Tyson Fury returned, beat Arslanbek Makhmudov, then thought all he had to do was shout at ringsider Anthony Joshua to secure his next big fight. But it didn’t quite work out like that. Regardless, the Fury of 2026 -though not the Fury of 2020- proved he’s still among the sprightliest heavyweights around. The watching AJ, however, wasn’t overly impressed.

Conor Benn’s evening didn’t exactly go to plan either. Expected to walk through the war-torn Regis Prograis, Benn was made to work hard to win on points over 10 rounds. It begged the question: Why hasn’t Benn knocked anyone out since 2022?

Zuffa continue to make moves with the signing of Chris Billam-Smith and last, but not least, we head back to 2004 and a heartbreaking world title defeat for Michael Brodie.

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Which leads us to wonder about Tyson Fury and his comeback against Arslanbek Makhmudov. Fury is unquestionably motivated again but it seems unlikely he’ll truly be able to roll back the years.

Get your lollipops out for This Week as we go back to 2005 for some vintage mischief from Jorge Arce.

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Who’d have thought that the war-torn Derek Chisora would ever start as favourite to beat Deontay Wilder, once the most explosive of heavyweights? But that’s where we are with Wilder exhibiting wear and tear and Chisora, by comparison, chugging along, surprising well. Which leads us to the question; Who wins? And what does that win look like?

We hear from Denzel Bentley who talks candidly about layoffs, making ends meet, drug cheats and loyalty. It’s an interview not to be missed.

Much like The Opening Bell!

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Well, well, well. What a performance from Moses Itauma to cement his reputation as the heavyweight king in waiting. But is everyone – and we mean everyone – getting too excited on the strength of a victory over Jermaine Franklin, a fighter who had previously lost his biggest fights? Or is the expectancy surrounding Itauma, arguably the most hyped heavyweight in history, truly justified?

As well as plotting an ideal route to the top for Moses, we briefly examine Dave Allen being chucked in with Filip Hrgovic and reflect on Sebastian Fundora’s pummelling of veteran Keith Thurman.

In This Week, it’s back to 1981, where Marvin Hagler oozes style at ringside as Sugar Ray Leonard shows his spiteful side while overpowering Larry Bonds.

The Opening Bell podcast is here, come and get it!

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The man widely regarded as the next dominant heavyweight, Moses Itauma, continues his education against Jermaine Franklin this weekend. But what to expect from Franklin? Nobody expects him to win but some are predicting he’ll be the first to provide the youngster with a semblance of a test.

Over in America, Keith Thurman looks to roll back the years against Sebastian Fundora. Will the ‘Towering Inferno’ prove a leap too far?

Closer to home, Michael Conlan announced his retirement, George Liddard came through a difficult assignment, the death of Ricky Hatton is explored and in Australia, Jai Opetaia again wakes up as an ex-champion without having lost a fight.

In This Week, we point the time machine to 2000 and Diego Corrales duelling with Derrick Gainer as he readies for Floyd Mayweather.

What’s that beautiful noise you hear? It’s The Opening Bell, folks.

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Arum's Top Rank return with a new, Dazn broadcasting deal, Anthony Cacace edges Jazza Dickens and also in Dublin, Pierce O'Leary makes a statement.

Meanwhile, in 1995, Herbie Hide is made to look like he's on a bouncy castle during a chaotic battle with Riddick Bowe for This Week.

Keep sounding The Opening Bell folks, and go well.

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Jai Opetaia’s quest for ‘undisputed’ recognition hit a snag when the IBF belatedly refused to sanction his bout with Brandon Glanton. Will his allegiance to Zuffa mean he’ll have to rethink his ambitions?

We catch up on the ongoing developments with Vergil Ortiz, who was seemingly close to fighting Jaron Ennis, in his quest to unshackle himself from Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy promotions.

Alex and Matt were this week at the BBBoC annual awards and again, it proved to be a wonderful afternoon with love and appreciation aplenty in the room.

And finally, we look ahead to this weekend’s showdown between Anthony Cacace and Jazza Dickens.

Thanks, as always, for listening.

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If you like the work of Matt and Alex please show your support by for the pod by subscribing via Patreon or Apple +. Cheers.

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Zuffa Boxing made an astonishing play when they swooped to steal Conor Benn away from long-time promoter Eddie Hearn. Will Benn be proved right to leave, or will he regret walking away from Matchroom?

In another unexpected development, the rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao was confirmed for September. A welcome sequel or another daft pantomime?

Leigh Wood got the better of a faded Josh Warrington but the star of the weekend was Ryan Garcia who claimed a welterweight belt against Mario Barrios.

In This Week, we take a gentle stroll back to 1996 and Oliver McCall making short work of Oleg Maskaev.

Thanks for the support and keep listening, folks.

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In this special bonus pod, Alex and Matt explore the latest moves from Dana White and TKO/Zuffa while wondering what this means for the future of the Sport and those around it.

Including the latest fight news with analysis and opinion.

This bonus pod is and early release as part of the Patreon and Apple + subscription for which we are truly grateful.

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Tyson Fury is back with promises of domination and soundbites aplenty. But will Arslanbek Makhmudov really find competing with him as difficult as swimming the Atlantic in bad weather? And is Fury really planning to do his fighting without a trainer? And when will John Fury just grow up?

Elsewhere at heavyweight, Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois have agreed to collide in a sumptuous matchup with huge consequences.

This weekend, there’s Leigh Wood-Josh Warrington to look forward to in the UK and Mario Barrios-Ryan Garcia in the US.

Best of all, however, is the chance to go back to 1987 and witness a young ‘Smokin’ Bert Cooper in blistering form. Willie de Witt never stood a chance….

Thanks for the sport, comrades. Keep listening and spread the word.

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Elsewhere, the WBC is again under fire over sanctioning fees. Is the industry about to turn its back on the alphabet groups?

Floyd Mayweather, meanwhile, is chasing money again as he files a lawsuit designed to earn him north of $300m.

We also catch up on the hairline of Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller before zipping back to 2003 to relive Rafael Marquez’s dramatic victory over Tim Austin.

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As 2026 gathers pace in the boxing world, figures like Dana White, Eddie Hearn, Turki Alalshikh and Oscar De La Hoya are jostling for power. Will those sizeable egos be able to work together or are we facing a new battle: Zuffa vs DAZN?

Shakur Stevenson turned on the style to dominate Teofimo Lopez and signal his arrival amongst the pound-for-pound elite.

In the UK, Josh Kelly surprised plenty when he boxed the perfect fight to win a world title in Newcastle and, bracing for his return, Tyson Fury prepares to become the new face of Netflix.

Our trip back in time lands in 1974, in a talent-rich Paris no less, for a battle between Carlos Monzon and Jose Napoles.

Read the Thomas Hauser piece on Zuffa Boxing here: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jan/28/zuffa-boxing-contract-dana-white-reform?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

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It’s a Teofimo Lopez fight week which can mean only one thing: We have no idea which Teofimo Lopez is going to turn up.

As well as studying the form for his showdown with Shakur Stevenson, we look ahead to Josh Kelly’s date with destiny and wonder if now is the time for those bags of potential to be fulfilled.

We also put ourselves in the brace position for the heavyweight showdown between Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora and head back to 1994 for the first loss of Julio Cesar Chavez’s career.

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The career of Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis is surely over following the latest charges placed against his name… That he’s nowhere to be found won’t help, either.

Zuffa prepare to show the boxing world what they’ve made of but is the signing of Jai Opetaia a more accurate indicator of their long-term plans?

Vergil Ortiz made his own plans clear when he filed a lawsuit against Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy. Whether the world’s appetite is really there for a Boots Ennis showdown remains to be seen.

Elsewhere there’s more grandiose plans to break attendance records and we look ahead to this weekend’s terrific Cruz-Muratella showdown.

And, in this week, it’s back to 1981 for a cultured exhibition from a peak Alexis Arguello.

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Reflections on the inspirational performance from Dalton Smith out in Brooklyn where he stood tall to upset Subriel Matias in five violent rounds.

The almost inevitable comeback of Tyson Fury was all but confirmed over Christmas but what do his predictions about future brain damage tell us about the lure of fighting?

Japan awaits the Inoue-Nakatani showdown but have their most recent performances dampened the appeal?

Finally, let us take you back to New Orleans in 1972 when Joe Frazier dismantled an honest but overmatched Terry Daniels in four rounds.

Keep listening, folks!

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Joe Gallagher, one of the heroes of 2025, tells The Opening Bell how he found the mental strength to beat cancer.

There were times, he admits, when his pride was dented but not once did he allow fears about the worst case scenario to linger.

‘It was always f*** cancer, I will beat you,’ he tells us. From the long nights in hospital to the days he forced himself into the gym, Gallagher’s bravery alongside the sport that drove him prove to be the heroes of the tale.

Essential listening!

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2025 has been some year in boxing. A strange, noisy, unforgettable year that demanded our attention whether we wanted to give it or not.

There were great nights in packed stadiums where fighters shone and reminded us why we keep coming back. Skill, courage, timing, the simple beauty of it all when everything clicks. And then there were the moments that only boxing could serve up. Former unified heavyweight champions of the world flattening YouTubers, and just about everything in between.

It’s been another year of mouth open, stand back in awe moments. Properly transfixed stuff. It’s also been a year full of head shaking, eyebrow raising episodes that make you wonder how long you can keep following this sport with a straight face. And yet, here we are.

Because boxing does that. It pulls you close, pushes you away, and then drags you back in just when you think you’ve had enough.

Join Alex Steedman as he looks back at a boxing year that won’t be forgotten, for all the right reasons, and a few of the wrong ones too.

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That Paul lasted into the sixth round has only given the supposed imposter an even bigger platform to shout from. That he suffered a broken jaw is now his most treasured badge of honour.

What did it all really say about both, though? Was Paul better than we expected? Was Joshua worse than we feared? And where does this leave boxing as 2026 approaches?

Elsewhere, Troy Williamson continues his incredible comeback when he knocked out Callum Simpson in 10 rounds, Craig Richards turned back a spirited Dan Azeez, and Lawrence Okolie won again at heavyweight.

Meanwhile, in America, Terence Crawford retired to leave fans debating his place in history.

Merry Christmas you lovely lot. Thank you, so much, for your ongoing support.

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Anthony Joshua is really going to fight Jake Paul, it seems. But what can we expect? A real fight? A gruesome mismatch? Or, dare we even think it, an upset of the ages?

Before we get stuck into the most obscure of main courses we chew on the other talking points.

Like… Terence Crawford vs. WBC; Jimmy’s Corner in crisis; The performances of Diego Pacheco and Joe Cordina; and, briefly, Fury vs. Joshua.

And for our weekly dose of nostalgia we direct the DeLorean to 1992 and take in some vintage Michael Carbajal action.

Stay lovely, eat healthy, keep fit, be nice, keep listening. Thanks to all of you. And if you’ve read this far, let us know via our socials or on the Patreon. Bonjour!

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Currently in Dubai for the IBA championships, Andy’s experiences in both amateur and professional boxing means he’s well placed to discuss the challenges facing the Sport today.

Tune in and enjoy and once again thanks to those supporting the pod for less than a fiver a month via Patreon.

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Out at the WBC Convention in Bangkok, the current system of weighing in the day before the fight has been examined in-depth. Is it time for authorities to now switch weigh-ins back to the same day?

Also in Bangkok, the ratings meetings got underway, Katie Taylor confirmed plans to do battle with Ronda Rousey and, at the gala dinner, Oleksandr Usyk appeared to have the time of his life.

Back in the UK, the career of Frazer Clarke hangs in the balance following another bruising defeat while Ben Whittaker - after a one-round victory - might be set for lift-off.

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Does Benn warrant a shot at Haney and, should he get one, can he win?

We also look ahead to a busy weekend in Britain when Ben Whittaker makes his Matchroom debut in a contest surely designed for him to make a statement and remind fans what all the fuss is about.

Meanwhile, Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV lock horns on the BBC with the vacant British heavyweight title up for grabs.

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The headliner was David Benavidez proving his light-heavyweight prowess against Anthony Yarde. What does that emphatic stoppage mean for the man on the wrong end of it and is Benavidez wise to move up in weight again?

Fight of the night came early on when Abdullah Mason resisted a tremendous effort from Sam Noakes to take the decision. That contest surely spells bright futures for both.

And in our weekly trip to yesteryear, we cruise back to 1996 and a glorious slugfest between Michael Ayres and Colin Dunne for the British lightweight title.

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The stars, present and future, are out in Riyadh as we preview a night of top world championship boxing.

The big questions are;

Can Anthony Yarde make it third time lucky against the hipsters bogey man David Benevidez?

Is Devon Haney as good as he thinks is and does Brian Norman Jnr have the answers?

Is Abdullah Mason boxing’s next big thing or will Sam Noakes rise to the occasion?

And is there a better fighter to watch on this or any bill than Bam Rodriguez?

All this and more as Alex and Matt gear up for the weekend.

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Now there’s a sentence that would have astonished pretty much everyone only one year ago.

But it doesn’t end there.

Joseph Parker failed a test for cocaine; Oleksandr Usyk has lost a belt; and, wait for it, Fabio Wardley is a world heavyweight champion.

In an effort to stabilise our senses we go back in time to when Roy Jones Jnr was at his peak and James Toney, the fearsome super-middleweight king, was expected to beat him.

Talk about a bumpy ride!

If you’ve read this far, we’re astonished, but do us one more favour: Post a review on Apple. If we get enough of those in one week we might even return to the podcast charts.

But perhaps that’s asking too much in this already wibbly-wobbly week.

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Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are preparing to fight again so strap yourselves because we’ve got plenty to talk about.

Who will have learned more from the first fight and be able to exhibit the most improvement? Will the BoMac factor make a difference? Where are the fighters heads at? And will Senior be there at all?

Meanwhile, Moses Itauma gets a perfect test in the shape of Jermain Franklin as DAZN reveal yet another price plan certain to send hardcore fans round the twist.

In This Week, we head back to 2019 and glorious 12-round tussle between Lee McGregor and Kash Farooq.

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Chris Eubank Jr is doubling down on claims that his ambulance was blocked after his gruelling win over Conor Benn. What are the implications of the new footage?

Last weekend, Joshua Buatsi was called the winner over Zach Parker after a forgettable 10-rounder that reignited debate over the quality of judging in the UK. We wonder if the verdict was indeed that bad.

In America, the collapse of Jake Paul vs. Tank Davis was something of a relief but the accusations aimed at Davis paint a deeply concerning picture.

We look ahead to Vergil Ortiz taking on Erickson Lubin and back to 2013 when, in This Week, Gennadiy Golovkin systematically broke down Curtis Stevens.

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But should Parker be punished too severely for rolling the dice again? And we also wonder whether Oleksandr Usyk will really entertain a contest with Wardley at this stage of his career.

It looks like we’re heading for Derek Chisora-Dillian Whyte III, yet another contest set to get the PPV debate boiling over.

And in keeping with the heavyweight theme, we cruise back to 1990 and the night when Evander Holyfield popped the Buster Douglas bubble.

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Parker will rightly be the favourite but is the New Zealander’s ‘renaissance’ being overstated when one examines his recent opponents more carefully? Throw in Wardley’s astonishing will to win, alongside the potency he possesses when his punches land clean, and suddenly, the outcome widely expected might be turned on its head.

Elsewhere, the TKO invasion is gathering pace while drawing irk from Eddie Hearn and Oscar De La Hoya; George Liddard proves he’s going places; Danny Garcia might not be going anywhere; and, in This Week, we head back in time for some vintage Matthew Saad Muhammad mayhem.

Please subscribe if you can for ad-free listening and to support independent journalism.

With lots of love from all at The Opening Bell.

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In a searingly honest interview, Olympic medalist and former British heavyweight champion David Price reflects on his eventful career, detailing the highs of the early days and how he reset to cope with what followed.

He’s taken back to 2012 and his bombastic knockout of Audley Harrison, a night when Price looked on the brink of conquering the world.

Price describes exactly how he felt back then - so youthful and invincible with Tyson Fury in his sights - and how different he would feel when his ascent was thwarted by two sobering losses to Tony Thompson.

Further defeats came as Price battled with the suffocating pressure of his profession before eventually crafting an exit route that allowed him to build a new life away from boxing.

Fascinating, revealing, uplifting and funny, this interview with Price is one we’d strongly advise you take the time to kick back and enjoy.

Thanks as always, dear friends, for your support.

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Has Dave Allen bitten off more than he can chew with Arslanbek Makhmudov or is the threat that awaits the British heavyweight somewhat overrated?

Ben Whittaker has made the switch from Boxxer to Matchroom but can Eddie Hearn work his old magic with his current box of tricks?

What does the future hold for Nathaniel Collins after narrowly failing to win the European title?

And in This Week, we felt it appropriate to take in some vintage Ricky Hatton as he tears through Michael Stewart in 2005.

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Is the sport in rude health, as those currently earning handsomely from the involvement of Turki Alalshikh always suggest, or is the sport struggling in the midst of a new era?

Up for discussion is the length and frequency of boxing shows, the positives and negatives of the Saudi invasion, boxing’s exposure in the outside world, and the television landscape.

We’d welcome your feedback on the issues that are discussed and, as always, thank you for listening to the Opening Bell.

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Eubank’s astonishing claims painted some dreadful pictures that British boxing could have done without. And it leaves some seasoned observers preparing to watch happens next through their fingers.

In far more warming fare, Alex and Matt were at the British Boxing Hall of Fame; a ceremony that reminded them what makes this sport so special.

In This Week, we go all the way back to 1953 and a time when Rocky Marciano was as the world heavyweight champion and his old

rival Roland LaStarza was his leading contender.

Your support, in which ever way you can manage it, is hugely appreciated. Subscribe if you can, follow us if you can’t, and spread the word.

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From his early career, when the road ahead seemed neverending, to the fights that shaped a world champion who would become a British boxing legend.

Through it all are personal memories of Hatton, insights into his adorable character, his wicked sense of humour, and the troubled mind behind the scenes.

Our thoughts remain with his family, his myriad friends and his supporters, all whom will always know there really is only one Ricky Hatton.

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On Saturday night, against the mighty Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford exhibited superior speed, skills, and smarts as he captured an era-defining victory on the cards. It was almost like he knew what was going to happen all along.

Yet it was the news on Sunday morning, that Ricky Hatton was dead, which produced the weekend’s biggest shockwaves. We will bring you a separate podcast later this week dedicated to the one and only Hatton, a ferocious fighter and magical man, who will be forever adored.

In This Week, we go back to 1985 to produce another exhibit for the size-doesn’t-matter files. This time it was Michael Spinks rising two weight classes to challenge heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, who was 48-0 heading in and a big favourite.

Thanks to everyone who continue to support The Opening Bell.

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There’s the styles of the fighters, the physical equipment, the ages and recent form to consider. We also go in-depth on the stats to reveal some surprising facts which you won’t be able to resist sharing in the boozer to impress all your mates.

There’s more to consider, too, like the future echoes of TKO’s desire for a complete takeover of the sport, The Ring blocking reputable media from attending, the sanctioning bodies losing their way, and the gargantuan broadcast platform for the event, Netflix.

Fear not, Matt and Alex make their predictions - with one forecast suggesting that drugs were taken during the consideration process.

To close things out we go back to the 1990s for This Week In History when Mike Tyson scared Bruce Seldon to such a degree his legs stopped working.

We hope you enjoy this episode. If you do, please spread the word, tell your buddies, put it on nice and loud in the office so everyone can enjoy it, and hit subscribe to really help us out.

Until next time, amigos.

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With Joseph Parker in talks for an October showdown with Fabio Wardley, we wonder if he could be about to fall at the last hurdle in his long quest for a shot at Oleksandr Usyk.

We pay tribute to the memory of Joe Bugner, the great British heavyweight who fought some of the best heavyweights in history.

There’s the Canelo-Crawford undercard to discuss, too. No bogus titles, no elongated fights - but will there be value for money for the punter?

Also, in a special This Week, we head back to a pivotal period in heavyweight history to focus on Michael Spinks taking on Steffan Tangstad in 1986.

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There isn’t another sport, at least not a major one, that could stage such a daft sideshow and it would steal the attention from the real competition to this extent.

Paul himself admits he’s redesigning the boxing and it’s difficult to disagree; his fights will continue to generate significantly higher audiences than anyone else, thanks in no small part to the involvement of Netflix.

Whether it really happens, and whether it can happen considering it’s a crusierweight vs a lightweight, is of course also worthy of discussion.

Elsewhere, Mark Chamberlain and Jack Rafferty fought to a thrilling draw in a bout far more worthy of our attention.

In This Week, we cruise back to 1992 to witness the rematch of the wizards: James Toney vs Mike McCallum.

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Itauma was faultless, from his movement to the shot selection and exquisite execution. The potential is seemingly limitless but, before we get too carried away and anoint Itauma as the greatest heavyweight in history, let’s apply some context.

And when we do that, the truth remains that Itauma is yet to defeat a live contender. With that in mind, surely talk of him challenging Oleksandr Usyk is wildly premature. Or is it?

We examine Daniel Dubois’ habit of changing trainers when the going gets tough and, in This Week, we head back in time for an early indicator of what was to come in the career of Terence Crawford.

Thanks for listening, one and all.

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Alex and Matt discuss this as well as the news lines and the other heavyweight fight on the Saudi bill as David Adeleye steps up against Filip Hrgovic.

Also on the card is Nick Ball, the fearsome featherweight who would’ve made a mouthwatering opponent for the 1980’s fizzbang Jeff Fenech who is remembered in our weekly archive reflection in This Week.

Thanks for listening, spread the word and please, if you can, support the pod courtesy of Patreon.

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Though probably not as silly as the party that was staged for Daniel Dubois mere hours before he stepped in the ring to take on the formidable Oleksandr Usyk.

Nor is it as troubling as plans to match Ike Ibeabuchi and Danny Williams, both 52, in what is sure to be a grisly spectacle… should it happen, of course.

We also reflect on Regis Prograis’ latest outing before ending on a high: A peak Hector Camacho trouncing the excellent Jose Luis Ramirez triggers stories aplenty about one of the most colourful characters of 1980’s boxing.

It’s Macho time!

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In a truly inspirational interview, Gallagher explains his battle with cancer while revealing his astonishing fighting spirit.

He also discusses the cruelty of social media, the progress of his stable and academy, and explains his plans for the future.

Please like and share this one - it deserves to be heard.

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Returning to The Opening Bell is Commentator, former world champion and all round funny man Barry Jones who was ringside at Wembley watching Usyk and is Bam’s No1 fan. Barry gives us a fighter’s insight into the technical wizardry of this talented pair with thoughts on what their boxing futures look like.

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We examine exactly why, the low blow from fight one and Dubois’ subsequent upturn in form, and make our picks for the Wembley Stadium showdown.

Katie Taylor at last proved her superiority over Amanda Serrano, Shakur Stevenson turned up the excitement against William Zepeda and Hamzah Sheeraz, while thrashing Edgar Berlanga, signalled his arrival at super-middleweight.

The issue of drugs in boxing yet again threatens to boil over and, in This Week, we go back to 2011 and a barnburner between Kevin Mitchell and John Murray.

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We explore what makes fighters so eager to sacrifice themselves to boxing and why the sport is so difficult to walk away from.

We look back on the chaotic ending to the disappointing contest between Jack Catterall and Harlem Eubank, and preview Shakur Stevenson-William Zepeda alongside Edgar Berlanga-Hamzah Sheeraz.

In This Week, we go back to 1980’s Fight of the Year which saw Matthew Saad Muhammad craft yet another miracle against Yaqui Lopez.

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Scotney is in typically captivating form throughout as he expresses her opinion on drug cheats, two-minute rounds, and shares her fondness for some vintage Orlando Canizales action.

We hope you enjoy.

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September 20 has been confirmed as the date for the rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. We just about got out of the first one unscathed - but might there be trouble ahead?

Chris’ cousin, Harlem Eubank, leaps up in class this weekend when he takes on Jack Catterall. On paper, Catterall looks like a worthy favourite but a case for the upset can be made.

At heavyweight, Deontay Wilder is back. But there appears an awfully long way still to go.

And finally, best for last. In This Week we go back to a fateful night in Liverpool when Tony Thompson beat David Price for the second time. The Steed unleashed a commentary masterclass that night and conducted two unforgettable post-fight interviews. Simply unmissable reflections.

Enjoy and spread the good word of The Opening Bell.

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Last weekend, there was a shock defeat for Galal Yafai at the hands of Francisco Rodriguez who exhibited astonishing energy for each of the 12 rounds.

And on the same week that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr takes on Jake Paul, we journey back in time to focus on Julio Cesar Chavez see red after tasing blood.

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The potential of both Richardson Hitchins and Andy Cruz is discussed in detail before we preview the latest showcase for Galal Yafai.

And in This Week, we pinpoint the fight that triggered the spellbinding peak of Vasiliy Lomachenko.

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Fabio Wardley came through what threatened to be a sobering homecoming at Portman Road to demolish Justis Huni with a single shot. What did that fight say about those two heavyweights?

The retirements of Vasiliy Lomachenko and Delicious Orie are up for discussion as we examine the brutal yet addictive nature of the sport.

In This Week, we go back to 1981 and the great Larry Holmes hammering Leon Spinks to defeat in three rounds.

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Over in Barnsley, in another football stadium show, Callum Simpson takes on Ivan Zucco, an Italian southpaw, for the European super middleweight title. Like Wardley, Simpson stands on the edge of world class waters. And like Wardley, there’s still a sense that he might need one or two more fights before jumping in.

Over in America last weekend, the career of Caleb Plant screeched to an unexpected halt after being foiled by that pesky ‘tune-up’. His future hangs in the balance.

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Also in Glasgow was Josh Taylor being upset by Ekow Essuman in a fiery 12-rounder that has implications for both on the world scene.

This Week In History is proud to present one of the most chaotic, comedic and combustible heavyweight collisions in memory. We strongly advise you watch this one - the astonishing battle between Danny Williams and Konstantin Airich from 2008.

Go well, one and all.

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Johnny Fisher saw his unbeaten record ruined by Dave Allen last weekend which stirred opinion on matchmaking and the futures of both heavyweights.

Tyson Fury again teased a comeback and, frankly, we’re now not even attempting to stifle the yawn.

In This Week In History we head back to 1985 when Rocky Lockridge collided with Wilfredo Gomez in a bout retrospectively regarded to end with stinking bad decision. But, phew, what a scrap it was.

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In Nottingham last weekend, Anthony Cacace produced his latest impressive beatdown when he halted the plucky but outgunned Leigh Wood.

We look ahead to the heavyweight rematch between Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen and go all the way back to 1970 when Ken Buchanan made one last stop at British level before taking over the world.

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The New York experiment didn’t exactly work with three forgettable bouts hidden away in a small corner of Times Square and Canelo was forced to play another game of cat and mouse in which barely a punch landed. Will a contest with Terence Crawford be any different?

Whether all that was down to poor planning or simply bad luck, it was a relief when Naoya Inoue provided some thrills and spills in Las Vegas. But does another trip to the canvas mean we’re witnessing the beginning of the end of his peak years?

We also look ahead to Leigh Wood’s scrap with Anthony Cacace and back to Oscar De La Hoya showcasing his superstar potential against Rafael Ruelas in This Week.

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As Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois confirm their summer sequel, a rerun of the Chris Eubank Jr-Conor Benn affair seems almost certain. But does every big fight need a rematch?

There are further thoughts on Eubank Jr’s battle with Benn - and the scales - with an update from the BBBoC on those images of Eubank trying to make weight.

We look ahead to a bustling weekend featuring Canelo Alvarez, Teofimo Lopez, Naoya Inoue, Devin Haney and the returning Ryan Garcia.

In This Week, we rewatch the heavyweight slugfest between Vitali Klitschko and Corrie Sanders.

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Perhaps it should be for Eubank, who acted his age in more ways than one while containing the youthful abandon of Benn.

It threatened to mimic WWE at the start, as the fathers played their role in the circus, but it was a fight we’ll never forget and one that left the winner in hospital. And regardless of all that came before in this long and winding story, perhaps that final plot twist is the most pertinent of them all.

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We examine the form, age and weight of the fighters, the history of the rivalry, and ponder who will have their hand raised at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ben Whittaker’s victory over Liam Cameron, alongside the stoppage, the aftermath and the undercard, are also discussed in detail.

We hear from Ellie Scotney and, in This Week, go back to 2009 to relive a frenzied featherweight battle that lit up Belfast’s Ulster Hall.

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How does the story end?

It’s been a long road to get here but it seems that Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are actually going to have a fight. But who wins?

Eubank Jr is the favourite but does he still have what it takes at the age of 35? Benn is a live underdog but can he really bridge the gap?

And how does it feel for those who have followed this tale from the start, who have lived through the failures, the disappointments, and the incompetency?

Regardless, it’s been a gripping saga - and one that was always destined to end in a fight.

Some additional reading for those who are inclined:

https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/chris-eubank-jnr-vs-conor-benn-the-definitive-timeline-of-a-dirty-fight

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Critics still say he takes too many punches and one wonders if the talent pool at welterweight is deep enough to take him forward. Yet there should be no doubt he’s a very special fighter.

Yet Hannah Rankin’s journey in combat sports might be reaching its end after a grisly KO loss in BKB saw her lying unconscious.

And we reflect on the penultimate fight in Chris Eubank’s career as This Week In History focuses on the British superstar climbing to cruiserweight to challenge Carl ‘The Cat’ Thompson.

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Last December, Jarrell Miller walked into the WBA convention and asked to be moved into the top five of their heavyweight rankings. The sanctioning body did better than that - they’ve reintroduced their interim title for him to contest.

Also at heavyweight, Joe Joyce turned in a typically gutsy showing but came up short against Filip Hrgovic. What now for the Juggernaut?

In This Week, heavyweights remain the theme as we go back to 2004 and a devastating loss that turned out to be the making of Wladimir Klitschko.

Thanks, one and all, for the ongoing support.

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