Boxing Life Stories

Thomas Hauser is one of the leading boxing writers of the generation. He penned Muhammad Ali's biography with him, Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times and has written both well-received books including The Black Lights and Waiting For Carver Boyd. He had an impressive career even before he started working in boxing but has subsequently become boxing's go-to investigative reporter, writing long-form pieces on PEDs, corruption, incompetence and all of the other things fight fans love and hate about the sport. Here, he talks about his experiences with Ali and reflects upon his award-laden past, which should have seen him inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame this year until Covid saw this class delayed – to be enshrined in 2022. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can get access to research, unseen photographs from Boxing Life Stories, go behind the scenes of the podcast with Tris Dixon and even get some episodes early. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE RESOURCING who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND DELCO SAFETY COMPLIANCE, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Follow Tris on twitter @trisdixon and instagram @trisdixon @boxing_life_stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He's worked with Muhammad Ali's daughter Laila Ali, James Toney, former heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster and George Groves among many others, but Paddy Fitzpatrick has left professional boxing – for now at least. The Swindon trainer is a great storyteller and here he discusses working with Laila, his time with George Groves – including both Froch fights and beyond – and his time in the Wild Card alongside Freddie Roach. With host Tris Dixon, he talks about his pro career, the mind games side of preparation and much more besides. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can get access to research, unseen photographs from Boxing Life Stories, go behind the scenes of the podcast with Tris Dixon and even get some episodes early. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE RESOURCING who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND DELCO SAFETY COMPLIANCE, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Follow Tris on twitter @trisdixon and instagram @trisdixon @boxing_life_stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The B.A.D team of Tris Dixon, Alex Arthur and Adam Booth looks back on Terence Crawford's fourth round victory over Sheffield's Kell Brook, assessing how the fight was won and lost and what Crawford might do next while all three have different predictions for Brook's future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool's Brian Schumacher was the captain of the 1984 Team GB Olympic boxing team. He rubbed shoulders with the likes of Seb Coe, Daley Thompson and Steve Redgrave. He was also a clearance diver for the Royal Navy and a former ABA champion. He lost to the brilliant Virgil Hill in Los Angeles and at the start of his pro career defeated future WBO world champion Johnny Nelson. But politics and life away from the ring saw him fall out of love with boxing before his fall from grace. He was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his mother's partner. Here, he recounts his fights in and outside of prison and reflects on one of the most extraordinary tales you're ever likely to hear. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can get access to research, unseen photographs from Boxing Life Stories, go behind the scenes of the podcast with Tris Dixon and even get some episodes early. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon In association with PREMIER SPORTS. Premier Sports will have live and exclusive coverage of Terence Crawford and Kell Brook in the Welterweight World Title Showdown on Sunday Morning November 15th. The Crawford-Brook telecast will also include the highly anticipated rematch between WBA super flyweight world champion Joshua Franco and former world champion Andrew Moloney. Premier Sports is available in HD via Sky, Virgin, and online via the Premier Player available on app and desktop. Full coverage begins from 12.30am on Premier Sports 1 and new customers can sign up from just £9.99 per month via the website – www.premiersports.com Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE RESOURCING who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND DELCO SAFETY COMPLIANCE, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Follow Tris on twitter @trisdixon and instagram @trisdixon @boxing_life_stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Devin Haney's turn to take centre stage in the lightweights as he prepares to face Cuban veteran Yuriorkis Gamboa. Host Tris Dixon, top trainer Adam Booth and great Scot Alex Arthur look ahead to the fight, put the magnifying glass over a glittering lightweight group and look at the huge tasks facing Brits Luke Campbell and Kell Brook against Ryan Garcia and Terence Crawford respectively in the coming weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tony Bellew is a former WBC world cruiserweight champion who retired in 2018. He fought the likes of Nathan Cleverly (his bitter rival), Adonis Stevenson, Ovill McKenzie, Isaac Chilemba, David Haye and Oleksandr Usyk but he's equally known for playing the role of 'Pretty' Ricky Conlan in the Creed movie, starring alongside Michael B. Jordan and working with Sylvester Stallone, and his popular appearances on A League of Their Own and SAS: Who Dares Wins. He hit the heights when he won the world title in front of his Everton fans at Goodison Park with an exciting knockout win over Ilunga Makabu. Here, in a captivating and personal interview, Bellew tells host Tris Dixon about his career and his story to date and ponders what the future might hold for him. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can get access to research, unseen photographs from Boxing Life Stories, go behind the scenes of the podcast with Tris Dixon and even get some episodes early. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon In association with PREMIER SPORTS. Premier Sports will have live and exclusive coverage of Terence Crawford and Kell Brook in the Welterweight World Title Showdown on Sunday Morning November 15th. The Crawford-Brook telecast will also include the highly anticipated rematch between WBA super flyweight world champion Joshua Franco and former world champion Andrew Moloney. Premier Sports is available in HD via Sky, Virgin, and online via the Premier Player available on app and desktop. Full coverage begins from 12.30am on Premier Sports 1 and new customers can sign up from just £9.99 per month via the website – www.premiersports.com Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE RESOURCING who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND DELCO SAFETY COMPLIANCE, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Follow Tris on twitter @trisdixon and instagram @trisdixon @boxing_life_stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join host Tris Dixon, former WBO super-featherweight champion Alex Arthur and top trainer Adam Booth as they break-down and analyse the weekend's big fights, including Oleksander Usyk's win over Dereck Chisora and Gervonta Davis's spectacular knockout of Leo Santa Cruz... There's casual references to Haye, Pryor and the great RJJ along the way and much more in 30 action-packed minutes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SugarHill is best-known as the man in the corner of heavyweight Tyson Fury. However, the former cop from Detroit has his own story to tell. He's a link back to the days of the old school Kronk boxing team, nephew of the late, great Emanuel Steward and he's worked with the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Andy Lee, Adonis Stevenson, Ruslan Chagaev and many more. Here, he talks about the night Stevenson suffered devastating injuries, his Detroit background and he discusses the proud Kronk heritage he's a significant part of – as well as his hopes for the future of the famous gym. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool's former world title challenger Paul Smith has had one of the most-interesting careers in modern British boxing. A former ABA champion and Commonwealth Games silver medallist, Smith also featured in the US TV series show The Contender. He was in Liverpool derbies with Tony Quigley and Tony Dodson, boxed Arthur Abraham twice for the WBO world title and fought Andre Ward in the USA, as well as facing off with James DeGale and George Groves. He also battled with depression in retirement and talks here of the identity shift from fighter to ex-fighter, the affect of autism on his family and his sparring rivalry with Ricky Hatton. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can get access to research, unseen photographs from Boxing Life Stories, go behind the scenes of the podcast with Tris Dixon and even get some episodes early. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE RESOURCING who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND DELCO SAFETY COMPLIANCE, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Follow Tris on twitter @trisdixon and instagram @trisdixon @boxing_life_stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr Margaret Goodman is the co-founder of the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) and one of the most-respected voices in boxing. A neurologist, she spent years working for the Nevada State Athletic Commission and has penned two boxing books, Death in Vegas, a novel looking at the behind the scenes machinations of big-time boxing, and Ringside and Training Principles, a must-have handbook guide to the sport. She's worked with countless fighters over the years, from De La Hoya to Klitschko and Terry Norris to Mike Tyson, and here she tells Tris Dixon about her incredible journey in the sport. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can get access to research, unseen photographs from Boxing Life Stories, go behind the scenes of the podcast with Tris Dixon and even get some episodes early. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE RESOURCING who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND DELCO SAFETY COMPLIANCE, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Follow Tris on twitter @trisdixon and instagram @trisdixon @boxing_life_stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tony Oakey is one of Britain's most-popular light-heavyweight champions. Adored by his Portsmouth fans, he took part in multiple thrilling battles but he also hit the headlines for the wrong reasons when he was suspended after a positive cocaine test following the first loss of his career. A dark period followed but when he returned to the ring, the decorated three-time ABA finallist and two-time winner was involved in more wars. He fought the likes of Dean Francis, Nathan Cleverly, Peter Haymer, Brian Magee, Steve Spartacus, Matthew Barney, Neil Simpson, rival Neil Linford and many more. There were fights after the final bell of his pro career against friend Wayne Elcock and two well-documented contests with American Jeff Lacy. Here, Oakey reflects on his career, the night Peter Oboh – the most-feared man in British boxing at the time – left the arena without facing him, the wins, the losses and much more. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can get access to research, unseen photographs from Boxing Life Stories, go behind the scenes of the podcast with Tris Dixon and even get some episodes early. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE RESOURCING who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND DELCO SAFETY COMPLIANCE, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Follow Tris on twitter @trisdixon and instagram @trisdixon @boxing_life_stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ronnie Davies is best-known for his work as trainer to Chris Eubank. The popular Brighton coach travelled the world with the eccentric British great and forged a friendship that remains to this day. Davies was also involved in the career of Eubank Jr but he's worked with dozens of other fighters from Scott Welch to Henry Castle and Neil Linford to Tony Oakey. He was also a former Southern Area champion who called it a day as a pro aged just 24. Here, he recounts highs, lows and regrets and his time on board the wonderful Eubank roller coaster – including tales of cliff-jumping, fight-week bungee jumps and much more. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can get access to research, unseen photographs from Boxing Life Stories, go behind the scenes of the podcast with Tris Dixon and even get some episodes early. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND DELCO SAFETY COMPLIANCE, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Follow Tris on twitter @trisdixon and instagram @trisdixon @boxing_life_stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fight artist Richard Slone talks about his decorated career at the easel and at the fights. Richard originally went to the US to box and wound up living with heavyweight legend Joe Frazier in Philadelphia. Several years later, he was at the Kronk in Detroit with Emanuel Steward, becoming a fixture in the gym and in the corner of some of the sport's biggest names. But he's most famous for his artwork, for giving colour to the promotion of some of the sport's biggest fights, including it's biggest – Mayweather-Pacquiao – and it's allowed him to paint for high profile clients from Denzel Washington to Madonna and Donald Trump to Eminem. Please make enquiries about purchasing Richard's art to: [email protected] Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can get access to research, unseen photographs from Boxing Life Stories, go behind the scenes of the podcast with Tris Dixon and even get some episodes early. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND DELCO SAFETY COMPLIANCE, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Follow Tris on twitter @trisdixon and instagram @trisdixon @boxing_life_stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nicky Piper fought for a world title three times. He was defeated by Nigel Benn, Leeonzer Barber and Dariusz Michalczewski but won the Commonwealth title and beat the likes of Bruce Scott and Noel Magee and fought Crawford Ashley, Carl Thompson and many more. A member of MENSA, Piper became known to another generation of fans as an analyst on Sky Sports. Here, at his home in an idyllic Welsh village, Piper discusses the missing ingredient that may have earned him that elusive world title, the nagging regret he still lives with but the contentment he has found in retirement. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can get access to research, unseen photographs from Boxing Life Stories, go behind the scenes of the podcast with Tris Dixon and even get some episodes early. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND DELCO SAFETY COMPLIANCE, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Follow Tris on twitter @trisdixon and instagram @trisdixon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Hughes was born with Erb's Palsy, which meant his right arm hasn't developed the same way as his left. While not a one-handed fighter, he's built a successful career with a real disability and one he's happy to talk about. Here, in an in-depth interview, he talks about his struggles in and out of the ring, how despite knock backs, bad scorecards and much more his heart and determination took him to a European title and to the brink of a world title fight. The decorated former amateur star discusses the social media trolls he's encountered, his incredible rise, the disappointments he's fought through and much more. Whether you know the Joe Hughes story or not, this is well worth your time. A truly inspirational man whose story reaches well beyond boxing. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can get access to research, unseen photographs from Boxing Life Stories, go behind the scenes of the podcast with Tris Dixon and even get some episodes early. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND DELCO SAFETY COMPLIANCE, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Follow Tris on twitter @trisdixon and instagram @trisdixon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ed Robinson has spent a lifetime in the sport and is what's known in the trade as a 'boxing man.' Universally liked and respected, he's spent more than two decades in a number of roles at Sky Sports but was an amateur fighter who even took a shot at the pros. He's sparred top names, interviewed them and now holds one of the most influential positions in British boxing. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can get access to research, unseen photographs from Boxing Life Stories, go behind the scenes of the podcast with Tris Dixon and even get some episodes early. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND DELCO SAFETY COMPLIANCE, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Follow Tris on twitter @trisdixon and instagram @trisdixon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nigel Benn is a British sporting icon and one of boxing's best-loved warriors. Here, in the Boxing Life Stories 100th episode, he discusses his monumental fights with the likes of bitter rival Chris Eubank, Americans including Doug Dewitt, Gerald McClellan and Iran Barkley, as well as Steve Collins, Michael Watson and many more. At times humours, at others sad, Benn talks about his battles away from the ring... The fight to save his marriage, his addiction to ecstasy, the ill-advised comeback attempt of 2019, the devastating lows he's survived and much more. This is an unflinching interview with a man who, as he did throughout his career, wears his heart on his sleeve. It's the brilliant Nigel Benn as you've never heard him before. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can get access to research, unseen photographs from Boxing Life Stories, go behind the scenes of the podcast with Tris Dixon and even get some episodes early. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND DELCO SAFETY COMPLIANCE, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Follow Tris on twitter @trisdixon and instagram @trisdixon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former WBO world cruiserweight champion Carl Thompson might be Britain's most exciting fighter of all time. Thompson would often overcome adversity, hurt, floored, behind on points and seconds from defeat only to rally and ultimately provide a back catalogue of storybook comebacks in his 34-6 career. He was a thunderous hitter and ducked no one. He fought the likes of Chris Eubank, Johnny Nelson, David Haye, Sebastian Rothmann, Ezra Sellers, Terry Dunstan, Ralf Rocchigiani, Nicky Piper and many more. Now, this retired warrior is a personal trainer and in this revealing interview he discusses his start as a Thai-boxer, his role as a boxing cult hero, the violent wars, his fighting heart and how he got it and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boxing manager and promoter Steve Wood found his way into the sport by forming a friendship with 'The Viking' Steve Foster Sr. A successful business man in his own right, Steve has managed the likes of John Murray, Jamie Moore and Josh Warrington and has seen the sport from all angles. He's lost money on small hall shows but has been ringside supporting his fighters in huge domestic and international clashes. Here he talks about the fighters who have come and gone, his hopes for the future, getting shot at and much more besides. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND Delco Safety Compliance, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Community: twitter @trisdixon instagram @trisdixon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former world super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall has worked as a pundit since retiring from the ring. He's covered the Olympics for more than 20 years as well as big fights in the UK and overseas, working for a host of networks including the BBC and BT Sport. But Richie had a fabulous career of his own. He won Commonwealth gold and Olympic bronze, losing in the Seoul Olympics to the brilliant Roy Jones Jnr. As a pro, trained by his dad Len, he won 26 and lost just three times, boxing the likes of Joe Calzaghe, Markus Beyer, Glenn Catley, Keith Holmes, Sugarboy Malinga and Silvio Branco. Now a Team GB coach, this is possibly the most intimate interview of his career. He talks about his transition to 'civilian' life after boxing, the big fights, his late father and the contests he could have had. There's the crazy stories around the Holmes fight in the US, his friendship with Calzaghe and much more. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND Delco Safety Compliance, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Community: twitter @trisdixon instagram @trisdixon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Ogogo won a bronze medal at the London Olympics in 2012 and he should have been on top of the world having fought and beaten the pre-tournament favourite. However, his mother lay gravely ill in hospital and he would make clandestine visits to her bedside hoping she would come out of her coma. Yes, he was inspired, but what should have been the best days of his life were also the worst. His stellar amateur career, which included a Commonwealth Games medal, too, turned into a frustrating stop-start pro career. He signed with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions but fell between the cracks after Oscar's split with partner Richard Schaefer and he would work with Sauerland while fighting on Matchroom shows. He fought on a Mayweather bill in Vegas, a big show in Atlantic City but first there was an injury to his Achilles, then a shoulder dislocation and long periods of inactivity. It culminated in his final fight when he suffered a catastrophic eye injury that resulted in a battle not only just to box again but to be able to see. He documented the journey to save his career – and his vision – on social media, covering the glimmers of hope and the heartbreak of finally admitting his boxing dream was over. A surprise door opened, however, and he signed a deal with AEW, the sports entertainment company, and he's training to become a professional wrestler, with guidance from the likes of Diamond Dallas Page, Jake 'The Snake' Roberts and Cody Rhodes. Boxing Life Stories is now on Patreon. You can help support us through another 100 episodes and help us to grow by visiting www.patreon.com/trisdixon Boxing Life Stories is bought to you by HANSON LEE who were voted “The UK's Best Specialist Insurance-Sector Recruitment Firm for 2020” in the Corporate Excellence Awards. ‘Not only do we find the best people, we’ll help you retain them.' Discover more at HansonLee.com’ AND Delco Safety Compliance, who are a leading provider of professional fire, asbestos, and safety services to businesses nationwide. They offer one expert point of contact for all of your fire, health and safety compliance needs. Find out more at www.delcosafety.co.uk Community: twitter @trisdixon instagram @trisdixon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former star referee Mickey Vann officiated around 1,500 fights, from preliminary bouts to some of the biggest world title contests in recent history. A former pro, Mickey was born into the circus – son of a knife throwing father – before finding fame as one of the top refs in the sport. He's officiated some of the best boxers of the last several generations and was the third man in the ring for Lennox Lewis-Frank Bruno, Michael Gomez-Carl Johanneson and Micky Ward-Shea Neary. He also officiated fights featuring Pernell Whitaker, Herol Graham, Kirkland Laing, Chris Eubank, Nigel Benn, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and many more, refereeing in high profile fights around the world. Here, he talks about fixed fights, how he developed his unique movement, throwing people out of the ring, refusing to accept a towel that was thrown in and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crawford Ashley was a Sky Sports staple through the 1990s having reigned as British, Commonwealth and European champion and fighting for world titles. But retirement came and depression and death loomed large. As he struggled to find himself after boxing there were multiple brushes with death. By then, he'd fought a who's who of top fighters, from Michael Nunn and Virgil Hill to Johnny Nelson, Carl Thompson, Nicky Piper, Graciano Rocchigiani, Yawe Davis and Clinton Woods. Here he talks about wanting to fight Chris Eubank, and sparring him, sparring with Lennox Lewis in Big Bear, the horrendous time he endured towards the end of his career and post-boxing, the biggest fights and his fresh and optimistic outlook on life having spent time in Jamaica, Thailand and many places in between. Check out Crawford's YouTube channel The Spiritual Boxer https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCemy0sAyE0F2gz8r0EAB1IQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former WBC world super-middleweight king Glenn Catley had a remarkable career that saw him recover from early setbacks and controversies to reign as a champion. He had an incredible run of fights in Canada, Germany and South Africa while at the top of the sport, having already won the British title. But, as they often do, hard times followed. Despite that, Catley has maintained a positive mindset thanks to the use of hypnotherapy, something he used for his major fights, and he's rightly proud and happy while reflecting on his career. Here, he talks about the hugely controversial loss of his title in South Africa, his big wins over Kirkland Laing, Neville Brown, Eric Lucas and Marcus Beyer, working as a security guard, as a haulage driver and the parrot in Jersey that set him up with his wife while he was in training camp with Steve Collins! This is funny, sad and uplifting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'The Omen', Spencer Oliver is perhaps now best-known for his media work on Sky Sports, talkSPORT and through his own Pound for Pound podcast, which he co-hosts with Jake Wood. But don't be fooled, Spencer was a terrific fighter, a European bantamweight champion who was on the verge of world title fights and possibly big money when his entire world was flipped upside down. He was badly injured in a 1998 fight with Sergey Devakov and would never box again. Not only that, he had a life to rebuild. He emerged from a two-week coma and had to learn the basics again, including how to walk and how to eat. Soon, a life of good health rather than world titles was his goal and a different kind of fight, one which featured acceptance, denial and depression, was at hand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Conteh is a British boxing icon who was a part of an incredible era of light-heavyweights. He was a 1970's star and his fights with Chris Finnegan, Jorge Ahumada, Yaqui Lopez, Mate Parlov and two battles with Matthew Saad Muhammad have gone down in history. But things haven't always been straightforward. Here, he talks about his childhood, growing up in Liverpool as part of a big family, the death of his trainer, George Francis, coping with depression and his public battle with alcoholism. There are plenty of highs and lows in this intimate picture of a British sporting hero. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liverpool's former super-middleweight contender Tony Dodson saw a lot in his 17-year career. He won 32, lost eight and drew once, fighting the likes of Carl Froch, Paul Smith (twice), Tony Quigley, Brian Barbosa and Ovil McKenzie. He'd been a top amateur and as a professional he was promoted, at one time or another, by Barry and Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren, Kellie Maloney and Hayemaker. Here, among many topics, he talks of his friendships with David Haye and Tony Bellew, a dangerous addiction to sleeping pills, depression, his battles to make 168lbs over two decades, his mother's battle with cancer, his son starting to box, mental health and why fighters need to take their career seriously from the start to finish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doug Fischer is the editor-in-chief of The Ring and has one of the most glamorous-looking jobs in the sport. However, it's all grind and it took him years to rise to that position. Here he details his story, from helping boxing break into new media with House of Boxing and the move into Maxboxing before joining The Ring. He, with an early team, was a boxing pioneer who started filming sparring, behind the scenes interviews and uploading audio files as boxing coverage moved into the 21st century. Along the way, there were brushes with the likes of Edwin Valero, Shane Mosley, Shannon Briggs and James Toney. Fischer talks about working for Golden Boy (who own The Ring) and the troubles that has brought him, tips about how to break into the business and his long-term hopes both for himself and for The Ring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Super Scot Alex Arthur won British, Commonwealth, European and world honours but his career didn't reach the heights he had hoped. Arthur boxed the likes of Willie Limond, Ricky Burns, Kobo Gogoladze and many more but missed out on the big nights and the big fights with the likes of Joan Guzman and Marco Antonio Barrera that he craved. Arthur now trains his sons but here talks about his dramatic battles with the scales, with Michael Gomez and with retirement – as well as his friendship with Scott Harrison – as he reflects on the wonderful highs and dramatic lows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The late International Boxing Hall Of Famer Curtis Cokes was a world welterweight champion who became a top trainer. Universally liked and respected Cokes welcomed Boxing Life Stories host Tris Dixon into his home on the outskirts of Dallas back in 2010. Then 73 years of age, Curtis looked back over his career, talked about training fighters and some of the lows he experienced through his life in the sport. Cokes won 62 fights (30 inside the distance), suffered 14 losses and was involved in four draws. He fought the likes of Jose Napoles, Joe Miceli, Gypsy Joe Harris, Luis Rodriguez, Kitten Hayward, Stan Harrington, Manuel Gonzalez and many others and as a trainer he worked with Ike Ibeabuchi, Kirk Johnson and Quincy Taylor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New York matchmaker Ron Katz has spent more than four decades in the sport. He's now at Star Boxing having spent 25 years with Top Rank before a wonderful spell under Sugar Ray Leonard's banner. He's made matches for up and coming Mike Tysons, Floyd Mayweathers and Oscar De La Hoyas as well as a returning George Foreman. He's also helped to deliver some of the biggest fights on the sport's biggest nights, including contests featuring Tommy Hearns, Iran Barkley, Roberto Duran, Michael Nunn and so many more. Here, in a colourful look back upon his storied career, he assesses highs and lows, discusses his fondness and respect for James Toney, Shannon Briggs and Teddy Atlas cleaning house in the Deep South, doing magic tricks with Muhammad Ali and the fights that got away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tris Dixon's guest this week is boxing royalty, one of the all-time great heavyweight champions. Here, a candid Foreman talks about his meteoric rise and the fights that created his legend, against the likes of Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, Evander Holyfield and Michael Moorer. He discusses his time in the wilderness between his two incredible careers 10 years apart, the comeback and finding happiness. He also speaks of his love of dogs, specifically German Shepherds, his friendship with Sonny Liston, why the Mike Tyson fight didn't happen and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry Merchant was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009. For 35 years he was the conscience of HBO Boxing, working alongside the likes of George Foreman, Gil Clancy, Jim Lampley and Emanuel Steward. But he's been in boxing far longer. Here, Larry recalls covering his first major fight, Sugar Ray Robinson against Carmen Basilio in 1957, being an early investor in Joe Frazier's journey, interviewing Sonny Liston, flying to Zaire with Muhammad Ali, falling out with some of boxing's big guns and much, much more. His iconic post-fight interviews with the likes of Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins have become part of boxing folklore, along with the infamous night he told Floyd Mayweather, "If I was 50 years younger I'd kick your ass." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Viking Warrior Mikkel Kessler fought the likes of Joe Calzaghe, Carl Froch and Andre Ward in a decorated career that saw him capture the WBA and WBC titles at super-middleweight. From fighting early on in Las Vegas to being on the big Mike Tyson-Brian Neilsen bill at the Parken in Copenhagen, he was initially guided by Hall of Fame promoter Mogens Palle. He unified the titles and scored wins over Anthony Mundine, Marcus Beyer and Eric Lucas before his huge night in Wales against Calzaghe. Kessler fought in the brilliant Super Six series, learned to ride fast motorbikes and a comeback was curtailed after he was bitten by a tick and hospitalised. Here, he talks about the big nights, who would have won between Froch and Calzaghe and Calzaghe and Ward and much more. Now now he lives quietly in Denmark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former WBO middleweight champion Andy Lee reached the top when he won the world crown against Matvey Korobov in Las Vegas. Lee's journey saw him go from Olympic heartbreak as Ireland's sole representative at the 2004 Games to big things in the USA. He was taken under the wing of Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward and became a star of the famous Kronk Gym in Detroit. He rose fast, but was stunned in a defeat to Bryan Vera that saw him question everything. He fought his way back. There were trials and tribulations. Here, he lets you into his uncertainty, while being behind the scenes at the Kronk and on the road in Klitschko training camps. Then came the big nights, wins against John Jackson, Craig McEwan, Korobov and more and he joined forces with one of Britain's leading trainers, Adam Booth. As the champion, he faced Peter Quillin before losing his crown to Billy Joe Saunders. Then came an acceptance that it was over. He began his new life as a trainer, working with the likes of Paddy Donovan and Jay Quigley and he was a key part of Tyson Fury's rematch win over Deontay Wilder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CompuBox co-founder Bob Canobbio has been in boxing for 35 years. One of the first contests he covered providing stats for was the war between Marvin Hagler and Tommy Hearns. He's provided punchstats to all of the major networks, including HBO, Showtime, ESPN and DAZN and he's been ringside for all of the great fights and fighters of the modern era. Here, in this deep dive on his career, he talks about the criticism punchstats receive, flying in Bob Arum's private plane, the direction of stats in boxing and the big personalities he's come across in a wide ranging interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy Schwer was a world class lightweight who fought the likes of Rafael Ruelas, Stevie Johnston, Colin Dunne and many more. In all, he boxed 45 times as a professional, eventually winning the IBO title at light-welterweight. In an intimate interview, he talks about the importance of that title, the big nights, headlining in Las Vegas, working with Hall of Fame promoter Mickey Duff, the disappointments and how he spectacularly came off the rails in retirement. Now a motivational speaker who has found his happy place in life, he's an inspiration, a man who hit rock bottom and contemplated suicide who now wants to live to be 130 years old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stanley 'Kitten' Hayward was a world class Philadelphia welterweight who beat future Hall of Famers Curtis Cokes and Emile Griffith and he also battled city rivals Bennie Briscoe, Cyclone Hart, Gypsy Joe Harris and Bennie Briscoe. He turned pro all the way back in 1959 and after a 47-fight career he had a successful career working in the Philadelphia law courts, where we first met some 15 years ago. 'Kitten' is now 80 but he has some stories to tell, remembering some of the rivals he faced, the fighters he sparred and the old gangsters he knew. This episode also features Tris in a Twitter Q and A after the interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gerladine Davies has been in boxing for four decades and has worked with a who's who of the sport. A fixer, a publicist, a point of contact... She's done it all, from hosting travel events in Las Vegas through the Fabulous Four era of Duran, Leonard, Hagler and Hearns to trying to salvage out of hand boxing parties in Boston, she was once thrown out of Johnny Tocco's famous gym for being a lady before going on to work with British stars like Ricky Hatton and Lennox Lewis. Now she's working for Mauricio Sulaiman, the head of the WBC, and Las Vegas-based fight artist Richard Slone. This is Geraldine's incredible life in boxing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former WBO featherweight champion Colin McMillan could be forgiven for being sour. Just when he had the world at his feet, as the reigning champion, he lost his crown in his first defence when he suffered a dislocated shoulder. Things changed from that moment. But McMillan has retained his highly positive disposition and is one of boxing's good guys. He had a fascinating career, trying to forge his own path, working with the late author Jonathan Rendall as an advisor, being guided by Terry Marsh and then, afterwards, becoming an advisor to Audley Harrison. In his own fighting career, there were big nights against big names when he was being touted as the next big thing and then came the disappointment of the injury that curtailed his charge. There were battles with the powers that be, battles with himself and battles with his shoulder. This is an incredible story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trainer Tony Sims is one of the quiet men in boxing. He's become one of the go-to coaches in British boxing, working with the likes of Anthony Joshua, Darren Barker, Kevin Mitchell, Conor Benn, Ted Cheeseman, Lee Purdy and many more. A former talented amateur, who by his own admission couldn't punch, he talks about working on the fish market, nearly turning pro, working the doors at Stringfellows and the Ministry of Sound and his famous family, well known in other circles for their roles in The Only Way Is Essex. Tony doesn't give many interviews about himself, he prefers to talk about his fighters. But here, rarely, is the Tony Sims story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wayne Elcock is a former British middleweight champion who boxed Arthur Abraham for the IBF world middleweight crown in 2007. Elcock was a prominent fixture on the British boxing landscape, fighting the likes of Matthew Macklin, Howard Eastman, Lawrence Murphy, Darren McDermott, Anthony Farnell, Scott Dann and Steven Bendall. Here, he talks about the troubled days that saw him land his 'Mad Dog' nickname, the tragic loss of his father in a car crash, juggling his fighting prime with his job as a BT engineer and his new start as a coach and owner of the Md Dog's Boxing shop maddogsboxing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former European heavyweight champion Michael Sprott has done almost everything in boxing. There isn't one leading European heavyweight he hasn't fought as a pro or sparred with, from being in training camp with both Klitschko brothers, working relentlessly with David Haye, going to Russia in camp with Alexander Povetkin to fighting the likes of Danny Williams, Matt Skelton and Audley Harrison. On the way down, he also fought an up and coming Anthony Joshua, but often had to ply his trade abroad. Through his career, he was cast as the opponent or the gatekeeper. He fought contenders and champions with records of 8-0, 6-0, 13-0, 15-0, 9-0, 18-0, 22-0, 14-0 31-1 and you could go on. He fought Ruslan Chagaev, Corrie Sanders, Lamon Brewster, Alexander Dimitrenko, Robert Helenius... He's also a nice, humble chap but he has an itch to scratch and, aged 45 and with a 42-29 record, he wants one more fight. This episode also features Tris Dixon's Q and A from Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bristol boxing legend Chris Sanigar has seen and done it all. Here, he recalls to Tris Dixon an incredible life in boxing that saw him fight as a decorated amateur, become one of the most entertaining warriors on the scene before going on to a career as a manager, trainer and promoter that yielded a number of world, British, European and Commonwealth champions. He cut his teeth on the busy London scene, fought a number of fight of the year contenders, boxed in Africa and Australia, battled alcoholism, found God and he's suffered the deepest lows, not least when his old friend and trainer George Francis committed suicide. Sanigar is brilliant, his stories can deliver you fits of laughter or cause the tears to stream. This is a MUST listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adam Booth and Tris Dixon are together to analyse the eagerly anticipated rematch between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury. Fury was imperious, and this podcast includes audio from Booth and Dixon's YouTube show, Counterpunch, which you can subscribe to here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMai9Qq3hpc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For 22 years Claude Abrams worked on the weekly boxing magazine Boxing News, serving more than 10 years as editor. He was hired by his predecessor Harry Mullan and then subsequently hired his successor, Tris Dixon. In between, he covered huge fights, was at the small halls and was exposed to things only a BN editor is exposed to; from rowing with promoters, to going to Azumah Nelson's house, to sparring with Naseem Hamed and taking private jets with Emanuel Steward and then having dinner with Marvin Hagler and Tommy Hearns. He was also ringside for some of the best fighters of all time, including Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Roy Jones, Floyd Mayweather, Evander Holyfield, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and many more. When he left BN, he went 'cold turkey' and travelled the world. But he dusted off plenty of war stories for this incredible journey down memory lane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adam Booth and Tris Dixon get together to breakdown the biggest fight of the year so far, the much anticipated heavyweight rematch between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury. Adam trains Josh Kelly and Michael Conlan among others and has previously worked with the likes of David Haye and George Groves. He's also coached Andy Lee, who is part of the Fury camp, and Wilder, who he used to bring over as sparring for Haye. Dixon has been a boxing journalist for more 20 years and has recently returned from Las Vegas, where he spent time with Fury, and Alabama, where he was with Fury, in his interviewing role for BT Sport Boxing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former WBA world light-welterweight champion Gavin Rees tells a cautionary tale. Even though he made it to the top of the sport, he did it while partying hard, drinking heavily and not living the life. Had he done what he now preaches as a trainer, things could have been very different. Still, during a career that saw him fight Souleymane Mbaye, Adrien Broner, Derry Mathews, Anthony Crolla and Andreas Kotelnik among many others, he was trained by Enzo Calzaghe and latterly by his friend, Gary Lockett. By the time he started dedicating himself to the sport, the busy-punching Welshman was on the decline. Here, as a trainer, he talks about his regrets, explains why he doesn't dwell on the past and looks ahead to life as one of the top coaches in the UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welshman Barry Jones won the WBO super-featherweight crown but had the title taken from him when a change was discovered in a brain scan. He was on the verge of big money fights, unification bouts and they all slipped through his fingers. An out of the ring battle ensued and he boxed twice more, including a loss to Brazilian great Acelino Freitas, before he walked away for good, with 18 wins a loss and a draw. Boxing had not made him rich. A number of jobs came and went before, years later, a call came to go on a TV show and he never looked back, becoming instantly popular to a new generation of fight fans who watched him through the night on Boxnation with Steve Bunce and who listened to his commentary alongside John Rawling for BT Sport. He also works freelance for Sky and MTK as one of the country's busiest pundits. But here, in his own words, he discusses the highs and lows of his incredible boxing life story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Middleweight contender Chris Eubank Jr welcomes host Tris Dixon into his Brighton home for a deep conversation about the man behind the stoic expression. Eubank Jr, rated the No. 1 contender for Canelo Alvarez's WBA title, talks about getting into trouble as a youngster, making headlines in his youth and his hard boxing education in Las Vegas, where he lived and completed what was left of his childhood. He discusses his famous father, their recent appearances on Gogglebox, the best and worst of his career to date and the future in this enthralling interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices