Boxing Life Stories

Former heavyweight Larry Olubamiwo discusses his journey through boxing and life. A former sprinter, Larry got in to trouble, went to prison and then embarked on a career as a professional boxer. Not long into his career, he fell victim to Operation Raw Deal and was caught up in a steroid scandal, admitted 13 offences throughout his career and was banned. He came back, but settled for life as an opponent in the blue corner and then faded away, only to re-emerge as an actor. Larry remains outspoken about PED use in boxing, how he thinks it should be regulated and how prevalent it is, lifting the lid on the dark side of the sport that many hope is not real, or not as bad as they fear it could be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former HBO broadcaster and International Boxing Hall of Famer takes a look back on his hugely successful career behind the mic. Lampley is one of the all-time great voices of boxing, someone who has fought for the fighters, told their stories and been the soundtrack to many of the greatest fights of all time. Here, he looks back on the nights he helped define, whether it was Buster Douglas stunning Mike Tyson, or his friend George Foreman rewriting history against Michael Moorer, Jim is filled with the articulate knowledge and emotion and that makes him one of the greats. Listen for your opportunity to win a Roots of Fight KRONK bundle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Augie Sanchez was the last American to beat Floyd Mayweather. In the amateurs, before losing out in the 1996 Olympic box-offs, Sanchez also defeated the late Diego Corrales and was one of the finest amateurs in the country. In the pros, and after signing for Top Rank, he and Mayweather appeared to be on a collision course but it never happened. Instead, he boxed the likes of Naseem Hamed, Jorge Paez, Daniel Jimenez and Luisito Espinosa. Augie retired young and after just 28 fights. He is now a popular and highly-regarded trainer in Las Vegas, where he lives with his childhood sweetheart, Dawn, and their children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Top Rank matchmaker Brad Goodman had one of the best educations in the sport, being around Hall of Famers like Irving Rudd, Teddy Brenner and Bruce Trampler as a teenager. His life in boxing continues more than 40 years on, and he was recently inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and he proposed to his girlfriend during his induction speech. There are always interesting chats, with real industry insiders and boxing lifers, and Brad has worked with almost all of the major names in the sport, going back to his first live fight when he saw Muhammad Ali fight Earnie Shavers at Madison Square Garden in 1977. Talking of The Garden, I've partnered with Roots of Fight, and listen to the episode to win a pair of Roots of Fight, Fight of the Century jogging bottoms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coach Kenny Adams has reportedly worked with 26 world champions, 34 Olympians and 56 fighters who went on to achieve a world crown. Adams is also a Vietnam veteran, and as part of the US Olympic set up in 1984 and 1988, he coached the likes of Evander Holyfield, Meldrick Taylor, Pernell Whitaker, Virgill Hill, Roy Jones, Ray Mercer and Michael Carbajal. In the pro ranks, he declined the opportunity to work with Floyd Mayweather but did train the likes of Diego Corrales, Edwin Valero, Vince Phillips, Kennedy McKinney, Samuel Peter, Johnny Tapia, Michael Nunn and may more. I've also partnered with Roots of Fight. Listen to this podcast to win a new RoF T-shirt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse Reid is one of the most successful trainers of all time and has worked with between 20 and 30 world champions. He coached the brilliant Orlando Canizales from the ground up, and he has trained the likes of Roger Mayweather, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Jesse Burnett, Hector Camacho and countless others. He's also worked with some of boxing's most troubled minds, including Bruce Curry, Johnny Tapia and Paul Spadafora. Reid remains close to Spadafora to this day. He lost his fighting son, Jesse, to alcoholism and he has tried to help many fighters across the tightrope of addiction. Jesse turned down the chance to train Mike Tyson, was the lead voice in the infamous Paul Spadafora-Floyd Mayweather spar and has been one of the most-respected voices in sport for more than 50 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tris and Johnny sit-down to reflect on moments of Nelson's extraordinary career as a long-reigning WBO cruiserweight champion but they also discuss the use of PEDs in the sport, similarities and differences between the Ingle way and Ukrainian methodology, when the right time to retire is, how to cope with retirement, taking flying lessons, Kell Brook, Anthony Joshua and, of course, life lessons of the late, great Brendan Ingle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kieran Mulvaney is one of the most interesting men in boxing journalism. Born in the UK, he has worked for America's big three – ESPN, Showtime and HBO – but he's also written books about polar bears and stories about climate change, killer whales trying to sink boats, the Wild West and much more. Mulvaney has had bylines in the Washington Post and National Geographic, as well as Boxing News, and here he talks about the sadness behind the last night HBO televised boxing, some of his favourite characters in the sport, his broadcast colleagues and his own very unique start and journey through boxing. Kieran also co-hosts the Showtime Boxing podcast with Eric Raskin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Timothy Bradley had an excellent career that saw him win 33 fights, lose just two and draw once in his 37 bouts. Of course, there was a trilogy with Manny Pacquiao, the Fight of the Year with Russian Provodnikov, victory over the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, Brandon Rios, Joel Casamayor, Devon Alexander, Lamont Peterson and Kendall Holt before he retired and became one of the sport's best analysts for ESPN. He won his first world title in England, against Junior Witter, but he had always had his eyes on the Hall of Fame. This is Bradley's own story, from growing up tough in Palm Springs, to having his heart broken in the Olympic trials and becoming a pariah for his win over Pacquiao to becoming Hall of Famer and resounding boxing good guy with universal respect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom does not court attention and it is not often he talks about his background and his start in the sport. Here, the Sky Sports promoter discusses both, his aspirations and motivations, the media and social media landscape in boxing, his stable of fighters and his deal with Sky and much more. Ben talks about the struggle, how he was down to his last £17,000 in the company account when the UFC came calling with a lawsuit he called "heavy" and how he is now in a position to sign marquee fighters, pros, Olympians and star amateurs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For five decades, Lawrence Lustig has been a regular at ringside as a photographer. Initially he worked for agencies, then the Daily Star newspaper, then he became a Matchroom stalwart and now he is at Boxxer. He and Charlie Magri were one another's best men, and here Lawrence talks about the art of being a boxing photographer, the truth behind the Bentt-Hide press conference brawl, his role in bringing Lennox Lewis to the UK after the Olympics, the break up of The Cartel, taking photos at tragic fights and much more. This interview flew by. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Articulate former heavyweight contender Malik Scott now coaches former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. The two fought as pros and were sparring partners but now Scott heads the camp. Here, Malik looks back on his own life and career, growing up in Philadelphia, fighting to look after his half-brother, the tough breaks of trying to make it to the 2000 Olympics and the pro career that took him to 32-0. However, a four-year absence where Malik struggled away from the ring saw him return as a contender with mixed fortunes, as he met the likes of Tony Thompson, Derek Chisora, Deontay Wilder and others. Now a coach who is thirsty for knowledge and to improve other boxers, Scott is recognised as one of the sport's bright minds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most famous boxing broadcasters of all time, the Colonel has been ringside at some of the biggest fights in history and has got to know many of the sport's biggest names. As the man tasked with providing the words to go with the international feed of Don King fights, Sheridan talks about his decades working with King, covering fights from Zaire to Tokyo, the controversies, the great nights, the big names but he also reveals another side. This is the first podcast where the former rodeo bull rider gets to right the 14 wrongs on his Wikipedia page and explains how you can tell if a cow is pregnant and what you need to feel for. It's the first time in more than 220 episodes that has been discussed in Boxing Life Stories! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boxing writer Elliot Worsell is one of the best scribes in the sport. He first freelanced for websites at the age of 16, was published in Boxing News at 17 and authored his first book at 22. As well as working in PR for Hayemaker, he had a spell working with UFC fighters and his second book, Dog Rounds, became one of the most highly-acclaimed books in modern boxing. Here, Worsell discusses his journey to finally joining the Boxing News staff in 2018, his books, his thoughts on the sport and the type of 'journalism' it has opened itself up to, his thirst for knowledge and never-ending quest for improvement and how reading and writing have allowed him to maintain sanity through some of the darker episodes of his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Journeyman Lewis van Poetsch racked up an extraordinary 170 professional fights before walking away with a win in his final contest this year. 'Poochi' spent a decade taking late calls, saving shows and working out of the away corner, fighting top prospects and stars alike, and often making sure they had their hands full. He is also an army veteran, having served in Afghanistan and Northern Ireland, he's also worked as a barber and a lorry driver and now, staying in boxing, he is being trained to become a referee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Born in Birmingham but now living in Los Angeles, Rachel Charles has become one of boxing's most popular publicists. She started working for Dan Goossen, thanks to James Toney, and her impressive list of clients includes Buddy McGirt, Andre Ward, Paul Williams, Golden Boy Promotions, Zab Judah and many more. But Rachel has not had it easy. She was abused when she was young, but now finds common ground with fighters who have suffered from trauma. She was inspired by the likes of Debbie Caplan and Jackie Kallen in the business side of boxing, made history as the first woman to work with a Saudi Arabian fighter and after more than 20 years in the sport explains why she can't get it out of her blood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Having recently moved up in weight to challenge Lyndon Arthur at barely a day's notice, Boris Crighton discusses the importance of staying in shape, waiting of rthe phone call that might change his life. A personal trainer and CrossFitter who does hot yoga and watches his nutrition, sleep and recovery, Crighton lives like a pro should. Here, 'The Blade' talks about his time moving to Aberdeen from Cameroon, his amateur pedigree, the trials and tribulations of being a pro north of of the border and his hopes for the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bournemouth's Lee Cutler has won a Southern Area title but he wants more. He has also sparred some of the biggest names in British boxing, has toiled in the small halls, coped with his first loss, changed his mindset towards boxing over the years and is now riding the crest of a wave as the sport goes to new heights on the South Coast. A friend of cruiserweight contender and former Boxing Life Stories guest Chris Billam-Smith, Lee talks about the Bournemouth boom, his start in the sport, the lessons he has learned and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The head of the WBC reflects on his time in boxing, including growing up in the the WBC – which was created by his father Don Jose. As a child, Mauricio recalls the likes of Don King and Muhammad Ali visiting the house... Sulaiman talks about the controversies, the state of boxing, the WBC almost going bankrupt and much more besides, showing a side not often seen in his interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy Dib might have been the IBF featherweight champion of the world, worked with Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, 50 Cent and Naseem Hamed, but two weeks ago he was told the biggest news of his life when doctors informed him he was cancer free. Here, Dib looks back on a journey that in recent months has united the boxing world, but one that saw him bullied as a kid, his first wife die of cancer and Dib experience many moments of hardship. Now, with a new book out and an uplifting story to tell with a positive message he is keen to get out, Dib can talk about the future having won his fight to survive and spend more time with his wife and young son. https://billydib.com/product/a-true-heart-billy-dibs-autobiography-signed-copy/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former world crusierweight champion Steve Cunningham has endured many battles in the ring, but everything has been insignificant in comparison to having a daughter who needed a heart transplant. Here, Steve tells his incredible joinery, from the streets of Philadelphia to the Navy, a pro career that started in the middle of nowhere, to some of the biggest fights in cruiserweight history against the likes of Marco Huck, Tomasz Adamek, Krystof Wlodarcyzk, Guillermo Jones and a move up in weight that would later see him fight – and drop – Tyson Fury and draw with Antonio Tarver. Cunningham went to his opponent's backyard many times, and this is his life on the front line, and behind enemy lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matchmaker Roberto Diaz has recently finished 15 years as a figurehead of Golden Boy Promotions and this is his first interview since the split. Here, Diaz talks about growing up rough in San Francisco, his traumatic battle with cancer, how Marco Antonio Barrera facilitated his start in professional boxing, his time at Golden Boy and parting company from Oscar De La Hoya and much more. This is great stuff, a real look behind the curtain of professional boxing and Diaz is a terrific storyteller who has seen so much. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former European light-heavyweight champion Danny McIntosh won the crown on the road, in France, beating Thierry Karl, and he also fought Tony Bellew, Nathan Cleverly, Tony Oakey, Steve Spartacus and many others. Danny also sparred with Mikkel Kessler, Herbie Hide and Robert Stieglitz, was trained by Graham Everett and also fulfilled a childhood dream working with the Ingles, including the late Brendan Ingle. Here, he talks about the challenges he faced in his career in boxing and life after the final bell, his new gym and his hopes for the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former British heavyweight champion Sam Sexton had a successful career that ran from 2005-2018 and saw him finish with 24 wins with four losses. Here, Sexton talks about fighting the likes of David Price, Hughie Fury, Derek Chisora and Martin Rogan, and working in camp with Matt Skelton, Wladimir Klitschko and many more. He talks about the grief he felt after the loss of his mother, PEDs in the heavyweight division, the damage Klitschko did to him in Austria, meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger, early sparring sessions with Herbie Hide and Jon Thaxton and coping with the loss of identity and the buzz of fighting in retirement. This is great stuff from Sam. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If anyone has a hard luck story in the sport, it's two-time former world light-heavyweight champion Montell Griffin. Yes, he beat James Toney after barely a dozen pro fights, and yes, he was the first man to defeat Roy Jones. But he never had anything easy. He had to sue to force his way onto the Barcelona 1992 Olympic team, and even then was hard done by by the judges when he exited the tournament. Things didn't get easier, with controversial points losses, losing to fighters who later tested positive for PEDs and much more besides. But he retains his love the sport. Despite a resigned cynicism, he coaches fighters today and in his spare time works as a stand up comedian! In his words, if he didn't laugh, he'd cry. He also has a new book out, visit www.theicelifebook.com for more details and to purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matchmaker Eric Bottjer has worked for a who's who of promoters, including Dan Goosen, Lou DiBella, Don King and Matchroom, but he's not a man who has seen things just at the highest level, but at fight club level, too. Eric is a boxing historian and was influenced by the late Johnny Bos and Bottjer's helped in the careers of the likes of Evander Holyfield, Felix Trinidad, James Toney and he also made the 2001 Fight of the Year between Micky Ward and Emanuel Burton (Augustus). Here, Bottjer talks about the roles of being a matchmaker, and how it took him into the ring against one of his own fighters, working with some of the biggest names in boxing and the state of the game today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former British lightweight champion Lee Meager is a tarmacker by trade and was involved in some great fights in his pro career, from 2000 to 2008. He won 16 of his first 17 pro contests, trained under the watchful eye of Robert McCracken and was one of Mick Hennessy's Class of 2000, and was part of a stable that would feature Carl Froch, Darren Barker and Tyson Fury. Meager boxed the likes of Jon Thaxton, Dave Stewart, John Murray, Charlie Shepherd and Martin Watson and fought in Las Vegas the night before Floyd Mayweather defeated Ricky Hatton. Here, Meager reflects on his career, the sacrifices he made, the fights, the wars and personalities and life after boxing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thomas McDonagh was a frustratingly good prospect from the Collyhurst and Moston gym in Manchester and learned his trade under the brilliant coach Brian Hughes. McDonagh was a one club man, amateur and pro, and he boxed the likes of Anthony Small, Sam Webb, Wayne Alexander, Bradley Pryce and Andrew Face but he admits he didn't fulfil his potential. He was also a stablemate to the likes pop Robin Reid, Gary Lockett, Michael Jennings, Anthony Farnell and Michael Gomez and is known to be one of the funniest character in British boxing. Here, he talks about his career, the good boxing does, his relationships with Brian Hughes and Pat Barrett and life inside one of Manchester's most famous gyms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Norwich trainer Graham Everett is one of the most respected and unheralded figures in British boxing. He's trained the likes of Herbie Hide, Jon Thaxton and Sam Sexton to title glory, trained Michael, Ryan and Liam Walsh and he's been a mainstay in British rings for more than three decades. Here, he talks about learning the ropes, the biggest nights, the best fighters and what makes a top coach in the sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back from only the 15th episode at the start of Boxing Life Stories, Anthony Crolla returns as a guest to talk about the tail end of his career, getting 'tasered' by Vasyl Lomachenko, his farewell fight and life after boxing. One of British boxing's good guys looks back over his long, successful time in the ring and ahead to his new life outside it, as a coach and top pundit for radio and TV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cromer's former British featherweight champion was unlucky not to win the European title when he challenged for it on away soil. He's fought the likes of Lee Selby, James Tennyson, Maxi Hughes and missed out on clashes with Carl Frampton, Josh Warrington and others. He's one of three fighting siblings from Norwich and the same Graham Everett gym that spawned the likes of Herbie Hide, Jon Thaxton and Sam Sexton. Walsh is a great talker and has immense knowledge of boxing as a student of the game and remains intensely passionate about it, even in the twilight of his boxing days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nigel Travis has done it all in boxing. He's best known now as Jamie Moore's No. 2 – assistant trainer – but he was a good amateur who left it too late to make it in the pros. As well as being a full-time firefighter, he's a part-time actor who has appeared on shows including Peaky Blinders, and he comes from boxing stock and a father who has been involved in the development of Britain's top amateurs for years. Alongside Moore, Nigel's worked with Rocky Fielding, Carl Frampton, Chantelle Cameron, Tommy Coyle and many more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Thaxton is a former British lightweight champion who boxed the likes of Ricky Hatton, Eamonn Magee, Emanuel Augustus, Yuri Romanov, Jon Murray and Paul 'Scrap Iron' Ryan. He worked with Brendan Ingle and Norwich stalwart Graham Everett, became close to Herbie Hide, Naseem Hamed – whom he served as a sparring partner for – and Johnny Nelson, and now he works changing the quality of people's lives through health and fitness in Norwich. Thaxton is a great talker and wonderful storyteller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former world super-bantamweight champion Scott Quigg talks about the single-mindedness that took him to the top of the sport. He discuses the sacrifices he has made to reach the pinnacle in a fights against the likes of Rendall Monroe, Carl Frampton, Kiko Martinez and Oscar Valdez. The former champion also talks about his life after boxing, and what it was like learning from coaches including Brian Hughes, Ricky Hatton, Joe Gallagher and Freddie Roach – as well as being a stablemate of Puerto Rican great Miguel Cotto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former WBC super-middleweight champion Robin Reid took Olympic bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Games. He won his world title on the road, made three defences, including against Yorkshire hardman Henry Wharton before losing his crown in an upset to Sugar Boy Malinga. Reid also famously boxed the likes of Joe Calzaghe – for many giving the brilliant Welshman his hardest fight – Brian Magee, Sven Ottke, Carl Froch and Jeff Lacy. But things didn't work out as he imagined they would. Here, in a rare interview, Reid bares his soul, remembering the best and worst of his career and talking for the first time in detail about his struggles in life after boxing. This is unmissable, and the 200th episode of Boxing Life Stories. Brought to you by Hanson Lee Resourcing and Delco Safety Compliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since that tragic night in February 1995 when Gerald McClellan lost to Nigel Benn in one of the most brutal fights of all time, Lisa McClellan has been the primary carer for her brother, Gerald. Here, Lisa talks about her new organisation, Ring of Brotherhood, and how it can help fighters by shining a light on what they go through after hearing the final bell toll on their careers. Lisa also discusses Gerald's recovery, their life now and her memories from that sad night nearly three decades ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former IBF welterweight champion Kermit Cintron fought the likes of Canelo, Paul Williams, Sergio Martinez and Antonio Margarito (twice), and he almost added to that, being one fight away from contests against Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and countryman Miguel Cotto. Cintron's mother died of cancer when he was just 10, and his father died of a heart attack three years later. He managed to lose himself in combat sports; first wrestling, then boxing. The outspoken Cintron had a hard career. He sparred Arturo Gatti, Bernard Hopkins and many more, was a Kronk stalwart alongside Andy Lee and Johnathon Banks under Emanuel Steward but he's thriving in retirement, studying to be a radiographer, spending time with his family and playing golf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the best red top journalists of a generation, Steve Lillis has been in boxing for more than 30 years. He's covered the big nights in Vegas, worked with small hall promoters, been at the cutting edge of old-school breaking news journalism and worked in television for BoxNation. Lillis has enjoyed an incredible career, being close to the likes of Warren and Maloney, covering fights in the US featuring the likes of Larry Holmes and Manny Pacquiao and charting the rise of Ricky Hatton from the earliest of days, he's seen and done it all while not forgetting who the real stars are of the sport, the people we interview. He's also had his own battles away from the ring, which he discusses here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former WBO world junior-welterweight champ Chris Algieri has fought the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Russian Provodnikov, Amir Khan, Errol Spence, Conor Benn and Tommy Coyle. But the popular Long Islander was also a former world kickboxing champion, is a qualified nutritionist, has worked heavily in broadcasting, is the co-host on the Inside Boxing podcast and he's sparred a who's who of modern greats. Here, he tells his unique story, his unexpected rise, his frustrations, his glory and his future. Twitter – @trisdixon https://twitter.com/trisdixon Instagram – @trisdixon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former European super-middleweight champion and two-time British champion James Cook is one of the most-respected figures in British boxing. He was the first man to defeat the excellent Michael Watson, lost to Herol Graham, wanted to fight Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn and he had one tough assignment after another on the road, almost always in the away corner. He worked with Mickey Duff, Harry Holland, Frank Warren and others, talks about moving to the UK from Jamaica, racism in England and, in his decorated role as a youth worker, crime and poverty in London and in the UK. Cook is the conscience of British boxing and universally loved, known as The Guardian of the Streets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy Flute was a former British title contender who boxed the likes of Neville Brown, Sven Ottke, Robin Reid, Glenn Catley, David Starie and Markus Beyer. As a sparring partner, he worked with Chris Eubank, Nigel Benn, Joe Calzaghe and many others, but he faced his biggest battle outside of the ring, with addiction and alcoholism. Here, Andy reflects upon the person he was and the person he has become. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike owns Ringcraft and has been ringside, literally, for more than 30 years. He assembles the rings for the big nights, in the small halls and for training camps around the world. He also owns a sign business, so provides the sets and back drops for public workouts, press conferences and weigh ins. He and his team are often the first people on the scene of fight week and the last ones to leave. He's also worked with Joshua, Bruno, Lennox, Benn, Eubank and anymore and has worked with every major UK promoter, including Frank Warren, Mickey Duff, Barry and Eddie Hearn, Kellie Maloney and Boxxer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former cruiserweight contender Johnathan Banks had his career fast-tracked in the aftermath of Emanuel Steward's death. Banks was still an active fighter when his beloved coach passed away but he was promptly named trainer of heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and his path changed. As a boxer, Banks was cruiser who boxed at heavyweight and he fought the likes of Seth Mitchell, Antonio Tarver, Travis Walker and Tomasz Adamek. He has wonderful experiences to share having been around the Klitschko brothers and on the road with Steward, he talks working with middleweight great Gennady Golovkin today and explains why his future is about giving back, to communities and individuals, through boxing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Las Vegas referee Kenny Bayless paid his dues to get where he is. He spent years as an amateur official and then had a long apprenticeship on the Nevada State Athletic Commission before going on to become one of the world's leading referees. He was the third man in the ring the night Floyd Mayweather beat Manny Manny Pacquiao and the night Bernard Hopkins defeated Oscar De La Hoya and he was there for the worrying knockouts of Amir Khan against Canelo Alvarez, when Juan Manuel Marquez flattened Pacquaio and when Pacquiao nailed Ricky Hatton. Here, Bayless talks about the sport, the big nights and names and reveals some hidden stories from his incredible experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former world IBF lightweight champion Paul Spadafora reflects on his incredible life story, through a traumatic childhood, several overdoses, stints in prison, being shot, other shootings, stabbings and much more in between. He talks about 'that' Floyd Mayweather spar, how his life changed winning the world title and his search for redemption as he prepares his son Geno for a career in the hardest sport of all. This is simply unmissable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trainer Shane McGuigan has worked with some huge names in the sport; David Haye, George Groves, Carl Frampton, Josh Taylor, Chantelle Cameron and many more. He has a stable of nine fighters, featuring Lawrence Okolie, Daniel Dubois and Chris Billam-Smith, and at just 33 he is one of the country's go-to coaches. Here, he talks about his rise, his amateur career, being the son of fighting legend Barry and how he's coped through traumatic periods of his life, including divorce and the loss of his sister, Nika. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

International Boxing Hall of Fame journalist Ron Borges looks back on his fabulous career. The Boston Globe icon looks back on his relationships with New England stars like Marvin Hagler, Micky Ward, Vinny Paz and others, and also discusses the big fights, including being ringside in Tokyo for Buster Douglas-Mike Tyson and being the only journalist in an enormous poll to pick Evander Holyfield to beat Tyson in their first fight. He also talks about his friendship with Teddy Atlas, the investigation that rocked his career and his thrill at being inducted in Canastota earlier this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Super-welterweight contender Erickson Lubin talks about fighting for the PBC, his fight of the year contender with Sebastian Fundora and the pressure of being a high-profile fighter in the model day. Lubin talks about his internal struggles after his emphatic loss to Jermell Charlo, turning pro under Mike Tyson while Team USA were still hoping for big things from him and his hopes for the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Veteran trainer Aaron Snowell has worked with many Don King fighters over the years. But he is not just a King lieutenant. He grew up in Pottsville, just down the road from Muhammad Ali's Deer Lake training camp and he was around The Greatest for the best part of a decade. As a coach, who was in the corner the night Mike Tyson was stunned by Buster Dougles, and when Frankie Randall shocked Julio Cesar Chavez. He also worked with the likes of Julian Jackson, Tim Austin and Tim Witherspoon. Snowball's story is an important one on many levels, not least because he presents a very different side of Mike Tyson in the late 1980s and early 1990s from the one were are accustomed to seeing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Las Vegas referee Tony Weeks has landed some of the most high profile assignments in boxing in recent years. Weeks was the third man in the ring the night Diego Corrales stunned Jose Luis Castillo in their first fight, had to set Bernard Hopkins straight against Antwun Echols and he was also the referee the night Leavander Johnson lost his lightweight title – and later his life – against Jesus Chavez. Here, Weeks talks about the big nights, the risks, the bloody shirt from the Badou Jack-Marcus Browne fight, starring in Hollywood films, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices