Big Fight Weekend Boxing Podcast

We roll into the final weekend of March with two different compelling fight cards in Mexico and Las Vegas. A former world champion at 154 lb. joins us and more on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack to go over it all.They preview the Saturday night Golden Boy DAZN card in Cancun, Mexico with William Zepeda vs. Tevin Farmer in a rematch for Zepeda’s WBC interim lightweight title. Zepeda is #1 in all four organizations and it was a close/compelling bout late last year. In the co-feature Oscar Collazo meets Edwin Cano for Collazo’s unified strawweight titles. Collazo has been an active and entertaining champ.Next it's the Saturday night Top Rank card in Las Vegas that has Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan in another immediate rematch for Mayer’s WBO women’s welterweight title. A close battle with some controversy out of the ring the first time late last year. The co-feature has Brian Norman fighting little known Derrieck Cuevas for Norman’s WBO welterweight title in his first defense. And, also, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington starts the TV card with Jose Enrique Vivas in a WBC featherweight eliminator. Next it's Tim Tszyu with Dan. He's coming off a hard KO loss to Bakhram in an IBF world title fight last October- his second straight loss. Tszyu faces Joey Spencer in junior middleweight headliner of PBC on Pime on April 5 (USA time) in Newcastle, Australia (where it will be afternoon of April 6). Tszyu is candid about what has happened and what he needs to do coming up. Then, some News:The May 10th Top Rank card in San Diego is official: WBO junior lightweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete defends vs. Charly Suarez and Raymond Muratalla vs. Zaur Abdullaev for the vacant IBF interim lightweight title in co-feature and in an ESPN+ prelim announced welterweight contender Giovani Santillan vs. Angel Beltran.Next, the WBO officially appointed No. 1-ranked Xander Zayas as junior middleweight mandatory and ordered the fight with Sebastian Fundora. Sides are talking about a summer fightPlus, undisputed women’s flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora (Sebastian's sister) will defend against IBF mandatory challenger Marilyn Badillo in the main event of a Golden Boy card on April 19 (DAZN) at in Oceanside, California, Golden Boy announced. In the co-feature junior middleweight contender Charles Conwell vs. Jorge Garcia Perez in a 12-rounder.With former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. beating Jake Wyllie last Saturday, plans are in the work for him to challenge IBF titlist Richardson Hitchins, June 21 is a possible date in NYC And, renowned British boxing journalist Colin Hart, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013, died on Saturday at 89. A legend. Dan covered a lot of fights with him and reminisces. Finally, NostalgiaMarch 28, 1998 — 27 years ago on Friday – Lennox Lewis KO5 Shannon Briggs to retain the WBC heavyweight title AND win the lineal title Briggs has controversially won from George Foreman. We discuss.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe for all of our content on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's a jammed packed recap off the weekend that starts with sad news about the death of a boxing legend and in the ring has title defense for "The Towering Inferno" in Vegas and a prominent featherweight contender talks with us and more on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter.We start with news of George Foreman’s death at age 76 Friday. An iconic heavyweight, in the hall of fame and tremendous away from the ring. We give this lots of time and reminiscing.Then, we recap Saturday night's PBC on Prime Video card in Las Vegas, as junior middleweight Sebastian Fundora blasts out Chordale Booker and retains WBC/WBO title. What's next for Fundora off the win?Plus, junior middleweight Jesus Ramos Jr. stops Guido Emmanuel Schramm and maybe in the title picture and the awful middleweight undercard bout with Elijah Garcia W10 split decision over Terrell Gausha that was an awful verdict.Also, a recap of Saturday's Matchroom Boxing DAZN main event from Sydney, Australia with junior welterweight George Kambosos Jr. beating late replacement Jake Wyllie.Then, we hear from featherweight contender Bruce "Shu Shu" Carrington as he faces Jose Enrique Vivas in a WBC featherweight final eliminator on Saturday in Las Vegas on the Top Rank card. His bout is the final prelim on the ESPN+ part of the show headlined by Mikaela Mayer-Sandy Ryan rematch.Some news: Eddy Reynoso tells Dan he is not longer training Teofimo Lopez or Ryan Garcia and is not involved in their prep for their May 2 bouts on the Times Square card Also, Terence Crawford tells WBO he is vacating the interim belt and will not fight at 154 again. And, NostalgiaMarch 23, 1996 – 29 years ago on Sunday – Arturo Gatti KO6 Wilson Rodriguez in first IBF junior lightweight title defense. Star-making shootout and classic Gatti comeback KO in an all-time awesome fight. Dan ranks it the best Gatti fight against somebody other than Micky Ward.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!!

We are ready for the weekend, as junior welterweight unification title fight in Vegas tops the show and a welterweight world champ joins us, too. It's all part of the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast"Host T.J. Rives is back from his travel chaos this weekend and is joined, as always, by insider Dan Rafael to go over everything.They start with:Saturday night's "PBC on Prime Video" at Mandalay Bay in Las VegasSeabstian Fundora vs. Chordale Booker, for Fundora’s WBC/WBO junior middleweight titles. Fundora returns after a 12 month layoff after upsetting Tim Tszyu in a gory, split decision. The guys also talk the two other bouts on the show- Jesus Ramos Jr. vs. Guido Emmanuel Schramm, 10 rounds, junior middleweights and also, Elijah Garcia vs. Terrell Gausha, 10 rounds, middleweights. Saturday Matchroom DAZN card early morning Saturday from Sydney, Australia as George Kambosos Jr. returns vs. Jake Wyllie, 12 rounds, junior welterweights. Then, it's our BRIAN NORMAN JR. INTERVIEW with Dan. He makes his first WBO welterweight title defense Derrieck Cuevas on March 29 as the Mayer-Ryan 2 co-feature on the Top Rank Boxing card in Las Vegas. Norman is off a long layoff NewsDan has the latest on the Tank Davis-Lamont Roach rematch that appears to be on the fast track.Next, the IOC executive board takes pivotal vote to include boxing in the 2028 LA Olympics after there was a lot of doubt. It still has to pass a vote of full IOC but that is a formality once the board recommends.Also, Turki Alishikh announces the full Canelo Alvarez-William Scull undercard for May 3.Dan is also reporting that WBO junior lightweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete will defend vs. Charly Suarez on a Top Rank Boxing on ESPN world title doubleheader on May 10 in the main event in San Diego. (Raymond Muratalla-Zaur Abdullaev co-feature for vacant IBF interim lightweight title will also be on the card).We give our good wishes for Iran Barley, 64, who won world titles at middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight, and twice defeated legend Thomas Hearns in title bouts. Iran suffered a minor stroke last week in New York and is recovering.And, NostalgiaMarch 17, 1990 – 35 years ago on Monday – Julio Cesar Chavez TKO12 over MeldrickTaylor. Two words- "Two seconds." It remains one of the most dramatic, controversial stoppages in the history of the sport.And, March 19, 2005 – 20 years ago Wednesday – Erik Morales W12 Manny Pacquiao in a supreme fight, the first of their trilogy. We reminisce.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Well....it's been a CRAZY weekend of travel Sunday afternoon/night and into Monday for T.J. Rives, so we have shortened up the pod off the week. However, even though there's not a recap conversation of the fights this weekend, the unified junior middleweight champion for the WBC/WBO is on the show with our insider, Dan Rafael.It's the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" with Sebastain Fundora before he headlines the PBC on Prime main event in Las Vegas Saturday night.Dan talks with Fundora about his upset win a year ago over Tim Tszyu, the broken nose he suffered, the long layoff until now and his opponent, veteran Chordale Booker for Saturday night.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Another big week and weekend of fights unfolding and we're back with the newest edition of the show, as it spans with action Wednesday and Thursday from Australia to Japan to England and even, Orlando, FL, coming this weekend. It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back to go over it all.First, they recap Wednesday No Limit Boxing main event in Sydney, Australia (PBC YouTube in US) with the successful return of Keith Thurman with a KO3 over Brock Jarvis, junior middleweights – Now, a Tim Tszyu fight is probably next if Tszyu wins his April 5th bout vs. Joey Spencer. Next a recap of the Thursday Teiken Promotions card on ESPN+ in Tokyo and a fantastic battle that saw Kenshiro Teraji TKO12 Seigo Yuri Akui, and heunifies WBC/WBA flyweight titles. Amazing action and drama, as Teraji was behind on 2 cards but got the stoppage in the final two minutes for the win. Dan also believes that he's now a serious hall of fame contender.Then, they preview Queensberry main event Saturday in Liverpool, England on DAZN. This hasNick Ball vs. TJ Doheny, for Ball’s WBA featherweight title in a 12 rounder. The popular Ball is favored to roll in this one. And, there's more on the Matchroom card Saturday in Orlando, Fla. on DAZN. Austin "Ammo" Williams meets Patrice Volny in a 12 round middleweight bout. And, Edgar Berlanga takes Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz, in the super middleweight co feature. Plus, U.S. Olympic medalist Omari Jones makes his pro debut vs. Alessio Mastronunzio for 6 rounds as junior middleweights. Then News:Undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue's next defense made official vs. San Antonio’s Ramon Cardenas in the main event of a Top Rank/ESPN card May 4 — a Sunday — at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.Dan also reported WBO featherweight titlist Rafael Espinoza defends against Edward Vazquez co-feature. And, the plan is 4 fights for Inoue this year – He KO’d Kim in Jan, this May 4th fight, then Sept.14th in Japan in a WBA mandatory vs. MJ Akhmadaliev. And, hei'll finally fight in December in Riyadh. The guys discuss it all.Next the WBO orders Oleksandr Usyk to face interim champion Joseph Parker but Usyk's team is already negotiating a Daniel Dubois rematch.And, the British Boxing Board of Control fined Chis Eubank £100,000 for smashing an egg in the face of Conor Benn at their kickoff news conference on Feb. 25 in Manchester, England. Big enough fine? Too much? The guys have takes.Finally, NostalgiaMarch 13, 1999 – 26 years ago on Thursday – Lennox Lewis robbed for a draw with Evander Holyfield in unification for the undisputed heavyweight crown in one of worst decisions in boxing history. It was an ugly fight with an uglier set of scorecards. We re-live it.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

On this edition of the show, insider Dan Rafael is back and has a tremendous guest who's now part of a new "disrupting" promotional partnership witht the Saudis. Hear from THE Dana White on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."The UFC President and CEO finally enters boxing after saying he would for years. He will run the new TKO Boxing promotion announced last Wednesday. Turki Alalshikh and the Saudis are funding it, while White and his team will over see it.Why and why now? Dana talks to Dan all about it.Hear them on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We're back off the weekend to recap the women's unified welterweight title showdown in London and we have an American Olympic prospect ready to make his pro debut with us, as well as, fight news and some Ali-Frazier nostalgia on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.First, it's a recap of the Boxxer main event from Friday in London, as Lauren Price won over Natasha Jonas and unifies the WBC/IBF/WBA/IBO women’s welterweight crowns. Price was younger, faster and better. What's her future?They also recap the ProBox main event from Saturday in Long Beach, Calif. with featherweight Joet Gonzalez decisioning Arnold Khegai in close, exciting finish to a 10 round bout Next, we have previews for the Wednesday No Limit Boxing main event in Sydney, Australia: Brock Jarvis meets former unified welterweight champ, Keith Thurman over 10 rounds in a junior middleweight main event. There are big plans for Thurman after this, but does he have anything left after another long layoff?Then, on Thursday it's the Teiken Promotions main event in Tokyo: with Kenshiro Teraji taking on Seigo Yuri Akui for the WBC/WBA flyweight unification. This should be an all action battle with Teraji being a huge fan favorite, as well.Then, hear from Omari Jones, who turns pro with Matchroom Boxing on DAZN on March 15 card in his hometown of Orlando, Florida, This is on the Ammo Williams-Patrice Volny main event with Edgard Berlanaga in the co-feature Then, some news:The NYSAC on Friday declined to overturn Tank Davis-Lamont Roach result and the draw will stand. The guys have takes. Also, Canelo Alvarez and the unknown William Scull met the media in NY on Thursday for the kickoff presser of the May bout that Canelo could sleep walk through. And, also, heavyweights Efe Ajagba and Martin Bakole will fight on the May 3rd on the Canelo-Scull undercard. The bout just wont be an IBF eliminator like it was supposed to be when it was on May 2 on the Times Square card. We wrap with Nostalgia:March 8, 1971 – 54 years ago on Saturday – Smokin' Joe Frazier defeats the Greatest Muhammad Ali at famed Madison Square Garden. Arguably, it's the biggest fight in boxing history. There's lots to go over.March 9, 2013 — 12 years ago Sunday – Bernard Hopkins Hopkins outpointed Tavoris Cloud to win the IBF light heavyweight world title to, at 48, become the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a world title. That broke the record he set at age 46 with his historic light heavyweight title victory over Jean Pascal. We reminisce.

We are back and ready for the second weekend in March with ladies action in England headlining and we've got the scoop on the new Saudis Deal that involves UFC CEO Dana White....from Dana himself. Itls all part of the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack to go over everything.They begin with a preview of the Boxxer all-female card in London (Sky Sports in UK, TrillerTV+ in US)England's Natasha Jonas meets Lauren Price for the WBC/IBF/WBA women’s welterweight unification battle and also, fan favorite Caroline Dubos takes on Bo Mi Re Shin, for Dubois’ WBC women’s lightweight title.Then, the big news in the sport outside of the ring is the Wednesday announcement of the new promotion that is a multi-year deal between TKO (parent company of UFC and WWE) and Turki Alashikh and the Saudis with UFC president Dana White running it along with WWE president Nick Khan. This is a major move for the financial part of the sport and with fights coming to the USA.To follow it up, Dan has a one one interview with Dana White ihimself. The UFC boss finally enters boxing after saying he would for years. He explains the new TKO boxing promotion and his role(s). Plus, Turki and the Saudis are partners with White and his team who will oversee it. Dana has great insight on the deal and how it came together. More newsLamont Roach and his team have filed an offical appeal with the New York Commission and want him declared the winner of last weekend lightweight PPV world title main event. Dan has the latest on the errors made in the ring and outside of it and whether Roach really has a chance at this or not?Next, is the Thursday announcement by MVP Promotions of Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano III for July 11 at Madison Square Garden live on Netflix. They will run back the latest bout after two tremendous fights that ended in narrow Taylor decision wins. This, after MVP and Serrano announce her lifetime contract with MVP on Wednesday.Famed broadaster Jim Lampley is back calling fight for first time since HBO ended in Dec. 2018. He's been hired by Turki to call the May 2 Times Square "Fatal Fury" card. The guys have thoughts.Heavyweight Dillian Whyte hand injury and is out of Joe Joyce bout that was to headline Queensberry first date of its new DAZN deal on April 5. New opponent needed for Joyce. Golden Boy Promotions announces unified strawweight champion Oscar Collazo will defend vs. Edwin Cano on March 29 in Cancun, Mexico, on the William Zepeda-Tevin Farmer 2 co-feature. And, Dan is reporting that WBA/WBO cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will make WBA mandatory vs. former titleholder Yuniel Dorticos next. Planned for June 28 for Golden Boy. Finally, NostalgiaMarch 7, 2015 – Keith Thurman W12 Robert Guerrero to retain WBA welterweight title for the first time headlining the first-ever PBC event. Rafael ringside at MGM Grand and they discuss the start of PBC and how it's now basically fizzled out.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's definitely a charged up edition of our show after the 'was it or wasn't a knockdown' in the narrow split draw for the Tank Davis-Lamont Roach PBC main event. And, our guys are ready to go over it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Substack and Newsletter and they are LOADED UP for their takes!They get right to the recap of the PBC on Prime Video PPV from Brooklyn, as Gervonta Davis retained his WBA title with a draw over Lamont Roach Jr. What was THAT in the 9th round as Davis took a knee and then illegally went back to his corner and threw the ropes to have his eyes and face wiped, while the round was going on? The boys go over it the controversy and Dan has fresh insight on the dispute abou whether the NY commission and the alternate ref actually had a clear look at the events in the 9th round or not?! On the undercard, Gary Antuanne Russell dominated Jose Valenzuela over 12 rounds and wins the WBA 140 lb. crown. Meanwhile, Alberto Puello likewise decisioned Sandor Martin and keeps his WBC version at 140 lb. Will these two be fighting next?Also, Yoenis Tellez looked great in beating former world champ Julian Williams to win the vacant WBA interim 154 lb. crown and Johan Gonzalez defeated by decision and retires Jarrett Hurd on this card, too. Next they stay in the same division nad briefly recap Salita Promotions main event from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, as Subriel Matias TKO 8 against Gabriel Valenzuela and is now the IBF top fighter at 140 lb.And, there was more controversy with the Matchroom Boxing main event from Belfast, Northern Ireland as Lewis Crocker won while on the canvas in an eigth round DQ for Paddy Donovan for hitting him after the bell. It was wild with Donovan on the ground in tears at the verdict We go over the incompetence of it all.Next is NewsTurki Alalshikh announces the May 2 PPV tripleheader in NY’s Times Square:Ryan Garcia vs. Rolano Romero for vacant WBA regular welterweight titleDevin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez, both moving up to welterweight Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. in mandatory WBO junior welterweight title defenseAlso, the WBC announced some status updates for its divisions, including ordering Bivol-Benavidez, and a date for Inoue And we wrap with NostalgiaMarch 3, 2000 – 25 years ago on Monday – Felix Trinidad W12 against David Reid to win WBA junior middleweight as he moves up in weight and destroys the unbeaten Olympic gold medalist to his title and to begina brief but devastaing run through the division. And, March 1, 2008 – 17 years ago on Saturday – Israel Vazquez W12 over Rafael Marquez in their epic third fight of their four bouts. It was the 2008 fight of the year, as Vazquez retains lineal/WBC junior featherweight title. We discuss the greatness.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are back and ready to go for a PBC on Prime (And PPV.com) pay per view, as Gervonta Davis returns defending his lightweight crown. We go over that card, fight news and some Juan Manuel Marquez outstanding nostalgia on the latest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael have their takes and insight.First, it's a brief recap of Teiken Promotions world title card on Monday in Tokyo, Japan, as Junto Nakatani bombed David Cuellar in 3 rounds to retain the WBC bantamweight title. Off the win unification is probably next vs. IBF titleholder Ryosuke Nishida. Plus, Japanese bantamweight Tenshin Nasukawa, the former kickboxing star now committed to a boxing career, stepped up in class and won a hard-fought decision up against former WBO bantamweight titlist Jason Moloney. And in a terrific fight Seiya Tsutsumi won the final four rounds on all three scorecards to pull out a draw as he retained the WBA bantamweight title in an action-packed rematch with Japanese countryman Daigo Higa, a former WBC flyweight titlist. Dan has a lot on this card.Next it's the previewsFirst, the PBC on Prime Video PPV on Saturday in Brooklyn, N.Y.Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr., for Davis’ WBA lightweight title. This is a D.C./Baltimore rivalry headed to NYC. We give you more. And, two title fights on the undercard:Jose Valenzuela vs. Gary Antuanne Russell, for Valenzuela’s WBA junior welterweight title and Alberto Puello vs. Sandor Martin, for Puello’s WBC junior welterweight title. Is this set up for the winners to meet for unification at 140 lb. down the road? Plus, Cuban Yoenis Tellez meets Julian "J Rock" Williams, for vacant WBA interim junior middleweight title, as well. There's also brief talk on the Saturday on DAZN show from Fajardo, Puerto Rico with Subriel Matias meeting Gabriel Valenzuela in an IBF junior welterweight eliminator. On the news front: Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn kickoff press conference on Tuesday in Manchester (another was Thursday in London). Egg smash for Eubank on Benn?!? Yes, we have more.Plus, former three-time world titlist Greg Huagen dies of cancer at 64. We remeber him. And, Tim Tszyu is set to return from two losses in a row to fight in Australia vs. Joey Spencer. Will be PBC on Prime Video event on April 5. Finally, nostalgiaFeb. 28, 2009 — 16 years ago on Friday – Juan Manuel Marquez KO9 Juan Diaz to retain lineal and win the vacant WBO and WBA lightweight titles in the 2009 fight of the year. Dan was ringside in Houston for this tremendous battle.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

On this edition of the podcast hear WBA super featherweight champ Lamont Roach prior to his Saturday night PPV battle in Brooklyn, NY with Gervonta “Tank” Davis, as he joins our Dan Rafael one on one on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."Roach is set to battle Davis for the WBA Lightweight World Championship headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. And, as a reigning 130-pound world champion, Roach will move up to lightweight to challenge the undefeated Davis and reignite a regional D.C. vs. Baltimore rivalry that dates back to the pair’s multiple amateur clashes. Riding a six-fight winning streak, Roach has much to say to Dan about his confidence going into this bout against one of the premier fighters in the sport.Hear it all as part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It was a massive pay per view in Saudi Arabia on Saturday afternoon/night and we're ready to go over the Riyadh Season "Last Crescendo" results on our newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter have returned to give their insight and takes.They cover:Dmitry Bivol W12 against Artur Beterbiev in their rematch to win the undisputed 175 lb. crown. How did Bivol get it done? And, will there be a third fight before someone like David Benavidez gets a shot at the four belt crown?Joseph Parker TKO2 over Martin Bakole, as he keeps theWBO interim heavyweight title. Bakole was a late add and got toppled by a single right to the top of the head. What's next for Parker, now?Also, Shakur Stevenson scored a TKO over late replacement Josh Padley, for Stevenson’s WBC lightweight title. Shakur did what he needed to, but is he injured also?Then, Carlos Adames was robbed of decision win against Hamzah Sheeraz, for Adames’ WBC middleweight crown. Instead, the bout was delared a draw. The boys have takes.The card continued with Vergil Ortiz Jr. defeating Israil Madrimov by decision and keeps WBC interim 154 lb. belt. Did Ortiz earn a bigger title bout/payday?Plus, Agit Kabayel kayoed Zhilei Zhang to win the vacant WBC interim heavyweight crown in the biggest named win of his career. And, we take a breath and still cover what might have been the most action packed bout on the card as Callum Smith beat Joshua Buatsi in 12 to win the WBO interim 175 lb. crown. Some quick news:Claressa Shields is temporarily suspended by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission, pending a hearing, for testing positive for marijuana in the wake of a one-sided decision win over Danielle Perkins on Feb. 2 in her hometown of Flint, Michigan. We have many questions about this.Also, Boxxer’s deal with Peacock to stream its cards in the U.S. is over. This was never announced but it is done, unless the put out an occasional card down the road. NostalgiaFeb. 22, 2020 – 5 years ago on Saturday – Tyson Fury TKO7 of Deontay Wilder to win retain the lineal and win the WBC heavyweight title in the rematch of their trilogy. Dan was ringside at MGM Grand and we discuss how that night was the beginning of the end of Wilder.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscrbie on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!!

We are ready to go with one of the biggest PPV cards of 2025 already in just the second month of the year, as the Riyadh Season PPV takes place Satruday afternoon. And, we go over the massive bout sheet and have an interview with the man battling Tank Davis, as well. It's all on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return with their thoughts.First, the breaking news all week that there are new opponents for Joseph Parker and Shakur Stevenson, as both Floyd Schofield and Daniel Dubois are ill and could not compete. Dan goes over the craziness and how little known Josh Padley will now fight Shakur. However, hard hitting heavyweight Martin Bakole is in front of Parker, as part of the PPV. We then continue the Previews coming Saturday via DAZN PPV and PPV.COM:Headling are Artur Beterbiev and. Dmitry Bivol in a rematch for Beterbiev’s undisputed light heavyweight title. It was a very close decision win for Beterbiev just four months ago. Will this be different for his countryman Bivol? Then, the guys breakdown the WBC lightweight title Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah Sheeraz, for Adames’ WBC middleweight title. This has great potential as it could have fireworks early. Next, unbeaten hard hitting Texan Vergil Ortiz Jr. takes Israil Madrimov, for Ortiz’s WBC interim junior middleweight title. Dan explains why this could be THE fight of the undercard. Also, heavyweights Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel will tangle for vacant WBC interim heavyweight title. Will Kabayel solve the Chinese veteran's size and big left hand? And, Brits Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith meet for Buatsi’s WBO interim light heavyweight title, too. It's a tremndous show on papter.Then, hear from Lamont Roach who challenges WBA lightweight titlist Gervonta Davis on March 1 in the PBC on Prime PPV main event in Brooklyn. He talks with Dan about the challenge and the biggest moment of his career.Finally, we have Nostalgia:Feb. 20, 1993 – 32 years ago on Thusday – Julio Cesar Chavez Kayoed Greg Haugen in five rounds to retain the WBC junior welterweight title before the all-time biggest boxing crowd of 132,247 at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in the headliner of a the “Grand Slam of Boxing” PPV. An amazing crowd and night in Chavez's prime.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Coming up on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand's Joseph Parker goes for a portion of the heavyweight crown, when he squares off with England's Daniel Dubois for the IBF title. And, before the battle in the Middle East, hear from Parker with our Dan Rafael on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."The 33 year old Parker has won the two biggest fights of his career, back to back, as he defeated former WBC champ Deontay Wilder and then, massive Chinese star Zhelei Zhang in March of last year. Now, he enters the ring looking for an even bigger upset against the hard punching Dubois. Dubois is off the win of his career, himself, as he destroyed former unified heavyweight champ Anthony Johsua back in September in his last bout.Hear Parker discuss being the underdog, yet again and more on this edition of the show. It's the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify!

Coming up Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the massive PPV, former WBA light heavyweight champ will look to get his belt and acquire the other three in an undisputed title rematch with his fellow Russian Artur Beterbiev. And, here you get a chance to hear from Bivol about what he intends to do differently, as he spoke with our insider Dan Rafael on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."If Bivol gets the win, then his options open wide to potentially fight American David Benavidez, rematch Canelo Alvarez potentially down the road and there could also be a third fight with Bivol, as well. Hear from Bivol with us on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It was a fight filled weekend with a world title win for Keyshawn Davis, a dramatic decision win for Arnold Barboza in England and in the same division a KO for Oscar Duarte in California, too. And, we're ready to recap it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter with their insight and takes.They start with the Friday Top Rank/ESPN card in NYC as Davis kayoed Denys Berinchyk to win the WBO lightweight title. Davis has massive upside. In the co-feature junior middleweight rising star Xander Zayas stopped Slawa Spomer of Germany in arguably his biggest win to date. Dan also recaps the rest of the card with: Vito Mielnicki, Abdullah Mason Rohan Polanco and even, Jared Anderson back but not looking good. Then, the Saturday Matchroom/DAZN card in Manchester, EnglandJunior welterweight Arnold Barboza Jr. scores a mlild upset over fan favorite Jack Catterall, wins vacant WBO 140 lb. interim title. Big win for Barboza. And, the Saturday Golden Boy/DAZN card in Anaheim, CaliforniaJunior welterweight Oscar Duarte punished and stopped Miguel Madueno in their junior welterweight main event. Could Duarte possibly fight...Barboza?Some NewsFriday night Top Rank announced interesting heavyweight main event for April 5 at Palms in Las Vegas: Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Guido Vianello. Co-feature wasn’t formally announced but Top Rank told Dan it’s junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado vs. Elvis Rodriguez. The guys break it down.Golden Boy announced WBC interim lightweight titlist William Zepeda will make his first defense in an immediate rematch with Tevin Farmer on March 29 in Cancun, Mexico. It's a very intriguing rematch.Also Sportico, an online publication that covers sports business, put out its fourth annual “100 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World” for the calendar year 2024. Six boxers in the top 100 (purses plus endorsements). Tyson Fury was No. 3 ($147 million) for example. The guys talk $$$. Shout out to British top trainer Joe Gallagher, who announced he has been diagnosed with stage four bowel and liver cancer. Ring magazine trainer of the year in 2015. Has worked with lots of top Brits. We wish him well. And, announced the IBF junior middleweight final eliminator between Erickson Lubin and Ardreal Holmes Jr. set for May 10 (ProBox TV) at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida Finally, NostalgiaFeb. 19, 2000 – 25 years ago on Wednesday – Erik Morales decisions Marco Antonio Barrera in the first fight of their all-time legendary trilogy. WBC/WBO junior featherweight unification fight. Tremendous battle as the guys go over and... it was only the beginning!Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's a jammed packed edition of the show, as a lightweight world title fight happens in NYC, a top 140 lb. contender battle takes place in Manchester, England and former world title holder at light heavyweight Dmitry Bivol joins us on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all.First it's the previews, as Friday night in the Top Rank/ESPN card in New York Denys Berinchyk takes on unbeaten American star Keyshawn Davis for Berinchyk’s WBO lightweight title. Is it Keyshawn's time? In the co-feature Xander Zayas meets veteran Slawa Spomer in a 10 round junior middleweight battle.The rest of the undercard has the likes of: Vito Mielnicki Jr., Abdullah Mason Rohan Polanco and the return of Jared Anderson, too. Dan goes over those fights. Next on Saturday it's the Matchroom/DAZN card in Manchester, England withJack Catterall meeting Arnold Barboza Jr. for 12 rounds and ther vacant WBO interim junior welterweight title. Winner may get Teofimo Lopez or become the full champ themselves, later. And, also Saturday in the Golden Boy/DAZN main event in Anaheim, Calif.veteran Oscar Duarte against fellow vet Miguel Madueno in the junior welterweight main event. Then, Dan with Dmitry Bivol with his rematch with undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev coming on Feb. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. What will be different this time in this Russian vs. Russian battle? Next some News:Super middleweights Bruno Surace and Jaime Munguia rematch will take place May 3rd in Riyadh on the Canelo-William Scull undercard, as was announced by Riyadh Season.Also, Raymond Muratalla and Zaur Abdullaev will fight for the vacant IBF interim lightweight title in the main event of a Top Rank Boxing on ESPN card on May 10 at Pechanga Arena in San Diego,And, super middleweight Edgar Berlanga returns March 15 for first fight since loss to Canelo. He will face Jonathan Gonzalez-Ortiz on the Ammo Williams undercard. And, PBC announces non-PPV card for March 22 at Mandalay Bay: Sebastian Fundora defends his WBC/WBO junior middleweight titles for the first time in main event vs. Chordale Booker. Also: junior middleweight Jesus Ramos Jr. against Kevin Salgado in the co-feature and middleweight Elijah Garcia versus Terrell Gausha in the opener.NostalgiaMuhammad Ali’s fight-worn trunks from the “Thrilla in Manila” sold for $1.2 million this past weekend at a Sotheby’s auction.And February 13, 1999 – 26 years ago Thursday – Oscar De La Hoya decisioned Ike Quartey to retain the WBC welterweight title in a memorable, wild final round in their big time PPV fight in Las Vegas. We go over it.It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Coming up Friday night at the Madison Square Garden Theater in NYC, unbeaten lightweight contender Keyshawn Davis goes for his first world title in the main event. But, before he battles Denys Berinchyk for the WBO world title, the entertaining Davis spoke to our Dan Rafael on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."Keyshawn is looking forward to taking the next big step in his boxing career after having won the silver medal in the 2021 delayed Tokyo Summer games. What are his thougts on the opponent and his short term future?And, might this include Davis hoping to rematch his amateur nemisis Andy Cruz of Cuba in a professional title fight?He's one of the rising stars in the sport and you'll hear from him before Friday night's title bout on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure tor all the great content that you are subscribed to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Off a light weekend in the ring, we recap the biggest main event in the world (from England), we hear from a prominent heavyweight contender and have the latest on Canelo's new deal with the Saudis all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter to go over everything.First, they recap Saturday’s Queensberry main event from Manchester, England, as Derek Chisora got his decisioned Otto Wallin to become the IBF No. 2 contender. Should Chisora keep fighting on? The boys discuss.Then, hear from Joseph Parker with Dan, who challenges Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title on Feb. 22 in the Beterbiev-Bivol 2 co-feature. Parker has some important wins lately and has a shot to win a portion of the crown.Then, the news:Canelo Alvarez's deal with Riyadh Season for four fights, beginning May 3 in Saudi Arabia against new IBF 168 lb. champ William Scull for the undisputed title. What about the Jake Paul fallout? And, is it confirmed that Terence Crawford will be in September?Dan has preliminary numbers that the Benavidez-Morrell PPV did between 150k-160k buys. What does it mean in the current boxing financial landscape?Dan is also reporting that at a Queensberry presser on Monday in Manchester they’ll announce Joe Joyce vs Dillian Whyte for April as the main event of their first show on their new DAZN deal. Heavyweight fight between former bridgerweight and cruiserweight titlist Lawrence Okolie & former cruiserweight title challenger Richard Riakporhe, who is moving up, is the co-feature. Nostalgia Feb. 9, 1991 – 34 years ago on Sunday – Terry Norris defeated the great Sugar Ray Leonard easily over 12 rounds to retain the WBC junior middleweight title, as Leonard comes out of retirement for his only Showtime and MSG appearance. Norris gave him a beating in the one-sided decision loss in the 2nd-to-last fight of Sugar Ray's career. it's all on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We're ready for the second weekend in February with a heayweight main event in England, plus, star lightweight Keyshawn Davis joins us on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return for their insight and takes.First, the preview Saturday's Queensberry main event from Manchester, England, asDerek "War" Chisora takes on Otto Wallin in an IBF heavyweight eliminator for the No. 2 position. Both are vets with Chisora being a British fan favorite and we'll see if some good action comes of it?Then, Dan talks with Keyshawn Davis, who hedlines the Feb. 14 Top Rank ESPN card at Theater at MSG and he challenges Denys Berinchyk for his WBO lightweight title. Hear Keyshawn's mindset headed into his first world title shot and his goals should he be victorious this weekend. Next in the News:Dan has done his own reporting on Canelo-Jake Paul now in talks for spring & has the update on why Canelo- Terence Crawford fight won't be happening for now.We talk more on Ryan Garcia – who is back with Eddy Reynoso training and disgustingly for Dan, his fight with Rolly Romero slated for May 2 will be for the WBA “regular” welterweight tite? WHAT. ARE. WE. DOING. HERE?!Also, Janibek Alimkhanuly will defend his WBO/IBF middleweight title against Anauel Ngamissengue in a homecoming bout on April 5 (ESPN+) in Astana, Kazakhstan. Dan has more.Finally, some nostalgiaFeb. 5, 2005 — 20 years ago on Wednesday – Zab Judah went to Cory Spinks’ hometown of St. Louis, MO and the 20K sold out downtown arena. And, Judah KO’d him to avenge his loss and win the undisputed welterweight title.Plus we say Happy Birthday from Feb.4 to legend Oscar De La Hoya, as he turned 52. We give a little Golden Boy appreciation!It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We come off a weekend PPV in Las Vegas where Dan Rafael was ringside and we're ready to recap that card, plus Adam Azim's win in England and more on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast"Host T.J. Rives returns with Dan, who was literally less than an hour off the plane from Vegas back to his home in Virginia to give us the insigh on the PBC on Prime Video PPV. It saw David Benavidez decision David Morrell,in the main event to keep his WBC interim and win the WBA “regular” 175 lb. titles. What were Dan's impressions in the arena and what about the controversial 11th round, where Morrell hit Benavidez clearly after the bell? Also, did Benavidez solidify himself and a world title contender at light heavyweight?They also go over the Stephen Fulton rematch win over Brandon Figueroa this time to win the WBC featherweight title. Quick preview: Dan wasn't overly impressive with this bout!However, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Angel Fierro slugged it out for 10 rounds and that was a highly entertaining 140 lb. battle that Dan believes belongs in the convo later for "fight of the year."He finishes going over the res of the PPV undercard with:Jesus Ramos TKO8 Jeison Rosario, 160 lb.Prime Video PrelimsMirco Cuello TKO10 Christian Olivo, WBA featherweight eliminator Yoenli Hernandez TKO5 Angel Ruiz, middleweights160 Curmel Moton TKO3 Frank Zalvidar, 135 lb. battle.The boys then recap the Saturday Boxxer main event in London, as rising 140 lb. star Adam Azim wiped out Sergey Lipinets in a TKO. What's his future off this win over the veteran? Next, some brief newsRyan Garcia has enrolled in VADA, a key block to finalizing the interim fight and rematch with Devin Haney appears to also clear up.And, Anthony Cacace vacated his IBF junior lightweight title on Friday, electing to not face mandatory challenger Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez. Dan explains what's behind that move.Finally, NostagliaFeb. 2, 2002 – 23 years ago today Sunday – Roy Jones and Bernard Hopkins split site doubleheader trying to set up their showdown that didn’t happen in that time frame. Roy with the KO of the year vs Glenn Kelly in his undisputed light heavy defense in Miami and BHop TKO-ed Carl Daniels to retain undisputed middleweight title in Pennsylvania, where Dan was ringside.Get it all on the Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It's a big weekend in Las Vegas as two unbeaten rising fighers square off in a PPV main event and we're ready to preview the entire fight card and more on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter, who is live in Vegas.It's "PBC on Prime Video" (and PPV.COM) card, as light heavyweigts David Benavidez and David Morrell meet for Benavidez’s WBC interim and Morrell’s WBA “regular” titles Bigger is the winner is likely inline for the for a shot at the Beterbiev vs. Bivol rematch.In the co-feature featherweights Brandon Figueroa and Stephen Fulton rematch for Figueroa’s WBC title Junior welterweight. It was a tremendous fight three years ago and will it repeat here? Also on the card, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Angel Fierro meet in a 10 round showdown. And middleweight Jesus Ramos Jr. takes on former world champ Jeison Rosario, too.We also give you more on how to see the fight through PPV.com with a special interview. The boys also preview Saturday Boxxer card on Peackock (and Sky Sports) from LondonAdam Azim battles veteran Sergey Lipinets ina 12 rounds junior welterweight main event. And, they review Sunday Salita Promotions card on DAZN in Flint, Michigan.Claressa Shields vs. Danielle Perkins will fight for Shields’ WBC and, also vacant WBO/WBA/IBF heavyweight titles. The guys are dubious of the charade that this is an actual undisputed world title bout. Then, some news:With the death of legendary boxing writer (and one of Dan's mentors) Michael Katz, who died this week at age 85, Dan reminisces about Katz with stories.Top Rank announces March 29th ESPN card at Fountainbleu Las Vegas: Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan, rematch, for Mayer’s WBO women’s welterweight title; Brian Norman vs. Derrieck Cuevas, for Norman’s WBO welterweight title; Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington vs. Jose Enrique Vivas, WBC featherweight eliminator. Dan has more.The WBO ruled junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez must next make his mandatory title defense against the Jack Catterall-Arnold Barboza interim title bout winner within 180 days after their Feb. 15 bout.Will Teofimo follow through, however?The announcement of an intriguing WBC flyweight titlle bout as Kenshiro Teraji and the WBA titlist Seigo Yuri Akui meet in all-Japanese unification bout March 13 in Tokyo.And, there are pllans in the works for WBC interim lightweight titlist William Zepeda to face Tevin Farmer in an immediate rematch of Zeepda’s split decision in November on the “Latino Night” card in Riyadh. Golden Boy told big Dan if it gets done would be March 29 in Cancun, Mexico.Finally some NostalgiaJan. 29, 1994 – 31 years ago on Wednesday – Frankie "the Surgeon" Randall drops Julio Cesar Chavez (89-0-1 at time) for 1st time & handed him his 1st ever loss to take WBC junior welterweight title by split decision in the main event of the first card ever at MGM Grand. Billed as "The Grand Slam of Boxing" Don King card- it had "Tito" Trinidad decsion "Macho" Camacho for the world weltereight title. The card also had Simon Brown W12 over Troy Waters for the WBC 154 lb. belt. And legen Tommy Heans destroyed Dan Ward in a cruiserweight bout. The guys talk about the history and how Chavez's 89-0-1 record won't be replicated- probably everIt's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

Coming up Saturday night in Las Vegas, unbeaten light heavyweight contender David Benavidez will meet fellow unbeaten David Morrell in a 12 round PPV bout to determine who is the likely title challenger later this year. But, before the fireworks on Saturday night hear from Benavidez with our own insider Dan Rafael on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."Dan and David talk the matchup for the WBC interim and WBA "regular" 175 lb. crowns and Benavidez's seemingly genuine dislike now for Morrell in the matchup and what he wants to do to the Cuban born contender. Plus, what does Benavidez think about getting the winner of the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch coming February 22nd, etc.?Hear it all as par of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed for more great content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Finally! We have a weekend with multiple prominent main events in Jaruary all over the globe. And, we're ready to go over it all on the newet "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter return for breakdown on:Friday Ohashi Promotions card at Tokyo, JapanNaoya Inoue scores a KO4 over late replacement Ye Joon Kim of South Korea, retains undisputed junior featherweight title. Now what for "The Monster??" Then, onto Saturday and the Matchroom card at Las VegasSuper middleweight rising contender Diego Pacheco decisions veteran Steven Nelson in the main event. Should have he gotten a stoppage and what's on deck for the rest of this year for Pacheco?In the co-feature, ightweight Andy Cruz scores another win beating Omar Salcido. Can he get a title shot sooner rather than later?And, junior welterweight Ernesto “Tito” Mercado Kayoes the remnants of Jose Pedraza, too.Also, Saturday Matchroom card at Nottingham, EnglandJunior welterweight Dalton Smith TKO1 Walid Ouizza, wins vacant European title. What about Smith did we glean? Then some news:Turki/Riyadh Season announced the site and undercard for April 26 Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn card. We discuss. With Lomachenko out injured, IBF interim title fight between Zaur Abdullaev and Raymond Muratalla is in works, purse bid scheduled, and if Top Rank promotes the fight ,it’ll be April 5 in Las Vegas.Former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr., who signed a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing to partner with his longtime promoter Lou DiBella in November, will have the first bout of the deal March 22 in Sydney. Dan's reporting is the likely opponent will be former title challenger Daud Yordan. And, Popular Irish featherweight Michael Conlan has signed with Wasserman Boxing and is making a comeback from 15-month layoff on March 7 on the Harlem Eubank-Tyrone McKenna undercard Nostalgia Jan. 25, 2003 — 22 years ago on Saturday – Vernon Forrest lopsided decision over then P4P king Shane Mosley, dropped him twice and handily won decision to win WBC welterweight title in a big big upset. Dan was there in NYC.Jan. 27, 2001 — 24 years ago on Monday – Five of the 2000 U.S. Olympians turned pro on HBO at the MSG Theater on a hugely hyped fight.card. In the end, none of them did anything other than Jermain Taylor, who would became the undisputed middleweight champion. Dan has stories, including about Pernell Whitaker that weekend.Hear it all on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify for all the great content.

We are back with a prominent fight card in the U.S. for our latest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Subtack and Newsletter return to go over:The Matchroom/DAZN card Saturday at The Cosmopolitan of Las VegasDiego Pacheco meets Steven Nelson for 12 rounds, super middleweights in the main event. What's Pacheco's upside and can the vet Nelson give him trouble? In the Co-feature, it's decorated former Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Cruz back against vet Omar Salcido in a 10 rounds lightweight tussle. Dan also has more on Ernesto “Tito” Mercado against another vet, Jose Pedraza in a junior welterweight bout. Then checkout Dand with light heavyweight contender David Benavidez one on one. He fights fellow unbeaten David Morrell Feb. 1 in the "PBC on Prime Video" main event, also on PPV.COM Next, some news as:Jaron "Boots" Ennis takes on Eimantas Stanionis IBF/WBA welterweight unification fight announced for April 12 at famed Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Dan has more on Ennis' future too.What's the Tank Davis-Lamont Roach PPV undercard made official this week?Former welterweight champ, Keith Thurman's return announced for Australia and Dan's reporting on Tim Tszyu also to return and that they would fight each other this Summer if they win on Prime Video NOT PPV.There's a Teofimo Lopez update -- has new management (Keith Connolly) and a three-fight deal on the table from Turki/Riyadh Season that Top Rank is OK with.And, Matchroom signs Omari Jones, the only 2024 Olympic boxing medalist for the US. He claimed bronze in the welterweight division and turns pro on a hometown Orlando, Fla., card Matchroom announced Thursday headlined by middleweight Ammo Williams-Patrice Volny.We wrap with nostalgiaJanuary 22, 1988 – 37 years ago on Wednesday – the absolute prime of Mike Tyson with a KO4 of Hall of Famer Larry Holmes to retain the undisputed heavyweight title. The guys discuss the ferocity of Tyson in the late 80s and that night.It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to the feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify!

It's the newest editoin of our shows, but still, no fight to recap. However, host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are still here with much to discuss.First, they preview the Friday morning US time main event from Tokyo on ESPN+ -- Naoya Inoue vs. Ye Joon Kim, for Inoue’s undisputed junior featherweight title. Is there any real shot for the Korean and what's looming for Inoue? Then, some fight news:What's the latest on Canelo-Crawford and is this close to a reality. Most importantly is the "when" on the timeline?On the plans for the May Devin Haney/Ryan Garcia doubeleheader before their rematch this Fall – Haney could face Jose Ramirez. Dan's been told it’s being worked on. And, then, Garcia put on social and Dan has confirmed that he would face Isaac "Pitbull Cruz, if Pitbull wins on Feb. 1 PPV card in Vegas. Dan goes over the BWAA 2024 awards ballots afer their virtual meeting this past weekend.Next, the long discussed fight between WBC/WBO junior middleweight titlist Sebastian Fundora and former welterweight titlist Errol Spence Jr. is dead, at least for Fundora’s next fight. Dan has the latest on why?And, while there has been much discussion about lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia and WBO/WBA titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez squaring off in a unification fight, which both sides want, the WBA has ordered Zurdo’s mandatory vs. former titlist Yuniel Dorticos, which probably will be next.We finish with Nostalgia: Jan. 18, 1997 – 28 years ago on Saturday – Oscar De La Hoya dominated unbeaten Miguel Angel Gonzalez to retain WBC 140 lb. crown in his only defense of that belt and would kick off a mega year where he went 5-0 that year!And, Jan. 19, 2008 — 17 years ago on Sunday – Roy Jones W12 Felix Trinidad at 170 pounds, sends Tito into permanent retirement. Good fight. Dan was ringside for these legends meeting at the end of their careers.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It's latest edition of the show, where again, there is not a significant main event fight in the world this weekend. So, host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael go right to the news and some nostalgia, even though it's the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."They begin with former two time heavyweight champ Tyson Fury saying he's retired, again. Does anyone actually believe him? The guys go over it.Lots of news with TURKI ALALSHIKH and the Saudis looking to roll out some fights in the Spring and also fund proposed bouts, too.They have closed the long awaited Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn middleweight fight and It’s signed for April 26 in London, per Dan's reporting. And, he also reveals that it’s a two-fight deal. Turki also has brought Devin Haney-Ryan Garcia rematch to being nearly done. The fighters will forgive and forget Garcia's controversies/failed drug tests from their match last April and have agreed to warmup fights in May and then, have their rematch October to open Riyadh Season festival. Dan reports that Haney's lawsuit is in process of being dropped, and drug testing getting ironed out.Turki also said in interview with U.K. TalkSport says he wants to still make Anthony Joshua- Deontay Wilder if there’s no Fury-Joshua. “I want to see Joshua and Wilder now. If Tyson is not available, why not Joshua and Wilder?” Is there anyone who really cares at this point about these two fighting?And, junior welterweight contender Oscar Duarte will face former two-time titlist Regis Prograis in a 12-rounder that headlines Golden Boy DAZN card on Feb.15 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California.As for the NostalgiaJan. 16, 1999 – 26 years ago on Thursday – Mike Tyson returns from 18 months out of the ring after biting off a hunk of Evander Holyfield ear and scores a one-punch fifth-round KO of Francois Botha after losing basically every round Jan. 17, 2015 – 10 years ago on Friday – Deontay Wilder goes the distance for the first time, but easily outpoints Bermane Stiverne in his biggest test to that point to win the WBC heavyweight title. Dan recollects from being ringside at MGM Grand in Vegas.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It's a brand new edition of our recap show with only one significant fight card world wide. So, that leaves our host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael with more time to discuss news and some excellent boxing and even, 80s U.S. Primetime TV drama debate! It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"They begin with the brief Recap of Boxxer card from Sheffield, England, where super middleweight Callum Simpson scored a dubious TKO over Steed Woodall in the second round and retains British/Commonwealth 168 lb. titles. T.J. takes the lead on the referee with a reference to another premature stoppage in a prominent fight in London last Fall.Also, lightweight Caroline Dubois got a technical draw at the start of the 3rd round against an already battered Jessica Camara. Dubois retains WBC women’s crown, but there's debate on should this one have been an actual stoppage on the badly swollen eye from punches that had nothing to do with the cut on the other eye. For fight news:Sam Goodman is again cut in same spot over his eye and out of the January 24 Nayoa Inoue undisputed 122 lb. fight. Inoue will instead defend the undisputed junior featherweight title vs. late sub Ye Joon Kim of South Korea. We have more on him.Dan is reporting that the target date for WBC/WBO junior middleweight titlist Sebastian Fundora vs. former three-belt unified welterweight titlist Errol Spence Jr. is March 29 at MGM Grand. T.J. wonders.... well.... you know!With Teofimo Lopez inactive, no fight scheduled, as he turned down several fights from Top Rank, the WBO has upgraded Jack Catterall-Arnold Barboza Jr. final junior welterweight eliminator to the vacant interim title bout on Feb.15th.And, the IBF welterweight titlist Jaron “Boots” Ennis and WBA counterpart Eimantas Stanionis are in talks for a unification fight. Per WBA president Gilberto Mendoza, Stanionis mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov has agreed to step aside.Finally some nostalgia: January 14, 2017 – 8 years ago this Tuesday – James DeGale and Badou Jack fight to a majority draw in an epic super middleweight unification fight and in the co-feature sees Gervonta Davis TKO7 then-unbeaten Jose Pedraza to win the IBF junior lightweight title, Davis’ first world title. Dan was ringside at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY for this.And, we salute heavyweight hall of famers George Foreman, who turned 76 on Friday and the late Joe Frazier would have turned 81 on Sunday.And, the boys debate some 1980's American TV dramas between "Dallas," 'Dynasty," and "Miami Vice." It's worthwile to stick around for!Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to rate and review us on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We're ready to recap a mid-week title fight for Cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia, go over some fight news and have nostalgia on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of BigFightWeekend.com and his Fight Freaks Unite Substack return to go over it all. That includes:Wednesday’s Tasman Fighters/Matchroom card in Australiawith Opetaia defeating David Nyika by KO early to retain his lineal/IBF Cruiserweight titles. And, what' next for Opetaia – talk of Zurdo; down the road with Eddie Hearn also talking about Oleksandr Usyk at heavyweight.Plus, rising Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni demiloshes Shaun Potgieter inside of 2 rounds. What's his upside and future? Then, it's some News:Top Rank announces February 14th ESPN tripleheader at the MSG TheaterDenys Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn Davis, for Berinchyk’s WBO lightweight titleXander Zayas vs. Slawa Spomer, junior middleweight showdownVito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Connor Coyle, middleweights Plus – prelims include return of Jared Anderson, top 147 prospect Rohan Polanco, lightweight prospect Abdullah Mason, etc.Dan updates that talks for Teofimo Lopez-Subriel Marias are DEAD. And, so much for “being finalized” as ESPN reported 3 weeks ago. What happened and how much has Lopez squandered that has been offered to him? With Vasily Lomachenko sidelined with a back injury, the IBF approves Zaur Abdullaev vs. Raymond Muratalla for the interim 135 lb. belt and they are negotiatingAnd, junior welterweight contender Oscar Duarte and two-time titlist Regis Prograis are in talks for a February 15 DAZN fight in Anaheim, California, according to Golden Boy Promotions.And, we wrap with nostalgiaJanuary 12th, 2002 — 23 years ago on Sunday – Acelino “Popo” Freitas decisions Joel Casamayor to unify the WBO and WBA junior lightweight titles. Both were unbeaten and this was a major Showtime main event that had been build for a few fights. Dan reminisces about one of his favorite fighters.It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to rate/review and subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are back in the new year with our what is usually a "recap" pod, but we need to be creative on this edition and we'll explain more on the 'Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newletter return.With no major fight to recap they move righ to a preview of the Wednesday Tasman Fighters/Matchroom card in Australia (DAZN). This features Jai Opetaia vs. David Nyika, for Opetaia’s lineal/IBF cruiserweight title in the main event. Also, Australian heavyweight prospect Justis Huni meets South African Shaun Potgieter in the co-feature. Then, there's news:Devin Haney announces he will be back in March and also has signed up with VADA for 24/7/365 testing, which is very rare in boxing. Dan goes over Haney's motives. Also, Willibaldo Garcia and Mexican countryman Rene Calixto, who fought to a split draw for the vacant IBF junior bantamweight title on December 21 in Shizuoka, Japan, have been ordered to meet in a rematch in another attempt to fill the 115-pound belt vacated by Fernando Martinez. And, PBC is planning a non-PPV Prime Video card for February 15 with middleweight Elijah Garcia, coming off first loss, supposed to fight Terrell Gausha and heavyweight prospect Dainier Pero also on card vs TBA.Next, we go over the rest of 2024 awards with Dan. They include the-RoundTrainerManagerUpsetProspect andBiggest storyOf this past year Finally, some nostalgiaJanuary 6, 2007 – 18 years ago on Monday – heavyweight Samuel Peter routs James Toney in their WBC final eliminator on Showtime. Big Dan was ringside at the Hard Rock resort in Hollywood, Florida. He has a couple of rememberances, including a starlett former Playboy bunny being right there with the media row.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed for all the great content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Happy New Year and welcome back to our kickoff episode of the shows for 2025. And, since there's not a significant main event in the world this weekend, host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are taking the opportunity to go over the "End of 2024 Awards."First, they talk some quick fight news including the Fernando Martinez vs. Kaz Ioka title bout from Tuesday in Japan being postponed due to Martinez getting the Flu in fight week. When will this title fight be put back on? Dan has more.He also gives us the latest on Ryan Garcia and him confirming that he has a wrist injury in training for his own Japanese exhibition and that he says he needs surgery.Then, the boys go over Dan's lists for Fight, Fighter and KO of the year for 2024. There's good debate on them all, including Oleksandr Usyk beating Tyson Fury twice, Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano the sequel and what about some other fights they considered.There's also good debate on whom gets "Fighter of the Year," especially for the women and there's disagreement on the KO of the year out of choices involving Daniel Dubois, Angelo Leo, Lucas Badhi and others.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

With the end of the year approaching we have a special conversation with our insider Dan Rafael and longtime championship referee Jack Reiss on this edition of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Reiss announced his retirement recently after 25 years as a referee. He is one of top referees for many years who has worked more than 1000 fights and more than 100 world title fights! Reiss most famously was the third man in the ring for the Wilder-Fury 1 battle in Los Angeles in December of 2018. And, that night he stood, counting, over Tyson Fury in the dramatic 12th round with Wilder on the verge of a KO or stoppage. Reiss recounts that dramatic moment and some other great stories working the fights for over three decades.The conversation is part of the 'Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!!

As we approach the end of 2024, we're back once more with our latest look ahead to the weekend, hear from a distinguished "third man in the ring" and more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack return to go over the latest that includes:A Preview of Tuesday, New Year's Eve in Tokyo, as Fernando Martinez and. Kazuto Ioka for Martinez’s WBA junior bantamweight title just five months after Martinez won it in a wild battle.Then, hear from famed U.S. referee Jack Reiss, who announced his retirement recently after 25 years as a referee. Reiss has been one of top referees for many years, worked more than 1,000 fights and more than 100 world title fights, most famously Wilder-Fury 1and the 12th round knockdown dramatics there. There's fight news on Panya Pradabsri winning a majority verdict Carlos Canizales on Thursday to claim vacant WBC junior flyweight title in Bangkok, Thailand, his hometown. A disputed decision against Canizales for sure. We have another fight added to Matchroom/DAZN first-quarter schedule with announcement of Jack Catterall-Arnold Barboza Jr. in a WBO junior welterweight final eliminator on Feb. 15th in Manchester, England Dan has reporting on Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, the former pound-for-pound king and four-division champion, being headed to another title shot. Plans are in the works to match him with WBO junior bantamweight titlist Phumelele Cafu on a date to be determined in March in Gonzalez’s hometown of Managua, Nicaragua, All Star Boxing promoter Felix “Tutico” Zabala gave Fight Freaks Unite the info. Lineal/WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez and former IBF titleholder Subriel Matias are in talks to meet in the first half of next year, but Carl Moretti of Top Rank told Big Dan it is not close to being made despite an ESPN report, using unnamed sources, saying it was “being finalized.” Plus, Is Tank Davis vs. Lamont Roach canceled? Tank Davis is scheduled to fight Roach March 1 on PBC on Prime PPV but Davis posted on Instagram on Monday “The fight is fucking cancel.” WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!? And, some Nostalgia to close: It was Dec. 26, 1908 -- 116 years ago Thursday -- the legendary Jack Johnson stopped Tommy Burns in round 14 of a scheduled 20-rounder (they were using 4-oz gloves!) in Sydney, Australia, to become the 1st Black heavyweight champion. The boys go over the massive boxing and social implications of Johnson's win and his reign throughout the next decade.It's all part of the Big Fight Weekend Preview and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Just days before Christmas we are back with a recap of the unified heavyweight title rematch win by Oleksandr Usyk Saturday night over Tyson Fury and more on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack are back and they have the recap of the Riyadh Season/DAZN PPV card in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.Oleksandr Usyk validated his May win by decisioning Tyson Fury in the rematch and retains lineal/WBC/WBO/WBA heavyweight crowns. What's next for both men? Dubois rematch for Usyk? Joshua for Fury? And, does Usyk belong in any "all-time" conversations at heavyweight?On the undercard, rising British heavyweight Moses Itauma destroys Demsey McKean in the first round, Serhii Bohachuk TKO6 on late replacement Ishmael Davis in a WBC 154 eliminator and British heavys Johnny Fisher and David Allen fought a wild battle. The boys go over it all.There's news with Jaron Ennis telling Eddie Hearn to stop negotiating a possible Teofmo Lopez defense? WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE? Matchroom/DAZN recently announced their six events for the first quarter of 2025. You'll be underwhelmed as a U.S. fight fan.And, the IBF ordered an all-French super middleweight final eliminator between unbeaten young star Christian Mbilli and European champion Kevin Lele Sadjo, And one bit of Nostalgia, as on Dec. 20, 2008 – 16 years ago on Friday – one of most heinous robberies ever! Nikolai Valuev decisioned legendary Evander Holyfield to retain WBA heavyweight title in Zurich, Switzerland (PPV in the US). Holyfield was 46, going for a fifth heavyweight title reign and woulda been old heavyweight titleholder but was outright robbed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! according to Dan.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It's a heavyweight title rematch as we near the end of 2024 and host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return to preview Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury II and the undercard and more on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast!The guys begin with Saturday's Riyadh Season card on DAZN PPV Usyk and "The Gypsy King" rematch, for Usyk’s WBC/WBO/WBA and lineal heavyweight titles. Will it be a replay of the Ukrainian's great performance in May or will Fury get his revenge/titles back?Plus, Dan has more on the Serheii Bohachuk vs. Ishmael Davis WBC final junior middleweight eliminator bout in the co-feature. Plus, rising Moses Itauma meets massive Australian Demsey McKean in a heavyweight clash and Peter McGrail and also, Johnny Fisher are in action too.Then, some News with Dan reporting on Top Rank’s Feb 14th ESPN card at MSG Theater: Keyshawn Davis to challenge Denys Berinchyk for his WBO lightweight title, plus other fights for the show.He also has more on the Lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who will now face David Nyika January 8 in the DAZN main event in Australia. Opetaia was due to fight mandatory Huseiyn Cinkara but he suffered an ankle injury. So, now he will face Nyika, a 2020 Olympic bronze medalist from New Zealand, he sparred many rounds with.There's info on Jack Catterall-Arnold Barnoza in a WBO 140 final eliminator nearly set. Plans for February 15 on DAZN in Manchester. And, IBF featherweight titlist Angelo Leo is headed to Tomoki Kameda’s hometown of Osaka, Japan, for a mandatory defense off winning the title by massive KO10 of Luis Alberto Lopez in August. The deal is agreed to.Then, a wrap up of some of the stuff that came out of the recently finished WBC convention – some mandatories, eliminators, announcement of the “Boxing Grand Prix” prospect tournament, etc.Finally, some NostalgiaDecember 19, 1997 – 27 years ago on Thursday – Prince Naseem Hamed's thrilling KO4 Kevin Kelley to retain the WBO featherweight title in his U.S./HBO debut at Madison Square Garden. The bout had an absurd Hamed ring walk followed by an absolutely epic shootout and one of the best fights of the 1990s. Six knockdowns in less than four rounds, both guys down 3x each.And tremendous co-feature people forget because the main event was so great: Kennedy McKinney TKO4 Junior "Poison" Jones to win WBO junior featherweight title. Both guys down in another wild fight. A year later on Dec. 19, 1998 – 26 years ago on Thursday – Floyd Mayweather's first 130 lb. title defense and destroys top contender Angel Mandredy in round 2 and big time heavyweight in HBO co-feature with David Tua TKO10 Hasim Rahman in their first fight, controversial stoppage. Great doubleheader.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

On the latst edition of the show, host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter return to go over numerous fights this weekend. This included one of the most shocking KO/upsets of 2024, as well.That came in the Saturday Zanfer/ESPN+ show from Tijuana, Mexico, as little known Bruno Surace of France knocked about former super middleweight title challenger Jaime Munguia in his hometown! Big Dan has more on what happened and what does this do to Munguia's future?Also, Saturday in the Matchroom Boxing/DAZN show from Monte Carlo, Monaco fomer world champ Murodjon Akhmadaliev captured the WBA interim 122 lb. title with a third round KO of Ricardo Espinoza. We go over the win and what it means for Akhmadailiev in '25?And, back in North America in the Golden Boy/DAZN show from Ontario, CA, Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel put on a wild weltereweight main event draw. And, it looks like we'll do it again.There's news as Australian Sam Goodman is cut in training, and his scheduled Dec 24th challenge against undisputed 122 lb. champ Naoya Inoue is now delayed to January 24th. Dan has the details on what went down.And finally, Nostalgia as:Dec. 14, 2019 – 5 years ago Saturday – Terence Crawford scored a TKO over "Mean Machine" Kavaliauskas to retain his WBO 147 lb. title in one of his toughest fights he's had. Plus, Teofimo Lopez bombed Richard Commey in co-feature to win his first world title, IBF 135 tile. Dan was ringside at MSG.Dec. 17, 2016 – 8 years ago on Tuesday – Joe Smith Jr. kayoed hall of famer Bernard Hopkins litterally out of the ring in the fight that Big Dan says he “made.” It was BHop’s last fight and Da was ringside at The Forum in Inglewood, CA.And we look back on the one year anniversary of Showtime signing off from boxing (A David Morrell TKO in the second over Sena Agbeko main event) and that was it after 37 years of fights on their network and PPV. And, the sport is worse for it.Hear it all on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We have fights all over the globe this weekend and we're ready to preview them, go over some fight news and some classic Arturo Gatti are all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of BigFightWeekend.com.First, they talk Saturday’s Zanfer Promotions/ESPN+ card from Tijuana, Mexico, as favorite son Jaime Munguia meets Frenchman Bruno Surace in a scheduled 10 round, super middleweight battle. Dan also previews the undercard bout with Alan David Picasso taking on Isaac Sackey in a unior featherweight clash. Next it's Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card from Monte Carlo, Monaco with the main event seeing Murodjon Akhmadaliev squaring off with Ricardo Espinoza, for vacant WBA interim junior featherweight title. The winner is in the picture for a possible Naoya Inoue bout down the road. Back to the USA and Saturday’s Golden Boy/DAZN card from Ontario, Calif. with Alexis Rocha returning to action against Raul Curiel in a 12 rounds welterweight battle. and Sunday in Gibraltar on DAZN British heavyweight former title challenger Dillian Whyte meets veteran Ebenezer Tetteh in a 10 rounder. There's fight news inlcuding at this week’s WBC convention: Mauricio Sulaiman re-elected as president for third four-year term and Badou Jack re-instated as their cruiserweight champion; etc. Also, On the card in Hamburg associated with the WBC convention, former featherweight titlist Billy Dib, who was near death from cancer and given six months to live a few years ago, had his first fight in nearly three years – a farewell bout – and won an 8 rounder at lightweight. Dan loves Dib.Queensberry Promotions has announced WBA featherweight titlis Nick Ball will make his next defense against former junior featherweight titlist TJ Doheny in a second straight Liverpool, England, hometown defense, on March 15. The guys discuss.And prominent world title referee Jack Reiss announces retirement but will still judge fights in the future.We finish with Nostalgia as Dec. 12, 1998 – 26 years ago Thursday – the epic Ivan Robinson-Arturo Gatti rematch too place in an HBO main event and Fernando Vargas scored a TKO over "Yory Boy" Campas to win the IBF 154 title at age 21 in the co-feature.And on Dec. 14, 2013 – 11 years ago on Saturday – Marcos Maidana decisioned Adrien Broner to win the WBA welterweight title on a big Showtime card at the Alamodome. Rafael was ringside with memories of it all.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's the latest editon of the recap show as host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back with plenty to go over from Arizona to Puerto Rico and even, Bulgaria. And, they add some fight news and great nostalgia.First, they go over Saturday’s Top Rank/ESPN card from Phoneix, as Emanuel Navarrete wipes out Oscar Valdez in their rematch and retains the WBO junior lightweight title. What's the future for both?Then, Rafael Espinoza stops Robeisy Ramirez in a bizarre re-enactment of the Roberto Duran's famous "No Mas" against Sugar Ray Leonard in the Saturday rematch with Ramirez to retain the WBO featherweight title. What was really going on with Ramirez's eye and will Espinoza end up on the track to move up and fight Navarrete?Next, It's Saturday’s Matchroom/DAZN card from San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Richardson Hitchins defeated Liam Paro by decision and wins IBF junior welterweight title. It was at times a dull bout, but Hitchins was clearly better. And, what's n store for him? Dan also has more on Saturday’s Epic Sports/DAZN card from Sofia, Bulgaria, where heavyweight Kubrat Pulev decisioned Mahmoud Charr, for the WBA “regular” title. Then, some news, including: Canelo Alvarez spoke to the media scrum in at a restaurant opening in California and opens door to Crawford fight, and on working with Turki and a possible Jake Paul fight?Not shoicking, but Israil Madrimov is suffering from "acute bronchitis" and withdrew from the Dec 21 fight with Serheii Bohachuk, who will instead face replacement Ishmael Davis. It's expected Madrimov recover and get ready for Vergil Ortiz on Feb. 22 on another Riyadh card.Finally, it's Nostalgia as on Dec. 8 – 17 years ago Sunday – Floyd Mayweather retains lineal/WBC welterweight title by highlight-reek KO in 10th of junior welterweight champion Ricky 'Hitman" Hatton in as big a fight as there was in the era. Wildest fight week ever. 30K Brits come to Vegas and the MGM runs out of beer! Dan was ringside for it all.Also, on Dec. 8 – 12 years ago Sunday – Juan Manuel Marquez, on verge of being stopped, scores one of greatest KOs of all time as he puts newly elected hall of famer Manny Pacquiao to sleep, face first with one shot at the end of RD 6 in their 4th and final fight. This was his only win of the series and the only result of the series that was definitive. It was the KO of the year, Fight of the Year, Fight of the decade. Big Dan was ringside at the MGM Grand.And, Sunday is also Bob Arum turned 93 years old. We give a little Arum appreciation on his amazing career.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's a jammed packed first weekend of December and we're ready to go over it all on the latest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast." Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of Big Fight Weekend are back to go over it all:They start with the Top Rank ESPN card Saturday in Phoenix, AZ as Emanuel Navarrete meets Oscar Valdez in a rematch, for Navarrete’s WBO junior lightweight title. And, in the co-feature, Rafael Espinoza battles Robeisy Ramirez in another rematch, for Espinoza’s WBO featherweight title. Two very even fights and the guys give some thoughts.Next, it's the Matchroom DAZN card Saturday in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Liam Paro meets Richardson Hitchins for Paro’s IBF junior welterweight title. They go over the matchup and why in Puerto Rico? Dan also wants discussion from Sofia, Bulgaria as heavyweights Mahmoud Charr vs. Kubrat Pulev are fighting for Charr’s WBA “regular” heavyweight title Then, there's news as the International Boxing Hall of Fame election results were announced Thursday led by Manny Pacquiao and his amazing resume. Also Michael Nunn, Vinny Paz are in in the "modern men" category. Big Dan has problems with one of them.And among many others going in are referee Kenny Bayless in the non participants and HBO’s Ross Greenburg in observer categories. Sad news is covered as former three-time junior featherweight champion Israel Vazquez died on Monday from cancer. He was 46. He's known best for the epic rivalry with Rafael Marquez, two of their four bouts were the fight of the year. The boys talk the announcement of the full mega card for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for Feb. 22:Undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol 2 IBF heavyweight titlist Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker WBC lightweight titlist Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield WBC middleweight titleholder Carlos Adames vs. No. 1 contender Hamzah Sheeraz WBC interim junior middleweight titlist Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israil Madrimov (who fights first Dec. 21 vs Sergei Bohachuk, as Jaron Ennis ducked the fight) Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel for vacant WBC interim heavyweight title and also, a WBO interim light heavyweight titlist Joshua Buatsi vs. Callum Smith.Finally theire's nostalgia as Dec. 4, 1999 – 25 years ago Wednesday – Fernando Vargas retains 154 title vs. future HOFer Winky Wright in a very close HBO fight And, on Dec. 6, 2008 – 16 years ago Friday – Manny Pcquiao scores a huge TKO upset as he destroys Oscar De La Hoya and sends him into retirement. Dan was ringside for it all.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast' and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's fight week for the rematch for Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez as they battle for Navarrete's WBO 130 lb. world title Saturday night. And, before he headlines the Top Rank Boxing on ESPN card in Phoenix "Vaquero' Navarrete joins our insider Dan Rafael one on one (through an interpreter)..They covered several topics: How he thinks this fight will differ from their action-packed first fight that Navarrete won by decision; what it was like having that bout promoted like the great fights between his Mexican countrymen Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera (who both helped promote the bout and were ringside and Navarrete's thoughts on his draw with Robson Conceicao followed by his loss to Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight title. And, why is he making the decision to return to junior lightweight to face Valdez again in the mandatory bout, thoughts on someday returning to lightweight in an effort to win a title in a fourth division; and more.Hear it all on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's the latest edition of our show off the Thanksgiving weekend, as host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter go over it all headed into December:They start with Saturday’s Matchroom/DAZN card in Birmingham, England Galal Yafai stop Sunny Edwards in the sixth round to win the vacant WBC interim flyweight title. Edwards looked like a fighter who is done and basically, said so after the 2nd round to his corner. What about that and the future of Yafai off the win?Then, there's news as Dan has his reporting on the proposed Vergil Ortiz vs. Jaron “Boots” Ennis bout for February in Saudi Arabia went falling apart Saturday over Ennis seeking 147 pounds instead of 154 lb. So, the Saudis reached out to WBC/WBO titlist Sebastian Fundora to replace Boots, but were turned down because he has other plans.The guys go over the official announcement that lightweight titlist Gervonta “Tank” Davis will defend vs. junior lightweight titlist Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1 (Prime Video PPV) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Presser on Tuessday Barclays Center.Dan is also reporting that WBA junior welterweight titlist Jose Valenzuela will make his first defense against Gary Antuanne Russell on the March 1 PPV card. And, the IBF has ordered a final heavyweight title eliminator between Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba for the right to become Daniel Dubois’ mandatory. Bakole promoter Queensberry and Ajagba promoter Top Rank have until Dec. 11 to conclude negotiations for the bout, which both fighters indicated in writing to the IBF they were interested in pursuing. We wrap with Nostalgia of Nov. 30, 1979 -- 45 years ago on Saturday -- as the great Sugar Ray Leonard TKO'ed Wilfred Benitz to win the WBC welterweight title in one of the greatt performances of his career. Plus, earlier that night, Marvelous Marvin Hagler suffered a bad draw vs. Vito Antuofermo for the undisputed middleweight title live on ABC network TV in prime time. And, Dec. 2, 2000 – 24 years ago on Monday – Felix Trinidad stopped Fernando Vargas to unify the WBA and IBF junior middleweight titles in the greatest 154 title fight ever. Dan was ringside at Mandalay Bay in Vegas.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to the feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's a post Thanksgiving edition of the show, as host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return to go over the one prominent fight of the weekend and hear from a muti-division world champ and more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."First, the guys talk Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card in Birmingham, England as former world champ Sunny Edwards battles. Galal Yafai, for vacant WBC interim flyweight title. These two have history as amateurs that make this bout more intriguing.Next, hear Dan with Emanuel Navarrete as he defends the WBO junior lightweight title in a mandatory rematch with interim titlist Oscar Valdez in the Top Rank/ESPN main event Dec. 7 in Phoenix. The hard hitting Navarrete has had some struggles of late, but he does own a win over Valdez. Then, there's plenty of news as Dan broke the story of the probable lineup for the Feb. 22 "Riyadh Season" card: Heavyweight Daniel Dubois meets Joseph Parker, for Dubois’ IBF title and also, light heavyweights Artur Beterbiev will battle Dmitry Bivol in a rematch for Beterbiev’s undisputed title.Dan has also learned that junior middleweight Vergil Ortiz Jr. will likely fight Jaron “Boots” Ennis, for Ortiz’s WBC interim title in what would be a compelling bout between the two unbeatens. And, middleweight Carlos Adames likely takes on top contender Hamzah Sheeraz, for Adames’ WBC title.Plus, Dan is hearing of a possible Shakur Stevenson against top prospect/contender Floyd Schfield world lightweight title boutbeing added to card. The guys discuss Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions taking the rare step to address speculation and rumor that there were stipulations in the Mike Tyson bout like there would be no knockdowns, etc. We have more on Teofimo Lopez announcing on social media that Eddy Reynoso will now train him along with his dad. Dan is also reporting that Edgar Berlanga is slated to headline on a Matchroom/DAZN card March 8 in Puerto Rico, his first time fighting there and his first fight since the loss challenging super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez in September. Finally, some Nostalgia as on.November 26, 1982 -- 42 years ago on Tuesday – Larry Holmes brutally dominated Randall “Tex” Cobb In Houston to retain the WBC heavyweight title live on ABC in such a one-sided destruction that legendary figure Howard Cosell quit boxing commentating. And also, on November 27th 2004 – 20 years ago on Wednesday – Mexican legends Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales met in very close fight, as Barrera won the WBC junior lightweight title in the EPIC third fight of their legendary trilogy. Barrera goes 2-1 in the series and Big Dan was ringside at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's a special edition of our "recap" pod off a light weekend with no major main events world wide. So, both insider Dan Rafael and host T.J. Rives bring you extended, interesting interviews on recent action and upcoming possible matchups on the "Fight Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."First, hear Dan with Eric Gomez, President of Golden Boy Promotions, who joins him off the "Latino Night" successful card 9 days ago in Saudi Arabia. Eric talks about Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez and the rest of the fighters, like William Zepeda at lightweight, that Oscar De La Hoya has in his stable that were on that show. And, what's next for some of them.Dan also goes over the possibility of another Golden Boy star, Vergil Ortiz, and him possibly meeting Jaron Ennis coming up for early next year as part of another Saudi card.Then, T.J. brings on David Payne, the "Boxing Writer" from England, who runs his own site www.boxingwriter.co.uk and they discuss the recent Jake Paul-Mike Tyson card briefly. Most importantly is the back and forth on the Amanda Serrano-Katie Taylor women's undisputed 140 lb. title battle and whether the decision was that controversial? And, he previews a bit the Sunny Edwards vs. Galal Yafai DAZN main event from Birmingham, England this Saturday night, as these guys have a lot of gym history and amateur battles of note. It's all on a different version of the 'Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's defintely a different "preview" version of the pod, as there are no major fights worldwide to speak of this week. Still T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back to go over a bunch of fight news and some historic nostalgia anniversaries on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Everybody is calling out Jake Paul off his massive event/financial windfall and the list includes– Andre Ward, Carl Froch, Oliver McCall, Tony Bellew, Artur Beterbiev and Daniel Dubois. The boys discuss the nonsense.Also, PBC’s David Benavidez-David Morrell kickoff presser was Tuesday in LA for their upcoming light heavy contender fight.Ryan Garcia, who is suspended in the United States until at least April, is going to Tokyo for an PPV exhibition bout in December vs. Japanese kickboxing star Rukiya Anpo at 153 pounds for eight two-minute rounds. What does this all mean?Dan has more that while not signed, a deal is being finalized for WBC middleweight titlist Carlos Adames to defend vs. English rising star Hamza Sheeraz on Feb. 22 on the Riyadh Season card in the worksMore wild aged heavyweights, as former WBC titlist Oliver McCall, age 59, KO’d Stacey Frazier, age 54, in round 2 on Tuesday night to become the oldest former heavyweight titlist to win a fight. And, Lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia will make mandatory defense vs. Huseiyn Cinkara Jan. 8 in Australian homecoming. Further, a deal is made for WBA welterweight titlist Eimantas Stanionis vs. mandatory Shakhram Giyasov.For the nostalgiaNov. 23, 2002 – 22 years ago on Saturday -- Arturo Gatti W10 Micky Ward in the rematch of the all-time legendary trilogy. Dan was ringside and has his rememberances.Nov. 22, 1986 – 38 years ago Friday – Mike Tyson kayoed Trevor Berbick in the 2nd round to become, at age 20, the youngest heavyweight champion and he ushers in a new era in boxing.Nov. 21, 1987 – 37 years ago Thursday – Julio Cesar Chavez moves up to lightweight and lays a beating on fellow Hall of Famer Edwin Rosario, stopping him round 11 to win the WBA lightweight title in a huge Mexico-PR fight. It's arguably the finest performance of Chavez’s career.And, last but definitely not least, Nov. 21, 1976 – 48 years ago on Thursday – “Rocky” is released in theaters! The boys have lots of nostalgia on the film that began the EPIC series from Sylvester Stallone and others.It's all on this "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe to the feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It was an exciting and wild weekend of action as the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson bout finally happened in North Texas, but the co-feature fight was the bigger action/drama. Meanwhile half way around the world in Saudi Arabia Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez was impressive to become unified at cruiserweight. And, we are ready to recap it all on the 'Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are raring to go.They begin with the obvious problems that Netflix had in their first ever live boxing venture as millions and millions of fans eperienced techinal difficulties streaming the fight. And, what does it mean for the streamer and it's fight future, etc.Then, the guys get to the long anticipated Paul meeting with "Iron Mike," which went about as expected with Tyson being largley worn out after the second or third round and Paul got the easy decision. Dan has thoughts on the spectacle and on where both guys go from here?Next, T.J. is FROSTY at what he believes was a robbery decision of Amanda Serrano being denied a rematch win against Katie Taylor for the undisputed women's 140 lb. crowns. And, he's got lots of data on the incompetent judging late in the fight. He and Dan debate. And, they talk about Mario Barrios struggling to defend his welterweight title.The guys turn to the "Latino Night" card in Saudi Arabia for Golden Boy Boxing and Riyadh Season, as Zurdo dominated Chris Billam-Smith for the unified cruiserweight title by easy decision. Ramirez really pounded CBS in the back half of the fight. Dan has more on the potential next fights for Zurdo. They also recap a very compelling undercard that saw Oscar Collazo score a KO to unify at strawweight, William Zepeda struggle with Tevin Farmer and a lackluster co-main.There's fight news on the announced David Benavidez-David Morrell February PPV for Vegas and the undercard. And, Matchroom also has a looming January Vegas show that will likely feature Diego Pacheco.And, finally, some nostalgia on Lennox Lewis regaining his heavyweight belts by booming KO over Hasim Rahman 23 years ago this weekend and Roy Jones dominating James Toney 30 years ago, as well.It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We've reached the highly anticipated return of 58 year old Mike Tyson in an actual fight Friday night with Jake Paul in Texas. And, we're ready to preview that bout, the Saudi "Latino Night" card for Golden Boy Promotions and more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of BigFightWeekend.com are back to go over it all:Paul and Tyson are scheduled for 8 two minute rounds at AT&T Stadium, but the best fight of the weekend might be the Katie Taylor - Amanda Serrano, rematch for Taylor’s WBC/WBO/IBF/WBA women’s junior welterweight titles.Then, on it's Saturday’s Golden Boy/Riyadh Season/DAZN card from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That has Mexico's Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez taking on England's Chris Billam-Smith, for the WBA/WBO cruiserweight unification. It should be a highly entertaining main event. Dan also goes over the undercard featuring- Jose Ramirez vs. Arnold Barboza and lightweights William Zepeda vs. Tevin Farmer for vacant WBC interim lightweight title.And, two ot the smallest world champs, Oscar Collazo against Thammanoon Niyomtrong for the WBO/WBA strawweight titles. There's fight news on David Benavidez and David Morell metting in February. Dan has the specifics with his reporting.The guys have more on Turki Alalshikh purchasing The Ring magazine from Oscar De La Hoya for $10 million and what are the implications for the Saudi's controlling a brand named boxing outlet like this? And, they have Nostalgia on the anniversariesNov. 13, 1992 – 32 years – Riddick Bowe defeating Evander Holyfield by decision to win the undisputed heavyweight title in an all-time classic fight and the first of their epic trilogy.Plus, on Nov. 14, 2009 – 15 years ago on Thursday – hall of famer Manny Pacquiao stopped Miguel Cotto, as he moved up to welterweight and won the WBO title in a terrific fight, Dan was ringside at the MGM Grand.And, T.J. and Dan reminisce on the tragedy 42 years ago (Nov. 13. 1982) of Ray "Boom Boom' Mancini's devastating 14th round TKO over Duk Koo-Kim, that led to Kim's death. The fight was on Saturday afternoon CBS network TV and is chilling to recall.It's all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, Google, etc.!

It's a special one on one conversation on this edition of the podcast, as our insider Dan Rafael talks with one half of the cruiserweight world title unification bout in Saudi Arabia Saturday night on a mid-week "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"That fighter is England's Chris Billam-Smith who will meet Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in a 12 rounds round WBA/WBO cruiserweight unification battle to headline for Riyadh Season Promotions "Latino NIght" in conjunction with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.Billam-Smith is 20-1 with 13 KOs, and has made two defenses of his WBO title a year and a half ago by beating fellow countryman Lawrence Okolie in an upset. Chris talks to Dan about the roll he's been on and the challenge to face Ramirez, who is a previous world champ in the super middleweight division who's now moved up another 25 lb. or so and become the WBA titleholder.It's all part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed for more great content on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It's the ring return of one of the modern legends in heavyweight boxing, as Friday night in Arlington, TX, "Iron Mike" Tyson is back (at 58 years old) to fight a modified bout with Jake Paul in a Nextflix main event. And, prior to the fight hear a conversation that our insider Dan Rafael had with Tyson just days before this latest comeback by the former undisputed champ.Why is Tyson, who last fought Roy Jones in an exhibition in 2020, doing this fight at his age? Does he think Paul poses a challenge for him and what's the the future after this bout?Hear it all on this one on one conversation with Dan and Mike Tyson, as part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and on this feed. Make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It's another jammed packed recap show/podcast off a weekend that saw Keyshawn Davis score an impressive early win Friday and then, both Jaron "Boots" Ennis and Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez successfully defended their world titles Saturday night. And, we recap those bouts, have some fight news and tremendous nostalgia on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back to discuss it all:Davis scored a great KO over Agrentine Gustavo Lemos in his hometown of Norfolk, VA, in the Top Rank Boxing/ESPN main event. And, Dan also goes over the undercard. Next, they recap Saturday’s Matchroom/DAZN card in Philadelphia, asEnnis won but had some issues with Karen Chukhadzhian in theirrematch for the IBF welterweight title The boys talk whether we should be concerned when "Boots" looks to move up in weight. In the co-feature, junior bantamweight Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez wiped out Pedro Guevara in the 3rd to retain the lineal/WBC 115 lb. title. What's "Bam's" potential in the next year or two. And, Dan likes what he saw out of Raymond Ford moving up to 130 lb. on the undercard. They also talk Saturday’s Fresh Productions/PPV.COM in Puerto Rico as junior welterweight Subriel Matias scored a quick KO of Roberto Ramirez. There's news on super middleweight contender Jaime Munguia headed home to Tijuana, Mexico, for his first fight there in nearly three years against Bruno Surace in Zanfer Promotions main event Dec. 14 (ESPN+).Also, fearsome Nigerian heavyweight contender Ike Ibeabuchi, 51, who was on track for a title shot in the late 1990s, is making a comeback – 25 years since he last fought! .Next, Oscar De La Hoya and Eddie Hearn been going back and forth about a Golden Boy vs. Matchroom 5 v 5 card. We go over the possibilities. Finally, there's nostalgia as, on Nov. 12, 1982 – 42 years ago on Tuesday – Aaron Pryor KO14 Alexis Arguello to retain the WBA junior welterweight title in their first fight. It's an amazing bout and one of the top 10 fights in boxing history! The boys talk this epic battle at the old Miami "Orang Bowl" Statium.On Nov. 10, 1983 – 41 years ago Sunday – Marvin Hagler scored a 15 round decision over Roberto Duran in a "Four Kings" fight to retain the undisputed middleweight title. Much respect for Duran is discussed.And last but not least, Nov. 11, 2000 – 24 years ago on Monday – Lennox Lewis defeated David Tua to retain the lineal and unified heavyweight title. Dan was ringside at Mandalay Bay on his first ever boxing trip to Las Vegas. Let's reminisce with him about big time Vegas moments.It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It's a very interesting weekend of fights and one of the great fighters of the 40 years is a guest with our Dan Rafael as part of the latest "Big Fight Weekend Preview."Host T.J. Rives returns with Dan to go over it all, including news and some Sugar Ray Leonard classic nostalgia.The guys begin with the preview of Friday night’s Top Rank/ESPN+ card from Norfolk, Va. that features rising lightweight Keyshawn Davis against veteran Gustavo Lemos in the main event. Howwever, there's controversy as Lemos was over 6 lb. way overweight. The boys discuss it all. They then turn to the Saturday night Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card from Philadelphia, whereJaron “Boots” Ennis must fight Karen Chukhadzhian, the madatory challenger, in a rematch for Ennis’ IBF welterweight title. Boots is back at home and will he roll in this bout? Plus, exciting Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez meets Pedro Guevara for Rodriguez’s WBC junior bantamweight title. Will "Bam" deliver on a big stage here? Then, on the week before his ring return with Jake Paul, former undisputed world heavyweight champ MIKE TYSON talks with Dan. Tyson ends nearly 20-year retirement at age 58 with official 8-round bout vs. Jake Paul on Friday night November 15 on Netflix at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Hear the legendary Tyson in his own words about doing this bout with the much younger Paul. Next they discuss welterweight Conor Benn’s provisional suspension was lifted by the British Boxing Board of Control on Wednesday. He is clear to fight once again the UK after is two-year-long battle over positive drug tests. And, what's up with Naoya "the Monster" Inoue getting $20M sponsorship deal with Riyadh Season – and, yet, isn’t even required to fight in Riyadh. And finally some anniversary nostalgia as on November 7th, 1988 – 36 years ago Thursday – Sugar Ray Leonard crushed Donny Lalonde by KO to win the inaugural WBC super middleweight and also Lalonde’s light heavyweight title. The guys reflect on Ray's last great performance of his hall of fame career. And also on, November 7th, 2019 – 5 years ago Thursday – Naoya Inoue scores a thriilling decision of future hall of famer Nonito Donaire to unify bantamweight titles in the consensus 2019 fight of the year. It's easily Inoue’s toughest fight.Hear ti all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!