The Opening Bell; A boxing podcast

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  DISSECTING THE SURGEON; MAYWEATHER, CHISORA PLOT RETURNS 08.10.2026 55นาที

  What started out as plain sailing for Ben Whittaker hit choppy waters in the late rounds of his battle with Conor Wallace. 'The Surgeon', however, just about stayed afloat to remain unbeaten in his first 12-round fight. As ever with Whittaker, the critics came out in mass. Was the criticism fair? Or was it merely a young fighter finding his way through a tough spot? The referee, Kieran McCann, also received stick. We hear the BBBoC's verdict on his performance. Joining Matt is up-and-coming journalist Tom Ivers, who was ringside to witness Whittaker, has spent time with him in the gym, and is well-placed to add some balance to the discussion. We get to hear about Tom's own journey into the sport, from his days as a promising amateur to the stoppage loss that ended his career, through to him making his mark in the world of boxing journalism. There's also comebacks to discuss, namely those of Derek Chisora and Floyd Mayweather, who may or may not be about to return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  MIKE COSTELLO ON JOSHUA-FURY 29.09.2026 1ชม. 2นาที

  Mike Costello, former BBC and DAZN commentator and one of the wisest figures in boxing, is here to discuss his career, his retirement, and his thoughts on the Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury saga. Costello relives his experiences at ringside, the life it gave him, and the memories he will always cherish. From his days at the BBC through to the end of his career - as he made the switch from radio to television - Costello was a key voice at some of the most important fights of the modern era. He turns his attention to Joshua-Fury, and the mayhem behind the scenes, but concludes that the fight's making remains important even at this late stage of the heavyweights' careers. Also discussed is when the fight should have been made, what each now brings to the fight, and who's the likeliest to emerge victorious. Providing it happens, of course. There are some sound issues along the way. Apologies for those. We hope you still enjoy it. Support The Opening Bell by subscribing if you can. With love and the best of wishes, The OB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  JOSHUA-FURY IN JEOPARDY?! SERIOUSLY?! 26.09.2026 10นาที

  Mere days after Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is confirmed, we're told it's in jeopardy. Matt Christie lets off some steam on the subject and the eternal circus that is the sport of boxing. Support The Opening Bell by subscribing if you can. Many thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 24.09.2026 18นาที

  Recorded at the EXACT moment when Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury was confirmed as a done deal for December 11 in Cardiff, The Opening Bell has another important announcement to bring you. Our beloved Alex Steedman has chosen to leave the podcast. That's the bad news. And it's horrible, crushing news. The good news is that The Opening Bell will continue - should, of course, you want it to. Matt Christie, while paying tribute to the one and only Steed, explains the reasons behind Alex's departure and what he hopes The Opening Bell will look like in the future. Stay with us, folks, we can get through this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  RYAN GARCIA TROUNCES CONOR BENN 15.09.2026 56นาที

  Ryan Garcia defeated Conor Benn, stopping him in less than five minutes out in Las Vegas. The contest itself was immeasurably shorter than the build-up that focused on Benn's struggle to boil down to 147lbs but was this really a contest decided by one man's struggle to make weight? In the Opening Bell studio this week is Tris Dixon, one of the most respected boxing journalists in the business, who answers the pertinent questions regarding Benn's defeat to Garcia. There is, of course, the battle with the scales to consider yet Garcia's triumph was both so emphatic and rapid it would be cruel on the victor to suggest he defeated an already broken man. Yet it reignites conversation about when fighters should and should not weigh in. Evidence continues to mount that staging them the day before a contest is making the sport more dangerous than it already is. More so, it is only encouraging fighters to compete in a weight class that bears no relation to their actual size come the opening bell. But was Benn hard done by at the finish? Some suggested it was premature stoppage while others have championed the compassion of the referee. We look ahead at the rebuild job for Benn and the future of Garcia who, with this victory, finds himself as one of the most marketable fighters in the business. Thanks, as always, folks for the support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  GARCIA v BENN, LAS VEGAS PREVIEW 09.09.2026 1ชม. 7นาที

  It's fight week in Las Vegas and Chris McKenna, nursing a minor hangover out in Sin City, is this week's guest on The Opening Bell. Garcia makes the first defence of his WBC welterweight title against Benn. The fight is interesting for different reasons and worthy of several questions. Does it feel like a big fight week? Why (oh why) is Benn No. 1 at welterweight with the WBC when he hasn't made 147lbs in four years? With that in mind, is Benn as weight-drained as the recent imagery makes it appear or is he, like Garcia, launching a few mind-game bombs? What does each need to do to win and, finally, who does win? Fear not, we limit the Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury chat while wondering why Turki Alalshikh and Sela don't just stump up the cash to stage the fight in the UK. We end on a high, just like Katie Taylor, and focus on her perfect end to a near-perfect career. Thanks one and all for listening and supporting The Opening Bell! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  THE FALL OF MOSES 01.09.2026 1ชม. 2นาที

  In a startling collapse that culminated one of the most dramatic heavyweight fights of the year, Moses Itauma ultimately met his match in the shape of the rugged and unyielding Filip Hrgovic. But what came before that fateful ninth round should tell us two things: Hrgovic is built differently to most and Itauma, for different reasons, is also one of a kind. So, what went wrong? Plenty have suggested that Itauma merely misread his own gas tank and, with crucial experience gained, will come back better and stronger. But one also wonders if it will be as simple as that. The psychological scars could be substantial, after all. There’s also the performance of Ben Davison to consider. Has he really gone from one of the best trainers around to a clueless buffoon who doesn’t know when to throw a towel? Or is someone like the precocious and instinctive Itauma simply impossible to teach or manage? Elsewhere, Chantelle Cameron got past Mikaela Mayer, who again believed she deserved more from the scoring judges after an entertaining scrap. And looking ahead, Katie Taylor prepares for her swansong in a Croke Park showcase surely designed to ensure she’s still singing at the end. Spread the word of The Opening Bell, comrades. And hit the subscribe button if you really want to make yourself useful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  MOSES ITAUMA: THE FUTURE IS NOW 25.08.2026 1ชม. 11นาที

  Despite all the noise reverberating from the negotiations between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury – noise that, unfortunately, we must address – a meaningful, and potentially pivotal, heavyweight title clash occurs this weekend when Moses Itauma duels with Filip Hrgovic. Will this be the fight when we see Itauma truly tested or, as the oddsmakers suggest, will it be another one-sided triumph for the 21-year-old? And if Itauma does indeed do what is expected and win convincingly, will he then be able to cope with the pressure of being the youngest heavyweight belt-holder since the heady days of Mike Tyson’s peak? Last weekend, George Liddard aced his latest test when he became the European middleweight champion and, in the States, Teofimo Lopez was handed a get-out-of-jail-free card by Rolly Romero. We bring you an update on Ringside Charitable Trust, and you can access their website here, before hurtling back to 2013 and the night when cult hero Jhonny Gonzalez marmalized Abner Mares inside one round. Thank you, as always, for supporting The Opening Bell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  BACK TO THE FUTURE 18.08.2026 1ชม. 12นาที

  What do we want? AJ vs. Fury! Where do want it? At this point, who cares… Dana White this week came out and revealed he’s brokered the TV and site deals for Joshua vs. Fury but the old problem remains: Both fighters signed contracts with different locations, dates, and terms. Whether it happens or not, we are getting to the point of no return for this heavyweight showdown that, frankly, should already be in the past. It’s an interesting discussion, though. What does the future for boxing really look like? Can Moses Itauma, for example, ever become a crossover star if he’s forced to fight behind hard-to-find paywalls from this point forth? Furthermore, what becomes of the sport at grassroots level if only those that are already in full bloom are getting any water? Claressa Shields reminded of her star power at the weekend even if her opponent, Kaye Scott, was overmatched and outclassed from the start. We look ahead to Rolly Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez which undoubtedly is a good fight. But on what planet is it a PPV fight? Finally, we go back to 2016 and the contest that arguably signalled the start of Errol Spence Jnr’s peak: The beatdown of the gnarled Leonard Bundu in Coney Island, New York. Keep ringing that Opening Bell, folks. We thank you for your support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  BROOK BACK: EUBANK NEXT? 11.08.2026 1ชม. 10นาที

  Kell Brook this week announced he will be coming back in a ‘massive fight’ later in the year at the age of 40, highlighting once again how difficult peace of mind is to find in the boxing afterlife. Chris Eubank Jnr, who could soon be another case in point, has been rumoured as the opponent and proves, once again, there is little that can be done when ageing boxers, fit and well on the surface, want to keep fighting. Also bracing himself for a return is Joseph Parker who has served a three-month ban after UKAD examined the heavyweight’s reasoning for having traces of cocaine in his system and deemed them feasible enough. Callum Simpson gained revenge over Troy Williamson at the weekend, getting by with a little help from new coach Robert McCracken, but also exhibiting that there’s plenty for them to work on. A new ‘world champion’ was crowned in Dublin on Saturday night as Aaron McKenna picked up the IBF-flavoured slice of the middleweight pie but how far away is the Irishman from becoming the world’s best at 160lbs? Probably not as far away as countryman Callum Walsh who, on the Zuffa undercard, passed the Tyler Denny test. In This Week, get ready to lamp up a fat one and get lost in the hazy days of Smokin’ Bert Cooper. In August 1991, with would-be opponent Bruce Seldon outside the ring and Michael Buffer in glorious voice inside of it, the swarming slugger took on Anthony Wade in an event glowing with 90’s nostalgia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  START SPREADING THE NEWS 04.08.2026 1ชม. 27นาที

  On the week when it looks all but certain that the all-British heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will land in New York, a fight with serious consequences for the current title picture in the division – Moses Itauma and Frank Sanchez on August 29 – was upgraded to an IBF title fight. The Fury-Joshua news will no doubt make those already in a spin about the location lose their minds completely. But before we put the blame solely at the feet of Netflix and Turki Alalshikh, one crucial thing should be remembered: Nobody is forcing Joshua or Fury to fight outside of the UK. And hey, there are worse places than New York to host heavyweight boxing. In Dublin there was a contest worthy of any stage in the world as Mark Chamberlain surprised most when he defeated Pierce O’Leary in the kind of topsy-turvy thriller that should buoy us all as to why we’re here. Yet, on the undercard, the fate of Lee Reeves reminds us of the violent nature of the Sport. Over in Las Vegas, meanwhile, William Zepeda proved too good for Lamont Roach. We preview the weekend’s action with the sequel between Troy Williamson and Callum Simpson leading the way and Zuffa’s trip to Dublin will give Aaron McKenna and Callum Walsh a chance to shine. Last, but never least, is your weekly dose of nostalgia and a time when Oscar De La Hoya – as he tears through Jorge Paez – was a fresh-faced up-and-comer yet to be scarred by this wackiest of businesses. Thanks to one and all for the support, we appreciate you. Subscribe, however, and we’ll appreciate you even more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  JOSHUA v FURY: OVERCOOKED 28.07.2026 1ชม. 8นาที

  After the performances of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury last weekend, there can now be no doubt that the two British heavyweights are both past their best. Furthermore, it is more obvious than ever before that the fight we wanted all those years ago – when they were 1 and 2 in the heavyweight division – is gone forever. So, what are we left with? Joshua remains a frightful puncher, that much is clear. But he looks so susceptible these days it’s difficult to imagine him surviving any kind of onslaught from Fury. Whether Fury is these days capable of producing that onslaught, while also avoiding Joshua’s right hand, when he couldn’t avoid that of 46-year-old Marius Wach, likely makes the bout as well-matched as it’s ever been. Don’t expect either to walk away until this long and winding saga has reached a close, though. Unlike Errol Spence Jnr, who realised against Tim Tszyu that his days as a prize-fighter are over and announced his retirement in the aftermath. We look ahead to Pierce O’Leary-Mark Chamberlain in Ireland and Lamont Roach-William Zepeda in the US, before kicking back in the DeLorean, setting the flux capacitor to July 1999, and enjoying the last hurrah of Michael Carbajal against Jorge Arce. Spread the good word of The Opening Bell, folks. And thanks, as always, for the support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  JOSHUA, FURY AND SPENCE TEST FATHER TIME 21.07.2026 58นาที

  Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Errol Spence will all this weekend exhibit what is left of themselves. Even if it turns out to be very little, that should still be enough for Joshua and Fury to triumph against Kristian Prenga and Mariusz Wach respectively. If the point of those exercises is questionable then the task that awaits Spence is, by comparison, somewhat formidable. He takes on Tim Tszyu in Australia in a bout set at 160lbs. Will Spence show he still has what it takes at 36 or will he become the latest athlete to realise that time is the cruellest opponent of them all? Elsewhere, Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn reminded everyone how much noise they can make and how hard they can appear.  Thanks for listening and for your support, amigos.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  JOYCE, CHISORA & THE LONG GOODBYE 14.07.2026 1ชม. 7นาที

  Joe Joyce was again on the wrong end of a painful loss, one that might, this time, mean the end. But that’s easy for those who merely watch and pass judgement to say. A case in point, when examining how difficult retirement is for a fighter to accept is Derek Chisora who teased another return by going nose-to-nose with Murat Gassiev on the same Russia event where Joyce was defeated. We examine the latest comings and goings at Zuffa and Matchroom as Johnny Fisher makes the switch. Shakur Stevenson has joined up with Dana White’s men, too plus in This Week, we go back to 1999 when Baby Jake Matlala shocks Michael Carbajal. You can support The Opening Bell by following us on all the usual social media platforms while Ad free content is available for less than a fiver a month via Apple + and Patreon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  TYSON FURY vs WHO?! 07.07.2026 1ชม. 13นาที

  Oleksandr Usyk looks set to fight Deontay Wilder, potentially under the Zuffa umbrella, in a bout that could signal the end of the current heavyweight era. But not before we get Tyson Fury vs Mariusz Wach. Whether marking time or just wasting it, Fury's decision to fight a shot 46-year-old is curious. The good times seem to be just beginning for Abdullah Mason who rebounded from a slow start to stop Albert Bell in the 12th and final round. In This Week, we set the dial to 1991 and head back for some vintage Tony Lopez action as he takes on Lupe Gutierrez atop a bill that featured a young Lennox Lewis getting the better of Mike Weaver. Keep listening to The Opening Bell, folks; the sweetest sound in boxing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  USYK RELINQUISHES, WHAT NOW? 30.06.2026 1ชม. 11นาที

  Oleksandr Usyk last week vacated three heavyweight titles to focus on a “last dance”. Who will be Usyk’s final dance partner? Where does his departure leave the rest of the division? And what does this decision mean for his legacy?    Jaron ‘Boots” Ennis, meanwhile, at last found a befitting dance partner in Xander Zayas last weekend as the pair unleashed some sumptuous moves in Brooklyn. Ennis wasn’t perfect but reminded the boxing world exactly why he’s been held in high regard for such a long time. But then, with the fight being stuck behind a paywall, it’s easy to wonder if this was a missed opportunity to draw new fans to the sport. Ben Whittaker dazzled again on the undercard only days after one of British boxing’s most reliable showmen, Chris Eubank Jr, revealed his plans to keep fighting “until the wheels fall off” at the age of 36. We review Lewis Crocker’s tight loss to Liam Paro before heading back to the 1990s and not one but two “Sugar” Shane Mosley fights. Thanks to some classic Christie chaos we look at his victory over Wilfrido Ruiz in 1998 AND his beatdown of Wilfredo Rivera the following year. Thanks for listening to The Opening Bell, one and all. Your support is treasured.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  TURKI TELLS ‘EM 23.06.2026 1ชม. 15นาที

  In a week when Ryan Garner scored a glorious victory in a stadium, Moses Itauma signed for his biggest test, and Boots Ennis is preparing for Xander Zayas, the biggest story is the one we know the least about: Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury. After much squabbling between various promoters about who is in control, when it will take place, and where it will be staged, Turki Alalshikh announced to the world that he is the one calling the shots. But what does the sport look like without Alalshikh in it; a very real possibility considering the recent reports about his health. Meanwhile, everyone’s ‘next heavyweight champion’ Itauma faced off with Filip Hrgovic to find someone completely unwilling to read the script. Will Hrgovic toe the line when they meet on August 29? Alex and Matt reflect on Garner’s thrilling triumph inside Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium, we look ahead to Ennis-Zayas, but arguably save the best for last… This Week is anchored in 1999 and a time when Johnny Tapia was taken by the biggest of surprises by Paulie Ayala. As ever with Tapia fights, this one has a heck of a backstory. The Opening Bell: Unbiased, unflinching, unmissable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  BAM V INOUE IS BETTER THAN AJ – FURY 15.06.2026 1ชม. 5นาที

  As self-proclaimed President of the Jessie ‘Bam’ Rodriguez appreciation society, we welcome fan favourite commentator and former World Champion boxer Barry Jones to The Opening Bell Pod to assess the latest Bam performance. Is Inoue a weight too far and a fight too soon? We discuss the latest on the FURY – AJ saga while running the rule over the upcoming fights including Ryan Garner’s title eliminator and Lewis Crocker’s trip down under. Make sure you follow and subscribe to The Opening Bell on socials and check out supporting us on Patreon or Apple + with our thanks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  ZUFFA vs MATCHROOM 09.06.2026 1ชม. 13นาที

  Saturday night saw Eddie Hearn and Dana White go head-to-head, even though miles apart, when they both staged TV shows on UK soil.White likely won that battle, as Chris Billam-Smith and Ryan Rozicki turned their Zuffa colours red with a violent and bloody slugfest. White wasn’t done there, however.At the post-fight press conference he questioned Hearn’s true influence in world boxing as he claimed to know more about Joshua-Fury than the Matchroom boss. Hearn, in response, took aim at the UFC model that made White’s name.Before that, Hearn secured a fitting venue, Croke Park, for the great Katie Taylor but is Flora Pili a fitting rival?We look ahead to ‘Bam’ Rodriguez in the hope victory leads to a mouthwatering showdown with Naoya Inoue.And, in This Week, dust off your disco balls and join us in 1985 where Pinklon Thomas and Mike Weaver unleash a forgotten thriller at heavyweight.Hit subscribe, show your support, and spread the good word of The Opening Bell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  THE JOSHUA RELAUNCH 02.06.2026 1ชม. 16นาที

  Anthony Joshua faced the media for the first time this week since tragedy turned his life upside down six months ago. Joshua was focused, determined and suitably prickly as he examined Kristian Prenga, his July 25 opponent. But can the superstar really make it all the way back?Adam Azim barely broke a sweat on Saturday night as he pummelled Steve Claggett. Now it’s time for the leash to come off.Meanwhile, Chris Billam-Smith tackles hard man Ryan Rozicki this weekend in a scrap that is unlikely to leave either man fresh faced.And, in This Week, we hurtle back to 1991 and a collision between Terry Norris and Don Curry that saw one man’s career take flight and the other’s all but end.Thanks, one and all, for supporting The Opening Bell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices