Episodes

  • STATE OF THE GAME | BOXING MEDIA | RICKY HATTON

    STATE OF THE GAME | BOXING MEDIA | RICKY HATTON
    Oct 3 2025
    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
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • TRASH TALKING

    TRASH TALKING
    Sep 24 2025
    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
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • RICKY HATTON: THE ONE & ONLY

    RICKY HATTON: THE ONE & ONLY
    Sep 18 2025
    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
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • BUD WISER

    BUD WISER
    Sep 16 2025
    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
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • CANELO vs. CRAWFORD

    CANELO vs. CRAWFORD
    Sep 10 2025
    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
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • PARKER ROLLS THE DICE

    PARKER ROLLS THE DICE
    Sep 2 2025
    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
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • THE PROSPECT: A JOURNEY THROUGH BOXING WITH REESE LYNCH (BONUS)

    THE PROSPECT: A JOURNEY THROUGH BOXING WITH REESE LYNCH (BONUS)
    Aug 30 2025
    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
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    36 mins
  • EXHIBITIONISTS

    EXHIBITIONISTS
    Aug 28 2025
    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
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    1 hr and 12 mins