Examining the bombastic rise of Fabio Wardley which has now astonishingly left Joseph Parker scrambling for breath in the rubble below. 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. Getting sick of those adverts? Loving the podcast? Subscribe to The Opening Bell! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley each risk their position in the heavyweight sweepstakes while knowing only the winner of their collision will be invited to challenge Oleksandr Usyk. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

IN-DEPTH WITH DAVID PRICE | AUDLEY HARRISON | JARON ENNIS 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MEMORABILIA FAIR THIS SATURDAY (11th October 2025) AT DICK COLLINS HALL, ROBERT STREET, LONDON, FROM 1:30PM TO 5:30PM. 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. Support the Opening Bell, get bonus content and ditch those beyond annoying ads, by subscribing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a special episode, Matt is joined by Tris Dixon as they take a deep dive into the state of boxing in 2025. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The countdown to Chris Eubank Jr-Conor Benn II officially began last week as the press conference, such as it was, almost immediately boiled over into chaos. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a special tribute to Ricky Hatton, we reflect on the career that took him to the Hall of Fame, and the man who was adored by millions. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The superfight of the year, Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford, is almost upon us and, crikey, we leave no stone unturned while breaking down this bad boy. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AD Free listening: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheOpeningBellPodcast 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. Spread the word and please subscribe if you can. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We catch up again with 1-0 prospect Reese Lynch, four weeks on from his impressive debut win as a professional boxer. Throughout this series of podcasts we’ll check in regularly with the Commonwealth Gold medalist as he makes his way through this most difficult Sport. Make sure you subscribe and follow The Opening Bell to get regular updates on Reese’s career as we explore the world of boxing through the eyes and experiences of The Prospect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does the proposed Jake Paul vs. Tank Davis ‘exhibition’ say about boxing in 2025? 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. Thanks for your support. Subscribe here: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheOpeningBellPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Moses Itauma surely ended the career of war-torn Dillian Whyte with a savage first round KO. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Moses Itauma has been given the red carpet treatment by his promoters, the media and fans alike so far on his boxing journey, despite having not yet encountered a legitimately ranked opponent. There are some who say it’s a magic carpet he rides, befitting the skills and talents of the next heavyweight star. Is Dillian Whyte a marked step up in class this weekend or is it perfect Frank Warren matchmaking at play again? 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reports persist that Anthony Joshua will end his hiatus by feasting on Jake Paul. This is a ridiculous idea, surely? 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Days after undergoing a huge operation, Joe Gallagher was eager to get back to the gym where he’s crafted a reputation for being one of the best trainers in the world. He didn’t quite manage that, but he did make it to The Opening Bell. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s Opening Bell celebrates two of the very best operating in boxing today in Oleksander Usyk and Bam Rodriguez. 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. Thanks for your continued support, tell your friends and feel free to push sponsors our way. Go well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s less than two years since Oleksandr Usyk convincingly defeated Daniel Dubois - so why is everyone so excited about the rematch? 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As veterans Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano prepare to reignite their violent rivalry, Ricky Hatton announced he was coming back at the age of 46 and Tyson Fury teased his own inevitable return. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a very special episode of The Opening Bell’s I Love Boxing, we talk to Ellie Scotney about her journey into the sport, the struggles she’s faced throughout her career, and the game-changing promotional deal with Jake Paul. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices