Beyond Boxing

I am not sure Matchroom have many aces up their sleeve after Saturday. The roster looks devoid of stars and there is definitely nothing to excite the Americans, which will worry DAZN. But a lot of prospects would have got a lot out of the show at the O2 and we will wait and see how hungry they are to get better and fulfill their potential.

For all your meal-prep needs... https://gdhnutrition.com/about/ The Whyte-Wallin fallout is crazy. There is a lot to unpick in this episode, but it boils down to one thing, matchmaking at that level is more about money than about challenge. In all of this, you have to feel for Otto Wallin - let down by his team and let down by boxing. We can only hope they make it right for him.

Massive shout out to https://www.sgmfitnessldn.com/ the best in fitness.

Don't forget to subscribe and share good people. The Fury-Wilder 3 fight was really defined by such small margins. The ability of Fury to ride so many of Wilder's punishing right hands was the difference. In a shootout, the winner is the person that sustains less damage.

No notes needed today, just praise for two men that put it all on the line for boxing immortality.

We are three years into the Wilder-Fury saga. It isn't 100% conclusive yet but definitely swings 60/40 in Fury's favour. Hopefully we get a third fight that elevates this trilogy to the Bowe-Holyfield level. This fight will be won on performance and desire, not tactics or nuance. They know each other too well now. Respect to the promotional team on delivering a stacked card and justifying the PPV premium. But, once this fight is over, this saga has to end. The belts need to flow again and big fights need to get made.

BEYOND BOXING EP53 - ROY JONES DOESNT COME CHEAP by Highfield Boxing

Sky are taking a brave step in reshaping their boxing product. The first show feels small, but this is likely a 5-year vision and we should not be quick to judge. They have done it before, and they will do it again.

These were my raw instinctive thoughts after the fight. It reminds me that I have a deep dislike of this Joshua project and sometimes it clouds the judgment. But I let this one out to say, sometimes it is best to sleep on a fight before commenting on it. RIP – Frank Beccles – A fellow podcast brother gone.

RIP Frank Beccles – a real loss to the boxing world. Anthony Joshua showed how little he learned from the Ruiz fight. When the pressure came on again, he went missing. Is it an AJ issue, or is there rot and decay in the camp? Has team Joshua gone stale and if so, can anything be salvaged? We all know that boxing has never been fond of nice guys, we love our heavyweights mean and intense. Usyk gave us that last night and for that, last night belonged to him.

BEYOND BOXING EP49 - LIONS LED BY LAMBS by Highfield Boxing

Anytime you get David Haye and Tyson Fury addressing the media in the same week, you know what you're going to get. Boxing will get tired of it soon enough. It will also be interesting to see the arms race between Sky and DAZN for talent. There are already rumours of bonuses and guaranteed incomes - money that boxing doesn't have at the moment. To follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highfieldboxing/ On twitter: https://twitter.com/highfieldboxing Where you can find my writing: https://squaremile.com/author/terry-chapendama

Eddie Hearn is in a mess all of is own making. In upsetting so many names in boxing, making entertaining fights is difficult, if not impossible. Within those constraints, he has done a decent job with the Leeds card. Now, the real test will be whether Sky can break those barriers and make better fights than Matchroom.

The expected announcement from Sky and Boxxer did exactly what we needed it to do, generate excitement and interest. The British cards are solid, which is all the fans wanted. The hope is that this is the baseline that they build from and not the high point. After the trauma with Matchroom, we should get behind this new partnership and hopefully, we get the fights we deserve.

Say what you want, but Jake Paul is doing more to reboot boxing than anyone in the sport. From embracing technology, to fighting regularly, he is doing everything that fans have wanted of mainstream boxing. More importantly, he is giving mainstream boxers money and a platform to grow. What is there not to like. He is the fork in the road for boxing. Either, the sport embraces progress of it becomes ‘super niche’. Progress waits for nobody. He also raises the question of the value of a promoter. As always: Instagram and twitter - highfieldboxing

BEYOND BOXING EP44 - THE CURIOUS CASE OF JOSHUA BUATSI by Highfield Boxing

While we criticise the Fight Camp cards and their quality, quietly, DAZN are compiling data on us that will hopefully make their proposition better. We are all currently lab rats in the great DAZN experiment.

BEYOND BOXING EP42 - LIVE FROM THE TOKYO TRENCHES by Highfield Boxing

BEYOND BOXING EP41 - HEARN AND DAZN NO GAMES ON THE GRASS by Highfield Boxing

BEYOND BOXING EP40 - THE QUEST FOR SUCCESS FOR EDDIE HEARN AND TEAM GB by Highfield Boxing

Every sport needs its villains. The Charlo twins are perfect villains. Their mix of supreme confidence, raw aggression and an ability to hurt opponents, make them ideal for the role. However, the boxing world seems unwilling to embrace them as such, but the reason is unclear. What is clear is that these guys will always provide entertainment and in a sport that so rarely delivers, this is important.

It sounds crazy to say that two men in their mid-40s remain the biggest draw in boxing. Years of politics, lies, and ultimately, a declining standard of boxer have meant that we teeter on the brink of the worst era in pro boxing. The old heads are driving the young guns into retirement.

It is a sad day for boxing and the whole Eubank family. We can only send our prayers and offer our support at this challenging time and hope that with time, there is healing.

Gervonta 'Tank' Davis is one bad man. Very few in boxing deliver like he does, consistently. He is the best of the new generation, but time is running out for him to have those career-defining fights that he deserves. We also talk about whether Terence Crawford has a hollow record and why he is considered the best with no signature wins. Also, if Matchroom and DAZN are simply warming up their previous proposition, what will really change for that subscription?

A lighter episode this week. We cover the new development in the Wasserman - Sky relationship and if this means that celebrity boxing is now a real thing. Also take time to pay tribute to Isaac Dogboe, a man this country should have treated better. Apart from that, i also thank Steve Gray for bringing some honesty back into boxing.

BEYOND BOXING EP34 - MAYWEATHER PAUL A WINDOW INTO THE FUTURE by Highfield Boxing

BEYOND BOXING EP33 - WHERE WILL SKY SPORTS GO NEXT? by Highfield Boxing

BEYOND BOXING EP32 - WHATEVER DEVIN HANEY IS SELLING IM NOT BUYING by Highfield Boxing

Denzel Bentley is a rare boxer. He is brave enough to face the best, he has the courage to share his journey with the fans and he is smart enough to know that this boxing game is about education. We are biased, but understand his hunger to succeed and we have enjoyed seeing him become an active voice in his own career and development. We hope you enjoy it, please forgive the audio quality this time (ring rust). Twitter: https://twitter.com/2Sharp_d Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2sharp_d

BEYOND BOXING EP30 - WILL THE FURY - JOSHUA EGG EVER HATCH? by Highfield Boxing

A week later and we know as much about the eye injury as we knew before. What should have been a routine injury-based stoppage has turned into a fight for the integrity of boxing and its future. You will Billy Joe all the best and that his vision isn't affected, but can you really come back from these sorts of injuries like you were?

BEYOND BOXING EP28 - BILLY JOE DIDN'T QUIT BUT CANELO STOPPED THE HYPE TRAIN by Highfield Boxing

Natasha Jonas and Katie Taylor delivered the fight that makes a string case for an all-female card in the near future. The two-minute rounds create debate, but in this case, created the right tempo for a great fight. In Tasha Jonas, we have the right ambassador for the sport and we should get behind her. If you enjoy the episode, please share, and tag a friend that may enjoy it too.

Just a quick podcast to warm you up for the weekend....

Has Eddie Hearn flown too close to the sun on this one? Have Sky cut their head off to spite their face? Only time will tell I guess. Thanks to Kugan and IFL for the interview in the intro. Watch it here... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPKtKIl9g6A

Conor Benn has come of age now. It is now time to see him tested by his peers. Interesting to see how his career mirrors that of Jaron Ennis going forward. Also, let us take a moment to appreciate Prince Patel and the injustices he has suffered in boxing.

Round up of a good Matchroom PPV card on Sky Box Office. Even without really trying, Eddie Hearn is able to squeeze Frank Warren to the point of retirement. As they say, do not disrupt your enemy when they are making a mistake. As always.... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highfieldboxing Twitter: https://twitter.com/highfieldboxing For all your card needs: https://www.instagram.com/the_cardking_

What a performance by Lawrence Okolie. He showed why he might be unbeatable at Cruiserweight. You're looking at guys like David Haye and Evander Holyfield as the only credible challengers. The gates to superstardom have opened for him, and he is well on his way. Another great performance and statement came from Ellie Scotney - South London's finest - who is showing that she is the most talented combination puncher in this country. Long may it continue.

Where do you start with Dan Azeez? Easily one of the most respected boxers in the UK. A man that always goes out to entertain, and leaves it all in the ring. What people will not know is that he is one of the smartest boxers out there, a man that really ‘gets’ the sport. In this interview, you get to see him as I see him, fun engaging and always with an opinion. This felt like more of a catch up than it did an interview, so I hope you enjoy it too. Make sure you follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan_azeez/ On twitter: https://twitter.com/dan_azeez Enjoy the episode, and if you enjoyed it, please share it with your friends and fellow boxing fans.

Another week, another Josh gets stopped. However, while one was a surprise, the other was expected. At the heart of Josh Kelly’s defeat was the ridiculous hype that had built up around him, based on nothing but overselling, hype and a few Instagram videos. That all points to the rot that is setting in around British boxing, with all parties partly responsible. From promoters.to trainers, fighters and fans, everyone has become carried away by the nonsense around the sport and until we tackle these issues, British boxers will fall just sort of elite. Part 1 dealt with the promotional side and the fighters. In Part 2, focuses on the trainers and the fans.

Another week, another Josh gets stopped. However, while one was a surprise, the other was expected. At the heart of Josh Kelly’s defeat was the ridiculous hype that had built up around him, based on nothing but overselling, hype and a few Instagram videos. That all points to the rot that is setting in around British boxing, with all parties partly responsible. From promoters.to trainers, fighters and fans, everyone has become carried away by the nonsense around the sport and until we tackle these issues, British boxers will fall just sort of elite. Part 1 will focus on the promotional side and the fighters. In Part 2, we focus on the trainers and the fans.

Josh Warrington endured a torrid night against Mauricio Lara. In many ways the whole thing felt suspicious, maybe not as far as a set up, but there are arguments for it. Did Team Warrington overlook Lara? Was he presented as a ‘Hobson’s Choice’ opponent? Is Lara actually the next coming of Erik Morales? In reality, only time will tell. What is certain is that Warrington was not far off his best form in terms of activity, but a combination of time on the shelf and a young man in Lara that looked like he might have a great future in the sport. There is a deeper question though. Do British boxers suffer from being inactive relative to boxers from other countries?

It feels like this has been a year of stagnation for Deontay Wilder. We wanted so much more from him after the defeat to Tyson Fury, yet here we are, facing the same delusion we saw before. We can only hope that this is a well-crafted plan to fool everyone. Sadly, it seems like it might be the revelation of what was rumoured for a long period of time.

2021 is a big year for Eddie Hearn. between the SKy renewal, growing his business and finding a successor, he has many obstacles to clear while he promotes one fight card a week. Can he pull it off. Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highfieldboxing/ Follow us on twitter: https://twitter.com/highfieldboxing For the song in the outro: https://soundcloud.com/sonoroushiphop/sonorous-wiggin-out-16-prod For all you card needs: thecardking.etsy.com

Josh Warrington is arguably the fighter with the best record in the UK. Has not ducked a fight and has always been placed in tough fights. Yet, he is that that strange case of a boxer that, in his prime years, has little control of his career and no roadmap to greatness. As fans, we have to hope that Eddie Hearn does not ruin his career as he has the opportunity to be a modern day Carl Froch.

Boxing is a cruel sport. get too many things wrong and somewhere down the line, it all goes wrong. Ryan Garcia is a kid that seems to be doing all the right things, while Luke Campbell always seemed to be searching for that ideal solution. You wonder if he ever found it. In one punch the small differences between the two were highlighted.

Shakiba Moghadam – IG @shakiba_moghadam and Twitter @ShakibaMoghadam – is a remarkable woman. Not only is she remarkable for what she has achieved in a short space of time, but it is also her openness and honest that sets her apart. Where do you even start with Shak, boxer, ultra-runner, fitness facility owner, PhD student, thought leader, the list goes on…she is a woman of many talents. In this two-part episode we cover a number of topics: • Her start in boxing • Her academic interests, covering mental health awareness and literacy in sport – with a focus on female sport - https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/shakiba-moghadam • Her views on a number of health-related topics in sport • Her experience on SAS, who dares wins - https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/portsmouth-researcher-stars-in-channel-4-sas-special-forces-show • Some of her current interests: Battle Ready 360 - https://battleready360.co.uk/ and Move Training Centre - http://movetc.uk She was a hell of a guest and I hope you enjoy both episodes. For part 2 you may wish to watch a few episodes of SAS – Who Dares Wins for that wider context.

Shakiba Moghadam – IG @shakiba_moghadam and Twitter @ShakibaMoghadam – is a remarkable woman. Not only is she remarkable for what she has achieved in a short space of time, but it is also her openness and honest that sets her apart. Where do you even start with Shak, boxer, ultra-runner, fitness facility owner, PhD student, thought leader, the list goes on…she is a woman of many talents. In this two-part episode we cover a number of topics: • Her start in boxing • Her academic interests, covering mental health awareness and literacy in sport – with a focus on female sport - https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/shakiba-moghadam • Her views on a number of health-related topics in sport • Her experience on SAS, who dares wins - https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/portsmouth-researcher-stars-in-channel-4-sas-special-forces-show • Some of her current interests: Battle Ready 360 - https://battleready360.co.uk/ and Move Training Centre - http://movetc.uk She was a hell of a guest and I hope you enjoy both episodes. For part 2 you may wish to watch a few episodes of SAS – Who Dares Wins for that wider context.

For all those in Tier-4, my thoughts are with you. I hope you are all able to meet with your loved ones. If not, do not be alone, use the technological tools at your disposal to keep in touch. It is not an easy time, but we will overcome. Canelo are separated by 3 months in age, but are worlds apart in terms of quality. How can two men, from two respected boxing families, come out at opposite ends of the elite spectrum? The reality is that British boxing doesn't invest in developing quality. Instead me focus on making them bigger and stronger, which will never be enough at the elite level. Until this changes, we will keep seeing one-sided beatings like this, which will only kill boxing's appeal in the UK.

What is greatness in boxing? Is it what you are in the media or is it what you are in the ring? Heavyweight boxing is deep with legends and all of them have proved it by taking on the hardest fights when they arise. There was no need to build fights up like we do now, fans knew a great fight when it was announced. Sadly, we are in an era now when we believe everything is a great fight or great occasion. It is the fans that determine greatness, not the media.