Big Fight Weekend Boxing Podcast

Epizode

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  Jesus Ramos Conversation With Dan Rafael 9 15 26 | Fight Freaks Unite Podcast 15.09.2026 12min

  Coming up Saturday night 9/19 in San Diego, CA, Jesus Ramos returns fo the ring for the first time in 2026, as he takes on mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov in defense of his WBC interim middleweight belt. But, before the hard puncing Mexican American from Arizona gets in the ring he goes one on one with our insider Dan Rafael.It's on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast"Ramos is off a win over Shanke Mosley Jr. last December and he battles the Kazakhstan born  Nursultanov, who now trains in California on PBC’s card on DAZN.And, gives thoughts on his big win ove Mosley Jr. to win the WBC belt in his last fight; Nursultanov getting the fight despite having not fought for three years; the landscape of the middleweight division; and more. It's all part of this conversation with Dan on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" on this feed. So, make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
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  Ryan Garcia Smashes Conor Benn Quickly + Oscar De La Hoya/Dana White Drama and Jesus Ramos Joins Us | Fight Freaks Unite Recap 14.09.2026 1h 23min

  It was a quick night for Ryan Garcia and we're ready to recap his emphatic TKO of Conor Benn, go over the drama with promoter Oscar De La Hoya not being at the fight, we have a middleweight titleholder on the show and fight news on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all with their takes.They begin with the recap of Saturday night’s Zuffa Boxing’s Paramount+ card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Garcia's emphatic stoppage of Benn, retained his WBC title. It was a huge moment for Garcia and there a big questions about Benn after a devastating quick defeat. And, we go over what's next for both.Then, there was the Oscar drama of was he or was he not invited to be at the event? Get the scoop from Dan.Also, Cruiserweight Jai Opetaia TKO9 Noel Mikaelian, retains his lineal/Zuffa cruiserweight crown. A big night for the unbeaten Australian and now is David Benavidez next?On the rest of the undercardHeavyweight Da’Mazion Vanhouter KO1 Raphael AkpejioriLightweight Andres Cortes W10 Mark MagsayoWelterweight Alexis Rocha W10 Jose Ramirez, 147Then, a quick recap Friday night’s ProBoxTV card in Oceanside, Calif. Abass Baraou W10 Giovani Santillan, wins vacant WBO Inter-Continental 154 fightLuis Alberto Lopez KO3 Daniel Lugo, 130 lb. fightThen, it's interim WBC middleweight champ Jesus Ramos one on one with Dan. He fights mandatory Meiirim Nursultanov on Sept. 19 on the PBC/DAZN card headlined by Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Nestor Bravo in San Diego. And, the middleweight division is pretty wide open at the moment. And, finally, some news...More on the proposed new site and date for Joshua-Fury!!! Additional possible dates are being discussed for December at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, WalesWe hearing more speculation about the prospect of Terence Crawford ending retirement. Dana White said he would “for the right fight.” Is this going to be a "Boots" Ennis bout? Canelo rematch?And, two-time heavyweight title challenger George Chuvalo died on Saturday, which was his 89th birrhday. Dan remembers a Canadian contender that seemingly fought everyone in the 1960s and 70s.Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
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  Dana White Conversation With Dan Rafael 9 11 26 | Fight Freaks Unite Podcast 12.09.2026 23min

  Coming up Saturday night in Las Vegas, it's the battle for the WBC world welterweight title, as Ryan Garcia defends against Conor Benn. However, before the one of the biggest bouts of 2026 gets into the ring, flamboyant UFC president and head of Zuffa Boxing, Dana White joins our insider Dan Rafael for a one on one conversation.This conversation is actually a recorded audio interview that Dan did mid-week prior to the #GarciaBenn showdown. In their discussion, White talks about the magnitude for Zuffa and benefactor Turki Alashikh putting this bout on in Las Vegas. Also, their belief that Benn can become a superstar starting Saturday night that will catapult their promotion and interest. This is especially if the son of hall of famer Nigel Benn can capture the coveted "WBC green belt" and become an even more marketable star in the U,.K., as well.They also discuss White's contentious relationship with Garcia's promoter and hall of fame fighter Oscar De La Hoya, whom he regularly insults publicly and and on social media. Hear it all on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" feed and follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!!
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  Ryan Garcia WBC Title Bout With Conor Benn And Dana White Joins Dan + Fury/Joshua Latest! | BFW Preview Podcast 11.09.2026 1h 24min

  It's a massive world title showdown in Vegas for Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn, plus, Dana White is aboard talking one on one with our Dan Rafael and the latest on Fury-Joshua, which looks like it will now take place in the U.K. afterall. And, we shall go over it all on the newest "Big Figtht Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives is back with Big Dan of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.First, they preview Saturday night's Zuffa/Paramount+ card at T-Mobile in Las Vegas Garcia meets the son of the hall of famer Nigel Benn in a 12 round battle for Garcia’s WBC welterweight title. Both fighters have "checkered pasts" with previous PED suspensions and there is a lot of intrigue around whether either fighter is handling the weight drain well? There's plenty to dissect, including can Garcia pack the bigger punch in this one?In the co-feature, Jai Opetaia vs. Noel Mikaelian, 12 rounds, for Opetaia’s lineal cruiserweight title. There is also some controversy around this bout, including, will the WBC vacate the title after this fight no matter who wins?And, also Mark Magsayo vs. Andres Cortes, 10 rounds, lightweights, plus, Jose Ramirez vs. Alexis Rocha, 10 rounds, welterweights are discussed on the undercard.Then, a quick preview of Friday night's ProBox card in Oceanside, Calif.Giovani Santillan vs. Abass Baraou, 10 rounds, junior middleweightsLuis Alberto Lopez vs. Daniel Lugo, 10 rounds, junior lightweights   Next it's Dan iwth Dana White The flamboyant head of UFC and the "front face" of Zuffa Boxing is promoting the Garcia-Benn event, which we discussed plus other topics like the progress of their promotion, the attempt to change the Muhammad Ali Act in Congress, and more.Then, some intriguing newsPer Dan;s reporting, the Joshua-Fury is now headed for Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on Nov. 28th. Dan, has the latest on why Turki Alashikh, White, Zuffa, etc. are relenting on the fight not taking place in New York on November 20. Also, Dan is reporting, WBC heavyweight titlist Agit Kabayel will make his first defense against Nelson Hysa in Germany. The date penciled in is Nov. 28th also, like the Joshua-Fury.And, more from Dan, who says Matchroom is finalizing a three-belt junior middleweight unification fight between WBO/WBA titlist Jaron “Boots” Ennis and IBF titleholder Josh Kelly on a date that has not been determined yet. But his sources say would take place in late November or December but it will be at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Next, hall of fame two-time undisputed lightweight champion Ismael Laguna died on Tuesday in his home country of Panama. He was 83. Dan pays tribute, as only he can.Also, in the wake of Raymond Muratalla’s decision to vacate the IBF lightweight title, the IBF has ordered Russian Artur Subkhankulov and Andy Cruz to meet for the vacant title, so Cruz will not move down in weight as he planned.And, finally, Amanda Serrano, the lineal and WBO/WBA women’s unified featherweight champion, whose world titles in seven divisions are a female record, announced on social media that she will have her final fight in January. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
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  Katie Taylor Wins Triumphant Farewell + Knyba Upsets Andy Ruiz And Fight News! | Fight Freaks Unite Recap 07.09.2026 1h 4min

  It was an intriguing and bizarre at times weekend of action in Ireland and New Jersey and we're ready to recap Katie Taylor's "Farewell Fight" and former unified heavyweight champ Andy Ruiz comeback to title contntion ending before it began. And we're going over it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter with all the takes.They start with Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing DAZN card at famed Croke Park in Dublin, IrelandJunior welterweight Katie Taylor W10 Flora Pili, retains WBO/IBF/WBA, wins vacant WBC women’s title to become undisputed again. What a night in fron of over 80,000 fans in one of the greatest scenes in the history of women's boxing.Also, heavyweight Dave Allen No Contest 1 Thomas Carty after Carty fell head first out of the ring to the floor! And, Welterweight Paddy Donovan TKO4 Tyrone McKenna too.Then they discuss Friday’s Matchroom Boxing DAZN/TNT card in Newark, N.J.Heavyweight Damian Knyba W12 Andy Ruiz Jr. with a debacle from the referee after Ruiz was down in the seventh and Knyba was the better fighter to upset Ruiz. The guys have more on Ruiz obviously suffering from age and inactivity.In the co-feature, middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr. W10 Austin “Ammo” Williams to help his title contention hopes, but  Lightweight Eridson Garcia stunned rising Alan Chaves over 10 rounds. Plus,lightweight Zaquin Moses TKO5 Angel Contreras.  Next some newsIt's our obligatory Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua update on the newest nonsense / now, maybe it will be in the UK, and Eddie Hearn is accusing TKO of trying to talk directly to Joshua. Will this fight happen at all in November?Then, the WBO orders middleweight titlist Denzel Bentley to next fight mandatory challenger Yoenli Hernandez, messing up plans for a Bentley unification with Aaron McKenna that had been agreed to in recent days.And, per Hearn, super middleweight Diego Pacheco will have a Los Angeles hometown fight on Nov. 13 in the headliner of “The Fight” on DAZN and TNT. Opponent TBA.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
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  Connor Benn Conversation With Dan Rafael 9 5 26 | Fight Freaks Unite Podcast 05.09.2026 21min

  Coming up Saturday night September 12th in Las Vegas, Conor Benn goes for the WBC Welterweight title meeting Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas.However, before the Brit takes on Garcia, he talked one on one with our insider Dan Rafael on several subjects.They discussed his two trremendous battles last year with Chris Eubank Jr., with Benn avenging a narrow loss in the "Fight of the Year" in May 2025, by dominating Eubank in thei November rematch. They also discuss what it would mean to win a WBC world title like his hall of fame father, Nigel Benn, And, they also go over the matchup with the massively popular and dangerous punching Garcia in one of the biggest fights of 2026.It's all part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 
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  Andy Ruiz Returns, Katie Taylor Massive Farewell And Conor Benn Joins Us! | BFW Preview Podcast 04.09.2026 1h 8min

  We are ready to go for the Labor Day holiday weekend with a former heavyweight champ in action in NJ, an Irish hero with a huge farewell fight looming and also, Conor Benn joins us too! All of this is on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter are back to give insight and analysis.First, they talk Friday night Matchroom’s “The Fight” card on DAZN/TNT/truTV in Newark, New JerseyAndy Ruiz Jr. vs. Damian Knyba, 12 rounds, heavyweight contender battle. Ruiz back from two years off and only three fights in the last six years. Will he have something in this one?Also, Vito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Austin “Ammo” Williams, 12 rounds, middleweights and Alan Chaves vs. Eridson Garcia, 10 rounds, WBO Latino lightweights  Then, the Saturday Matchroom/DAZN card 80,00-seat sold-out Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland for Katie Taylor’s farewell fightTaylor vs. Flora Pili, for Taylor’s WBO/IBF/WBA and vacant WBC women’s junior welterweight title Next, Benn's interview, as he challenges Ryan Garcia for the WBC welterweight title on Sept. 12 (Paramount+) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Benn is emotional in this interview for the massive fight coming up. Then, some newsDo we need to do a Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua update? Probably, but there's nothing definite, at least as of Thursday night,.And, Emanuel Navarrete and O’Shaquie Foster met kickoff presser was Wednesday in San Antonio.  for the three belt unified 130 lb  fight. There are also some quality names on the undercard also announced.Raymond Muratalla has vacated the IBF lightweight title, informing the organization of his decision on Tuesday, Carl Moretti of Top Rank, Muratalla’s promoter, told Dan this week. Next, WBO featherweight titlist Rafael Espinoza is now being trained by Eddy Reynoso alongside Canelo Alvarez in San Diego. And, Espinoza plans to fight Oct. 31 in Riyadh on the Canelo-Mbilli card vs. mandatory challenger Lorenzo Parra.And, we wrap with Nostalgia! Hall of Famer Erik Morales celebrated his 50th birthday on Tuesday. All-time great won world titles in four divisions. Dan gives you more!Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
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  Filip Hrgovic Dramatic Reversal KO of Moses Itauma + Chantelle Cameron Wins And Fight News | Fight Freaks Unite Recap 31.08.2026 1h 2min

  It was supposed to be a coronation, but Filip Hrgovic had other ideas and has won a portion of the heavyweight crown. We are ready to recap his shocking turnaround upset, go over other prominent title bouts and more on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are ready to roll the sleeves up and talk about it all.First, they recap Saturday’s Queensberry DAZN PPV main event at The O2 Arena in LondonHeavyweight Filip Hrgovic stunning TKO9 Moses Itauma, wins the vacant IBF title. It was amazing, as Itauma had dominated the first eight rounds but was also getting more and more tired from the sixth round on and then, a huge KO for the Croatian. They recap the amazing turn of events and now, what's next for both? Next, Saturday’s ProBoxTV main event at Galen Center in Los AngelesSuper middleweight Lester Martinez TKO10 Luka Plantic, retains the WBC interim title. Martinez still moving up. Then, Saturday’s MVPW-06 ESPN+ card at bp pulse in Birmingham, EnglandJunior middleweight Chantelle Cameron W10 Mikaela Mayer, retains WBO, wins WBC/WBA women’s titles. it was a convincing win and a less than classy post-fight for Mayer. And in the co-feature,Lightweight Caroline Dubois W10 Amelia Moore, retains WBC/WBO women’s title. And, also, Saturday's Matchroom Boxing/Boxstars DAZN main event in Guadalajara, MexicoJunior lightweight Mauricio Lara TKO2 Carlos Ornelas, it was short but a tremendous shootout Next, some news and fight announcementsQueensberry Promotions makse three Fall card announcements.-- WBO heavyweight titlist Daniel Dubois vs. Fabio Wardley in a rematch on Oct. 17 at The O2 in London. They faced off in the ring before Hrgovic-Itauma and it is likely the "Fight of the Year" to this point and now they will do it again.-- Joshua Buatsi vs. Willy Hutchinson in a rematch for the vacant WBC light heavyweight title on Nov. 7 in Manchester, EnglandAnd,-- WBA junior lightweight titlist Anthony Cacace vs. Nick Ball, Dec. 19 in BelfastIt's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
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  Katie Taylor Conversation With Dan Rafael 8 28 26 | Fight Freaks Unite Podcast 29.08.2026 15min

  Coming up Saturday night September 5th in Dublin, Ireland, arguably the greatest female fighter of the modern boxing era is potentially fighting her final fight, as Katie Taylor returns.And before fight week begins for her at the massive Croke Park, she joins our insider Dan Rafael in this one on one conversation.Taylor, who's been the undisputed women's champion in two divisions, says will be the last fight of her legendary career before an expected sellout crowd of about 80,000.The former Gold Medalist and Irish national hero will defend her three junior welterweight titles and box for the vacant WBC belt against Flora Pili in an attempt to become a three-time undisputed champion.Katie reflects on her success, her massive fights in the USA with fellow legend Amanda Serrano and looks ahead to the future for her and women's boxing, too.It's all part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" conversation and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 
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  Moses Itauma Filip Hrgovic Battle For IBF Heavyweight Title + Katie Taylor Joins Us And More! | BFW Preview Podcast 28.08.2026 1h 3min

  We are back with a HUGE heavyweight title showdown in England and one of the all time ladies fighter's EVER joins us. It's all part of the latest "Big Fight Weekend Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back to get into it all.Fist, it's a preview of Saturday’s Queensberry DAZN PPV main event at The O2 Arena in LodnonMoses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic, for vacant the IBF heavyweight title Itauma Iook to join likes Tyson, Spinks and even Ali, at having so few pro fights and or at such a young age to win a portion or the whole heavyweight crown.Next, it's Saturday’s ProBoxTV main event in Los AngelesLester Martinez vs. Luka Plantic, for Martinez’s WBC interim super middleweight title.  The 168 lb. division is definitely fertile with names and fights. Can Martinez join in?Also, Saturday’s MVP ESPN+ card in Birmingham, England Mikaela Mayer vs. Chantelle Cameron, WBC/WBA/WBO women’s junior middleweight unification. A very intriguing women's showdown with two of the best active fighters in the sport. And, Caroline Dubois vs. Amelia Moore, for Dubois’ WBC/WBO women’s lightweight title in the co-feature. Next our KATIE TAYLOR interviewSeptember 5th (DAZN) at Croke Park with an 80,000 sellout – in Dublin, Ireland, she fights her farewell fight. Taylor faces Flora Pili for the undisputed women’s junior welterweight title. Taylor defends WBO/IBF/WBA and also fights for the vacant WBC title she previously held. She talks with Dan about it all. Next, some newsLineal/three-belt light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and WBO interim titlist Callum Smith made a deal for their mandatory fight and the WBO purse bid scheduled for Thursday was canceled. RCC Promotions will promote the bout and is planning it for December 12 in Ekaterinburg, Russia, sources with knowledge of the plans told Dan mid-week.Next, Floyd Schofield vs. Lucas Bahdi for the vacant WBA lightweight title in the main event of a Golden Boy card on October 10 (DAZN) at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. In the co-feature: WBC/WBA flyweight titleholder Ricardo Sandoval will defend against lineal and WBO/WBA strawweight champion Oscar Collazo, who will move up two weight classes for the fight he has called for. And intriguing night in the motor city.Next, WBC junior middleweight titlist Sebastian Fundora will defend against mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj on Oct. 17 at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on “The Fight” series (DAZN, TNT, truTV). Also on the card: WBA featherweight titlist Brandon Figueroa vs. Tomoki Kameda in the co-feature and the rescheduled return of former two-division titlist Jermall Charlo against Koen Mazoudier in a 10-round super middleweight bout.  Then, the unification fight that was recently agreed to between WBO/IBF titlist Emanuel Navarrete and WBC titleholder O’Shaquie Foster will in fact be for all three titles, as the WBO has signed off on it and given Navarrete a second exception. The presser will be next week in San Antonio to announce. Also – Foster signs contract extension with Top Rank announced Thursday  Also, unified women’s junior lightweight champion Alycia Baumgardner will move up to lightweight and challenge IBF titleholder Elif Nur Turhan in the headliner of the MVPW-07 card that will feature four women’s world title bouts on Nov. 8 (ESPN, ESPN+) at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, MVP announced.  Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
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  Teofimo Lopez Wins WBA Welterweight Title + Serrano Pushed in Title Defense And Fury-Joshua Latest | Fight Freaks Unite Recap 24.08.2026 58min

  A title win for Tefimo Lopez, a tough night in victory for a women's great and is the Fury-Joshua fight in serious jeopardy over lack of payment to AJ??? We cover it all on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter return to go over it all.They start with Saturday night’s PBC/DAZN PPV at T-Mobile in Las VegasTeofimo Lopez W12 by majority decision over Rolando Romero and wins WBA 147 lb. title. What was up with the close cards in a very clear Lopez win. And, what's next for Teo in a loaded weltereweight division?In the co-feature, Yoenli Hernandez W10 in a close call also over Francisco Daniel Veron. Big future for the Cuban Hernandez. We have more.Plus, Gary Antonio Russell decisions Victor Santillan, wins WBA interim 122 lb. position and prospect  Carlos Utria W10 in another messy decision over Israel Mercado at junior welterweight.Then, they talk Friday night’s MVP/TikTok card at Pechanga resort in Temecula, Calif.Amanda Serrano W10 maj Lucrecia Manzur, retains WBO/WBA women’s 126 lb. The boys disagree with each other on who won this one. And also, lightwieght rising prospect Jahmal Harvey KO2 of Hammet Keb, too.Then, some news,We have the latest on the AJ-Fury saga, as Matchroom's Eddie Hearn went on the offensive about details of the ongoing dispute to alter the fight contract and have it in the USA, reportedly at Madison Square Garden. T.J. raises what the real issue could currently be- Joshua hasn't recevied some or most of his money from last month's Kristian Prenga fight. The probable mega-fight of Naoya Inoue-Bam Rodriguez looking like Feb/March at a stadium in Japan, per reports from Japan. But looks like, as the WBA bantamweight titlist, Bam probably first facing IBF titlist Christian Medina in unification fight later this year, That fight could be on the Canelo-Mbilli card Oct. 31. in Saudi Arabia.Next, the expected news for Xander Zayas, coming off knockout loss to Boots Ennis in June that cost him his unified junior middleweight title, is moving up to middleweight for his next bout.Horrible news, as former WBO bantamweight and IBF junior bantamweight titlist Zolani Tete, 38, was murdered in an ambush at his home on Friday in his native South Africa. Dan has the latest.With no deal made by the deadline, the WBO announced it will hold a purse bid on August 27 (Thursday) for the fight between unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and interim titlist Callum Smith. We have more on whether Bivol just vacates the WBO belt or would he fight this fight?Hear it all as part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow and subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
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  Rolly Romero Battles Teofimo Lopez In Vegas + Amanda Serrano is Back And Fight News | BFW Preview Podcast 21.08.2026 1h 5min

  We are back and ready for a championship weekend in the Western U.S. with a women's legend in California and a world wetlerweight title PPV main event in Vegas. We will go over it all and have fight news, too on the newest "BFW Preview Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back to give their takes and make some predicitions, etc.First, they preview Friday night's MVP main event on TikTok and YouTube in Temecula, CaliforniaAmanda Serrano vs. Lucrecia Manzur, 12 rounds, for Serrrano’s WBO/WBA women’s featherweight title. Tik Tok Live Broadcast? Yes and the great Serrano goes for history.Saturday night PBC PPV on DAZN at T-Mobile Arena in Las VegasRolando Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez, 12 rounds, for Romero’s WBA welterweight title. Will we get a good one here? Both fighters have been good at times and inconsistent at times.Yoenli Hernandez vs. Francisco Daniel Veron, 10 rounds, middleweights in the co-featureVictor Santillan vs. Gary Antonio Russell, 12 rounds, for Santillan’s WBA interim junior featherweight titleCarlos Utria vs. Israel Mercado, 10 rounds, junior welterweights  Some NewsDeal agreed to for Floyd Schofield vs. Lucas Bahdi for the vacant WBA lightweight title. Golden Boy will promote the fight, likely October 10th. Both fighters have been inactive for the last year.Former heavyweight champ Wladimir Klitschko issues statement on the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, his former fiancée and mother of his 11-year-old daughter. Next, a deal now in place for WBO/IBF junior lightweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete and WBC titleholder O’Shaquie Foster to unify on Oct. 24 on DAZN but a venue update.  And, several big pieces of memorabilia from the personal collection of the late Marvelous Marvin Hagler sold during a Lelands auction on Saturday. Dan is dumbfounded that his title belts did not go for much, much more.Nostalgia  August 19, 1995 — 31 years ago on Wednesday – Mike Tyson W-DQ1 Peter McNeeley in his first fight after over four years at trial and then, in prison. It was a farce, but we have more about it.It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/SpreakerSpotify, etc.!
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  Teofimo Lopez Conversation With Dan Rafael 8 18 26 | Fight Freaks Unite Podcast 18.08.2026 12min

  Coming up Saturday night August 22nd in Las Vegas, former two division world champion Teofimo Lopez is already back in the ring and readay to challenge for another world title. This, as he meets WBA welterweight champ Rolly Romero in a DAZN PPV.However, he joins our insider Dan Rafael first in a one on one conversation to discuss his recent career and his chances Saturday night.Lopez, who defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko in arguably the win of his career in 2020, also owns a victory over former undisputed 140 lb. champ Josh Taylor, as well. However, he also has been beaten by George Kambosos and was decisively almost shut out by Shakur Stevenson in their January 31st main event at Madison Square Garden in NYC. Lopez gives honest answers on what went wrong against Shakur, even specifically blaming his father/cornerman for not helping him enough in training or the fight? Plus, Teofimo has a long friendship with Romero, as they have trained and sparred together and what about that angle for this bout?It's all part of this convesation prior to the PPV in Vegas and make sure to follow/subscribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 
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  Claressa Shields KO For Another Title Win + Fury-Joshua Update And Other Fight News | Fight Freaks Unite Recap 17.08.2026 51min

  Arguably the greatest women's fighter in the sport was back and scored an emphatic win + we have fight news, including is the Fury-Joshua fight perhaps in jeopardy of not happening? We discuss it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!" Host T.J. Rives is back and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newletter are both ready to give their insight.First, a recap of Saturday night's Salita Promotions DAZN card in AtlantaClaressa Shields TKO6 Kaye Scott and wins WBC/WBA women’s middleweight titles. This wasn't much of a challenge and really, what else is out there for Shields in terms of competition. Then, an undercard fight was moved up, as Troy Isley W10 over Joseph Hicks in a real snoozer of a bout.That's becaue Ernesto “Tito” Mercado, who was in the initial co-feature, had his bout canceled twice when his opponent and a 24 hour eplacement both were way overweight!. What. Are. We. Doing. Here. With the weigh-in debacles?!Then, some NewsThe WBO has ordered super middleweight titlist Hamzah Sheeraz to next face former unified middleweight titlist Janibek Alimkhanuly. They have until Sept. 1 to make a deal. Janibek is still suspended until December for PED failed test!!!!!! Dan has more and both guys go off on the organizations just making up scenarios and rules Next, the ongoing nonsense about the site for Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua and some question if it will even happen now?? Zuffa Boxing's Dana talked about it after his UFC show Saturday night.  Also, IBF super middleweight titlist Osleys Iglesias will make his first defense against Oliver Zaren on Oct. 8 (DAZN) at the Theatre Capitole in Quebec City, Canada.  Update on Navarrate-Foster 130 unification. WBO announced they were told by promoters terms were agreed to but it will now have to decide whether to approve it force the mandatory with Saurez. Either way the fight will happen even if Navarrete drops the WBO title. Either a two-belt or a three-belt unification.  And, Former WBC featherweight titlist Mark Magsayo and Andres Cortes will meet in a 10-round lightweight bout that will open the Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn main card on Sept. 12 (Paramount+) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Zuffa Boxing announced. Very solid fight.  Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 
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  Teofimo Lopez Joins Us + Claressa Shields Goes For Middleweight Crowns And Fight News | BFW Preview Podcast 14.08.2026 58min

  We are back and ready to go with a women's world title main event in Atlanta Saturday and the flamboyant Teofimo Lopez looks to rebound from being routed in his last fight in January and he joins us to discuss his welterweight title next weekend. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Poecast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter return.First, they preview Saturday’s Salita Promotions DAZN card in AtlantaKaye Scott vs. Claressa Shields, 10 rounds, for Scott’s WBC/WBAwomen’s middleweight title. Shields is arguably the best female fighter in the sport but this fight is an apparent joke matchup for her. We go into the "why" on this one. In the co feature- Ernesto “Tito” Mercado vs. Emmanuel Tagoe, 10 rounds, junior welterweights. Mercado has potential but has had lots of promotional problems and not been that active.Next, the guys recap Wednesday’s Matchroom Boxing DAZN main event in Broadbeach, AustraliaHeavyweight hopeful Teremoana Teremoana (12-0, 12 KOs), 2024 Australian Olympian, in his first main event, blew away seemingly petrified DeAndre Savage by second-round knockout. Teremoana needs rounds and better opponents.Then, it's former junior welterweight and lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez talking to Dan. He moves up to welterweight to challenge WBA titlist and good friend Rolando Romero on August 22 on DAZN PPV at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Next, some newsThe death of former welterweight up-and-comer Prichard Colon, who suffered a severe brain injury in an Oct. 17, 2015 PBC bout on NBC TV .Colon was 33, as his father announced his death on Thursday on social media. Dan remembers vividly what happened and covering the aftermath for years.Also, Dan is reporting on the three-belt unification fight between WBO/IBF junior lightweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete and WBC titleholder O’Shaquie Foster being in the works but not done. Although, Top Rank Boxing has a probable date and a site on hold. We like this fight, but will it happen.More Dan reporting on a possible Vasily Lomachenko opponent when he exits an over two year retirement later this year.And, former two-time heavyweight titleholder Hasim Rahman, who is 53 and been retired since 2014, had his license denied by the New York commission and the comeback fight planned for Aug. 18 was canceled but now his team has announced a different fight for next month in Hammond, Indiana, where the commission sucks and it’s way easier to get a license. WHAT. ARE. WE. DOING. HERE?!It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 
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  Rolly Romero Conversation With Dan Rafael 8 11 26 | Fight Freaks Unite Podcast 11.08.2026 13min

  Flamboyant WBA welterweight champ Rolly Romero is set to return later this month in a PPV main event, but first he stops be for a conversation on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" with insider Dan Rafael.Romero is making his first WBA welterweight title defense vs. his good friend, Teofimo Lopez. on August 22nd on a DAZN/Prime Video PPV from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.He discusses that matchup and the future at 147 lb., especially since, he owns a win over current WBC champ, Ryan Garcia last year.Hear it all as part of our coverage on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
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  Aaron McKenna Wins IBF Middleweight Crown + Dubois vs Wardley Rematch News and More | Fight Freaks Unite Recap 10.08.2026 54min

  It was A "world title" fight in the middleweight division in Ireland, not THE title, but we're ready to go over what happened there and there's fight news and some Roy Jones nostalgia later, too on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return to go over it all. First a recap of Saturday’s Zuffa Boxing 10 in Dublin, IrelandAaron McKenna W12 Etinosa Oliha, wins vacant IBF middleweight title. This fight, being kind, lacked a lot, but we go over the win and the ramifications. Plus, a discussion on the "World Middleweight Championship" being portrayed on the broadcast.Also on the card, Callum Walsh W10 Tyler Denny, middleweights. Walsh wins a snoozer and Dan is less than enthused by his future.  Also, Saturday’s Boxxer card on DAZN in Leedsa, EnglandCallum Simpson W12 Troy Williamson, rematch, regains British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles NEWSDaniel Dubois-Fabio Wardley rematch penciled in for October 17th Co-op Live in Manchester, England, same site as the first epic battle. It's arguably the 2026 Fight of Year and we discuss the planned seqel.Conor Benn says fight with Ryan Garcia on September 12th will be his last at welterweight and then will look to biggest fights from 154 to 168 lb.Liam Paro seemingly pricing himself out of Devin Haney unification at welterweight, so now, Haney in talks with Jack Catterall for October. Is this to pressure Paro or for real?Former welterweight titlist Kell Brook says he plans to end his retirement to return at middleweight or super middleweight. Been retired since stopping Amir Khan in their long-awaited welterweight fight in February 2022. T.J. believes this is sad and the boys debate.NostalgiaAugust 7, 1997 — 29 years ago on Friday – Roy Jones KO1 Montell Griffin their immediate rematch to regain the WBC light heavyweight title in perhaps the greatest performances of his legendary career. The boys discuss the legend of Roy and T.J. has a "Fish Story" to tell about Jones and a golftournament. It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 
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  Rolly Romero Joins Us + Aaron McKenna Goes For IBF Middleweight Crown in Ireland And Fight News | BFW Preview Podcast 07.08.2026 1h 5min

  We're back on a lighter weekend of action with a vacant middleweight world title fight in Ireland and a current world champion joins us to preview his upcoming title bout later in the month. It's all on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Previvew Podcast!"Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all on First, they preview the Zuffa Boxing Card on Saturday in Dublin, Ireland (Paramount+)Aaron McKenna vs. Etinosa Oliha, 12 rounds, for vacant IBF middleweight title. Who are these guys and what has happened to our famed middleweight division that this is a title bout?In the co-feature Callum Walsh vs. Tyler Denny, 10 rounds, middleweights. Can Walsh take step towards a title fight, himself?Then, it's Rolly Romero with Dan, as he makes his first WBA welterweight title defense vs. good friend Teofimo Lopez on Aug. 22 on DAZN and Prime Video PPV at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas  Then, fight newsThe heavyweight clash between rising British star Moses Itauma and top contender Filip Hrgovic took on greater stakes Tuesday when it was upgraded to be for the vacant IBF world title. They are scheduled August 29 on DAZN PPV at The O2 Arena in London. Frank Sanchez took a step-aside deal and IBF signed off.Former WBO heavyweight titlist Joseph Parker has had his provisional suspension lifted by the British Boxing Board of Control and can return to the ring following positive cocaine test after a dramatic and controversial 11th-round knockout loss to Fabio Wardley in London that cost him the WBO interim belt and a due mandatory shot at then-undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.Dan's reporting: It is probable that Jaime Munguia, who easily outpointed Armando Resendiz to win the WBA super middleweight title in May, will make his first defense against an opponent to be determined on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s challenge of WBC super middleweight titlist Christian Mbilli on the Oct. 31 “Mexico vs. the World” DAZN PPV card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.WBC interim junior welterweight titlist Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will defend against Nestor Bravo in the Mexico-Puerto Rico main event of the first non-pay-per-view card of PBC’s new deal with DAZN on Sept. 19 at  Pechanga Arena in San Diego. In the co-feature, WBC interim middleweight titlist Jesus Ramos Jr. will face mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov.Lineal cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia will make his ninth defense against Noel Mikaelian on September12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Zuffa Boxing announced on Tuesday. The bout will serve as the co-feature on the card headlined by WBC welterweight titleholder Ryan Garcia’s first defense against Conor Benn but Mikaelian likely will be stripped of the WBC title and faces a  lawsuit from Don King.And, more Dan reporting: one of the Golden Boy fights in the works for that same Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn undercard on September 12 would pit former unified junior welterweight titlist Jose Ramirez and Alexis Rocha in welterweight bout.Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 
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  William Zepeda Wins WBC Lightweight Crown + Wild O'Leary-Chamberlain Ireland Bout And Fight News! | Fight Freaks Unite Recap 03.08.2026 1h 5min

  It was a lightweight championship doubleheader weekend in Las Vegas, there was.a wild Queensbery main event in Ireland and we have fight news, too, on the latestt "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."Host T.J. Rives and Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Recap Substack and Newslettter are back to give their insight on it all.First, they recap Saturday’s Golden Boy “The Fight” card on DAZN, TNT, truTV in Las VegasLightweight William Zepeda W12 Lamont Roach and wins the vacant WBC title. Great performance by Zepeda and what does it mean at 135 lb. for him.Also, lightweight Raymond Muratalla W12 Robson Conceicao, retains IBF title. He wasn't tremendous and now wants to vacate and move up to 140 lb.Also, on the undercard, welterweight Raul Curiel W10 majority Quinton Randall (Curiel had missed weight)with one card as a draw and another as a 10-0 SHUTOUT?! We have more on - What. Are. We. Doing. Here?!Plus, Junior middleweight Charles Conwell TKO9 Paul Kroll . What is Conwell's future?Recap Queensberry DAZN main event in Dublin, IrelandJunior welterweight Mark Chamberlain TKO10 Pierce O’Leary – TERRIFIC FIGHT and the boys go into more detail.NewsKeyshawn Davis declines to abide by Top Rank’s winning purse bid and won’t fight WBO welterweight titlist Devin Haney. What is he doing with his career at this point? T.J. thinks Top Rank should delete him. What will they do?Next, the WBA has stripped injured Rene Santiago of its junior flyweight title and re-classified him as its champion in recess. Dan disagrees with this. Also, the WBA finally orders the purse for the vacant lightweight title after stripping Gervonta Davis. August 11th bid scheduled for Floyd Schofield vs. Lucas Bahdi.Lightweight contender Andy Cruz, who plans to drop down to junior lightweight, has become a promotional free agent with the recent expiration of his contract with Matchroom Boxing.And, non-boxing sports media is now raising questions about Zuffa Boxing and their contradictory plans and floundering Paramount+ audience, etc. The guys discuss.And, we finish with NostalgiaAugust  2, 1980 – 46 years ago on Sunday – Thomas Hearns, age 21, KO2 fellow Hall of Famer Pipino Cuevas in devastating fashion to win the WBA welterweight title, the first of his any titles in 5 divisions (147 to 175). The guys have more on that fight and Hearns' lethal right hand.It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 
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  Mike Tyson Conversation With Dan Rafael 8 1 26 | Fight Freaks Unite Podcast 01.08.2026 13min

  The former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and one of the most menacing fighters ever is with us on a special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!""Iron Mike" Tyson joins our insider Dan Rafael in a one on one conversation to go over several things.First, it's the first time Big Dan had chance to catch up with Tyson since late 2024, when he was about to re-enter the ring in an actual fight with Jake Paul. He ended up losing a decision that night in Texas in his first action in some 20 years. Now, they discuss his serious involvement in amateur boxing and a new series of events he's part of and what his amateur career meant to his pro development? Tyson has happy memories of his early pro days, and gives thoughts on having come back to fight Jake Paul. Plus, what about his upcoming exhibition with Floyd Mayweather, his views on the current state of the heavyweight division, and more.It's all part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!