be next for Ball.Also, Junior lightweight Hayato Tsutsumi squahes Qais Ashfaq, junior lightweight Raymond Ford defeats vet Abraham Nova in 10 and lightweight prospect Mohammed Alakel KO's Yumnam Santosh Singh in one round.NewsLots of fights in works at 154 lbs: Sebastian Fundora-Keith Thurman headed for an Oct 25th PBC PPV at MGM Grand? It looks like it. We have more. Plus, Vergil Ortiz–Erickson Lubin headed for the week before, Oct. 18 on DAZN. And, Serheii Bohachuk-Brandon Adams will rematch Sept. 13 on Canelo-Crawford undercaard. Adams handed Bohachuk first loss by 8th-rd TKO 2021. Also, Liam Paro will face David Papot in an IBF welterweight title eliminator for the mandatory position on Sept. 18 in Brisbane, Australia, No Limit Boxing announced the bout.And finally, former WBA welterweight titlist Eimantas Stanionis returns vs. South Africa’s Jabulani Makhense at 150 pounds catchweight on Sept. 27th in Stanionis’ hometown of Kaunas, Lithuania, Stanionis announced. This will be Stanionis' first ever pro fight in his home country and his first fight since a one-sided sixth-round knockout to Jaron “Boots” Ennis in their April unification fight Finally, some nostalgiaAug. 19, 2017 – 8 years ago on Tuesday – Terence Crawford demolishes Julius Indongo to unify the four titles and become undisputed junior welterweight champion. Big Dan was ringside in Lincoln, Nebraska and reminisces.It's all on the "Figtht Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify! 

Finally we get a big time fight card this weekend in Saudi Arabia and we're ready to go over the return of phenom heavyweight Moses Itauma, have some fight news discussion and more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all.First, the take a look at Satrurday’s Riyadh Season DAZN PPV in Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaItauma has his first "named test" in Dillian Whyte, 10 rounds, heavyweights. Time to see what the youngster can do against a proven vet and will the hype continue after this one? In the co-feature Nick Ball takes on Sam Goodman for Ball’s WBA featherweight title. The highly entertaining champ from Liverpool, England will battle the top contender from Australia in this one. Also there's talk of Filip Hrgovic vs. David Adeleye in a heavyweight matchup and American Raymond Ford battles countryman Abraham Nova in a junior lightweight showdown.Then, some newsThe Canelo-Crawford undercard was announced: jjunior middleweight prospects Callum Walsh and Fernando Vargas Jr. will fight the 10-round co-feature and WBC interim super middleweight titleholder Christian Mbilli, a potential 2026 opponent for Alvarez, defends against rising contender Lester Martinez.Also, Paramount+, just off this week’s massive seven-year, $7.7 billion deal for all United States broadcast and streaming rights for UFC, is reportedly also the “front-runner” for Zuffa Boxing rights, per Front Office Sports. We discuss the massive money being thrown the UFC's way, while boxing cannot get a fraction of those kind of deals.Next, the domestic violence case against WBA lightweight titleholder Gervonta Davis was dropped on Tuesday, according to the Miami-Dade County Court. The woman declined to prosecute. We discuss and Dan has a theory on Davis' next big battle.Oh, and there's Jason “Boots” Ennis, who recently vacated his unified welterweight title to move up to junior middleweight. But, not for a huge fight, rather, he is set for his debut in perhaps boxing’s deepest division in garbage fight vs. unknown Uisma Lima in a WBA title eliminator Oct.11 on DAZN at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Ennis’ hometown. What are we doing here (Part 1)?!And, apparently, there is a real chance that Anthony Joshua will fight Jake Paul next, per Eddie Hearn in various interviews. What are we doing here (part 2)?!It's all part of the Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!!

Coming up on Saturay night August 16th, British heavyweight phenom Moses Itauma looks to take his biggest step yet towards being a contender. That's when he meets former multi-time world title challenger Dillian Whyte in a DAZN PPV main event from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The unbeaten Itauma is not yet 21 years old, but has already created buzz with 10 KOs in his first 12 victories. And, some are wondering if he's a "Mike Tyson 2.0" with all of the big KOs? Well, HEAR him here in a one on one conversation with our insider Dan Rafael for more.It's al part of our coveage from the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" as part of this feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It was another light weekend in big time boxing, but we do have a card to discuss. Plus, hear from a prominent boxing play by play broadcaster and the guys also go over the horrible news of not one, but two Japanese fighters off the same early August card dying after their fights. It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter to go over it all.Dan has the recap of the Friday card in Benghazi, LibyaFeatherweight Mirco Cuello big KO2 of Sergio Rios Jimenez and wins (don't laugh) the vacant WBA interim title. Also, light heavyweight Albert Ramirez scored an impressive TKO of Jerome Pampellone, and also wins a vacant WBA interim title. And, a large upset as lightweight Francisco Fonseca decisioned Sofiane Oumiha on this card.Next, hear a portion of our Youtube live show with DAZN's Todd Grisham.  Grisham talks the recent Oscar Duarte and Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez wins in broadcasts he's done, as we play a portion of the show.Then, some NewsHoriibly, two Japanese fighters both suffered fatal brain injuries on the same August 2nd Teiken Promotions card in Tokyo – junior lightweight Shigetoshi Kotari died on Friday after fighting to a draw in the 12-round main event and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa died on Saturday following an eighth-round KO loss in an eight-rounder. It's awful and Dan explains more about how neither fight seemed to be leading to such a tragic ending. Also, the Japanese Boxing Committee will now look to shorten some regional title fights out of safety concerns.Next, lineal/unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol will be sidelined for the rest of the year after undergoing back surgery in his hometown of Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Friday. We have more, including does this maybe mean that Artur Beterbiev and David Benavidez might fight each other, if they both win on the November Riyadh Season Card in Saudi Arabia?Not unexpectedly, WBC/IBF bantamweight champion Junto Nakatani announced he will vacate his titles and move up junior featherweight, putting him in Naoya Inoue’s division for a possible all-Japan mega fight in the spring.And, after Sky Sports declined to renew its broadcast deal with Boxxer Promotions, one of the United Kingdom’s leading promoters, it has struck a deal with the BBC, which has not shown boxing in 21 years. Dan goes over it all.It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

A very light weekend of action in the ring, but plenty to go over and British rising heavyweight phenom Moses Itauma is with us,, 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 give their takes and more.First a quick preview of the Friday afternoon card in Benghazi, Libya (?) on DAZNMirco Cuello meets Sergio Rios Jimenez, for the vacant WBA interim featherweight title andAlbert Ramirez takes Jerome Pampellone, WBA light heavyweight eliminator. Dan has more on why these fights are there and what's worth watching? Next it's the Itauma interviewHe takes a big step up vs. former top contender and fellow Brit Dillian Whyte in the main event of a DAZN PPV on Aug. 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Is Itauma trending to a title shot soon? Hear him in his own words Big Dan.Then, some fight newsA new date for Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn rematch. Now Nov. 15 after Turki Alashikh previously announced it for Sept. 20th.Former undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev is moving on, at least for now, from next facing unified champion Dmitry Bivol for the third time and will face Deon Nicholson on Nov. 22 on the big card in Riyadh headlined by WBC light heavyweight champ David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde. T.J. wonders for us all "What are We Doing Here?!" with Beterbiev?Meanwhile, Oscar De La Hoya said he is not at all interested in making a rematch between Ryan Garcia and Rolando Romero and would prefer to match Garcia with Teofimo Lopez.A big signing for Most Valuable Promotions – Junior lightweight Jahmal Harvey, a 2024 U.S. Olympian, whom Dan and many others are high on. He talks why.And, former junior lightweight and featherweight titlist Oscar Valdez is going home. He will face Ricky Medina in a 10-rounder on Sept. 6 in his hometown of Nogales, Mexico. The guys discuss this and since he's a Top Rank main event fighter, what's going on with them finding a broadcast outlet?It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

Coming up in September, two division undisputed world champ and future hall of famer Terence Crawford will face, by far, his biggest name/challenge to date. That's when he moves up to super middleweight to meet Canelo Alvarez in one of the mega-fights of this decade.But, before the mayhem of that showdown Crawford, the former undisputed world junior welterweight and welterweight champ talked one on one with our insider Dan Rafael. Hear him discuss what motivated him to try this, when clearly he's made monstrous money already and Alvarez is significantly bigger and more powerful than anyone he's ever fought as a pro? Plus, what about his place in history, if he can pull the upset against the Mexican legend? And, what about the massive setting inside Las Vegas' Allegiant Football Stadium, where over 60,000 fans are expected to be part of the showdown?It's all in this conversation with "Bud" Crawford here on our Big Fight Weekend Podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are back for the first time in August and ready to review the weekend action and also hear from one of the premiere fighters in the sport on the latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives is joined by insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter.They begin with the:Recap of Friday night in Caracas, Venezuela that was on ESPN+ and ESPN DeportesJunior flyweight Carlos Canizales kayoes Panya Pradabsri to win the WBC title in a mandatory immediate rematch. Canizales avenged a controversial decision loss in December in Thailand. The rematch was a wild shootout with both fighters down that was nonstop action. We discuss the bout and the future for Canizales. Next is the recap of Saturday night’s Golden Boy DAZN card in ChicagoJunior welterweight Oscar Duarte defeats Kenneth Sims Jr. in a hotly contested WBA eliminator. We asses that fight and what's next for Duarte. In the co-feature it was a junior welterweight brawl between to aged/worn fighters in Regis Prograis and Joseph Diaz Jr. Prograis wins by decision but took punishment too. What's next for him. Also, rising heayweight prospect Joshua Edwards scored an easy TKO1 over Cayman Audie. Dan wonders how fast Edwards can rise? Then, it's a one on one Terence Crawford interview with Big DanHe challenges Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super middleweight title on Sept.13. Hear how his preparation is going and more in this conversation. Finally, some brief newsMatchroom and DAZN announce 4 September/October cards, mainly British oriented plus Eduard "Sugar" Nunez's 130 lb. title defense upcoming.And, Queensberry Promotions is loading up on light heavys – signing top contender Josh Buatsi and European champion Bradley Rea on Friday. We go over the implications.It's all part of the 'Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on this podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!