5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce

Episoder

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  The Boxing Board Ep.4 | Who is Boxing’s Greatest Welterweight? 16.09.2026 38min

  Welterweight has produced some of the most complete and celebrated fighters in boxing history, but who is the best of the best?Chairman Ade Oladipo is joined by comedian and boxing podcaster Travis Jay, alongside trainer and online sensation Frank Gilfeather, who reveals how he once trained with one of the greatest fighters ever to enter a ring.Across four categories, the board considers the finest 147lb operators from every era. Can anyone displace Sugar Ray Robinson at the top of the division? Was Sugar Ray Leonard the most adaptable fighter boxing has ever seen? And how do modern greats Floyd Mayweather, Terence Crawford, Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley compare with the legends who came before them?Expect expert insight, passionate disagreement, some surprising omissions and the remarkable story of a boxing icon’s visit to Paisley in the 1960s. Can the board agree on the greatest welterweight of them all?
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  King Ryan Too Good for Benn 13.09.2026 33min

  How did Ryan Garcia make it look so easy? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to break down Garcia’s devastating two-round stoppage of Conor Benn in Las Vegas. They look at what made Garcia so dominant from the opening bell, whether Benn could have approached the fight differently and where it all went wrong for the Brit. Plus, they assess what the defeat means for Benn and ask what comes next for both fighters.
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  The Boxing Board Ep.3 | What is the greatest round in Boxing? 09.09.2026 41min

  What is the greatest round in boxing history? Chairman Ade Oladipo is determined to find out as The Boxing Board returns for another passionate debate.Joining Ade are former WBO cruiserweight world champion and broadcaster Johnny Nelson, alongside comedian and boxing commentator Kevin “KG” Garry. Together, the board tackles four categories: the best round involving a British fighter, the best round since 2010, the best round in a championship bout and the best round in a non-championship bout.Can anything top the unforgettable ninth round of Gatti vs Ward? Where does Danny Williams’ remarkable one-armed comeback in round six against Mark Potter rank among British boxing’s greatest moments? And has there ever been a more explosive opening round than Hagler vs Hearns?Expect passion, unexpected takes and another classic story from Johnny “The Entertainer” Nelson.
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  Thank You, Katie Taylor 06.09.2026 31min

  Will we ever see the likes of Katie Taylor again? On an unforgettable night at Croke Park, she said one final goodbye to boxing in front of 80,000 fans and brought down the curtain on one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen. Stacey Copeland joins Buncey in Dublin to reflect on an extraordinary farewell and try to put into context what they witnessed. We also hear from Katie, her promoter Eddie Hearn, her manager Brian Peters and her father Peter.
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  Katie Taylor’s Last Dance 03.09.2026 55min

  Has there ever been, or will there ever be, a bigger send-off than the one awaiting Katie Taylor at Croke Park on Saturday night? Buncey is joined by Stacey Copeland in Dublin as Taylor prepares to bring the curtain down on an extraordinary career. He sits down with the Irish sporting icon and also hears from her manager Brian Peters, promoter Eddie Hearn and trainer Ross Enamait.
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  Dubois v Wardley II: The Fight of the Year Returns 02.09.2026 28min

  Will it be repeat or revenge when Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley run it back following their first fight in May? The pair meet again at the O2 in October, and we hear from both fighters as they explain why they’re confident of coming out on top. Plus, promoter Frank Warren joins the pod to give us the latest on Moses Itauma and share his thoughts on how the second fight between Dubois and Wardley could play out.
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  The Boxing Board Ep.2 | Who possesses the greatest punch in boxing? 02.09.2026 39min

  The Boxing Board is back to settle one of boxing’s most explosive arguments: who possessed the greatest punches in the sport’s history?Chairman Ade Oladipo is joined by broadcaster and former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson, alongside former Team GB boxer and boxing writer Ruth Raper, for a debate spanning four punch-perfect categories: the jab, the hook, the uppercut and the body breaker.Can anyone compare with the snap of Larry Holmes’ jab? Does anybody deserve to top Roy Jones Jr. for the greatest hook in boxing? And which heavyweight uppercut will earn our producer’s pick as the most lethal ever thrown?Expect strong opinions, expert knowledge and plenty of names that will have boxing fans arguing long after the final bell.
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  Itauma v Hrgovic: The Debrief 30.08.2026 26min

  What next for Moses Itauma? After watching Filip Hrgovic shatter his world-title dream, Buncey is joined by Richie Woodhall to examine why Itauma came up short. We also hear from his promoter, Frank Warren, as they assess what the defeat means and where Itauma goes from here.
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  Itauma v Hrgovic: Things Just Got Spicy 28.08.2026 28min

  What can we read into the mindsets of both fighters after Filip Hrgovic slapped Moses Itauma following a shove off the stage? There’s plenty for Buncey and Richie Woodhall to get stuck into ahead of the heavyweight world title showdown at the O2. They also hear from promoter Frank Warren, who witnessed the fracas from just a few feet away. Plus, the guys break down where they believe the fight will be won and lost.
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  Itauma v Hrgovic: History Beckons 27.08.2026 30min

  Will Moses Itauma make history and become the second-youngest heavyweight to win a world title? Buncey sits down with the 21-year-old to find out whether making history means anything to him. We also hear from his opponent, Filip Hrgovic, who is yet to be convinced Itauma is the next big thing. Plus, Queensberry’s George Warren joins the pod, along with Itauma’s trainer Ben Davison.
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  The Boxing Board Ep. 1 | Who Sits at the Top of the Heavyweight Tree? 26.08.2026 43min

  Who sits at the top of boxing’s heavyweight tree, not just today but across every era? Chairman Ade Oladipo is joined by boxing trainer and online sensation Frank Gilfeather, alongside rising heavyweight star Johnny Fisher, for a no-holds-barred meeting of The Boxing Board.The panel tackles the current crop of giants and a tantalising fantasy fight: how would Oleksandr Usyk fare against Lennox Lewis? Johnny reveals which former heavyweight champion would give him the biggest fright when the bell rings, while Frank draws on his encyclopaedic knowledge to share the remarkable and hilarious tale of Sonny Liston’s visit to a Paisley housing estate.Then the board looks back to the radio era, debating who was king when boxing captured the nation’s imagination, and whether the sport has lost some of that meaning today. After all the arguments, memories and bold claims, only one question remains: who does the board place at the summit of heavyweight history?
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  Fury v Joshua: What is going on? 24.08.2026 35min

  What on earth is going on with the proposed fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua? Buncey sits down with BoxingScene’s Matt Christie to try to make sense of it all. Is Eddie Hearn right to ask for amendments to the contract if the fight is to take place in New York? The guys assess what we know, what still needs to be resolved and how it could all play out. Plus, with Moses Itauma fighting for his first world title at the O2 this weekend, they ask just how good the 21-year-old really is.
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  Punch Perfect: 5. Would Ali Survive in Today's Era & The Iron Chins 19.08.2026 39min

  Ade Oladipo, Emily Eubank, and Liam Gough are back with another hard-hitting, no-holds-barred episode of The Punch Perfect Podcast on BBC Sounds!After a quick heads-up to mind young ears for a few explicit slips, the crew jumps headfirst into 'The Clinch' to take on a legendary mythical matchup debate. Producer Jay delivers the envelope, setting off the three-minute timer as the hosts dissect a massive claim: "Muhammad Ali wouldn't be champion in the current heavyweight scene." How would 'The Greatest' fare against modern heavyweight giants, or is classic speed and ring IQ enough to rule any era? The team has just one round to trade arguments and deliver a final verdict.Then, it's time to head back to 'The Blueprint' to build out the next critical layer of their Frankenstein GOAT. With George Foreman lock-in for power, Chris Eubank Senior for heart and resilience, Muhammad Ali taking marketability, and Oleksandr Usyk locked in for technical skill, the hosts turn their attention to physical durability: THE CHIN. This segment is all about iron jaws, standing up to ultimate punishment, and refusal to hit the canvas. Ade, Emily, and Liam pitch three elite durable fighters each, battling through tense elimination rounds to agree on the single ultimate chin to add to their growing creation.Finally, the bell rings for 'The Final Round' as Ade steps up to fire off hot takes on the sport's structural flaws. The panel goes back and forth on whether boxing desperately needs a single governing body, if the Olympic style misleads pro prospects, and if inconsistent ring sizes amount to implicit cheating.Unfiltered, expert, and packed with fiery debate—this is essential listening for fight fans.
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  Pat Brown on Hedges, Hype and History 17.08.2026 39min

  Is the hype around Pat Brown real? If he beats John Hedges in September, he’ll become the quickest man ever to win the British cruiserweight title in terms of professional fights. Pat sits down with Buncey to discuss his mindset ahead of the fight, where his confidence comes from and how the “club” atmosphere in the gym pushes everyone to improve. His trainer Jamie Moore also joins Buncey to give his unique insight into the 26-year-old.
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  Punch Perfect: 4. Are Crossover Fights Ruining The Sweet Science? 12.08.2026 44min

  Ade Oladipo, Emily Eubank, and Liam Gough return to give their unfiltered takes on the fight game in another punchy episode of The Punch Perfect Podcast on BBC Sounds! The gang steps straight into 'The Clinch' to take on a heated debate rocking modern combat sports. Producer Jay hands over the envelope, starting a strict three-minute timer for the hosts to dissect a contentious statement: "It is time to implement mandatory hydration testing or same-day weigh-ins." Is gimmick matchmaking pulling eyes away from true fighters, or does it bring a much-needed new audience to the sport? The trio has just one round to clash and reach a final decision. Next up, it’s back to 'The Blueprint' to build the next vital piece of their Frankenstein GOAT. With George Foreman lock-in for power, Chris Eubank Senior taking heart and resilience, and marketability already checked off, the hosts turn their attention to pure skill: BOXING TECHNIQUE. This section is all about the sweet science, masterful defence, and ring intelligence. Ade, Emily, and Liam each bring three legendary technicians to the table for elimination rounds, battling it out to select the single ultimate master of technique to add to their ultimate fighter. Finally, the bell rings for 'The Final Round' as Ade steps forward with a spicy hot take on fighter welfare and weight cutting: "Are Crossover events do more harm than good for boxing" The panel weighs the extreme dangers of drastic weight cuts against the logistics of changing a system deeply ingrained in the sport. Expertly argued, sharp, and brutally honest - don't miss out! Subscribe to The Punch Perfect Podcast on BBC Sounds, leave your thoughts in the comments, and follow along as the Frankenstein GOAT takes shape!
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  Russ Anber: Boxing’s Mr Versatile 10.08.2026 36min

  Is there a more successful and more versatile man in boxing? For more than three decades, Russ Anber has been one of the sport's most respected and influential figures. A world-renowned trainer, cutman, hand wrapper, manager and proud member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, he has worked in the corners of countless world champions and been at the heart of some of boxing's biggest nights.Away from the corner, Anber is also the founder of Rival Boxing Gear, the company behind what has become the most widely used boxing glove in the world. His innovation has changed the sport just as much outside the ring as inside it.In this special episode, Buncey sits down with Anber to reflect on an extraordinary career that has taken him from humble beginnings to the very top of boxing. They discuss the fighters who have shaped his journey, the pressure and precision required to be one of the sport's finest cutmen and hand wrappers.
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  Punch Perfect: 3. Throwing in the Towel & The Money Makers 05.08.2026 39min

  Ade Oladipo, Emily Eubank, and Liam Gough are back to put the boxing world to rights in another hard-hitting episode of The Punch Perfect Podcast on BBC Sounds! After a brief warning to expect a few passionate slip-ups of explicit language, the team dives straight into 'The Clinch' to confront one of the most critical safety debates in the sport today. Guided by producer Jay's envelope, the hosts start a strict three-minute timer to dissect the statement: "Trainers need to throw in the towel more often." Do corner teams protect their fighters enough, or does the warrior mentality of the sport stand in the way of vital safety decisions? The hosts have just one round to debate and reach a final verdict. Then, it's time to return to 'The Blueprint' to draft the next critical component of their Frankenstein GOAT. With the legendary power of George Foreman and the unbreakable heart of Chris Eubank Senior already secured in the first two episodes, the crew turns their attention to a highly lucrative attribute: MARKETABILITY. This segment is all about the unique ability to sell out stadiums, deliver legendary trash-talk soundbites, and put absolute bums on seats. Each host pitches their top three ultimate self-promoters and crowd-pullers from boxing history. Through fierce debate and elimination rounds, they must collectively agree on the single most marketable fighter to add to their growing masterpiece. Finally, the bell rings for 'The Final Round' as Ade steps up to present his controversial hot take on the current state of champion politics: "Undisputed belt holders shouldn't lose all their belts after one loss." The crew goes back and forth on whether the undisputed status should have its own safety net or if losing it all is simply the brutal reality of the squared circle. Unfiltered, highly opinionated, and packed with expert insight - this is the conversation every fight fan needs to hear. Subscribe to The Punch Perfect Podcast on BBC Sounds, leave your verdict in the comments, and don't miss a second of the build!
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  One of the Biggest Events in Women's Boxing 03.08.2026 41min

  Is there a bigger fight in women's boxing than Mikaela Mayer v Chantelle Cameron? The pair top the MVP UK v USA card in Birmingham later this month, and former undisputed world champion Ellie Scotney joins Buncey to preview the huge night. She also reveals the rather extravagant gift Jake Paul has bought her. We also hear from Skye Nicolson after her move to the MVP stable and her addition to the Birmingham card. Caroline Dubois explains why she's swapped trainer Shane McGuigan for Manny Robles, while Mikaela Mayer, Chantelle Cameron and MVP co-founder Nikisa Bidarian all join the pod to look ahead to one of the biggest events in women's boxing this year.
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  South Asian Heritage Month Special 30.07.2026 55min

  To mark South Asian Heritage Month, Buncey is joined by former IBO world champion Jawaid Khaliq and the BBC's Kal Sajad to celebrate the South Asian community's contribution to British boxing. From the pioneers who broke down barriers to today's new generation of stars, they explore how British boxing has evolved and why South Asian representation in the sport is stronger than ever.The discussion looks back at trailblazers such as Amir Khan, who paved the way, the challenges they faced, and the lasting impact they've had on the sport both inside and outside the ring. We also hear from two of Britain's biggest boxing names, Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim, who reflect on their heritage, their journeys to the top, and the responsibility they feel as role models for the next generation.This podcast has been edited since publication.
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  Punch Perfect: 2. Fighting Age Limits & Heart of a Warrior 29.07.2026 38min

  Ade, Emily, and Liam are back for another episode of The Punch Perfect Podcast, on their relentless mission to build the ultimate boxing machine: the Frankenstein GOAT! To start things off, the trio checks in on the fallout from last week's decisions. With their personal fighting nicknames (The Black Prince, The Hatman, and Miss Eubank) fully established, they recap their first official consensus: crown-funding their monster fighter with the legendary power of George Foreman. The action officially begins when they step into 'The Clinch' to tackle a highly controversial topic delivered straight from producer Jay's envelope: "Governing bodies should refuse licences to fighters over the age of 40!" With a strict three-minute round on the clock, the panel debates the safety, legacy, and commercial appeal of over-40 legends, reflecting on iconic veteran runs from the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins, and Shannon Briggs. Will the team reach a unanimous decision, or are we headed for a split decision on whether age is just a number in the ring? Then comes 'The Blueprint' to piece together the next crucial element of their Frankenstein GOAT. This week's attribute up for debate is the mental and spiritual core of any true champion: Heart, Resilience, and Warrior Spirit. But what does having a "warrior spirit" actually mean? Then, it’s time to dive headfirst into the dark side of the sport, debating whether the consequences for drug cheats in boxing are simply not harsh enough, or whether influencer boxing is ultimately good or bad for the game. It's honest, unfiltered, and deeply passionate boxing talk. Subscribe to The Punch Perfect Podcast on BBC Sounds, leave your thoughts in the comments, and help us build the ultimate fighter!