THE BOXING SHOW

THIS week, Matt Christie announced he was leaving Boxing News which left some of you wondering what was to become of The Opening Bell. Matt and Alex Steedman - aka Steedo - explain all.There’s plenty of time to look back on the stunning display from Ryan Garcia as he dropped Devin Haney three times to win on the cards. Even by boxing’s barmy standards, this is some story.In This Week we relive the moment when Lennox Lewis switched off and Hasim Rahman became one of the unlikeliest heavyweight champions in history.As of next week, you won’t be able to find us in the usual place, but you will find us here: https://linktr.ee/TheOpeningBellPodcastSo any reviews and ratings, please leave them in our new home. Many, many thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IT’S fight week in Brooklyn, New York. But something doesn’t feel quite right about it. Ryan Garcia, after months of madness on social media, is heading into the ring with Devin Haney, a fighter widely regarded as one of the best on the planet.  What could possibly go wrong?The exceptionally matched ‘5 v 5’ concept is discussed in detail as Team Hearn and Team Warren reveal their starting line-ups for the June 1 Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol undercard.Zelfa Barrett got the job done against Jordan Gill, showing flashes of brilliance along the way, yet there’s still a sense he has higher gears to find.Finally, in This Week, we go back to 1984 and a Milton McCrory masterclass that is frankly impossible not to compare to the very best of Thomas Hearns.If you’d read this far, and I doubt anyone on planet earth has, leave a review stating you have done so and we’ll read it out on the next show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DID Richardson Hitchins get lucky in Las Vegas last week? Certainly, one judge turned in a score that was unfathomable which again begs the question: What was the judge watching? In turn, one is left to ponder the various vantage points when watching a fight. Whether from the ring apron, amongst the crowd or at home on TV.We pay tribute to John Westgarth, look ahead to a quality main event in Manchester between Jordan Gill and Zelfa Barrett and - in This Week - look back on the outlandish power of Julian Jackson.Leave us a review and spread the good word of The Opening Bell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BOXING fans were handed a treat far better than any chocolate egg or succulent portion of roast lamb on Easter Sunday when Frazer Clarke and Fabio Wardley turned in a heavyweight humdinger of the ages. Quite how long it will take the two boxers to recover, after such heroic efforts, is another matter. We examine the fight in detail, ponder how on earth they did it, while looking ahead to the inevitable rematch.In This Week, we go back to 2009 and one of the last fights of Edwin Valero’s life while reflecting on his legacy, death and, of course, what might have been.Please send us your comments in a review. Subscribe and spread the word. Your support is so important to us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WE react to news that Conor Benn’s provisional suspension might be reimposed following the successful BBBoC and UKAD appeal, discuss Dalton Smith’s impressive demolition of Jose Zepeda and attempt to work out what will happen when Frazer Clarke challenges Fabio Wardley.There’s also a sighting of new British champion Ashley Lane in Nando’s to discuss and a bombastic showing from Earnie Shavers, in 1979, to remember.(Pleaaase) Rate, review, engage, subscribe (if you have the time!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BARELY 12 hours had passed from his rousing draw with Brad Pauls in Birmingham when British middleweight champion Nathan Heaney rocked up at the annual BBBoC Awards in London.We pay tribute to both boxers for their recent classic while reviewing a heartwarming event in the capital. It all provided a timely reminder about the incomparable beauty of a well-matched domestic title fight and the difference some old fashioned respect makes.We look ahead to Dalton Smith’s supposed acid test against Jose Zepeda and, in This Week, journey back to 2006 for one of the greatest fights you may not have seen.Thanks for all the support. We need those likes and reviews and follows! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AFTER Anthony Joshua blasted out a woefully overmatched Francis Ngannou in two rounds, the big question is: Will that put an end to crossover boxing?Whether it does or not, it seems we’ve still got to endure Mike Tyson trying to negotiate a 31-year disadvantage against Jake Paul. In comparison to all of that, Canelo Alvarez-Jaime Munguia looks like the fight of the century.In This Week, we uncover a genuinely competitive fight as we go back to 1989 and Evander Holyfield vs Micheal Dokes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

THIS weekend Anthony Joshua - arguably the most accomplished heavyweight of his era - takes on one-fight novice Francis Ngannou. A mismatch on paper but, according to plenty of seasoned observers, it’s a fight loaded with jeopardy for AJ.The undercard in Saudi Arabia is a cracker, featuring Zhilei Zhang-Joseph Parker, Rey Vargas-Nick Ball and more. As well as examining that card in detail, we look back on the heroics of Ray Ford and the concerning behaviour of Ryan Garcia.In another week an interview with Jeff Fenech, who explains why ‘banging five girls a day’ wasn’t ideal preparation for Azumah Nelson, might have been the hook. But This Week, it’s merely the icing on the cake.Please rate, review, subscribe, tell your pals, spread the word, keep listening. We’re very grateful for your attention, as always. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IN a week dominated by endless speculation about who Canelo Alvarez will fight next, we talk to a world champion with a real story to tell. Paul Spadafora started life being forced to deal with child abuse, alcohol abuse, drug addiction and death in the family. He survived being shot as a teenager and went on to become one of the best boxers of his era. But success would only lead to even more trouble.We also hear about his time as world champion, toying with Floyd Mayweather in sparring, going to prison after shooting his girlfriend, his road to redemption and his daily battle with addiction. Now a dedicated trainer, Spadafora’s story is like no other.Please rate, review, subscribe and tell everyone about The Opening Bell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

THE long overdue return between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall was formally announced this week at not one but two press conferences. We explore the psychological battle that is already well under way - and the notion of hatred being used to sell a fight.We look ahead to a busy, but not particularly headline-grabbing weekend, explore some enticing domestic clashes on the calendar and reiterate the importance of well-matched fights following an upswing in quality at small hall level.There’s a treat in This Week as we go back to 1987 and the night Lloyd Honeyghan rocketed at, and through, Johnny Bumphus.X: @openingbellpodInstagram: @Theopeningbellpod  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IN the latest Opening Bell, both Alex Steedman and Matt Christie find it hard not to be impressed by Hamza Sheeraz's stunning blitzing of Liam Williams last weekend. However, there are notes of caution about getting too carried away. The importance of the British title is up for discussion, so too that moral dilemma surrounding the Saudi Arabia takeover.In This Week, we go back to 1970 and a bout for the essentially vacant world heavyweight title between a peak 'Smokin' Joe Frazier and Jimmy Ellis.Thanks for comments and likes and shares. Keep doing what you're doing - it is hugely appreciated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TYSON FURY suffered a cut last week that almost sent the boxing world into meltdown. Fear not, his date with Oleksandr Usyk has been rescheduled for May 18. But do concerns surrounding Fury have any substance?We look back on Joshua Buatsi’s victory over Dan Azeez and review the latest chapter of the Conor Benn story.And in This Week, we go back to 1990 to relive the most stunning upset of them all: Buster Douglas KO 10 Mike Tyson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ON THE anniversary of one of the greatest coronations in boxing history, Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez prepare to do battle at light-heavyweight and the career of John Ryder is in the balance after his bruising loss to Jaime Munguia. This Week in 1980 the man with the magic fists, feet and follicles - the only and only Salvador Sanchez - entered the highest of stages and wowed the world. Back here in the present day, Azeez and Buatsi are gearing up for a world title eliminator with all the ingredients of an old school domestic ding-dong. But who wins?Thanks for your support and reviews. It’s so appreciated - please keep them coming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FOR some, the Natasha Jonas-Mikaela Mayer was a ‘robbery’. For others, it was fair enough. This week we wonder if controversy is a consequence of the current scoring system, or merely a symptom of the social media age.We also look ahead to John Ryder taking on Jaime Munguia this weekend, as well as the bill in Belfast.This Week goes back to 1976 and a slugfest of the ages: George Foreman vs Ron Lyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IF there were any question marks about Artur Beterbiev’s future in the sport at the age of 38, they were removed with a beastly bludgeoning of Callum Smith. That contest, and the ‘atypical’ fight week, are reviewed in-depth. We look ahead to the Natasha Jonas-Mikaela Mayer bill in Liverpool, cast an eye over the WBC’s latest ruling on failed tests, and reflect on the burgeoning friendship between Frank and Eddie.In This Week, we head back to 1973 and George Foreman wrecking the heavyweight reign of Smokin Joe Frazier.Your support is hugely appreciated. Please follow us and leave a review - if you can be arsed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WHAT a start to the year. Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou are readying for a scrap, Callum Smith is coming off a 16-month layoff to challenge Artur Beterbiev and Tony Weeks is the centre of attention. The heavyweight landscape has been fuel-injected by Saudi riches but what to make of Joshua taking on a fighter with a record that reads 0-1? Without question, Beterbiev’s 19-0 (19) stats are significantly more impressive. But is Smith catching him at the right time? Meanwhile, there was a disturbing social media post from Weeks following an early stoppage in Las Vegas. And in the same city, 25 years ago, Mike Tyson tried to snap Frans Botha’s arm in half before taking aim at his head. We also hear from Dave Harris of Ringside Charitable Trust, who reveals a major promoter has - at last - come forward to offer their support. Rate, review, and follow - but only if you want to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023 was another eventful year in boxing and this final episode brings together some of the big stories and interviews featured on the pod.  Anthony Joshua  was in reflective mood when discussing the final stage of his career, Victor Conte pulled no punches at all in challenging boxing's dopers and cheaters while Timothy Bradley gave a riveting insight into his punishing fight with Ruslan Provodnikov.The boxing year started with Liam Smith stunning Chris Eubank Jnr, a result and performance upstaged only by the surprising efforts of Francis Ngannou against Tyson Fury later in the year.  Matt Christie's reaction to that is worth another listen. The year closed with the heavyweights taking centre stage on an extravagant bill in Saudi where Joe Parker got the career win he craved, Daniel Dubois earned the redemption he needed and Anthony Joshua produced the spectacular finish he most wanted.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ON a dramatic night in Saudi Arabia, Anthony Joshua looked terrific while stopping Otto Wallin, Joseph Parker outhustled a listless Deontay Wilder and Daniel Dubois thumped Jarrell Miller into submission.Joshua’s partnership with Ben Davison got off to a flying start but the matchup with Wilder - who barely landed a single blow - could now be gone forever. We closely examine the performance of Dubois, too.There was another upset, crafted by Agit Kabayel alongside more predictable wins for Dmitry Bivol, Filip Hrgovic and Jai Opetaia.Get stuck in!Wishing each of you a wonderful Christmas. Thanks, as always, for the support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vote for us at the sports podcast awards: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/podcast/boxing-news-the-opening-bell/ NORMALLY, on December 21, the boxing world is blind drunk and counting down the days to Christmas. Not this year! No sir-eeee.The Opening Bell towers is awash with activity, starting with the exquisite battle between Bam Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards, before we rock around the Christmas tree in anticipation of this weekend’s bumper card in Saudi Arabia. Atop which is genuine jeopardy for both Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.  Will they both win?Finally, we go back to 1963 and relive the moment when Emile Griffith really should have known better than to stand in the face of Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter.We have been inundated with requests for Christmas gifts. Just leave a review instead! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WHAT a week for Devin Haney, Chris Billam-Smith, Ricky Hatton and Jane Couch. One wowed San Francisco, another lit up Bournemouth while two are set for Canastota in 2024. We ponder what’s next for Haney following his punch perfect victory over Regis Prograis, review the performance of CBS and wonder what it takes to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.Looking ahead, there’s a flyweight showdown to savour this weekend when Sunny Edwards battles Bam Rodriguez in a genuine 50/50 - but who’s our money on?It was a week when Amazon Prime confirmed their involvement in boxing in 2024 and a week that celebrated the 41st anniversary of one of the most violent and thrilling 15-rounders of them all - Bobby Chacon v Rafael ‘Bazooka’ Limon IV.One last thing… please leave us a review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices