From Amateur Dreams to World Title Aspirations | Craig “Spider” Richards Interview 🕷️🥊 Step inside the ring with Craig “Spider” Richards as he joins hosts Joseph J. Jones 🎤 and Fabian Collymore 🏃‍♂️ on The Champion and Contender Podcast. Craig keeps it real 💯 — from his amateur beginnings 🥇 to chasing that world title 🌍🏆. He talks about career highs & lows 📈📉, fight preparations 🔥, navigating the boxing industry 💼, training insights 💪, and the emotional side of fighting friends 🤝🥊. If you’re a boxing fan 🥊, fighter in training 🏋️‍♂️, or love hearing the mindset of champions 💎, this episode is for you! ✨

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Episode Breakdown ⏱️

00:00 🎧 Welcome to the Champ and Contender Podcast

00:29 🕷️ Meet Craig “Spider” Richards

01:01 🥊 Early Boxing Journey & Career Highlights

02:11 ⚔️ Facing Challenges and Rivals

07:58 ⚖️ Weight Classes & Training Demands

10:05 🚀 The Turning Point: Going Pro

26:08 💼 Navigating the Business of Boxing

29:55 🔑 The Locksmith Incident & Game Time

32:45 🥊 Choosing Between Boxers

35:11 😢 Fighting Friends: The Emotional Dilemma

38:44 🥋 Training & Sparring Insights

45:51 🧠 The Best Coaches & Their Influence

53:43 🎭 Boxing Politics & Career Longevity

57:17 😂 Random Fun Questions

01:02:45 👋 Final Thoughts & Farewell

👉 Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for more exclusive boxing interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and the biggest names in the fight game!

#Boxing 🥊 #CraigRichards #SpiderRichards #ChampionAndContenderPodcast #BritishBoxing #BoxingPodcast #BoxingLife #ProBoxer #FightNight #BoxingTraining #BoxingCommunity #BoxingTalk #BoxingFans #BoxingNews #BehindTheGloves #MatchroomBoxing #DAZNBoxing #BoxingMotivation

In this exciting episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with Finley 'The Captain' James, a promising super welterweight contender with a record of 7-0. Finley shares his journey from being a successful amateur boxer to making a name for himself in the professional boxing world. The conversation dives deep into the intricacies of boxing, from dealing with promotional challenges to the technical aspects of the sport. Finley also opens up about his training experiences with notable figures like Tyson Fury and Billy Joe Saunders, his future ambitions in the sport, and the valuable life lessons he's learned along the way. Whether you're a boxing enthusiast or just curious about the sport, this episode offers a unique perspective on what it takes to be a champion contender.

00:00 Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:21 Introducing Finley 'The Captain' James

00:55 Finley's Boxing Journey and Style

02:01 The Competitive World of Boxing

04:42 Growing Up in the Boxing Scene

05:46 The Importance of Community and Mentorship

09:19 Challenges and Experiences in Amateur Boxing

14:31 Training with Mark Tibs

30:43 Balancing Boxing and Life

43:49 Experiencing World Champions

46:41 Lessons from Billy Joe Saunders

49:49 The Evolution of Boxing Culture

51:00 The Future of Boxing Prospects

52:27 Boxing's Changing Landscape

55:37 Boxing Ethics and Gym Culture

01:00:28 The Impact of Social Media on Boxing

01:02:24 Boxing Legends and Iconic Fights

01:17:44 Boxing Strategy and Ring Craft

01:23:14 Advice for Aspiring Boxers

Welcome to another episode of the Champion Contender Podcast!

Hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with one of the best local comedians, Josh James.

Dive into the fascinating world of comedy, as Josh shares his journey from his early days to becoming a well-respected stand-up comedian. Explore engaging conversations about the challenges and triumphs of the comedy circuit, sobriety, balancing family life, and much more.

This episode is packed with humour, insightful anecdotes, and valuable life lessons straight from Josh’s experiences. Don't miss out on this entertaining and inspiring episode!

00:00 Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:32 Introducing Comedian Josh James

01:28 Discussing Flashy Fred and Boxing

04:20 School Days and Sports Memories

14:39 Journey into Comedy

19:25 The Essex Identity Debate

24:00 Challenges and Triumphs in Stand-Up

29:29 Touring and the Comedy Circuit

30:44 The Queen's Theater Experience

31:38 Supporting Local Talent

33:40 Love Island and Reality TV

35:53 Football Allegiances

37:12 Sketches and Social Media

42:02 Podcasting Journey

47:00 Comedy Mentors and Influences

52:53 Comedian Showdown: Shot Stopper

58:15 Comedy Beginnings and Comparisons

58:52 Comedy Contenders: Tom Davis vs. Red Richardson

01:00:01 Biggest Gripe in Comedy

01:00:52 Comedy Legends: Frankie Boyle vs. Sean Walsh

01:05:16 Sobriety and Personal Growth

01:08:38 Balancing Family Life and Comedy

01:10:39 Future Plans and Writing Process

01:23:11 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Comedians

We’re back inside the Champ & Contender Pub 🍻 — and this one’s powerful.

Hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with James Ellington, a two-time European gold medallist 🇬🇧, Olympian, and walking definition of resilience. From track rivalries with Fabian back in the day to competing on the biggest stages in the world, James opens up about the highs, the heartbreak, and the hustle. He shares the career-shifting moment at the 2011 World Championships, his life-changing crash, and the incredible road to recovery that followed.

This episode covers everything: 💥 Training secrets & relay dynamics 🧠 Mental toughness & athlete psychology 🧪 The real talk on supplements 🚨 Setbacks, system letdowns & comebacks 💬 Honest advice for athletes, coaches & fighters 🎯 A serious Shot Stopper round you don’t want to miss!

This one’s for the sprinters, the dreamers, and the ones who never quit — James Ellington tells it how it is. Real talk, pure honesty, and a story that proves you can’t keep a true competitor down. 🏃‍♂️🔥

🎧 Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:29 - Meet James Ellington

01:21 - Early sprint battles & athletic beginnings

05:25 - Supplement culture in elite sport

09:53 - Politics, pressure & performance

26:52 - Rio Olympics & relay team dynamics

31:20 - The crash that changed everything

37:52 - Falling out of love with watching athletics

38:45 - Rehab, mindset & finding purpose again

39:46 - Real friends vs fake support systems

40:38 - Coaching, training & life lessons

41:55 - Advice for anyone overcoming trauma

42:40 - Physical/mental state today

43:34 - Shot Stopper Game 🎯

50:26 - Why realness matters in track

53:02 - Juujitsu, Misfits Boxing & new passions

59:59 - Talent vs Work Rate in elite sport

01:02:00 - Looking back on key races

01:07:33 - Final thoughts & message to the next gen

📲 Follow James Ellington: Instagram – @jimmyells Twitter/X – @jimmyells

🎙️ Follow us: YouTube – @thechampandcontenderpodcast Instagram – @thechampandcontenderpodcast

🎯 Like, Comment & Subscribe if you respect the journey, the pain, and the comeback 🔥

#JamesEllington #ChampionContenderPodcast #OlympianStory #TrackAndFieldUK #RealTalkAthletes #RoadToRecovery #ShotStopper #FromThePubToTheTrack #SprinterMindset 🏃‍♂️💥🍻

We’re live from the Champ & Contender Pub — and this episode’s packed with music, banter, and pure realness from rising UK band The Bracknall, fronted by brothers Harry & Jack Dacey 🔥

From their early beginnings to selling out shows and building a loyal fanbase, the boys break down the graft, the journey, and the love behind their sound — no labels, just passion and hustle.

How The Bracknall came to life Writing meaningful music that connects The strength of community, crowdfunding, and DIY ethics. Dodging industry politics while staying independent Musical roots: Oasis, Lewis Capaldi, The Beatles 🎶 Life on stage, fan energy, and what’s next Plus: Football talk and a lively Shot Stopper - Band Edition

If you're an up-and-comer, a creative, or just someone who loves real music with real heart — this one’s for you

00:00 - Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:27 - Meet The Bracknall

01:33 - The journey of Harry & Jack

03:26 - How the band formed

06:03 - Songwriting & creative process

27:25 - Crowdfunding & building fan support

34:11 - How social media helps (and hurts)

35:26 - Industry headaches & wins

36:01 - Live performance stories

38:34 - Charting without a label

41:14 - Musical influences & inspirations

44:41 - Shot Stopper Game

53:33 - Band face-offs & music debates

01:02:31 - Concert memories & Ozzy madness

01:08:28 - Spurs vs West Ham banter

01:27:14 - Advice for new bands + future moves

Follow The Bracknall: @thebracknall

Follow the pod: @thechampandcontenderpodcast Hit LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more real convos, rising talent, and pub-level podcast energy every week

#TheBracknall #ChampionContenderPodcast #BandJourney #UKMusicScene #PureRealness #ShotStopper #DIYMusic #FootballBanter #FromThePubToTheStage

This week on The Champion Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with one of the UK’s rawest talents—actor, writer, and creative force Elliot Warren. Known for powerful roles in ‘The Batman’, ‘A Thousand Blows’, and the gritty, award-winning play ‘Flesh and Bone’, Elliot talks real about the hustle, the setbacks, and the big wins in the world of acting and screenwriting. From writing on Top Boy to a surreal moment meeting Tom Hanks, this is a deep dive into the journey of a true working-class storyteller. Whether you're into film, TV, theatre, or just love hearing unfiltered stories from real grafters—this episode’s got it all. Expect passion, honesty, and plenty of laughs... plus our fire segment Shot Stopper to end on a high. 🔥 🎧 Watch or listen now and get inspired.

👇 Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:30 Elliot Warren joins the convo

01:28 Growing up in East London

03:51 How acting became the dream

08:38 Creating Flesh and Bone

18:22 Mental health and the grind

23:04 Behind the scenes of The Batman

36:32 Directing and what’s next

41:25 Meeting Tom Hanks on set

53:03 Writing for Netflix’s Top Boy

01:19:30 Acting gems & industry advice

01:31:35 New roles and what's coming

Elliot Warren interview, Top Boy writer, British actor podcast, Flesh and Bone play, The Batman behind the scenes, Netflix Top Boy, Tom Hanks actor story, how to make it in acting UK, screenwriting career, East London actors, Champion Contender Podcast 📲 Subscribe for weekly drops – raw convos with game-changers in film, sport, and culture 🎥

Watch the full episode on YouTube 🎧 Stream now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🔥 New episode every week

#ElliotWarren #ChampionContenderPodcast #TopBoyNetflix #TheBatman #FleshAndBone #BritishActors #ActingPodcast #BehindTheScenes #FabianCollymore #JosephJJones #EastLondonTalent #UKFilmScene #TomHardyInspo #TomHanksStory #NetflixWriters #ShotStopperGame #AThousandBlows #WorkingClassCreatives #HowToBeAnActor

In this mouth-watering episode of the Champion Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with the man behind the flavour — Chef George from Young’s Kitchen 🔥🍽️.

💥 From DJ life to dishing up London’s finest meals, George shares his raw journey from spinning tracks to crafting plates — and building a brand that’s feeding the streets and the stars.

🚨🎧➡️👨‍🍳 The transition from music to the kitchen Building Young’s Kitchen from the ground up Serving A-list clients & unforgettable moments

💼🎉 Honest talks about struggles, wins & entrepreneurship George’s dreams of expansion, food trucks & cooking shows

📈🍴 Why rice & peas will always be undefeated 🥇 Real talk for aspiring chefs and anyone chasing passion over paychecks 💡💪

Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:48 - Meet Chef George from Young's Kitchen

01:45 - From DJ decks to the chef’s table

09:10 - Building the Young’s Kitchen brand

11:09 - Food presentation, client experience & elevating standards

14:30 - Cooking beyond the kitchen: goals, dreams, and doing more

18:45 - Memorable moments & celebrity clients

25:15 - How to balance passion, pressure & purpose

25:54 - “Create your own job”

26:24 - A real day in the life of a chef

28:07 - The power of compliments

29:21 - Overcoming challenges in the food business

31:00 - What’s next for Young’s Kitchen?

33:25 - Quality is everything

34:48 - Cooking show? Creative ideas cooking up

40:28 - Fun food debates & hot takes

49:00 - Best dish debates

49:28 - Big love for rice & peas

50:21 - Lamb dishes and personal favourites

51:28 - George’s go-to meals & top food moments

55:25 - How social media boosts culinary careers

59:31 - Music meets food: DJ to chef journey

01:07:07 - Top advice for young chefs

01:09:42 - Final thoughts + social media plugs

Follow Chef George: @youngskitchenldn

🎙️ Follow the podcast: @thechampandcontenderpodcast

📍Subscribe for real stories from real hustlers in food, music, fitness, and culture.

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, & SUBSCRIBE — we’ve got heat dropping every week 🔥 #YoungsKitchen #ChefGeorge #FoodEntrepreneur #ChampionContenderPodcast #BlackExcellence #StreetFoodUK #ChefTalk #CulinaryJourney #FoodBusiness #FromDJtoChef #LondonFoodScene #InspiringStories #StartupJourney #PodcastForCreatives #HustleAndGrind 💪🍴🎧

Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast with hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore — the show where boxing’s sharpest minds and rising stars share their stories.

🥊 In this episode, they’re joined by one of the UK’s most exciting new coaches, Ross Damrell, the man behind RD Boxing. Ross opens up about: His journey from amateur boxer to respected coach The power of pad work, footwork, and combo memorization How social media helped grow his platform and influence And a jaw-dropping pick for the greatest boxing coach of all time during the Shot Stopper Showdown With personal stories, real coaching insight, and a few unexpected moments — this episode is a must for anyone passionate about the sweet science.

00:00 Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:53 Introducing Ross Damrell: The Boxing Coach

01:12 Ross Damrell’s Journey into Boxing

04:18 The Art of Pad Work

09:06 Building the Next Generation of Boxers

24:19 The Rise of RD Boxing on Social Media

25:30 The Reality of Boxing and Fitness

27:39 The Ethics of PEDs in Sport

28:05 Track & Field Background

28:33 Integrity and Cheating in Sport

30:30 Stories of Strength & Resilience

31:59 Advice for Aspiring Coaches

32:56 SHOT STOPPER: Who’s the Ultimate Boxing Coach?

40:04 Coaching Women in Boxing

41:26 The Rise of Misfit Boxing

43:36 Random Quick-Fire Questions

45:07 Future Goals and Social Media Challenges

49:40 Final Thoughts and Plugs

🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every week with fighters, coaches, and game-changers in the world of boxing.

#ChampionContenderPodcast #RossDamrell #FabianCollymore #JosephJJones #RDBOXING #BoxingCoach #PadWork #ShotStopper #BoxingPodcast