219 episodes

Weekly boxing podcast from the world's oldest boxing magazine, Boxing News.

Boxing News Podcast - The Opening Bell Boxing News

    • Sport
    • 4.8 • 247 Ratings

Weekly boxing podcast from the world's oldest boxing magazine, Boxing News.

    Conor Benn uncleared/Wardley-Clarke preview

    Conor Benn uncleared/Wardley-Clarke preview

    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!)

    • 1 hr 11 min
    Suited, booted and bruised at the BBBoC Awards

    Suited, booted and bruised at the BBBoC Awards

    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!

    • 1 hr 2 min
    Joshua obliterates Ngannou; Jake Paul v Mike Tyson

    Joshua obliterates Ngannou; Jake Paul v Mike Tyson

    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.

    • 1 hr 3 min
    Preview special! Joshua-Ngannou, Zhang-Parker, Vargas-Ball

    Preview special! Joshua-Ngannou, Zhang-Parker, Vargas-Ball

    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.

    • 1 hr 12 min
    The astonishing survival of Paul Spadafora

    The astonishing survival of Paul Spadafora

    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.

    • 1 hr 24 min
    Taylor-Catterall II and a peak Lloyd Honeyghan

    Taylor-Catterall II and a peak Lloyd Honeyghan

    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: @openingbellpod
    Instagram: @Theopeningbellpod 

    • 1 hr 13 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
247 Ratings

247 Ratings

12)//--- ,

Great Podcast listen every week!

Matt and Alex

A brilliant listen every week it’s now part of my weekly listening habits. In last weeks episode you guys focused a lot on the British Title which is great as any up and coming UK prospect should want the Lonsdale Belt and defend it enough times to keep it.
I did however want to bounce the idea off you guys about the viability of an all British title fight card. With only title fights for the belt?
Be interested to hear your thoughts?

Thanks for the great weekly listen

PTEdwards ,

Weekly staple

One of my staples, absolutely love the show.

Skrimmers ,

Paid for losing not winning

Such an interesting discussion on Joe Joyce’s recent performances, made me think is boxing the only sport where winning doesn’t necessarily mean commercial success over losing? When Joyce was beating all in front of him, none of the belt holders wanted to touch him. But lose a couple and suddenly you become a much more attractive proposition! Similar to Derrick Chisora be good enough to not be considered a total mismatch but bad enough to not cause any real threat and you’re in business! Try explaining that to aliens following boxing for the first time! Once again a reason why the sport (emphasis on the word “sport”) needs a governing body and not be run by self interested promoters and sanctioning bodies with their “boxing is business” mantras!

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