5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce

He beat Nigel Benn twice. He beat Chris Eubank twice. Former two-weight world champion Steve Collins joins Buncey to reflect on his career, including training in the same gym as Marvin Hagler. He also looks ahead the world title fight between Anthony Cacace and Jazza Dickens in Dublin this weekend.

Has boxing experienced a stranger ten days? From Conor Benn’s departure from Matchroom to Oleksandr Usyk defending his WBC title beneath the pyramids, and the emergence of a reported $1 billion lawsuit, the sport has produced no shortage of surprises. Buncey is joined by Boxing Scene editor Matt Christie to try to make sense of it all.

Can Fabio Wardley make a successful defence of his world title, or will Daniel Dubois become a two-time champion? Ahead of their fight in May, Buncey speaks to both men at the launch press conference. Barry Jones joins and makes the argument on why we could be in for a great fight. And Queensberry boss Frank Warren is also on the pod.

Will there be a bigger boxing story in 2026 than Conor Benn leaving Matchroom? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to reflect on Benn’s decision to sign with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, while Eddie Hearn gives his immediate reaction. Plus, they ask what’s next for Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington after their Nottingham rematch, with Wood the clear winner. We hear from both fighters.

Will it be repeat or revenge? Buncey heads to Nottingham to speak with Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington ahead of their highly anticipated rematch on Saturday night. He also catches up with promoter Eddie Hearn and "Meatball" Molly McCann. Plus, we hear from Ismael Davis and Bilal Fawaz as they prepare to battle it out for the British title.

Can Tyson Fury be the sport’s saviour after vowing to make boxing great again? The Gypsy King joins Buncey to reveal why he’s ended his retirement, why he’s convinced another world title is within reach, and why he’s decided to go without a trainer. We also hear from his promoter, Frank Warren, and his opponent, Arslanbek Makhmudov. Plus, Barry Jones breaks down the fight and explains what each man must do to get the win.

Did Brandon Figueroa and his team go too far with their celebrations? And what’s next for Nick Ball? Barry Jones joins Buncey to analyse a lively fight in Liverpool, where Ball lost his world title after hitting the canvas twice in the 12th. Plus, as the fighters gathered at London’s Olympia last week to announce the MVP-promoted all-women’s card on 5 April, Buncey catches up with many of them.

Can Wilder still be the fighter he once was, and how much does Derek Chisora have left? Barry Jones joins Buncey at the launch press conference ahead of their April fight to ask what we can expect from both men. Buncey also sits down with the pair, as well as the promoters involved, Frank Warren and Kalle Sauerland.

Has there ever been a stranger moment in the ring than Jarrell Miller losing his toupee mid-fight? Stacey Copeland joins Buncey to unpack that bizarre scene, as well as the impressive performances from Josh Kelly and Shakur Stevenson. Kelly claimed his first world title with victory over Bakhram Murtazaliev, while Stevenson made history by becoming a four-weight world champion. Plus, Stacey gives her verdict on Fran Hennessy’s narrow win at the Copper Box.

Can Josh Kelly add his name to the growing list of British world champions? He challenges Bakhram Murtazaliev for the IBF super-welterweight title on Saturday. Matchroom CEO Frank Smith joins Buncey to preview the fight, with Kelly himself on the pod as he bids for his first world title. We also hear from his trainer Adam Booth, plus heavyweight prospect Leo Atang.

When might we see Tyson Fury back? What’s next for Fabio Wardley? Buncey asks Queensberry boss Frank Warren as they look ahead to what the first half of 2026 might bring for his fighters. Warren also gives his verdict on Zuffa Boxing following their inaugural event last weekend.

Is enough being done to support boxers once they hang up the gloves? In this special programme, Stacey Copeland examines the realities fighters face when their careers end, from loss of identity to physical and mental challenges. Joined by Steve Bunce, former undisputed world champion Josh Taylor and leading trainer Dom Ingle, the discussion explores whether the sport is doing enough and what more can be done to help boxers prepare for life out of the ring. They also hear from Ricky Hatton's friend and manager, Paul Speak, Robert Smith of the BBBoC, and Queensberry boss Frank Warren.

Where does Dalton Smith’s world title win in New York rank among the greatest British performances overseas? Mike Costello joins Buncey to look back at some of the most iconic nights by a Brit abroad, from Lloyd Honeyghan to Tyson Fury. Plus, Dalton himself on the night, the fight, and what comes next.

Is this set to be Katie Taylor’s final year in the ring? Can Ellie Scotney take the final step and become undisputed? And will we finally see Lauren Price face Mikaela Mayer? Plenty for Buncey and Stacey Copeland to debate as they look ahead to what could be a huge and defining year for women’s boxing.

After everything we saw in 2025, can 2026 possibly match it? Barry Jones joins Buncey to look ahead to a busy year in boxing. They talk through the fights already on the books, the ones that still need to be made, and work their way through the weight divisions to pick out the match-ups they most want to see.

Awards season has arrived, and it’s time for the 5 Live boxing team to hand out their prizes for 2025. Buncey is joined by Barry Jones and Darren Barker to decide who takes fighter of the year, what was the standout event, and whether they can agree on anything at all. Six categories to get through from a year that will go down as one of boxing’s best.

Did it really turn into the biggest mismatch in boxing history? Buncey puts that to former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi a they review the fight and hear from both fighters, as well as Eddie Hearn and Nakisa Bidarian.

As fight night approaches, Buncey catches up with former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi. They discuss what’s at stake for both fighters and whether Jake Paul stands any chance against AJ. And Jake Paul’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian and AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn are also on the pod.

With the press conference done and dusted, Buncey catches up with former world champion Carl Froch, who gives his take on the fight and explains why Anthony Joshua won’t hold back. We also hear from both fighters.

Does Jake Paul deserve more respect for making the Anthony Joshua fight? Buncey is joined by Chris Billam-Smith to debate that and preview what sort of fight lies ahead. He also hears from AJ’s new cutman Russ Anber and Caroline Dubois, who defends her world title on the undercard.

Is a two-time heavyweight world champion really fighting a YouTuber-turned-boxer in Miami this weekend? Yes. And that’s where Buncey is as fight week for Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua gets underway. To kick things off, he sits down with AJ’s long-time promoter Eddie Hearn to explain how the fight came about and to reflect on the highs and lows of their 12-year working relationship.

Work or pleasure? Whatever the excuse, Buncey found his way to Monte Carlo for a dramatic night of boxing that saw Shabaz Masoud outpoint Peter McGrail to claim the European super-bantamweight title. Joined by Darren Barker, he looks back at that fight and the others on a dramatic night of boxing. We also hear from Conah Walker after his stunning 12th-round knockout of Pat McCormack, and from Johnny Fisher, who overcame an early knockdown to stop Ivan Balaz.

Did BBC TV’s return to boxing live up to the hype? Former British middleweight champion Neville Brown joins Buncey to reflect on a dramatic night in Derby, where Jeamie TKV upset Frazer Clarke and Fran Hennessy won every round against Fabiana Bytyqi. We hear from both fighters, plus promoter Ben Shalom.

Boxing’s back on prime-time BBC TV this Saturday, so Buncey’s in Derby catching up with the fighters. He chats to Frazer Clarke about the pressure of a hometown fight and checks in with TKV, who’s hoping to make a statement. Francesca Hennessy and her dad Mick drop in ahead of her opening the BBC Two show at eight. And promoter Ben Shalom tells us how you can feel the tension between the two heavies starting to bubble.

Is it time for Ben Whittaker to kick on? The Olympic silver medallist has signed with Matchroom Boxing and sits down with Buncey to reflect on the journey that’s brought him here. We also hear from Richie Woodhall, who coached him in the build-up to the Olympics, as well as insights from his trainer Andy Lee and his promoter Eddie Hearn.

How deceptively good is David Benavidez? Sergio Mora joins Buncey to reflect on that after his win against Anthony Yarde. They discuss a possible fight of the year contender in Abdullah Mason against Sam Noakes, a surprisingly impressive points win for Devin Haney against Brian Norman Jr, and another statement victory for Bam Rodriguez.

Where does Bam Rodriguez sit on the current pound for pound list? And how the fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul made?Eddie Hearn sits down with Buncey to answer those questions, ahead of a night of world title fights in Riyad. They discuss Subriel Matias’ failed doping test and where it leaves Dalton Smith. Plus, Eddie shares the story of a very expensive beard trim.There's commentary of David Benavidez against Anthony Yarde on 5 live and BBC Sounds from 2am on Sunday. Commentary of the undercard, including Sam Noakes against Abdullah Mason, from 11pm on Sports Extra.

Can Anthony Yarde do something special to win a world title at the third time of asking or is David Benavidez too mean? Buncey is joined by Sergio Mora to break down that fight and Saturday's stacked bill in Riyadh. He catches up with Anthony Yarde and two of the unbeaten prospects meeting for a world title on the undercard, Sam Noakes and Abdullah Mason. We'll have live commentary of all four world title fights, starting at Saturday night at 11pm on 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.Plus, there's Moses Itauma's reaction to the announcement that Anthony Joshua will face Jake Paul next month.

Will there be a trilogy? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to reflect on Conor Benn's points win over Chris Eubank Jr, They hear from both fighters and promoter Eddie Hearn.

Will it be repeat or revenge? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to look at where the fight will be won and lost. We hear from both fighters, plus both of their trainers. And they discuss the news that Joseph Parker has failed a drugs test.

Is AJ going to fight Jake Paul? Is Conor Benn going to beat Chris Eubank Jr. They are just some of the subjects Buncey covers in his chat with Conor Benn's promoter Eddie Hearn. Plus, It's press conference day, so find out how Chris Eubank Sr stole the show.

Could a fight from the undercard steal the show on Saturday night? Shane McGuigan joins Buncey for an in-depth look at the four bouts. They hear from Adam Azim, Jack Catterall, Tommy Welch, Richard Riakporhe and Sam Gilley.

Will the boys see it differently second time around? Popcorn at the ready as Buncey and Barry Jones rewatch the first fight between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn, which took place back in April at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Did they miss anything watching it ringside, and was the fight even better than they remember?

Repeat or revenge? Barry Jones joins Buncey as fight week begins for the long-awaited rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. They revisit the first fight, and ask what’s changed this time around. Plus, they hear from both fighters and promoter Eddie Hearn.

Was Zach Parker robbed of victory against Joshua Buatsi? Barry Jones joins Buncey as the fallout from Manchester rolls on. We hear from Parker. And the debate over three-minute rounds for women is back after Chantelle Cameron vacates her WBC belt in protest over inequality in the sport. So what’s the solution? And could Anthony Joshua be back into the ring before the end of the year?

Will Fabio Wardley’s stunning stoppage of Joseph Parker set up a showdown with Oleksandr Usyk in 2026? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to break down a dramatic night at the O2, where Wardley, behind on most scorecards, produced a sensational 10th-round finish. We hear from Wardley himself, plus his manager Dillian Whyte, trainer Ben Davison, and promoter Frank Warren.

Will Joseph Parker’s experience and composure prove decisive, or will Fabio Wardley’s raw power and knockout instinct prove too much? Buncey is in London ahead of Saturday’s huge heavyweight clash at the O2, catching up with promoter Frank Warren, hearing from both camps, and getting the thoughts of Wardley himself as well as Parker’s manager, Spencer Brown.You can hear commentary of the fight on 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 10pm Saturday night.

Ahead of his first promoted fight on the BBC, Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom joins Buncey for an in-depth conversation about the new partnership. He explains how the landmark deal with the BBC was reached, what it means for the sport to return to free-to-air television, and how he sees the next chapter for British boxing.

Did defeat in Sheffield make Dave Allen even more popular? Barry Jones joins Buncey to reflect on a memorable night where “The White Rhino” was beaten on points by Arslanbek Makhmudov. They hear from Allen in an emotional post-fight interview, while promoter Frank Smith insists this isn’t the end for the Doncaster man.

How big a moment is it to see live boxing back on BBC television on a Saturday night? Buncey speaks to Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV ahead of their British heavyweight title fight in Derby on October 25th, live on BBC 2. He also gets insight from the BBC’s Kal Sajad and asks former British heavyweight Clifton Mitchell what it really means to fight for the Lonsdale belt.

Is Dave Allen becoming one of Britain’s most popular boxers? Ahead of his Sheffield headliner, the “White Rhino” joins Buncey to reflect on his rise through the ranks, finally getting an en-suite, and the prospect of a fight with Deontay Wilder. Plus, trainer Jamie Moore gives his insight on his fighter's journey.

Big-time boxing returns to the O2 in October. Former world champion Barry Jones joins Buncey to look ahead to the heavyweight clash between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley, with the winner in line to face undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk. But who is taking the bigger gamble? We hear from both fighters and promoter Frank Warren.

Will it be repeat or revenge? Buncey speaks to Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn ahead of their November rematch at the Tottenham Hostpsur Stadium. He also hears from their respective promoters, Ben Shalom and Eddie Hearn. Plus, fresh from winning his first world title, Lewis Crocker pops over for a chat.

Will Ricky Hatton go down as one of Britain’s most beloved fighters? Mark Chapman is joined by Stacey Copeland, Anthony Crolla, and Steve Bunce to answer that question and reminisce the extraordinary career he had both in and out of the ring. They are also joined by Frank Warren who managed and promoted Hatton during his rise through the sport.

Buncey is joined by the former BBC Boxing correspondent Mike Costello to look back on the life and career of Ricky Hatton who died at the age of 46. They share their memories of the man who will be remembered as one of the best from the UK.

Steve Crossman is joined by Steve Bunce and Richie Woodhall to react to the sad news about Ricky Hatton's death.Steve and Richie reflect on his life and career, his battles with his mental health, and on what he meant to everyone who knew him.As a former World Champion, Ricky Hatton will go down as one of the biggest icons in British boxing history.

Can Terence Crawford cope with the leap in size, and is Canelo Álvarez still at his peak? Those are just two of the questions Buncey and former world champion Barry Jones ponder ahead of this weekend’s Vegas super-fight. You’ll also hear from Amir Khan, who has shared the ring with both men, and promoter Frank Warren tells us who he thinks wins.

Will we see a different Lewis Crocker in the rematch? Or will Paddy Donovan pick up where he left off? Former world champion Darren Barker joins Buncey to look ahead to the fight at Windsor Park. Both Crocker and Donovan are on the pod, as well as promoter Eddie Hearn.

Can Molly McCann replicate her MMA success in the boxing ring? The Liverpudlian has swapped the cage for the ring, and this week she sits down with Buncey to discuss the decision, the challenges of the transition, and how she and her promoter, Eddie Hearn, have carefully mapped out the next 18 months, which begins this weekend in Belfast.

Following the death of British heavyweight legend Joe Bugner, Buncey speaks to those who knew him best. Robert Smith, General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, whose father Andy trained Bugner, shares his personal memories and explains why he ranks him just behind Lennox Lewis among Britain’s all-time greats. Matchroom’s Barry Hearn reflects on staging the famous Bruno-Bugner fight at White Hart Lane in 1987, while former British heavyweight champion Scott Welch recalls facing an ageing Bugner in the mid-90s. Plus, we hear a rare extract from Bugner’s appearance on Desert Island Discs in 1973.