Episodes

  • WARDLEY vs. DUBOIS: WHO WINS? | USYK vs. BENAVIDEZ? | NAOYA INOUE

    WARDLEY vs. DUBOIS: WHO WINS? | USYK vs. BENAVIDEZ? | NAOYA INOUE
    May 5 2026
    With breath just about regained Alex Steedman and Matt Christie reflect on a whizzbang weekend that included a majestic victory for Naoya Inoue, a stunning demolition from David Benavidez, and a hellfire slugfest between Conah Walker and Sam Eggington. There’s also the not-so-small matter of Fabio Wardley-Daniel Dubois to discuss. That WBO heavyweight title fight is laced with intrigue and is all but guaranteed to deliver another rock ‘em, sock ‘em affair in the land of the giants. But who wins? Benavidez, though, is the current man of the moment after he took Gilberto Ramirez apart with astonishing savagery to leave fans – and now Team Benavidez – considering the prospect of a move to heavyweight and a challenge to Oleksandr Usyk. In Japan, there was mastery of a different kind on display as Inoue boxed beautifully to outpoint closest rival Junto Nakatani over 12 rounds. It was a contest of high quality but triggered the question: Did Nakatani give it absolutely everything? On the same day, Sam Eggington was yet again left bleeding and bruised after a two-way brawl with the irrepressible Conah Walker. We wonder if that might spell the end for Eggington and what comes next for Walker. In This Week we go back to 1989 when Herol Graham encountered Mike McCallum in a battle for the vacant WBA middleweight title and BBC staff, including Harry Carpenter, were on strike so no commentary was provided. What a time to be alive, folks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • THE JINX SPINKS BIOGRAPHER – JACK HIRSCH

    THE JINX SPINKS BIOGRAPHER – JACK HIRSCH
    May 1 2026
    In a real treat of a bonus podcast, we get to know a stalwart of the US boxing circuit, the one and only Jack Hirsch. Jack fell in love with boxing as a youngster but after a spell as an amateur and getting beaten up by world middleweight champions in sparring, he realised his calling was on the other side of the ropes. Witness to some of the most important fights in history, Jack talks us through watching Muhammad Ali and Roberto Duran in New York, his move into journalism and getting to know the legends of the sport. One of those, the great light-heavyweight and heavyweight Michael ‘The Jinx’ Spinks is the subject of Jack’s first book. The process of writing that is a fascinating listen, as is his opinions on boxing journalism today. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • JOSHUA V FURY – MOSES NEXT MOVE – INOUE V NAKATANI – BENEVIDEZ V RAMIREZ

    JOSHUA V FURY – MOSES NEXT MOVE – INOUE V NAKATANI – BENEVIDEZ V RAMIREZ
    Apr 28 2026
    It’s on! Anthony Joshua will at last fight Tyson Fury. But hang on, will he really? The contracts have been signed but Joshua must get through a July 25th fight before that. He also needs to see how he feels being back in the ring after the tragic events of four months ago. And will Fury have an interim fight himself? With this pair, we just don’t know. Also set to fight on July 25th is Moses Itauma but he has no opponent in place yet. We examine the reasons why this next step is such a crucial one for Itauma’s development. The upcoming weekend is shaping up to be a cracker with Inoue – Nakatani, Ramirez – Benevidez and Walker – Eggington to enjoy. And finally in This Week, we cruise back to 1980 for some Wilfredo Gomez action which commentator Howard Cossell describes as a “national embarrassment.’ Keep it real folks, stick with The Opening Bell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • THE PROSPECT - REESE LYNCH

    THE PROSPECT - REESE LYNCH
    Apr 25 2026
    Time for The Opening Bell podcast to check in with unbeaten boxer Reese Lynch for a glimpse behind the scenes in the life of a boxing prospect. We talk sparring sensibly, dealing with cuts, going on after the main event, money, haircuts, fight outfits and much, much more. The Prospect series hopes to lift the bonnet on the boxing business so follow, subscribe and stay tuned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • RISE OF WHITTAKER – FALL OF KINAHAN

    RISE OF WHITTAKER – FALL OF KINAHAN
    Apr 21 2026
    Ben Whittaker unleashed his latest dazzling display at the weekend with another early blowout. But is the newfound fire enough to take him to the top? And if it is, which opponents does he need to get there? The fall of Daniel Kinahan, who last week was arrested in Dubai, will leave many wondering if those who were happy to do business with him a few years ago remain so today. There is breaking news of Lawrence Okolie failing a test. As the show records, we find out that Okolie is on the front foot when it comes to clearing his name. And in This Week, we fire up the burners back to 1992 for some Frank Bruno mania and vintage Des Lynam. Please follow and subscribe to The Opening Bell; your only choice for independent reporting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • FURY V JOSHUA? – BENN’S POWER CUT

    FURY V JOSHUA? – BENN’S POWER CUT
    Apr 14 2026
    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. Keep supporting The Opening Bell – your only choice for truly independent reporting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • DEL BOY’S LAST STAND? TYSON FURY RETURNS

    DEL BOY’S LAST STAND? TYSON FURY RETURNS
    Apr 7 2026
    Was the punishing and chaotic loss to Deontay Wilder really Derek Chisora’s last fight? Though dramatic in places, it certainly felt like the end of something. The performance of Chisora, again beyond plucky, triggers discussion about the complexities of retirement. Wilder meanwhile, just about proved there might be some gas left in the tank but how far can that feasibly take him? 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • CHISORA V WILDER – DENZEL BENTLEY

    CHISORA V WILDER – DENZEL BENTLEY
    Mar 31 2026
    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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    52 mins