The Opening Bell; A boxing podcast

Alex and Matt discuss the unexpected storylines emerging from the initial press conference for the December rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. With a full training camp, a focused mind and a more unified corner, how much better can Fury be? And is it enough? Matt speaks to the British Boxing Board for more background detail on what constitutes an approved boxing glove while we reflect on another career highlight win for Jack Catterall. Is Jack ready to beat boxing’s best? This Week in history takes you back to 1984 when Edwin Rosario and Jose Luis Ramirez rematched in a short but thrilling war. Later this week there’s a bonus pod available on Patreon and Apple + where Alex and Matt analyse the best British and Irish fighters from the modern era. Subscribe now for ad free listening and bonus content like that every week for less than £5 per month. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a stunning and brutal thrashing, Bakhram Murtazaliev needed less than nine minutes to defeat Tim Tszyu, scoring four knockdowns along the way. We address the modern day habit of writing off the vanquished boxer after defeat - Can Tszyu really have fallen that far, this quickly? The showing of Adam Azim, who defeated Ohara Davies in eight rounds, is another worthy of analysis and we touch on the glove row that triggered Frank Warren’s latest threat to sue. And in This Week, we remember the British barnburner between Michael Gomez and Alex Arthur from 2003. For more on that subject, we recommend this article on Gomez https://boxingnewsonline.net/drugs-alcohol-street-fights-stabbings-tragedies-and-catching-burglars-with-robin-reid-the-turbulent-times-of-michael-gomez/ and video interview with his trainer, Billy Graham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWSmtmidZA8 Thank you one and all for supporting the podcast in whichever way you see fit. Remember, for those on Apple, you can now directly subscribe to the bonus content without leaving the App. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DID BETERBIEV DESERVE TO BEAT BIVOL? All that was left to do after watching a truly wondrous scrap between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol was squabble about the decision awarded to the former. We examine whether or not the right man won - and ask, more pertinently, did either of them deserve to lose? - while taking a closer look at the scoring system which can make close fights appear more lopsided than they really were. Other subjects discussed include the chemistry between Frank Warren, Eddie Hearn and Ben Shalom, and we go back to 2005 to relive Tomasz Adamek offering no clues whatsoever that he will one day campaign atop the heavyweight division. Patreons, we adore you, thank you for your support. And despite what Alex says, the rest of you are pretty special, too. Thanks for all the support. The podcast is sponsored by NAS Medical LTD. NAS Medical specialise in complete medical coverage for boxing events, including fight night ringside medical care, ringside medicine training courses and expert second opinions on all aspects of boxing related medical matters. Boxer safety is their priority. Find them on Instagram @nasmedicalltd orwww.nasmedical.co.uk Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let’s talk about the sumptuous fight that sees Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol duke it out for light-heavyweight supremacy. Let’s talk about the best contest to be made in boxing, one with so many subplots and potential outcomes, it’s a wonder we managed to cram them all into the space of 70-odd minutes. Let’s also talk about the rematch between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank, a blast from the past that exhibits the ferocity of the former and the theatre of the latter. And if you don’t want us to talk about subscribing ever again, sign up to Patreon today. You know it makes sense. https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following his bizarre rant at last week’s press conference, Chris Eubank Jr was forced to apologise to Frank Warren - and vice versa - in an unconvincing resolution to a longstanding feud. Was the advice Junior’s father gave him many years ago ringing in his ears? In This Week, we tell the story of Johnny Tapia’s troubled but loving mind as we explore his thrilling rivalry with Paulie Ayala. Last weekend saw a series of storylines developing in the women’s code as Mikaela Mayer defeated a Sandy Ryan who saw red in the most bizarre way en route to the fight, and Terri Harper breathed new life into her career with victory over Rhiannon Dixon. Thanks for the support - as always. We would strongly suggest subscribing, however, if you want to escape the wrath of The Steed. https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There was shock and awe in the air at Wembley Stadium as Daniel Dubois demolished Anthony Joshua to continue his stunning career turnaround. What does this mean for Joshua, at 34 years old? Can he possibly come back? And is Dubois really as dangerous as he looked? In This Week we focus on another heavyweight thrashing as we go back to 1962 and the violent coronation of Sonny Liston. Subscribe to Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast And if you can’t subscribe, please drop us a review to help our visibility. Many thanks, one and all! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s fight week in London where Daniel Dubois prepares to take on Anthony Joshua in a titanic heavyweight encounter at Wembley Stadium. Alex Steedman has gone missing so Darren Rees steps into the presenter hot seat and, alongside Matt Christie, examines the huge British bill that also features a fight that won’t have an IBF title involved. We hear from Robert Smith, who explains what the Saudi revolution has done for British boxing and the Board. Also, the recent effort of Canelo Alvarez - as the went 12 rounds again, this time against Edgar Berlanga - is under review. How much time does the Mexican superstar have left? Hopefully less than The Opening Bell. Please support us at Patreon to help keep your favourite podcast going! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your good friends at The Opening Bell are delighted to present our new weekly series - ‘Boxing’s Best’ - where, every Saturday morning, we focus on a specific subject within boxing and reveal our own Top 10 favourites. This week, and trust us - it’s a good ‘un, we attempt to name the best boxing events. There are eye-witness accounts of what it was like to attend the first Frazier-Ali showdown, memories of weeping with utter joy at weigh-ins and the frustration of being sent to the nosebleed seats – alongside some history lessons and behind-the-scenes tales that you will not have heard before. As always, please leave feedback, get active on socials and spread the word about what we’re trying to achieve here at The Opening Bell. And never forget, dear Patreons, we love you! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s fight week in Las Vegas and as has become custom for the build-up to recent Canelo fights, we do our best to make a case for the underdog who, this time, is Edgar Berlanga. Back at home, stories about Daniel Dubois almost chinning Anthony Joshua a mere eight years ago are doing the rounds and we also discuss in detail how commissions can stamp out bogus titles and Turki Alalshikh’s plan to change the PPV model. In This Week, we relive the night when the one and only Chocolatito endured his first legitimate defeat. If you like what you hear please support us by subscribing to Patreon for the cost of less than a pint of cheap, flat lager. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Naoya Inoue did as expected, and largely as he pleased, when he punched holes in TJ Doheny to the extent the Irishman suffered back spasms and had to quit. Afterwards, Bob Arum spelled out plans for Inoue to conquer Las Vegas in 2025 - with a suggestion that a superfight with Junto Nakatani is on the horizon. As ever, there is plenty of news to digest, from Joshua-Dubois ‘selling out’, the IBF’s selection of mandatories and the comebacks of Conor Benn and Billy Joe Saunders. In This Week we remember when Daniel Zaragoza reluctantly, but classily, handed the torch to a 21-year-old Erik Morales. Patreons - thank you for your support, we will love you forever. As for the rest of you - click here to feel the warmth of that unconditional love: Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Your good friends at The Opening Bell are delighted to present our new weekly series - ‘Boxing’s Best’ - where, every Saturday morning, we focus on a specific subject within boxing and reveal our own Top 10 favourites. This week we attempt to rate Boxing’s Best Dressed Fighters. With Steedo (claiming) not getting the memo on this one – which was to name the best in-ring outfits – he goes rogue and reels off those fighters who turned heads with their clothing away from the battleground. Christie sticks to boxing and fighters like Muhammad Ali, with his white and black shorts, and Mike Tyson, with his iconic and frighteningly simple all black attire, are among those in the running. As always in Boxing’s Best, you can also expect some leftfield choices. We’d love your feedback and your own personal choices. It is your divine right to disagree! Thanks, as always you lovely lot, for your much cherished support. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the boxing calendar between seasons we spread the conversation far and wide, much like Eddie Hearn's public persona. As Matchroom Boxing prepare to get the Netflix treatment, we look back on the impact the promoter has made in British boxing and beyond - and focus also on his signing of Shakur Stevenson. After a nondescript boxer was caught out for doping on the recent Los Angeles bill we ask the question: How rife is doping and how many cheats actually get caught? We also re-examine the potential implications of the Saudi revolution in light of Tris Dixon's recent article on BoxingScene and look ahead to Diego Pacheco's next test. There's a forgotten slugfest in This Week as we go back to 1981 and Rolando Navarrete upsetting Cornelius Boza-Edwards. Finally, another thank you to those who've signed up to out Patreon! We're now producing exclusive bonus content every week so don't miss out: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Your good friends at The Opening Bell are delighted to present our new weekly series - ‘Boxing’s Best’ - where, every Saturday morning, we focus on a specific subject within boxing and reveal our own Top 10 favourites. Kicking things off is Boxing’s Best One-Punch KOs. From Julian Jackson knocking out Herol Graham to Andy Lee knocking out John Jackson, we cover a lot of ground in this one while recalling exactly what it’s like to be at ringside in that moment when the lights of one of the combatants suddenly go out. There’s an awful lot of KOs to choose from so please forgive us if we don’t include your personal favourite but, that said, we’d love to hear YOUR Top 10s too! Bother and berate us, but please keep spreading the good word of The Opening Bell, your trusty – and completely independent – boxing podcast. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest Saudi event has been unveiled with a whopping 84 rounds scheduled featuring fighters from Top Rank, Matchroom, Queensberry and Boxxer. The main event, Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol, can’t be faulted and therefore sells itself. Which begs the question: Is a gargantuan undercard, that will last for hours and contains only one 50/50 affair, really necessary? We examine the ongoing - and still unclear - implications of the Saudi takeover in detail. The performances of Christian Mbilli and Denzel Bentley are reviewed - as is the 1969 coronation of the legendary Ruben Olivares in This Week. Your support is what keeps us going - please join our group of wonderful Patreons if you can, you won’t regret it… https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy and Bakole; Billy Nelson on Martin Bakole as the big time beckons. Listen to the full interview + all our other bonus content + get AD free listening via our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Eubank Jr promises a May 2025 date with Canelo Alvarez, but if that doesn’t happen, has his career been a success? We also ask if Martin Bakole could have obliterated a peak George Foreman while looking back on two serious contenders for Fight and KO of the year. This Week takes you back to the days of the ‘Old Mongoose’ and the one and only Archie Moore. You decide if he’s 45 or 48! https://x.com/bbcnews/status/1821813065408520681?s=48&t=-0A88ThNwioQY2Hi5HAMCw Support the pod on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The case of Imane Khelif has dominated the sporting headlines this week, casting a shadow over the Olympic Games in the process. Whether she should have been permitted to fight is a separate matter to the treatment she’s received and both subjects are dealt with in detail. Israil Madrimov ran Terence Crawford much closer than we predicted to leave question marks over the brilliant American’s future (and our ability to predict fights). Please support us if you can by subscribing to Patreon. If you can’t please rate and review, every little helps! https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Matt and Alex reflect on the all British heavyweight battle between Derek Chisora and Joe Joyce; a heroic though worrying effort from two ageing boxing warriors. Star man Terence Crawford returns after a year and moves up in weight to face a younger, hungry champion while This Week in history we remember the hard hitting little man Vic Darchinyan. And with Cycling facing an ongoing public battle with perception and performance, we discuss the real legacy of cheating in Sport and where does Boxing stand in that discussion. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we dive into the all British heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Derek Chisora with the help of Big Joe’s coach Steve Broughton, offering insight into mindset and preparation at this crucial stage of a boxing career. With Christie on holiday, again, producer Darren Rees pops in to review a terrific British title fight he saw from ringside last weekend in Nathan Heaney v Brad Pauls, the rematch. Might we see a trilogy? Thanks again to all those who have supported the continuation of this pod by signing up to Patreon.com for less than £5 a month. Please do if you can. Cheers, Alex, Matt & Darren. https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the same week that Boots Ennis edged forward, Chris Eubank Jr considered an offer from Canelo Alvarez and Derek Chisora got into a scuffle on a London Street. Victory over the plucky but outclassed David Avanesyan told us nothing new about Ennis but his promise was certainly reaffirmed. Eubank Jr’s promise, meanwhile, may not have long left. So why on earth is he not signing on the dotted line to face the most marketable fighter in the sport? In This Week, we go back to the thriller-rich year of 1982 and bask in the brilliance of Salvador Sanchez and Azumah Nelson. Support us, ditch those adverts and get the bonus pods by signing up to Patreon if you can. If you can’t, all we ask is that you spread the word of The Opening Bell. https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast ‎ Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The bi-annual Canelo Alvarez sweepstakes are well underway and a surprise leader in the race to take on the Mexican superstar is none other than Chris Eubank Jr. Elsewhere, the Ryan Garcia story has gone from bad to revolting with little sign of a happy ending. There was some rough luck for O’Shaquie Foster on the scorecards and Shakur Stevenson, now a free agent, once again coasted to a victory that failed to excite. In This Week In History we go back 14 years to ride the Amir Khan rollercoaster again. Thanks to all who have signed up to Patreon to help us along. If you haven’t, and you can, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast If you can’t, please leave a review, rate the show, tell everyone about us! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The week in which Anthony Joshua went nose to nose with Daniel Dubois and squabbled with Carl Froch was also when Bam Rodriguez confirmed his superstar qualities when he trounced the great Juan Francisco Estrada. Yet it was Joshua’s declaration of help for Ringside Charitable Trust that was arguably the greatest statement of a busy period. Elsewhere, the WBC insist that the comeback of 45-year-old Manny Pacquiao is a terrific idea, Teofimo Lopez went 12 rounds again and Sunny Edwards returned to winning ways. It was also a week that celebrated the anniversary of Steve Collins scrapping with the remnants of Nigel Benn in 1996. Thanks to everyone who has signed up for Patreon, you rock our world! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fury raised eyebrows this week with his suggestion it was too easy early on against Usyk; that he was simply having too much fun. We try to make sense of a boxer’s dilemma. Sunny Edwards faces a similar conundrum on his return this weekend on the undercard of Estrada v Bam Rodriguez. This excellent fight is previewed in detail. Tyler Denny’s latest big win is reviewed with the leading question; Can Denny snag a big name in a big fight? And Ryan Garcia’s is in the news. Again. His positive test punishment, followed by a curious WBC statement is discussed. Meanwhile a controversial result from the 90’s is remembered with a bristling first encounter between Azumah Nelson and Jeff Fenech in This Week. Please subscribe, rate and leave a review and if you can, subscribe to the pod on Patreon for less than a fiver each month. https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Once again, with that familiar sense of inevitability, Gervonta Davis caught up with his opponent and left him barely conscious with a brutal finish. This time it was Frank Martin being run over by ‘Tank’ but what comes next is unknown. Bob Arum has been talking up Vasyl Lomachenko, an opponent befitting of the American’s talents, but arguments can be made that Davis is doing just fine as he is. We also look back on Chris Billam-Smith’s points success over Richard Riakporhe, a new pinnacle in the Bournemouth star’s ever improving career. There’s talking points surrounding Canelo Alvarez, Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia as well as trip back to 1979 and a rip-roaring barnburner between Danny ‘Little Red’ Lopez and Mike Ayala. Leave a review if you have time and we’ll read it out. Better still, sign up to our Patreon to guarantee the pod’s future. We love you all. Thanks for the support. https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A warm welcome awaits you at the sound of this week’s Opening Bell. A huge weekend approaches with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis making his latest play to be the biggest boxing star in America when he takes on fellow southpaw, Frank Martin. In the UK, Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe renew their rivalry in a fascinating battle. We also discuss the latest exploits of Tyson Fury while focusing on the tricky boxing afterlife and talk to the one and only Andy Clarke about his critically acclaimed book, Knockout. Andy Clarke 'The Knockout' can be purchased here: https://amzn.eu/d/1rSqAYC In This Week In History, we don’t venture too far back this time - it’s the brutal encounter between Miguel Cotto and Zab Judah. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After solving a technical hitch we’re delighted to bring you this week’s Opening Bell, just a day or two later than planned. Recorded on Wednesday, we look back on the 5 v 5 bill and reflect on Daniel Dubois’ arrival, Deontay Wilder’s exit and some seriously impressive showings from Nick Ball, Hamzah Sheeraz and Willy Hutchinson. In This Week In History we shuttle back to 1997 and a record-breaking slugfest between Ike Ibeabuchi and David Tua. Thanks for your love and patience. We appreciate you! Sign up to Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listen to the full 5 v 5 review show here: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast In a special podcast we look back on the 5 vs 5 show from Saudi Arabia and name the biggest winner on a night of memorable performances. Daniel Dubois was perhaps the biggest of all with a bombastic showing to break down and rip up Filip Hrgovic in eight rounds. That showing is in focus here along with Deontay Wilder’s fall at the hands of Zhilei Zhang. Once again, we thank you adorable lot for joining us. Your support is even better than sliced bread. Lots of love from all at The Opening Bell. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A snippet from our patreon-only pod previewing the 5 v 5 this weekend. You can listen to the whole episode on our patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast In the first of many special podcasts for our beautiful Opening Bell Patreons, we break down each of the fights and predict the winners on this weekend’s 5 v 5 event in Saudi Arabia. Will Wilder beat Zhang? Can Dubois upset Hrgovic? Does Ball have what it takes to dethrone Ford? What happens when Sheeraz fights Williams? Does Richards prove to experienced for Hutchinson? And will Bivol win at a canter? Goodness knows, but we do our best to make some educated guesses… Thanks again to each of you for your support, it really means the world. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here we go again. Another fight between Jack Catterall and Josh Taylor and another scoring controversy. But were the scores that favoured Catterall by 117-111 really that wide of the mark? Whether they were or not, Bob Arum’s cameo at the end arguably stole the entire show. We examine the fight, the cards and Great Uncle Bob’s outburst while wondering what’s next for both Catterall and Taylor. We look ahead to the 5 v 5 in Saudi Arabia and, in a special treat, head back to 1980s and some vintage Marvin Hagler in This Week In History. Finally, THANK YOU to all who signed up for Patreon. We are so very appreciative! If you haven’t yet, please do so here https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast…… and if you’re not in a position to do so, leave us a nice review instead! Love and respect to all of you. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a special bonus podcast we examine the rematch between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall. It’s been two years since boxing fans lost their minds over the decision of fight one when Taylor, despite being dropped and outworked, won on a split vote. We examine what’s happened since, where each of the fighters are now compared to where they were, and who is the likeliest winner. If you haven’t done so already, please leave a review and tell your friends, family and neighbours about The Opening Bell. Support us on Patreon if you can: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Four days have passed since Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury to become the ‘undisputed’ heavyweight champion. The magic of that victory and occasion still fills the air in the boxing world but, already, one of the sanctioning bodies is hinting that Usyk might be stripped. Which begs the question: What really is the point of those sanctioning bodies? We take a deep dive into the fight, re-examine the scoring, the momentum swings, the voices in Fury’s ear and wonder if a rematch is really the best idea. In This Week, we go back to 1981 and a fight when Wilfred Benitez scored one of the greatest KOs against Maurice Hope. Your support has been legendary and we thank you. If you want to support this independent venture financially, please head to https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast If you’re not in a position to, don’t worry. Just leave a review instead… If once you have subscribed to Patreon your ad-free content is not automatically coming up in your feed then please follow this link: https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-gb/articles/212055866-Subscribe-to-your-Audio-RSS-link-on-the-Patreon-app#h_9002c5a9-26d7-4b30-8abe-956dadc86655 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oleksandr Usyk last night scaled the highest of mountains when he defeated Tyson Fury in a truly great contest to become the one and only king at heavyweight. Here, at The Opening Bell, it’s the morning after the night before and through bleary eyes we attempt to make sense of what we witnessed. The momentum shifts, the intelligence, the sheer excitement and incredible skill level combined to create a contest that somehow exceeded all expectations. Thanks as always for your incredible support. Please rate, review and subscribe! Happy Sunday, folks. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pinch yourself folks, it’s here. Or at least we hope it is! Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are at last mere days away from deciding the best heavyweight on the planet and, cor blimey, are we excited. Let’s try and forget the problems that piled up to make us wait 25 years for a fight like this and ignore, if we can, the idiotic actions of John Fury and his bloody noggin. Because this is all about the fight, the occasion, what it means to the sport and, at this stage, predicting a winner. Given this is widely viewed as a 50/50 fight, it should be no surprise that Alex Steedman and Matt Christie have a difference of opinion when it comes to who will have their arms raised. Which means one of us will be right, right? Not necessarily given the dreaded draw has been known to gatecrash the biggest of fights. We also have time to revel in the brilliance of 36-year-old Vasily Lomachenko and, in This Week, we focus on one of the most stunning moments in history. It occurred when one left hand from Antonio Tarver forever removed the superpowers from Roy Jones Jr. Thanks for all your support. To say it is appreciated would be a huge understatement. For those who haven’t left a review or subscribed, please do so. Go well, one and all. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a week it was for the sport of boxing. It had a bit of everything that we’ve come to expect in this incredible sport. From masterful showings by Naoya Inoue and Canelo Alvarez to Ryan Garcia failing a drug test after sucking on some tree bark capsules, it certainly gave us plenty to talk about. The performances of Canelo and Inoue take centre stage following their respective victories over Jaime Munguia and Luis Nery. Both were impressive for different reasons. Garcia’s failed test(s) reminded us not to get too giddy with the state of boxing today. We dip into that story for about as long as we can stand it. There’s the latest Vasily Lomachenko fight to preview – George Kambosos surely has no chance, right? - and in This Week In History we relive the violence that occurred when Julian Jackson and Gerald McClellan had a memorable ‘who can hit the hardest’ competition back in 1993. Thank you all for your comments, reviews and support. Please keep them coming! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WELCOME you lovely people! Thank you for joining us as The Opening Bell flies the nest to go it alone. Your company is hugely appreciated. It’s fight week in Las Vegas where Jaime Munguia is the latest fighter to try to prove that Canelo Alvarez has seen better days. Meanwhile, in Tokyo, Naoya Inoue is readying himself for Luis Nery. What a few days approaching! Meanwhile, the Texas commission have decided to give a boxing licence to 57-year-old Mike Tyson. What’s all that about? Finally, we remember the bout between Paul Ingle and Junior Jones in This Week In History. Again, thanks for the support. Please leave a review if you have the time, it will really help us find our way in this world. Go well! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the new home for the opening bell podcast. Every Thursday Matt Christie and Alex Steedman look at the latest news headlines, review and preview the big fights and speak to the many fascinating characters who make the sport what it is. Want to get in touch? [email protected] X: https://twitter.com/openingbellpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theopeningbellpod/?igsh=bXd6dnE4eWFubjZw \ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theopeningbell?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow on X Matt = @MattCBoxingNews Alex: @alexsteedman The Opening Bell is produced by Darren Rees (@ReesBoxing89 ) Please follow, subscribe and leave us a review. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices