The Opening Bell; A boxing podcast

Was the punishing and chaotic loss to Deontay Wilder really Derek Chisora’s last fight? Though dramatic in places, it certainly felt like the end of something. The performance of Chisora, again beyond plucky, triggers discussion about the complexities of retirement. Wilder meanwhile, just about proved there might be some gas left in the tank but how far can that feasibly take him? Which leads us to wonder about Tyson Fury and his comeback against Arslanbek Makhmudov. Fury is unquestionably motivated again but it seems unlikely he’ll truly be able to roll back the years. Get your lollipops out for This Week as we go back to 2005 for some vintage mischief from Jorge Arce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who’d have thought that the war-torn Derek Chisora would ever start as favourite to beat Deontay Wilder, once the most explosive of heavyweights? But that’s where we are with Wilder exhibiting wear and tear and Chisora, by comparison, chugging along, surprising well. Which leads us to the question; Who wins? And what does that win look like? We hear from Denzel Bentley who talks candidly about layoffs, making ends meet, drug cheats and loyalty. It’s an interview not to be missed. Much like The Opening Bell! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well, well, well. What a performance from Moses Itauma to cement his reputation as the heavyweight king in waiting. But is everyone – and we mean everyone – getting too excited on the strength of a victory over Jermaine Franklin, a fighter who had previously lost his biggest fights? Or is the expectancy surrounding Itauma, arguably the most hyped heavyweight in history, truly justified? As well as plotting an ideal route to the top for Moses, we briefly examine Dave Allen being chucked in with Filip Hrgovic and reflect on Sebastian Fundora’s pummelling of veteran Keith Thurman. In This Week, it’s back to 1981, where Marvin Hagler oozes style at ringside as Sugar Ray Leonard shows his spiteful side while overpowering Larry Bonds. The Opening Bell podcast is here, come and get it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The man widely regarded as the next dominant heavyweight, Moses Itauma, continues his education against Jermaine Franklin this weekend. But what to expect from Franklin? Nobody expects him to win but some are predicting he’ll be the first to provide the youngster with a semblance of a test. Over in America, Keith Thurman looks to roll back the years against Sebastian Fundora. Will the ‘Towering Inferno’ prove a leap too far? Closer to home, Michael Conlan announced his retirement, George Liddard came through a difficult assignment, the death of Ricky Hatton is explored and in Australia, Jai Opetaia again wakes up as an ex-champion without having lost a fight. In This Week, we point the time machine to 2000 and Diego Corrales duelling with Derrick Gainer as he readies for Floyd Mayweather. What’s that beautiful noise you hear? It’s The Opening Bell, folks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It emerged last week that Spencer Brown - not Dana White, Bob Arum or Frank Warren - will promote Tyson Fury's return in April. We explore the reasons why and the wider implications of that as Zuffa continue to make noise all over the boxing world. Arum's Top Rank return with a new, Dazn broadcasting deal, Anthony Cacace edges Jazza Dickens and also in Dublin, Pierce O'Leary makes a statement. Meanwhile, in 1995, Herbie Hide is made to look like he's on a bouncy castle during a chaotic battle with Riddick Bowe for This Week. Keep sounding The Opening Bell folks, and go well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices