The First Round with Darren Barker

This is Ricky Hatton’s final interview.Just four days before his passing, Ricky sat down with Darren Barker for what would become his last ever conversation on camera. With the blessing of Ricky’s family and team, we share this with the boxing world — not as an ending, but as a celebration of Ricky’s incredible life, his legacy, and his love for the fans who stood by him from day one..Ricky speaks with the honesty, humour, and humility that made him the People’s Champion. He opens up about growing up on a council estate in Hattersley, discovering boxing as a way to deal with school bullies, and carrying a loyal fanbase from the pub coaches of Manchester all the way to Las Vegas. He relives the iconic night he beat Kostya Tszyu, the heartbreak of fighting Floyd Mayweather, the devastation of the Pacquiao knockout, and his proudest achievement — not belts, but the love of the people..Ricky always said he didn’t want to be remembered as the best — just as one of the boys, one of the people. To millions, he will forever be remembered as exactly that. A world champion, a Manchester hero, and one of the most loved fighters British boxing has ever known.This is more than an interview. It is Ricky Hatton’s final message, in his own words.❤️ Rest in peace, Ricky. The People’s Champion. Forever loved.If you’ve been impacted by any of the topics discussed in this interview, please don’t face it alone, speaking to someone is the best thing you can do! We’ve included links below to trusted charities and organisations that can offer support:Mind support lineCall Mind's support line on 0300 102 1234.This is a safe space for you to talk about your mental health. Our advisors are trained to listen to you and help you find specialist support if you need it.. SamaritansYou can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year:Call 116 123 (free from any phone).SANElineIf you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10pm every day)..Shout If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help..🙏 Thank You, RickyYou will forever be remembered as more than a world champion. You was the lad next door, the man of the people, and the fighter who brought Manchester to Las Vegas. your spirit, your humour, and your love for the fans will live on forever.👉 Subscribe to First Round TV for more conversations celebrating the legends of boxing: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstRoundTV📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstroundtv#RickyHatton #ThePeoplesChampion #Boxing #BritishBoxing #WorldChampion #KostyaTszyu #FloydMayweather #MannyPacquiao #BoxingFamily #boxingpodcast

“Deontay Wilder’s power is different — and Malik Scott knows why.”Former heavyweight contender turned trainer Malik Scott joins Darren Barker on First Round TV for one of the most honest and emotional conversations we’ve ever had.Growing up in Philadelphia, Malik was fighting to protect his younger brother before he even found boxing. Guided by legendary trainer Fred Jenkins, he rose through the amateur ranks, winning national titles and representing the U.S. at the highest level. At just 19, he made his professional debut on the Lennox Lewis vs David Tua undercard in Las Vegas.But success didn’t come easy. Malik opens up about the injuries, setbacks, and wasted years that derailed his career — from blowing up to 311 lbs after surgery, to the depression and self-doubt that haunted him. He reflects on his biggest fights, including his controversial loss to Dereck Chisora, stepping into the ring with Luis Ortiz, and of course, facing the most feared puncher of this generation: Deontay Wilder.Malik describes in detail what it feels like to be hit by Wilder’s right hand, why his power is unlike Lennox Lewis or the Klitschko brothers, and how he later became Wilder’s head trainer after the Fury rematch — a role that tested both loyalty and brotherhood.The conversation goes deeper than boxing. Malik shares his raw thoughts on the dangers of the sport — the concussions fighters suffer in sparring, the friends he’s seen damaged for life, and the responsibility trainers carry every time they send a fighter into the ring.He also speaks about fatherhood: watching his son win the Golden Gloves, worrying about what the sport takes from young men, and raising his youngest, who’s already drawn to the gloves at just four years old.From street fights in Philly to the world stage, from regrets to reinvention, Malik Scott lays everything bare. This is a must-listen for fight fans who want the truth about boxing — the glory, the danger, and the reality behind the headlines.-Malik ScottDeontay WilderDereck ChisoraLuis OrtizLennox LewisWladimir KlitschkoVitali KlitschkoAnthony JoshuaTyson FuryMeldrick TaylorJulio Cesar ChavezDarren Barker

Two-weight world champion Carl Frampton joins Darren Barker on First Round TV for one of his most revealing interviews to date.From growing up in Belfast during The Troubles to winning world titles in front of his home crowd, Frampton shares the untold stories behind the belts — the pain, the politics, and the sacrifices that fans never saw.He opens up about:Turning pro out of desperation when he was brokeThe brutal nights with Kiko Martinez that left him with busted eardrums and pissing bloodThe bitter rivalry with Scott Quigg and breaking his jaw mid-fightBecoming a two-weight world champion against Leo Santa Cruz — and losing the rematchThe explosive split with the McGuigans and how it almost broke himWhy the Josh Warrington fight left him doubting everythingHis final night in the ring against Jamel Herring — and knowing it was overHonest, emotional, and at times heartbreaking — Carl Frampton reveals the real cost of boxing glory.Follow First Round TV on Instagram @firstroundtv for clips and updates.

Five-time world champion Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver reveals the untold truth behind knocking out Roy Jones Jr, the controversial Bernard Hopkins fight, and his Hollywood role in Rocky Balboa with Sylvester Stallone.From street fights in Orlando to Olympic glory, from shocking the boxing world to starring on the big screen — this is Antonio Tarver’s full, unfiltered story.In this in-depth boxing interview, Tarver pulls no punches as he breaks down the night he shocked the boxing world by knocking out Roy Jones Jr, the infamous “Any excuses tonight, Roy?” moment, and why he believes he was robbed in their first fight. He opens up about his rise from the streets of Orlando, Florida, his historic amateur achievements (the only man to win the National, World, and Pan Am Championships in the same year), and the grit it took to prove himself in a sport where he was always the underdog.Tarver also lifts the lid on the Hopkins ‘Jedi mind trick’ fight, the politics of professional boxing, and how he battled through setbacks to become a five-time world champion across light heavyweight, cruiserweight, and heavyweight divisions. Plus, hear the behind-the-scenes story of how he landed the role of Mason “The Line” Dixon in Rocky Balboa, training for Hollywood and stepping onto the big screen with one of cinema’s greatest icons, Sylvester Stallone.Whether you’re a fan of boxing history, curious about the golden era of light heavyweight legends, or love hearing the untold stories behind the sport’s biggest fights, this episode is packed with insight, controversy, and unforgettable moments from one of boxing’s most charismatic champions.

Joe Calzaghe sits down for a deeply personal, no-holds-barred conversation with former world champion and close friend Darren Barker — and it might be the most emotional and revealing interview of his legendary career.From going 46-0 and becoming a two-weight world champion, to walking away from £10 million comeback offers, and now embracing life beyond boxing — Joe opens up about retirement, regret, fatherhood, legacy, and sobriety in this raw and unfiltered episode of First Round TV.This is a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest British fighters of all time.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The full story behind Calzaghe vs Jeff Lacy – and why Joe almost didn’t fightWhy Joe says he “never truly enjoyed boxing” despite going undefeatedThe life-changing influence of his father and trainer Enzo CalzagheBehind-the-scenes insight into the Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. fightsWhy Joe turned down all comeback offers – even with millions on the tableHis battle with sobriety, identity loss after boxing, and finding peaceThoughts on the next generation, fatherhood, and what legacy really means💼 Sponsor: Get 4 extra months of NordVPN on a 2-year plan: https://nordvpn.com/firstround🔥 Who Is Joe Calzaghe?Joe Calzaghe is widely regarded as one of the greatest British boxers of all time. A former WBO, WBA, WBC, IBF, The Ring, and lineal super-middleweight and light-heavyweight world champion, he retired in 2009 with a perfect 46-0 record, becoming one of the very few boxers to hang up the gloves undefeated.Born in London and raised in Wales, Joe was trained by his father Enzo Calzaghe, a man with no formal boxing background who helped build one of the most incredible legacies in British sporting history.His resume includes dominant wins over:Chris EubankJeff Lacy (in a performance often considered the greatest by a British fighter)Mikkel KesslerBernard HopkinsRoy Jones Jr.

This one wasn’t planned. In the middle of NYC traffic, a chance Uber ride turned into a once-in-a-lifetime conversation with **Shannon "The Cannon" Briggs** – and it's one of the most emotional episodes we’ve ever recorded.The former World Heavyweight Champion opens up like never before about:- Growing up homeless in Brownsville, Brooklyn- His first fight at 16, sparked by fear of crossing a bridge- George Foreman’s power & Lennox Lewis’ greatness- Regret, redemption, and the hunt for a perfect trainer- Life after boxing: cannabis, acting, family, legacy- Mental health, motivation, addiction, and survival- His Mount Rushmore of Boxing (surprising picks!)If you're a boxing fan, a fighter, or just someone chasing a dream — this episode is for you. LET'S GO CHAMP.

Liam Smith joins Darren Barker on First Round TV to deliver one of the most honest and powerful interviews in British boxing. From the rough streets of Liverpool to world title glory, Liam tells the full story — no filters, no fluff.In this deeply personal conversation, Liam opens up about:🧒 Growing up in a boxing-mad household with the legendary Smith brothers🥊 Sparring in the living room as kids — with ornaments flying!🏆 Becoming Liverpool’s first world champion in 22 years💔 The pain of politics in amateur boxing — and why he turned pro early💥 Fighting Canelo Alvarez in Texas and why he was convinced he’d win🧠 The mental toll of boxing and watching his brothers fight💸 Being short-changed for the Canelo fight — and his biggest regrets🛑 The truth about the Chris Eubank Jr. rematch🇬🇧 Why the British Title still eats away at him — and the belt they never got to keep⚽️ And how football nearly stole him away from boxing…This is Liam Smith like you’ve never seen him before — reflective, open, and fiercely proud of his journey.👊 Whether you're a hardcore fight fan or just love real human stories, this one hits hard.

Undefeated British light-heavyweight Ezra Taylor is no longer a rising star — he’s a serious contender with elite ambitions. In this gripping conversation with former world champion Darren Barker, Ezra lays out his path to boxing’s summit.With 12 wins, 8 KOs, and a WBC International belt already under his name, Ezra doesn’t pull punches. He wants the best — Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, Callum Smith, and David Benavidez. And he’s not talking dream fights. He’s talking next fights.🎙️ In This Episode:Callouts with conviction – Why Ezra believes he’s a threat to Bivol & Beterbiev right now.From amateur frustration to pro focus – The missed weigh-in that changed his life and set him on a world-title path.Malik Scott & LA training – How training in America transformed his discipline, stamina, and style.No plan B – Faith, purpose, and sacrifice: the mindset that drives Ezra through every setback.The Tommy Fury challenge – Why Ezra demanded to face Tommy’s past opponent — and made a statement.September showdown? – The personal grudge with Louis Edmondson that could explode in Nottingham.🧠 Plus:His Mount Rushmore of boxing, thoughts on Beterbiev vs Bivol III, Dubois vs Usyk 2, and what it really takes to make it in modern boxing.Follow First Round TV for more raw, honest conversations with the sport’s future legends.

Viddal Riley: From YouTube Corner to British Champion | First Round TVMost people know Viddal Riley as KSI’s boxing coach. But what they’ve missed is the fighter behind the trainer — an 8-time national champion who walked away from fame to chase real legacy in the sport.In this episode, Viddal joins Darren Barker to talk about:Coaching KSI, Bezinga & the SidemenHis childhood in the gym under his father’s watchLosing twice and being told: “Quit, or go pro”Signing with Floyd Mayweather Promotions and fighting in VegasWhy he had zero nerves before the biggest fight of his lifeWhat the British title means — and who he wants nextThis isn’t a YouTuber story. This is a fighter’s journey — raw, grounded, and focused on greatness.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your boxing fix.🔗 Watch the full video on YouTube: @FirstRoundTV📲 Follow @firstroundtv | Hosted by Darren BarkerViddal Riley, KSI boxing, Floyd Mayweather, Jake Paul, Boxxer, Sky Sports Boxing, British Champion, Viddal Riley vs Aloys Jr, The Sidemen, Behzinga, Lawrence Okolie, Anthony Joshua, YouTube boxing, Viddal Riley interview, Darren Barker, First Round TV, Real boxer vs YouTuber, Cruiserweight, Mayweather Promotions

What would you do if your phone rang during dinner… and on the other end, someone asked if you were ready to fight Shakur Stevenson for the world title — in four days?In this unbelievable episode, Josh Padley joins Darren Barker to tell the real-life Rocky story that shook the boxing world. One moment, he’s installing solar panels in Doncaster. The next, he’s flying business class to Saudi Arabia to face one of the best fighters on the planet with no camp, no preparation, and everything to lose.From skipping dinner and jumping on the scales to being dropped by perfectly placed body shots on a sold-out Saudi card, Josh opens up about grit, fear, belief, and opportunity — and how saying “yes” at the right time changed his life forever.💬 Josh also reveals:What it felt like to fight Shakur Stevenson with no sparringThe call-up story that started mid-meal with “Watch your weight, lad.”How he made weight overnight — and what broke him in the ringBuying a kettle with Alexa as his first big-money purchaseLife as a working-class fighter: work vans, robot hoovers & Wembley dreamsHis new life as a full-time pro with MatchroomHis 5-year goal to win a world title — and who he wants nextThis is one of the wildest and most inspiring stories we’ve ever heard on First Round. If you’ve ever needed a reminder that dreams still happen — even if you're not in camp — this episode is for you.

Hamzah Sheeraz joins Darren Barker on First Round TV for his most honest, raw and revealing interview yet.From growing up without a father figure to working as an apprentice electrician at 15 just to help his family eat, Hamzah opens up about the pressure, pain, and sacrifice behind his rise through boxing. He shares the emotional aftermath of his controversial draw with Carlos Adames, the brutal silence that followed, and the people who turned their backs when the wins stopped.Hamzah reflects on what it really takes to reach the top, how the wrong people nearly derailed his career, and why he’s now rebuilt his mindset, team, and weight class under new trainer Andy Lee. He talks captaincy at Riyadh’s 5v5, facing the toughest puncher he’s ever been in with, and chasing greatness at 168lbs — with Edgar Berlanga next, and Canelo in his sights.This is the untold story of Britain’s most exciting middleweight contender.🎙 Topics include:Growing up in East London without a dadWorking to support his mum at age 15The Adames fight and post-fight backlashTaking full accountability for defeatWhy he changed trainers and moved to 168lbsLife-changing moments inside and outside the ringBeing captain at the Riyadh 5v5His relationship with His ExcellencyFaith, pressure, and boxing’s brutal truthsCanelo aspirations and redemption🎧 Listen now and get inside the mind of boxing’s most quietly dangerous contender.💼 Sponsor: Get 4 extra months of NordVPN on a 2-year plan: https://nordvpn.com/firstroundBoxing, Boxer, British Boxing, Sports, Heavyweight boxing, Boxing legends, Boxing talk, Boxing History, Boxing Champions,

Dave Allen is back – and he’s not holding back. In this emotional and unpredictable conversation with Darren Barker, the White Rhino revisits the highs and brutal lows of his career.From sparring Tyson Fury and Usyk and getting battered by Tony Yoka, to being called a “fat pig” in France and paying to fight on the small hall scene – this is a deep dive into boxing’s most unlikely cult hero.Now training kids in Doncaster and preparing for one last shot against Johnny Fisher, Dave reveals what keeps him in the game… and what nearly took him out.⚠️ Don’t miss this one if you care about the man behind the gloves.💼 Sponsor: Get 4 extra months of NordVPN on a 2-year plan: https://nordvpn.com/firstround

In this raw and emotional episode, Chris Billam-Smith sits down with Darren Barker to tell the unfiltered story of his rise from sleeping in a motorhome to becoming a world champion.Before fighting on the huge Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn fight at Selhurst Park on April 26th against American powerhouse Brandon Glanton, Chris opens up about the defining moments of his journey:➡️ Living without running water or power➡️ Falling short of Team GB➡️ Getting written off after losing to Richard Riakporhe➡️ And the night he lifted the WBO world title in front of a packed stadium in Bournemouth against Lawrence OkolieThis episode goes deeper than boxing. It’s about integrity in a sport driven by hype, being a role model for the next generation, and the mantra that’s powered his career:👉 Consistency Builds Success.💼 Sponsor: Get 4 extra months of NordVPN on a 2-year plan: https://nordvpn.com/firstround

In this unmissable episode, former world champion Tony Bellew sits down with Darren Barker for the most honest conversation of his career. From Goodison Park glory to Creed, from the pain of family loss to the pressure of defining moments — Bellew holds nothing back.He opens up on the war with David Haye, facing Usyk, and why he nearly walked away from boxing for good. A powerful look into legacy, identity, and what it really takes to chase your dream when everything’s on the line. One of the realest voices in British boxing. Don’t miss this.Don't forget to Subscribe to the Podcast to make sure you don't ever miss an episode!

For the first time In this exclusive podcast Conor Benn joins Darren to talk about the incredible roller coaster of a life he has had. Conor talks about everything from the controversy over the drugs test and everything he did to prove his innocence. To his insane journey as being the son of the his famous dad Nigel Benn and how thats effected his own journey rising through the ranks of British boxing. Conor opens up how the drugs case affected him and everything he had to go through to make it through that. With Conor now found innocent and cleared of any wrong doing he eyes up the big fight that everyone wants to see against Chris Eubank Jr. We hope you enjoy this amazing episode where we promise you will see a side to Conor Benn you've never seen before.Follow Our Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstroundtvTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@firstroundtvYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstroundtvDarren Barker: https://www.instagram.com/mrdfbarker/Conor Benn: https://www.instagram.com/conorbennofficial/

In this episode we get the absolute privilege to sit down with former heavy weight world champion Joseph Parker ahead of his massive fight with Daniel Dubois. Joe has had an incredible journey in boxing and an insane comeback story. Joe talks about his thoughts on Daniel Dubois's behaviour, What Tyson fury did for him that no one knows and his thoughts on the potential Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight. This was an absolute blast and you're gonna get to know Joe in a way you've never seen before!Follow Our Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstroundtvTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@firstroundtvYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstroundtvDarren Barker: https://www.instagram.com/mrdfbarker/Joseph Parker: https://www.instagram.com/joeboxerparker/

In this podcast DAZN's commentator Darren Barker sits down with boxing sensation Johnny Fisher. In the space of just four years Johnny has gone from selling meat with dad Big John to becoming Eddie Hearn's newest heavyweight star. Johnny has amassed a impressive social media presence and die hard fan base allowing him to sell out show after show. In this episode of the First Round Podcast: Johnny touches on everything from being signed by Eddie Hearn, fighting on the Fury vs Usyk 2 card and aspirations to fight Anthony Joshua. -Follow Our Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstroundtvTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@firstroundtvYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstroundtvDarren Barker: https://www.instagram.com/mrdfbarker/Johnny Fisher: https://www.instagram.com/johnnyfisher1/