The Opening Bell; A boxing podcast

Though Gamal Yafai beating Sunny Edwards was not an upset, the one-sided nature of the beatdown was a surprise. The brilliant Yafai marches on while Edwards, Galal’s conqueror in the amateurs, announces his retirement. Elsewhere, UKAD surrendered to Conor Benn in his fight to be cleared but the finer details of his case remain completely unclear - we ask why. And in This Week, we look back on a scintillating performance from Donald Curry in 1985. Little did anyone know at the time that Curry’s thrashing of Milton McCrory would all but signal the beginning of the end for his flirtation with greatness. Get bonus content on Patreon [https://open.acast.com/public/patreon/fanSubscribe/12231422] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

In a fascinating and hard to call winter showdown, Sunny Edwards visits Galal Yafai in Birmingham for a battle with worldwide implications. We review Harlem Eubank’s return while looking at the increasing likelihood that his cousin will soon be confirmed as Conor Benn’s next opponent. With that in mind, the WBC’s justification for Benn’s lofty ranking at welterweight might surprise you. In This Week, we go back to 2004 for the final instalment in the terrific feud between Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales. To all of you who continue to support us, in whichever way you can, we thank you. Get bonus content on Patreon [https://open.acast.com/public/patreon/fanSubscribe/12231422] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

As expected, Mike Tyson looked old, slow and vulnerable while being outpointed by Jake Paul in an unedifying, forgettable encounter. But what do the incredible viewing figures - it was seen in 60m homes - mean for the sport of boxing? At least Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano turned in a terrific scrap and, out in Saudi, Gilberto Ramirez was too slick for a beyond brave Chris Billam-Smith. Finally, a treat in This Week as Smokin’ Bert Cooper turns in an inspired showing to almost show Evander Holyfield. Get bonus content on Patreon [https://open.acast.com/public/patreon/fanSubscribe/12231422] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Conor Benn last week announced, for the third time in two years, that he had been ‘cleared’ to fight. Is this really the end of the matter? Elsewhere, Turki Alalshikh announced his aquirement of The Ring and, if that wasn’t enough, a $20m deal for Naoya Inoue. In action was Jaron Ennis, merely going through the motions, while Keyshawn Davis showcased his limitless potential. This Week marks the anniversary of the epic opener between Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield. Thanks for the ongoing support, one and all. Get bonus content on Patreon [https://open.acast.com/public/patreon/fanSubscribe/12231422] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

With the Daniel Dubois-Anthony Joshua rematch seemingly off the table, we examine the leading contenders to take on Dubois and ponder what the future may hold for Joshua. There’s Queensberry’s deal with DAZN to discuss along with the long-term position of Frank Warren in the business after he recently admitted he had considered retirement. We also reflect on all the action from the weekend, including Shabaz Masoud’s majestic victory over Liam Davies, and there’s a special report from the amateur Under-19 World Championships. In This Week, we head back to 1989 and Sugar Ray Leonard taking on Donnie Lalonde. Get bonus content on Patreon [https://open.acast.com/public/patreon/fanSubscribe/12231422] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.