We are back and ready for an intriguing weekend of action in Texas headlined by the return of hard punching Vergil Ortiz in the main event. Plus, we have some news involving the likes of Jake Paul, Ryan Garcia and other fights being finalized, etc. It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"

Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael and they are ready to go over it all.

We start with the preview of the Golden Boy/DAZN card Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas with Ortiz taking on former world title challenger Erickson Lubin for Ortiz’s WBC interim junior middleweight title. Ortiz is ready for a title shot himself, but the veteran Lubin will pose a threat.

Plus, Dan goes over the undercard:
Darius Fulghum vs. David Stevens, 10 rounds, super middleweights
Amari Jones vs. Shady Gamhour, 10 rounds, middleweights
Joshua Edwards vs. Zeno Vooris, 6 rounds, heavyweights
Robin Safar vs. Derick Miller Jr., 10 rounds, cruiserweights 
Then some news:
Jake Paul destroys Gervonta Davis on social media for being all the things that everyone knew he was, but now, the "fight" with Davsi is off and it's time to tell the truth. We discuss.

Next, the WBC lifts its ban on Ryan Garcia, clearing a major hurdle toward Marios Barrios defending the WBC welterweight title against him in early 2026. There's "healthy debate" about this.

Dan, marks the death this week of polarizing PED guru Victor Conte, who was heavily involved in boxing, but also eventually put in prison for his actions/drug cheating etc. He died this week at age 75 from pancreatic cancer. Dan go to know him pretty well over the past several years. and shares the complex part of whether Conte should be viewed differently at the end of his life.  

Next, the heavys and the IBF has scheduled a Nov. 13 purse bid for the final heavyweight title eliminator between Frank Sanchez and former titlist Daniel Dubois. But, will this fight happen? 

Also, Dan is reporting that despite Queensberry promoter Frank Warren and British heavyweights Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte talking up a third fight and it being penciled in to headline a DAZN PPV event on December 13, the fight has been scrapped.

Finally, Golden Boy working to finalize a January rematch between welterweight contenders Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel, who fought a blazing draw this past December. And there are plans in the works for super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga to challenge WBA interim titlist Armando Resendiz on a PBC show in early 2026.

Hear us talk it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Off of a weekend that hsd controversial action in England, up and coming fighters in Orlando, FL and more we are back on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."

Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return with their insight and takes.

First, a recap of Saturday Queensberry DAZN main event in Manchester
Light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi decision over Zach Parker in what Dan says was a horrendous fight and worse decisio! We go over it.
 Then, a recap of the Saturday Matchroom DAZN card in Orlando, Fla.
Heavyweight Lenier Pero decisions Jordan Thompson over 10.
Junior middleweight prospect Omari Jones TKO3 against Yusuph Metu and  Cruiserweight Pat Brown KO2 Felix Valera.

Also, Mikaela Mayer wins an easy decision over Mary Spencer to win her WBA, but also the vacant WBC/WBO women's 154 lb. titles. T.J. has an issue with the two additional belts being "bestowed" on Mayer for no reason.
 
Finally, some news

A deal is close for a deal for Ryan Garcia to challenge WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios in the first quarter of 2026 in Las Vegas in a joint DAZN/PBC PPV. Dan has the lastest. But, could Garcia have another option because.....

The Jake Paul-Tank Davis November 14 exhibition is in jeopardy because of Davis' latest domestic violence accusations, MVP looking for a replacement and likely to change the date.

Meanwhile, Eddie Hearn said on the DAZN show when asked by Mannix if Joshua would fight this year and he said “Yes” Hmmmm. We have thoughts.

Also, Matchroom Boxing is planning to the IBF lightweight title fight between Raymond Muratalla and mandatory challenger Andy Cruz for Jan. 24 to headline on DAZN at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. We discuss.


And, Manny Pacquiao confirmed this week that he is indeed in talks for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather. The guys go over it.

Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreker/Spotify, etc.!

Some action on two continents to go over, will aged, legends rematch next year and more is all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"

Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael return with their takes on everything.

First, they preview Saturday’s Queensberry Promotions/DAZN main event from Manchester, England.
Joshua Buatsi vs. Zach Parker, 12 rounds, light heavyweights. Buatsii is looking to get a title shot with a main event win here. Will Parker provide a challenge?
 
Next a preview briefly Saturday’s Matchrooom/Boxlab/DAZN from Orlando, Florida
Cuban Lenier Pero vs. Jordan Thompson, 10 rounds, heavyweights
Prospect Omari Jones vs. Yusuph Metu, 6 rounds, junior middleweights and prospect Pat Brown vs. Felix Valera, 10 rounds, cruiserweights. Dan has more on the whole card.
 
News

Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao 2 talks are advanced down the road for first part of next year.... What are we doing here 11 years after their first fight?!

Top Rank and Matchroom Boxing are in talks for junior lightweight unification fight between WBO titlist Emanuel Navarrete and WBO titlist Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez for early 2026. Dan explains why it's likely to happen.

A deal has been made for IBF junior middleweight titlist Bakhram Murtazaliev and mandatory challenger Josh Kelly to meet in January in England. This, as this week’s purse bid was canceled. We finally see Bakhram return after he destroyed Tim Tszyu more than 15 months before this fight.

PBC finalizes the Pitbull-Roach card for December 6 by rescheduling O’Shaquie Foster WBC junior lightweight title defense vs. Stephen Fulton. This is an impressive card.

And, lightweight contender Floyd Schofield Jr. has suffered a wrist injury and withdrawn from a scheduled 10-rounder against former junior lightweight titlist Joseph Diaz Jr. That bout was to have served as the co-feature of the Vergil Ortiz-Erickson Lubin card on Nov. 8 

It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

A thrilling main event in London leads our show as Fabio Wardley has become the WBO's interim champ at heavyweight and we're ready to go over the win and the impiclications on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"

Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back to go over it all.

First, it's the recap of the Queensberry/DAZN PPV main event from London
and Wardley's TKO of Parker to win the WBO interim strap. Dan and T.J. disagree about the stoppage and it's a healthy debate! Plus, will Wardley get a shot at undisputed champ Oleksandr Usyk around March or at all?

Then, some news:
Queensberry Promotions is trying to finalize a fight between British former heavyweight world title challengers Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte, which would headline a DAZN PPV card on Dec. 13 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Likely moves Moses Itauma's next fight into February. But, why not have Itauma fight quicker and maybe fight Wardley at the beginning of part of 2026?

Also, Queensberry announces it is going to begin putting on events in Germany beginning with the talented WBC interim heavyweight titlist Agit Kabayel defending vs. opponent TBA. Dan has more on why?

Next, he's reporting that the Janibek Alimkhanuly-Erislandy Lara three-belt middleweight unification fight is signed for December 6th and will be the co-feature on the "PBC on Prime Video" PPV card headlined by Pitbull Cruz-Lamont Roach Jr. in San Antonio, TX.

Also, former WBO junior middleweight titlist Tim Tszyu, months after he got dominated and stopped by Sebastian Fundora in their Jully rematch, says he has parted ways with career-long trainer Igor Goloubev and will now train in Miami with Pedro Diaz. What about this move for Tszyu?

And, Manny Pacquiao’s son, 24-year-old lightweight Manny “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr., will turn pro on November 29 on the first Manny Pacquiao Promotions card in the United States at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. He’s in a four-rounder vs. Brendan Lally, who is also turning pro.

We also briefly talk Thursday’s Eye of the Tiger/Top Rank main event from Montreal, as
Mary Spencer meets Mikaela Mayer, for Spencer’s WBA women’s junior middleweight title

Finally, a little Nostalgia
October 25, 1990 — 35 years ago on Saturday – Evander Holyfield kayoed Buster Douglas with one shot to win the undisputed heavyweight title. We relive how Douglas went from the highest of highs in the upset of Tyson that February to being 25 lbs. overweight and done as a champ forever eight months later. And, it was the begining of Holyfield's long run as a hall of fame heavvyweight, too.

It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

A very intriguing heavyweight main event in England leads our show and we got lots of news incluidng on the heavyweight division's top stars on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"

Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to give their takes.

First a preview of Saturday’s Queensberry/DAZN PPV main event from London
Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley, 12 rounds, for Parker’s WBO interim heavyweight title. It's a significant risk for Parker against the hard punching Wardley, when he's already in line to be the full WBO champ or get the undisputed title shot with Oleksandr Usyk next year.
 
Then, some News
We are recapping Danny Garcia's KO4 of Daniel Rodriguez last Saturday night in Brooklyn, NY. Is Danny done and is he a HOFer?

Next, Usyk says he is back in training after back injury, plans to fight in 2026 and wants to fight for three more years (until he is 41). We're not so sure on that last one.

Meanwhile, Tyson Fury strongly reiterated his retirement (yet, again) in an interview with YouTube channel FurociTV. We still don't believe him at this point.

And, then that leaves... After teasing a December return for Anthony Joshua, Eddie Hearn has said he won’t be back until at least February and perhaps, in Africa. Will Joshua end up fighting Fury??

Next, Matchroom Boxing on Thursday won the purse bid for the fight between IBF lightweight titlist Raymond Muratalla and Matchroom-promoted mandatory challenger Andy Cruz. Dan has the latest.

Former IBF welterweight titlist Kell Brook is ending a four-year retirement an will fight on February 13 to honor his friend Ricky Hatton. He fights Eisa Al Dah, who was supposed to fight Hatton in December, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  

And, finally, Top Rank has no deal for a platform yet but announced that it will show the Mary Spencer-Mikaela Mayer card from Montreal that headlines an Eye of the Tiger Promotions card on its Top Rank Classics channel, which is free on major FAST hubs, including Tubi, Pluto and Roku. We have more on that.

It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Coming up Saturday night in London, the interim WBO heavyweight champ will risk his position and interim belt in a Queensberry Promotions main event. But, before that happens, hear from Joseph Paker with our insider Dan Rafael on this special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"

Parker Defends his WBO interim heavyweight title vs. England's Fabio Wardley at The O2 In London headlining the DAZN PPV event. At stake for both, is a possible pathway to fight undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in a massive opportunity. At the minimum, the winner would eventually be promoted to the full WBO title, if Usyk won't him.

Dan goes over it all and talks with Parker, 36-3, about his string of recent impressive wins over former WBC heavweight champ Deontay Wilder, massive Chinese contender Zhilei Zhang and a quick KO of Martin Bakole earlier this year. 

Wardley is dangerous with a 19-0-1 record and couple of large recent KOs on his resume' that make him a threat to Parker.

Hear it all as part of this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify! 
 

It's yet another light weekend worldwide in the sport, but there is a decent name coming back in the ring in New York and the WBO interim heavyweight champ Joseph Parker is also our guest on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast.

Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter.

 
First, a preview of the Saturday's Swift Promotions main at Barclays Center/Brooklyn on Million.co PPV, as Junior middleweight Danny Garcia returns vs. Daniel Gonzalez, 10 rounds in his supposed farewell fight. Dan talked to Garcia recently and gives more.
 
Then, the Parker Interview, as he meets Fabio Wardley October 25th at The O2 Arena In London headlining a Queensberry Promotions DAZN PPV event. Parker taking a significant risk, when he could be fighting Oleksandr Usyk next by sitting tight.
 
Next, some News

Top Rank confirms the November show in Mexico with their fighters fighting on the Zanfier Promotions card headlined by Rafael Espinoza defending his WBO Featherweight crown. We have the latest.

Next, an Update on the Itauama/Pulev-Gassiev heavyweight situation with the WBA. Dan explains.

The California athletic commission on Wednesday voted 6-0 to endorse the TKO/Zuffa-based "Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act." There's good back and forth on the situation.

Also, Amanda Serrano will return to featherweight to defend her unified WBO/WBA women’s titles against Erika Cruz in a rematch of their epic battle in 2023. The fight tops the MVP card on January 3rd on DAZN in San Juan.

Back to the always comical WBA, as they ordered newly elevated welterweight titleholder Rolando Romero and mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov to meet next. Rolly supposed to, however, fight Manny Pacquiao in January.

They have also ordered WBA featherweight titlist Nick Ball to next face mandatory challenger Brandon Figueroa, which is a much better fight, if it comes off.

And, Matchroom announced super middleweight contenders Diego Pacheco and Kevin Lele Sadjo will meet in the main event Dec. 13 (DAZN) at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton, California. Meanwhile, WBC cruiserweight titlist Badou Jack and former titlist Noel Mikaelian will meet in a rematch on Dec.13 at a venue to be announced in Los Angeles. First fight was a highly disputed decision in May.

It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast

We got back to action in the ring in Philly and in Sheffield, England and we're ready to go over both the main events, add some fight news and more on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"

Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.

First, a recap of Saturday night’s Matchroom/DAZN card in Philadelphia
Junior middleweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis TKO1 Uisma Lima, wins the (don't laught) vacant WBA interim title. So, what's next for Boots in this one? 

In the co-feature Heavyweight Guido Vianello KO5 of Alexis Barriere in what's likely his best win as a pro.

Then, we recap Saturday’s Matchroom/DAZN main event earlier in the day in the U.S. from  Sheffield, England 

Heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov out punched David Allen in a really intriguing fight for a 12 round decision. Is the name Anthony Johsua on the horizon, too?
Then, to some Fight news
Sebastian Fundora is injured, PBC postpones the Keith Thurman PPV fight and also, the entire Oct. 25 card is now gone. Dan has the latest on the reschedule of the main event and an uppdate on where the other fights are going?

Dan is reporting that WBO/IBF middleweight titlist Janibek Alimkhanuly and WBA titleholder Erislandy Lara deal is nearly done for them to in a three-belt unification that be co-feature on the Pitbull Cruz-Lamont Roach Jr. PBC PPV card on Dec. 6.

Former undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev is off the Nov. 22 Ring magazine card. But, it's not an injury. Dan has learned more.

We reminisce on the passing of longtime ABC boxing analyst Alex Wallau who died at age 80 earlier last week. Wallau is definitely known for commentating on some significant fights in the 1980s in particular.

During the Ennis-Lima card, it was also announced that super middleweight Diego Pacheco will face  Kevin Lele Sadjo in the main event of a Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card on Dec. 13 in Stockton, California. Dan has more on Pacheco's opponent and is this his biggest threat to date?

It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify!

Finally some decent action in the ring this weekend in both Philly and England and we're ready to go over it and the news and more on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast.

Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back aboard to go over it all.

They start with the preview of Saturday's Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card in Philadelphia

Jaron “Boots” Ennis vs. Uisma Lima, 12 rounds, for vacant WBA interim junior middleweight title. Boots has moved up but the opponent is...questionable, to be kind. We discuss.

And, the co feature has Alexis Barriere vs. Guido Vianello, 10 rounds, heavyweights. Anything of note here? 

Next, a preview of the Saturday Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event in Sheffield, England

David Allen vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov, 12 rounds, heavyweight main event. Allen is a popular fighter who's come out of retirement a couple of times and Makhmudov either KOs or gets Kay-oed. So, stay tuned.

Then, the News:

Arturo Gatti Jr., the 17 year old son of the legend and rising amateur fighter, allegedly commits suicide in Mexico this week. However, there should be questions asked, as his mother and Gatti Sr.'s widow is involved again just like the death investigation into the father's death in Brazil 16 years ago that is still shrouded in controversy. Dan has tremendous insight on this and T.J. is, let's just say, not buying the intial reports of a "suicide" for the younger Gatti, too.

Next the Issac "Pitbul" Cruzl- Lamont Roach bout had a  kick off news conference on Wednesday in San Antonio, TX ahead of their December 6 PBC Prime Video PPV. We have more.

IBF lightweight titlist Raymond Muratalla and mandatory challenger Andy Cruz have the mandatory ordered. Cruz's team at Matchroom didn’t want to negotiate and asked for immediate purse bid, which the IBF set for Oct. 16. What's it all mean and when will they likely fight?

And, Light heavyweight prospect Ben Whittaker, the polarizing, brash and tremendously talented 2020 British Olympic silver medalist, has signed “a long-term” promotional contract with Matchroom Boxing, the company announced on Monday. Will he start fighting, as much as showboating and talking about it? Stay tuned.

Finally, Nostalgia

Oct. 8, 2005 – 20 years ago on Wednesday – Jose Luis Castillo, who missed weight by 3.5 lbs, was stripped of 135 title & whose team member was suspended for scale tampering, KO'd Diego Corrales in round 4 of a shootout in the rematch of their legendary first fight five months earlier. Big Dan was at the crazy weigh-in and then, ringside for the Castillo KO.

It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

Coming up on Saturday night October 18th, former two-division champion Danny "Swift" Garcia ends a 13-month layoff and will headline his own Swift Promotions card at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 

Garcia will meet Daniel Gonzalez in a 10-round junior middleweight bout in what is billed as his “Farewell to Brooklyn”

However, before he steps into the ring once more, Garcia spoke at length to our insider Dan Rafael, who wanted to know more about why comeback? Why do it now and is he really serious about continuing to fight on after this bout?

Hear the very interesting answers to it all on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

It's arguably the greatest heavyweight title ever and it fight took place in Manila, Philippines (of all places) with "The Greatest" Muhammad Ali winning the trilogy fight with his arch rival "Smokin' Joe" Frazier dubbed "The Thrilla in Manila!"

And, on the 50th anniversary of Ali's win, we're recapping it on a special "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast!"

Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael re-live the buildup to their third fight, why it ended up in the Far East and just how ridiculously hot it was that day in the arena?

Ali and Frazier pounded each other for 14 rounds before Frazier's corner stopped the bout for the Ali TKO to retain the heavyweight crown. It's still regarded half a century later as the hardest, toughest battle of both of their hall of fame careers.

This is as good as it gets with nostalgia!

And, make sure to follow/subscribe to this podcast feed on Apple/Spreaker//Spotify, etc.!

Yet another light week in the the ring, but we have plenty to go over and a former 2 time world champ joins us for a conversation too on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."

Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return to go over it all.

First, a preview
Saturday in Lilliestram, Norway on "UFC Fight Pass," Ema Kozin vs. Cecilia Braekhus, for Kozin’s WBC/WBO women’s junior middleweight title

This is the announced farewell fight for Cecilia Braekhus at home in Norwway. She is the former longtime women’s undisputed welterweight champion and one of the best female boxers of all time. She made 25 welterweight title defenses during her 2009 to 2020 title reign.The guys talk her brillant career.

Then, a DANNY GARCIA interivew with Dan
Former two-division champion ends a 13-month layoff and will headline his own Swift Promotions card at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, vs. Daniel Gonzalez, a 10-round junior middleweight bout later this month. It is billed as “Farewell to Brooklyn” for Garcia.
 
News

The 2026 International Boxing Hall of Fame ballots are out. Dan has the details on new editions in the various categories that will be voted on later in the year.

Next, Canelo Alvarez is now set for left elbow surgery on Oct. 23. We have the latest on the injury and does it impact his 2026 and beyond??

Next, it's official this week: Paramount+ and Zuffa Boxing announced their expected rights deal that will add Zuffa events to the streamer, which in August also announced a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal to acquire all U.S. broadcast and streaming rights for sister company UFC.
Paramount+ will stream 12 Zuffa Boxing events in 2026 “with plans to grow that number in subsequent years.” The deal is for rights in the United States, Canada and Latin America. There is discussion.

Per Dan's reporting, Issac "Pitbull" Cruz vs. Lamont Roach is a PBC PPV and will be Dec. 6 at the Frost Bank Center, which is the home arena of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs.

And, WBO featherweight titlist Rafael Espinoza will make his fourth defense against Arnold Khegai in the headliner of a Zanfer Promotions card on Nov. 15 in San Luis Potosi, per multiple sources. Various other Top Rank fighters on the show including: Lindolfo Delgado, etc.


Finally, a little Nostalgia
Oct. 2, 2004 — 21 years ago on Thursday – Felix Trinidad exits a 2½-year retirement and returned to face fellow former welterweight and junior middleweight titlist Ricardo Mayorga in a middleweight bout at Madison Square Garden. Was a great battle, great KO, sick atmosphere. Big Dan was ringside and remembers it all well.


It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

With another light weekend of action (or lack thereof) in the ring, we decided to go to a "heavyweight" in the boxing media outside of it. This, as ESPN's Mark Kriegel joined our coverage on Youtube and hear on the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast."

On this special video/pod we have an extended conversation with the ESPN broadcaster and noted columnist/author for over 35 years, Kriegel, who has written a new book on Tyson's rise from trouble as a teenager into the fearsome heavyweight champ he became at just 20 years old.

It's called "Baddest Man... The Making Of Mike Tyson" and our insider Dan Rafael with T.J. Rives enjoyed reminiscing with Mark about the dominance of Tyson in the mid to late 1980s. Get tremendous insight on the early days of Mike Tyson's seemingly invincible dominance.

Make sure to like and subscribe to our "Big Fight Weekend Podcast" feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc, !

Without a significant fight card worldwided this weekend there is still plenty of news to go over headed to the final weekend of September on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."

Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over the prominent info and have some takes.

They begin with:

Jake Paul-Gervonta Davis held their media tour Monday (NYC) and Tuesday (Miami) and MVP has also announced the undercard for their November show. The guys go over it all, including what are the weight and round stipulations?

Next, Frank "the Ghost" Martin, idle since Gervonta Davis spectacularly knocked him out in the eighth round of a lightweight title bout in June 2024, will end a 16-month layoff by moving up to junior welterweight against two-division titlist Rances Barthelemy on Oct. 25 on the Fundora-Thurman free prelims. Dan gives you more.

Also, per his reporting, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will meet Lamont Roach for Cruz’s WBC interim junior welterweight title, being planned to headline a Dec. 6 or 20 PBC on Prime Video PPV. Intriguing late in the year bout.

Next, there was a presser in Japan on Thursday to officially announce Tenshin Nasukawa vs. Takuma Inoue for the vacant WBC bantamweight title vacated by Junto Nakatani last week. Inoue is the younger brother of Naoya Inoue and will try to regain a portion of the 118 lb. titles.

The Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn Nov. 15th undercard has been announced and we have more.

And, finally Lindolfo Delgado and Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela have a deal for IBF junior welterweight title eliminator for a shot at Richardson Hitchins. The probable date is Nov. 15th on a Zanfer Promotions card in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, that also likely will include several Top Rank fighters (Delgado is also with TR). Dan has all the details.

It's all part of the "BFW Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

And, fnd our Big Fight Weekend Youtube page, where you will see first our lengthy but excellent conversation with ESPN's Mark Kriegel, who has authored an "Iron Mike" Tyson book that is just out. See it Sunday evening on Youtube!

It was a rather light weekend worldwide, but there was a significant 2 world title fight card in California and of course, we're recapping that and have the newest fight news, too, on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"

Host TJ. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter to give their takes.

First, they recap the Golden Boy DAZN card Saturday night in Indio, Calif.
Strawweight Oscar Collazo TKO7 against Jayson Vayson, retains WBO/WBA title Flyweight after Vayson's corner mysteriously throws in a towel that wasn't really needed. Also, Gabriela Fundora TKO7 over Alexas Kubicki, and retains undisputed women’s title

Junior welterweight Ruslan Abdullaev W8 Kevin Johnson battle and welterweight Joel Iriarte TKO3 over Eduardo Hernandez. Dan has a little on both.
  
Then, a brief recap of the No Limit Boxing main event Thursday ib Brisbane, Australia
Former IBF junior welterweight titlist Liam Paro decisions David Papot in IBF final welterweight eliminator. Title shot against newly elevated champ Lewis Crocker in the offing?
 
Finally, some fight news
Golden Boy announces Vergil Ortiz-Lubin Nov. 28 undercard, including lightweight contender Floyd Schofield vs. Joseph Diaz Jr. Big Dan is less than thrilled.

 The Chris Eubank Jr.-Conor Benn 2 kickoff presser was last week in London. What is Eubank Jr. bizarrely claiming now?

And, we finish with the discussion of the general pitiful schedule remaining for rest of year. Pretty weak other than a Nov. 22 Saudi card. Dan is ready TO LAUNCH.

It's all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 
 

After the mega Canelo-Crawford week's conclusion, it's a lighter weekend of action, but still a pair of world title fights will take place in the same location in California. And, we're ready to go over that and the latest fight news on the "Big Fight Wekeend Preview Podcast!"

Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Big Dan Rafael to go over it all and "have their say."

First, it's a preview of the Saturday night Golden Boy DAZN card in Indio, Calif. 
Oscar Collazo vs. Jayson Vayson, 12 rounds, for Collazo’s WBO/WBA strawweight title. Collazo is an electric fighter in boxing's smallest weight class. The guys go over this bout and his future. 

Plus, Gabriela Fundora vs. Alexas Kubicki, 10 rounds, for Fundora’s undisputed women’s flyweight title. She's Dan's 2024 Femaie Fighter of the Year and Fundora (the sister of Sebastian) is back and looking for another KO.

Then, some news
Turki Alashikh announces December 27th DAZN card in Riyadh, headlinder is Inoue-Picasso and will be the. “Ring V: Night of the Samurai” – Japan vs. the world  

Canelo-Crawford Netflix numbers released and we have takes about the audience.

The WBC orders immediate rematch of Saturday’s draw on the Canelo-Crawford undercard between WBC interim super middleweight titlist Christian Mbilli and Lester Martinez, who had a war over 10 rounds. But, will we actually see this rematch? 

Jake Paul-Gervonta Davis exhibition has now moved from Atlanta to Miami. We have more on why?

And, Katie Taylor has informed the WBC she is taking time off and it has made her “in recess” 140 lb. women’s champion, ordered Chantelle Cameron-Sandy Ryan to fill title.

It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subcribe to us on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

A WILD weekend of action in the ring has conculuded and we're ready to talk Terence Crawford's tremendous performance in an upset decision win over fellow future hall of famer Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas Saturday night. We cover that bout, the undercard, a world title win for .... Lewis Crocker?... yes... and oh, Naoya "The Monster" Inoue on Sunday also. It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"

Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael, who was in Vegas for all the action to give their insight

They Recap Saturday's Zuffa show in Las Vegas on Netflix main event as super middleweight new champ Terence Crawford outfought Canelo Alvarez and wins the undisputed title super middleweight belts. How did Crawford pull this off? Where does this win put "Bud" in history of the sport? Dan has all the insights from being inside Allegiant Stadium.

Dan has more on the under card with Callum Walsh defeating Fernando Vargas Jr. and THE all action fight of the night saw super middleweight Christian Mbilli in a draw  Lester Martinez that keeps his WBC interim 168 lb title.

Dan also talks Mohammed Alakel W10 Travis Kent Crawford  And, Brandon Adams stuns Serhii Bohachuk in a rematch and Ivan Dychko defeats Jermaine Franklin in an awful, heavyweight opener.
 
Next, they recap Saturday's Matchroom Boxing main event in Belfast, Northern Ireland on DAZN Lewis Crocker defeates Paddy Donovan in their rematch over 12 rounds, for the vacant IBF welterweight title. How did Crocker pull this off, when many (including us) thought Donovan would KO him?

And we wratp with the recap of the Sunday Ohashi Promotions battle in Nagoya, Japan that saw Naoya Inoue dominate Murodjon Akhmadaliev over 12 rounds and keeps the undisputed 122 lb. ttiles. Just how great is the guy, "the Monster?!"  

Sadly, our final item is the untimely death of Hall of Fame former junior welterweight and welterweight champion Ricky Hatton at age 46. We have the latest and Dan reminisces about Hatton's in ring accomplishments and dealing with him personally at many of his fights.

It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

We are ready to go for the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford mega showdown in Vegas Satuday night on the newest edition of our "Big Fight Weekend Preview" show and podcast.

Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael, who is in Vegas, did this show as a live broadcast on our Youtube channel. And, now you are hearing it on podcast!

They Preview Saturday’s Zuffa Boxing card at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Netflix
with Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford, for Alvarez’s undisputed super middleweight title. The guys discuss. 
Also, Callum Walsh vs. Fernando Vargas Jr., 10 rounds, junior middleweights 
Christian Mbilli vs. Lester Martinez, 10 rounds, for Mbilli’s WBC interim super middleweight title and Mohammed Alakel vs. Travis Kent Crawford, 10 rounds, junior lightweights
Serhii Bohachuk vs. Brandon Adams, rematch, 10 rounds, middleweights  

Then, hear Dan one on one in conversation with Canelo from earlier this week in advance of the showdown with Crawford.

Next, they also preview Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing DAZN at Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Lewis Crocker vs. Paddy Donovan, rematch, for vacant IBF welterweight title. Donovan was dominating last time before he got DQ'ed knocking down Crocker just after the bell. What happens in the second fight?

And, a preview of Sunday’s Ohashi Promotions card in Nagoya, Japan
Naoya Inoue vs. Murodjon Akhmadaliev, for Inoue’s undisputed junior featherweight title. The "Monster" is back, but will he get a test in the defense? 

We finish with fight news
Rising British junior welterweifght star Adam Azim has has re-signed with Boxxer after rampant speculation about where he might go following the end of Boxxer’s deal with broadcaster Sky Sports and new deal with BBC, the company announced on Thursday.  

Former featherweight and junior lightweight titlist Oscar Valdez, coming off his lackluster decision over   Ricky Medina in their 130-pound bout this past Saturday in a Nogales, Mexico, homecoming fight but, had an MRI on his injured shoulder and was diagnosed two partial ruptures  

Undisputed women's flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora will face late-replacement Alexas Kubicki, who has stepped in for Ayelen Granadino, on Sept. 20. Granadino is out because she could not secure a visa to come to the United States from Argentina.  

Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Show/Podcast here on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

It was an interesting weekend all the way around with fight cards in Ireland and two in Mexico and we have those recaps, plus, there's plenty of fight news, including two legends that are apparently going to fight despite being some 80 lbs apart?! Yes, indeed and we'll cover it on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."

Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to cover it all with their thoughts.

First, they recap the Matchroom main event Saturday on DAZN in Los Mochis, Mexico
Junior lightweight Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez decisions Christopher Diaz and retains his IBF title. TREMENDOUS FIGHT says Dan. They have more.
 
Next, the Recap of the Zanfer Promotions main event Saturday on ESPN Deportes in Nogales, Mexic
Junior lightweight and former two division world champ Oscar Valdez decisions Ricky Medina, and rebounds from his KO loss to Navarrete in their title rematch.
 
Plus, a quick recap of the Wasserman Boxing main event on Friday in Dublin, Ireland
Featherweight former title challenger Michael Conlan scores an easy TOK4 of Jack Bateson.

Then, some News
Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson sign for spring exhibition!! WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE!?!

Queensberry formally announces Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley heavyweight fight for Oct. 25 at The O2 in London on DAZN PPV. Presser on Tuesday in London. Winner is Usyk mandatory. And, Frank Warren confirms rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma will be back Dec.13 to headline at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Opponent TBA.

Eddie Hearn confirms Anthony Joshua, who is recovering from elbow surgery, won’t fight the rest of this year and will likely return Jan/Feb and there is interest in him fighting in Ghana.

This is wild – WBC held a purse bid on Friday for the rematch between cruiserweight titlist Badou Jack and former titlist Noel Mikaelian. Two bids and it was a tie!!! The WBC said that has never happened before. Made them bid again and Bash Promotions won!


It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We're back after Labor Day Weekend off (and without much boxing) because two separate main events are happening in different Mexican cities Saturday. And, the WBC's top junior miiddleweight joins us too on the 'Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"

Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to go over it all.

First, they preview Saturday's Matchroon main event in Los Mochis, Mexico on DAZN
Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez defends his IBF 130 lb. title vs. veteran Christopher Diaz. Is Nunez ready to rock and roll in this one in his hometown? Plus, what is waiting for him, if he does?
 
Then, a Preview of Satuday's Zanfer card in Nogales, Mexico, on ESPN Deportes in USA
Oscar Valdez returns vs. Ricky Medina, 10 rounds, lightweights. Does Oscar have much left?
 
Next it's big Dan's interview with junior middleweight contender Serhii Bohachuk
He risks his WBC 154 mandatory status, as he looks to avenge a 2021 TKO loss to Brandon Adams in a rematch on the upcoming Sept. 13 Canelo-Crawford undercard.

Then, some News

Super middleweight contender Jaime Munguia will not face any disciplinary action stemming from a positive drug test related to his unanimous decision win against Bruno Surace in their rematch on May 3; ruled contamination  I'm sorry what?! Dan has more.

A fight is in works between interim heavyweight titleholders Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley for Oct. 25 at O2 in London. It's definitely a bigger risk for Parker, who stands to be elevated to full WBO champ or also get a shot a Oleksandr Usyk, Yet, he's fighting the big punching Wardley.

Next, lineal/WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez and WBC lightweight titlist Shakur Stevenson have been in talks with Turki Alalshikh and his team about a fight targeted for a Riyadh Season card in January. It isn't done, yet, and is a hang up that one or both fighters might want the bout in the U.S.

There was a presser in LA on Wednesday to officially announce the October 25 "PBC on Prime Video" PPV at MGM Grand in Las Vegas:
--Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman, for Fundora’s WBC junior middleweight title--O’Shaquie Foster vs. Stephen Fulton, for Foster’s WBC junior lightweight title
--Jesus Ramos vs. Shane Mosley Jr., for vacant WBC interim middleweight title
--Isaac Lucero vs. TBA, 10 rounds, junior middleweights

The guys discuss the interesting parts of the presser and the bouts.

And, finally, Juan Orengo’s Fresh Productions, the promoter for WBC junior welterweight titlist Subriel Matias, won the purse bid on Tuesday for the promotional rights to his mandatory defense against Dalton Smith, so wont be on Turki Alashikh's big Nov 22 card in Riyadh.

It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!