We've reached the fight weekend and the Friday night Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua heavyweight bout in Miami is happening and we're ready to discuss that bout, the undercard and have somee MASSIVE retirement news, too on the latest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."

Host T.J. Rives returns with Insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter with their insight and analysis.

They begin with the preview of Friday night’s MVP/Netflix card
Jake Paul is meeting former unified champ Anthony Joshua, 8 rounds, heavyweights. Is this a "foregone conclusion" that Joshua wipes out the social media/Youtube star turned fighter? The guys have their takes. 

Also, Alycia Baumgardner vs. Leila Beaudoin, 12 rounds, for Baumgardner’s WBO/IBF/WBA women’s junior lightweight title is the co-feature. And, there is potentially a bigger bout on the horizon for Baumgardner if she gets the expected win.

Also MMA stars Anderson Silva vs. Tyron Woodley, 6 rounds, cruiserweights
And, highly regarded prospect Jahmal Harvey vs. Kevin Cervantes, 6 rounds, junior lightweights  

Then we have the recaps from Wednesday's Teiken Promotions card in Tokyo
Seiya Tsutsumi decisions Nonito Donaire, and keeps the WBA bantamweight crown. An entertaining bout. Dan has more.
Plus, Rene Santiago W12 over Kyosuke Takami and unifies the WBO/WBA 108 lb. titles. Plus, Anthony Olascuaga TKO4 Taku Kuwahara and keeps the WBO flyweight title.
 
Also, in the No Limit Boxing main event in Sydney, Australia
Tim Tszyu W10 Anthony Velazquez, 157 lb. catchweight fight. Does Tszyu have a future getting back to major title contention or not?
 
Then, some news
Bombshell- Terence Crawford retires on top.... but is it for real and could he be back by the middle of next year?

An update that WBO/WBA women’s featherweight champion Amanda Serrano will now face Reina Tellez January 3 instead of Erika Cruz due to Cruz's “atypical” drug test result. Dan has the latest. 

Badou Jack went to the hospital after losing WBC cruiserweight title to Noel Mikaelian last Saturday  night in L.A. due to a broken cheekbone.

And, Japanese junior lightweight Hayato Tsutsumi has suffered a fractured orbital bone during training, forcing his fight with WBA titlist James Dickens to be canceled from the “Ring V: Night of the Samurai” card on Dec. 27 (DAZN PPV) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

We cover it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast and make sure to follow/subscribe on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.

Coming up Friday night in Miami the hyped heavyweight bout between Jake Paul and former unified champ Anthony Joshua is really happening. The fighters have arrived in South Florida and appear ready to go. And, we have a special guest, who's on the blow by blow call of the bout for Netflix, in veteran broadcaster Crystina Poncher on this "BFW Preview Podcast!"

Host T.J. Rives has the conversation with Crystina about how she got involved with this matchup in Miami? What does she think about the risks for both Jake and Joshua in this one? Also, there are a couple of talented world champion women's fighters on the card, as well, in Alycia Baumgardner defending her 130 lb. titles and England's Caroline Dubois defending her WBC lightweight crown.

Crystina gives thoughts on them in action and the rise of women's boxing through signings by Most Valuable Promotions.

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

The buildup is now fully in gear for Friday night's heavyweight spectacle in Miami, as social media star turned boxer Jake Paul takes on his biggest challenge to date (literally) in former unified heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua in Miami.

And, we're giving you an early preview on a special "BFW Preview Podcast" with host T.J. Rives and guests Ricky Carroll of BFW website and David Payne of Roundtable Sports Boxing coverage.

The guys go over a couple of interesting angles:

As Ricky and David are in the U.K. and Europe, what's the interest there for this bout?

Also, will this be Joshua hammering Paul quickly or will there be some caution and then, suspicion rising?

How big a risk is Joshua taking that it could mess up the Tyson Fury fight for him for 2026, if he some how loses this one?

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

It was a busy weekend in California with two prominent fight cards and even one in Dubai of interest and we're hear to recap it all and give you some fight news too on the newest "Fight Fraks Unite Recap Podcast!"

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

They start with the recap of Saturday’s Bash Boxing PPV main event from Los Angeles
Cruiserweight Noel Mikaelian W12 Badou Jack, rematch, regains WBC title and now, 
IBF cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia immediately calls Mikaelian out for unification. We break it down.
 
Then, a recap of Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card from Stockton, Calif.
Super middleweight Diego Pacheco fortunate to survive a knockdown and beat Kevin Lele Sadjo. What's Pacheco's prospects off this win?

Plus, Lightweight Joe Cordina W12 Gabriel Flores Jr., in a WBO 135 eliminator.
Junior welterweight Tito Mercado impressive KO6 Antonio Moran
Junior featherweight Skye Nicolson W10 Yuliahn Luna, wins vacant WBC women’s interim title 
And, a recap Friday’s IBA Pro main event from Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Heavyweight Murat Gassiev BIG KO6 Kubrat Pulev, wins WBA “regular” title and is Moses Itauma Next?
Plus, Middleweight Nico Ali Walsh decisions Jeremiah Sserwadda over six rounds.

Some News
Turki Alashikh said thru Ring magazine that Joshua-Fury is made for 2026 and they both will have interim bouts (not including Joshua-Jake Paul that takes place Friday)  

Per Dan's reporting, plans for unified cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez are in limbo. He may take the January 16 tune-up fight or go directly to the huge May 2nd fight with David Benavidez.

O’Shaquie Foster notified the WBC that he has vacated the interim lightweight title he won vs. Stephen Fulton and will retain his junior lightweight title   Fulton, who badly missed weight for the 130 bout, has vacated the WBC featherweight title  

WBA featherweight titlist Nick Ball will make his fourth defense against mandatory challenger and former featherweight and junior featherweight titlist Brandon Figueroa on Feb. 7 (DAZN) at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England, Ball’s hometown.  

Free agent IBF junior welterweight titlist Richardson Hitchins and Matchroom Boxing promoter have reunited and he will defend on the Teofimo Lopez-Shakur Stevenson card on Jan. 31 at Madison Square Garden. Opponent is TBA.

Catch it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe to this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

We are ready for the weekend and a world title fight in L.A. + fight news all over the globe 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 to go over it all.

They preview Saturday’s Integrated Sports PPV, PPV.COM main event in Los Angeles
Badou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelian, rematch, for Jack’s WBC cruiserweight title. Will we get an exciting battle in this one and what's the future at cruiserweight?

Next, a preview Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing DAZN card in Stockton, Calif.
Diego Pacheco vs. Kevin Lele Sadjo, 12 rounds, super middleweights. A good challenge for the young Pachecho?? Plus,
Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Joe Cordina, 12 rounds, WBO lightweight eliminator
Skye Nicolson vs. Yuliahn Luna, 10 rounds, for vacant WBC women’s interim junior featherweight title 
Ernesto “Tito” Mercado vs. Antonio Moran, 10 rounds, junior welterweights  

Next, some news

Teofimo Lopez-Shakur Stevenson kickoff press conference for their Jan. 31 fight was Wednesday at Madison Square Garden

Cruiserweight Huseyin Cinkara was released from the hospital on Tuesday after being admitted with various injuries following a titanic eighth-round knockout loss in a mandatory fight against lineal/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia on Saturday in Broadbeach, Australia.

TKO announced on an earnings call this week that the first Zuffa Boxing card of the Paramount+ deal will be on Jan. 23
 
No. 1 women’s pound-for-pound and undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields announced her next defense will be a rematch with former undisputed super middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn on Feb. 22 (DAZN) at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. They fought each other in their 2016 pro debut with Shields winning a four-round decision.  

WBC lightweight titlist Caroline Dubois is latest to leave Boxxer after the end of its Sky Sports deal. She has signed with MVP and will defend against Camila Panatta on the Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua card Dec. 19 in Miami.  

And, WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios announced that he has split from trainer Bob Santos and will be trained by Joe Goossen for the Feb. 21 fight vs. Ryan Garcia.

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

Saturday night in Los Angeles, WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack returns in an immediate rematch of a close decision over former titlist Noel Mikaelian. The bout is the headliner of an Inegrated Sports PPV card in Los Angeles. 

But, before the action heats back up, Jack is one on one with our insider Dan Rafael.

What does he think of having to battle Mikaelian again? Also, Jack is in position for a possible unification battle with either IBF champ Jai Opetaia or down the road maybe the winner of the upcoming "Zurdo Ramirez" vs. David Benavidez WBA/WBO unified fight set for May.

It's all part of the discussion on the "Big Fight Weekend Podcast" feed found on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

A very busy but P.R. damaged PPV took place in San Antonio, TX, and we're ready to recap it all, plus, hear from a cruiserweight world champ and more on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"

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

They have a full recap of the "PBC on Prime Video" PPV card on Saturday 

Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz draw with Lamont Roach and keeps WBC interim 140 lb. title. Was this a just draw or not? Will they meet again?
O’Shaquie Foster dominates Stephen Fulton and wins vacant WBC interim 135 lb. title. Yes, you read right. The WBC now just makes up interim title fights the day before fight cards. We explain the comedy and debate. Foster also has options in multiple weight divisions, now too.

Then, a dreadful Erislandy Lara decision over late replacement Johan Gonzalez and keeps WBA 160 lb. A boring defense.

And, Jesus Ramos decisions Shane Mosley Jr., in an action packed bout and wiins the vacant WBC interim 160 lb title.

Also, on the free Prelims
A HUGE KO! Frank Martin in the 4th over Rances Barthelemy, junior welterweights
Isaac Lucero decisions Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in a good fight.
And, junior middleweights Luis Nunez looks good against Hector Sosa in a featherweight decision.

 
Next, a recap of Saturday’s Tasman Fighters main event in Broadbeach, Australia
HUUUUUUUUGE KO Jai Opetaia with one punch in the eigth over Huseyin Cinkara. Opetaia retains lineal/IBF cruiserweight title and has a big future coming.
 
Next an interview with WBC Cruiserweight Champ BADOU JACK 

He defends vs. former titlist Noel Mikaelian on Saturday in Los Angeles on PPV in a rematch of their close fight in May on the Canelo-Scull card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

And, some news
Tyson Fury social media post indicates he is headed out of retirement –SHOCKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yes, Dan approved all those !'s

A deal has been made for vacant WBO interim light heavyweight title bout between Callum Smith and David Morrell, and the purse bid that was due to take place this past Friday was canceled  

And, finally, MVP added junior lightweight Jahmal Harvey, a 2024 U.S. Olympian, to the main card of Paul-Joshua on January 19th.

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

We are back and ready for an intriguing PPV card in San Antonio, TX and have some interesting fight news and Boxing Hall of Fame new members, too, on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview" podcast.

Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter and they're ready to go over it all.

They begin with the preview of Saturday's PBC on Prime Video PPV in San Antonio
Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach Jr.,  for Cruz’s WBC interim junior welterweight title. In the co-featured O’Shaquie Foster vs. Stephen Fulton, for Foster’s WBC junior lightweight title.
Also, Erislandy Lara vs. Johan Gonzalez, for Lara’s WBA middleweight title, as Janibek is out of the fight due to a positive PED test. And, Jesus Ramos vs. Shane Mosley Jr., for the vacant WBC interim middleweight title.

Also, the free prelims on Prime video
Frank Martin vs. Rances Barthelemy, 10 rounds, junior welterweights
Isaac Lucero vs. Roberto Valenzuela Jr., 10 rounds, junior middleweights
Luis Nunez vs. Hector Sosa, 10 rounds, featherweights 

Then, they preview Tasman Fighters main event on Saturday in Broadbeach, Australia (UFC Fight Pass in the US with card start at 2 a.m. ET)
Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara, 12 rounds, for Opetaia’s lineal/IBF cruiserweight title. He's a tremendous punching champ looking for another big KO.
 
Then some News: 

Thammanoon Niyomtrong wins in 12 rounds over Junior Zarate to win the vacant WBC junior flyweight title on Thursday at the Imperial Queens Park Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. This was part of the WBC convention.

Also, from the convention the WBC strips Terence Crawford of super middleweight title and Crawford goes off in IG video! The boys discuss both sides of this.

More stuff from the convention on mandatories/eliminators orders – Oleksandr Usyk wants to fight Deontay Wilder, and more, Conor Benn made welter mandatory by the organization. What. Are. We. Doing. Here?

Next, the International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2026 announced, including GGG, Antonio Tarver and Nigel Benn. Dan has thoughts

Teofimo Lopez-Shakur Stevenson official for Jan. 31 in NY, with a presser coming on Wednesday.

And, heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. notified the IBF in writing that he has accepted a position in a final title eliminator against Frank Sanchez to produce the organization’s mandatory challenger.

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

Coming up on Saturday night in the "Lonestar State" WBC featherweight champion Stephen Fulton is moving up to challenge O’Shaquie Foster for his WBC junior lightweight title on the "PBC on Prime Video" undercard of Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach main event.

But, before fight week cranks up, you can hear from the Philly star Fulton one on one with our insider Dan Rafael on this special conversation.

Fulton is moving up to 130 lb. to battle the Texan Foster in a compelling U.S. champ vs. U.S. champ matchup. How does he feel about the extra weight and would he remain at junior lightweight with the win? Also, Fulton famously was kayoed by one of the best fighters in the sport Naoya Inoue, though he deserves credit for having fought "The Monster" in Japan. He relays what that experience against a great fighter meant to helping him the rest of his career.

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

Coming up on Saturday night in San Antonio, TX, Lamont Roach will battle interim junior welterweight titlist Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz in the "PBC on Prime Video" PPV main event.

On this edition of the podcast hear Roach with our insider Dan Rafael discussing moving up to 140 lb. for a significant showdown with Cruz. Plus, will Roach eventually get the chance to rematch Gervonta "Tank" Davis, whom he fought to a controversial draw with for Davis' WBA lightweight title earlier this year?

Will the D.C. native Roach, who hasn't lost a fight in six years, score big this weekend and set himself up for a more lucrative battle in the first part of 2026?

We cover it all on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" conversation and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.! 

Some fight action in England and California and a world champ readying to move up and fight for antother world title in another weight division joins us on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."

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

First a recap of the Saturday Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event at Birmingham, England
Light heavyweight Ben Whittaker massive KO1 Benjamin Gavazi. Was this really even a test? What's next for the flamboyant Whittaker?
 
Next we recap Saturday's Boxxer/BBC main event at Derby, England 
Heavyweight Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva upsets Frazer Clarke by decision and wins vacant British title. Dan has more.  

Plus, a quick recap from the Saturday Manny Pacquiao Promotions ESPN Knock Out bout at Temecula, Calif.

Lightweight Manny Pacquiao Jr. Draw  over four rounds with Brendan Lally (both making pro debuts). Not good for Pac-man son's debut.

Then, WBC featherweight champion Stephen Fulton is on the Pod as he is moving up to challenge O’Shaquie Foster for his WBC junior lightweight title this Saturday in San Antonio on the PBC on Prime Video PPV undercard of Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach Jr.

Foster-Fulton was originally scheduled on the Octover 25th FUNDORA-THURMAN undercard, but that main event was postponed. So now it's on this show inTexas. And, we have this conversation from earlier.  

Some fight news:

An update on Teofimo Lopez slated to meet Shakur Stevenson. Dan has the latest on when and where?

Zurdo Ramirez's decision to face David Benavidez in May angers Cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia and his team.

And, four division titleholder Kazuto Ioka, who announced in late October that he would move up to bantamweight in pursuit of a title in fifth weight class, will make his debut in at 118 pounds in a WBA title eliminator Maikel Ordosgoitti on Dec. 31 in Tokyo. Dan has the latest.

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

Preview Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event in Birmingham, England
Ben Whittaker vs. Benjamin Gavazi, 10 rounds, light heavyweights

Off the Thanksgiving Thursday, we're BACK with a quick preview, a special guest with Dan and some fight news on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."

Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over everything from Turkey Day eats to the fights!

They start with a preview of Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing/DAZN main event in Birmingham, EnglandBen Whittaker returns vs. Benjamin Gavazi, 10 rounds, light heavyweights. Will he start to live up to the talking he does, etc?!


Next, a preview of Saturday’s Boxxer main event in Derby, England (available on TrillerTV+ in U.S.)
Frazer Clarke vs. Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva, 12 rounds, for vacant British heavyweight title  Preview. Clarke is recently known for getting blitzed by Fabio Wardley, but he's trying to get back into contention. 

Then, Saturday's 1st Manny Pacquiao Promotions U.S. card in Temecula, Calif. (ESPN Deportes & ESPN+)
The main event is Lorenzo Parra vs. Elijah Pierce, 12 rounds, featherweights
But bigger is the pro debut of Manny Pacquiao Jr. vs. Brendan Lally, 4 rounds, lightweights in the co-feature  

Also, a brief recap of Monday’s Teiken card on Tokyo
Takuma Inoue (Naoya younger brother) W12 Tenshin Nasukawa, wins vacant WBC  bantamweight title.  

American Ra’eese Aleem W12 Mikito Nakano, IBF feather title eliminator (now Angelo Leo's mandatory challenger) 

Junior bantamweight Tomoya Tsuboi (now 3-0, 2 KO) TKO8 former titlist Carlos Cuadras, after which Cuadras announced his retirement  

Next a LAMONT ROACH Jr. interview

He challenges WBC interim junior welterweight titlist Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz December 6th in PBC on Prime Video PPV main event in San Antonio.
 
Next, some quick news
The death on Sunday of Vanes Martirosyan, a 2004 U.S. Olympian and three-time world title challenger against Gennadiy Golovkin, Erislandy Lara and Demetrius Andrade, from skin cancer, which he battled for about two years. He was 39. Dan has more on his career.

Finally, the Subriel Matias-Dalton Smith main event probably will move forward January 10, despite the adverse finding Matias returned for Ostarine in a VADA test. Dan explains the "why?" and the finding below the allowable threshold in NY.

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

It's a special mid-week edition of the podcast, as host T.J. Rives is back with special guests around the "Ring IV- Night of Champions" ppv card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Both Saadeq Ahmed (who covered the card live) and Managing Editor for Big Fight Weekend.com, Ricky Carroll are aboard for their perspectives and analysis.

The guys talk in order:

Saadeq sharing the bizaare' timeline for the show, that saw the main event happen at after 5am Saudi time early into Sunday a.m. 

The guys also go over the fights starting with Abdul Mason's power punching win over Sam Noakes for the WBO lightweight crown. Mason is on the rise and at 21 years old is boxing's youngest world champ. So, what's in store for him?

Next, it was a huge night for Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez to become unified at 115 lb. with a domination of Fernando Martinez for 8 rounds and then flattened him for good with a big left hook in the 9th for the KO. Is Bam deserving of a top 5 pound for pound grade?

Continuing, Saadeq gives more insight on how the Bam fight took some life out of the building and even though he was in control with a second round knock down, Devin Haney couldn't overwhelm WBO welterweigh champ, Brian Norman. So, it was a little unsatisfying, even though the still unbeaten Haney was much better than the champ and got the decision win.

And, finally, David Benavidez made easy work out of Anthony Yarde by brutally pounding him over 7 rounds and eventual TKO stoppage. Benavide wants curiserweight unfied champ, Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramires, next in Las Vegas in May. We'll see if it happens?

Hear from our guys on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap" on this Big Fight Weekend Podcast" feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify!

It was an action packed Saturday night (early Sunday a.m. there) in Saudi Arabia, as the "Ring IV- Night of Champions" played out with four world title fights and we're ready to go over all of it, including the winners and what's potentially next for them on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast"

This pod originally aired as a live recap show on the Big Fight Weekend Youtube page Saturday night!

Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter to go over the action and give their analysis.

They discuss:

David Benavidez retaining his WBC light heavyweigh crown with a dominant stoppage of Anthony Yarde. We break it down and what's next for one of the better bigger fighters in U.S. boxing?

Next, Devin Haney became a world champ in his thrid weight division with an impressive decision win over Brian Norman taking the WBO welterweight crown. Haney got an early knockdown and controlled the bout. Now, what's next for him at 147 lb.?

Meanwhile, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez continues to surge, as defended the WBC/WBO 115lb. crowns and added the WBA title with a one-sided bludgeoning of Fernando Martinez. It ultimately resulted in a 9th round KO for Bam. He's clearly the best small weight fighter in the U.S. and what's next for him? The guys go over it.

And, the fourth title fight was TREMENDOUS as American Abdullah Mason out-slugged England's Sam Noakes over 12 rounds to become the new WBO lightweight champ and boxing's youngest world champ at 21 years old. It looks like a big future for Mason.

And, you'll hear some interaction from exclusive Youtube audience with the guys from Saturday night, too.

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

It's arguably the biggest fight card of the entire year, as the "Ring IV- Night of Champions" pay per view comes off in Saudi Arabia and we're ready to preview it  and have more on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast.

Host T.J. Rives is back with insider Dan Rafael to go over all the title action coming up as they 
preview Saturday’s DAZN PPV card from Riyadh
David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde, 12 rounds, for Benavidez’s WBC and WBA “regular” light heavyweight titles. A big moment for Benavidez in trying to get an undisputed shot with Dmitry Bivol.

Next, Brian Norman Jr. vs. Devin Haney, 12 rounds, for Norman’s WBO welterweight title in a showdown with two unbeaten American stars. Can Haney take the welteerweight punch and how will Norman fare against his best opponent to date?

Also, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs. Fernando Martinez, 12 rounds, WBC/WBO/WBA junior bantamweight titles. A highly underrated showdown in this one. Can Bam continue the roll he's been on?

And unbeatens Abdullah Mason vs. Sam Noakes, 12 rounds, for vacant WBO lightweight title and the fourth of the four world title fights that lead the main card.

Then, some news
An official announcement of Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua, Dec. 19 on Netflix at Kaseya Center in Miami. The kickoff news conference is on Friday at the arena. We have takes.

Next, Ryan Garcia went on social in a video and said he signed deal to fight Mario Barrios for his WBC welterweight title Feb. 21. But…there's still a lot to iron out.

And, Oleksandr Usyk makes a mild surprise and vacates WBO title. Therefore, he gives up undisputed status for second time; Fabio Wardley elevated to full WBO titleholder, but whom would he fight next?

Staying with the heavyweights, Daniel Dubois pulled out of Frank Sanchez IBF heavyweight purse bid scheduled for Thursday. What does this mean for Sanchez.

Next, former WBO junior middleweight titlist Tim Tszyu will return vs. Anthony Velazquez in a 10-round middleweight Dec. 17 in his hometown of Sydney, Australia, No Limit Boxing announced.  We discuss.

And, finally, Golden Boy Boxing kicks off its 2026 schedule Jan. 16 with the discussed rematch between welterweight contenders Alexis Rocha and Raul Curiel at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. They battled to a majority draw in an action-packed battle last December. The co-feature is also a rematch of a July 24 draw between junior featherweights “Gucci” Manny Flores and Jorge Chavez. Dan gives you the latest.

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

Coming up Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, newly elevated WBC light heavyweight champ David Benavidez will defend against Britain's Anthony Yarde in a 12 round main event. Benavidez is headlining the Ring Magazine/ DAZN PPV that is probably the deepest and most interesting card of title fights in the final four months of the year.

But, before we get to Saturday, Benavidez is with our insider Dan Rafael to talk more about this bout with Yarde, his future at 175 lb. which might include an undisputed title shot with unified champ Dmitry Bivol and more.

Hear it all as part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and on this feed on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify for more great content.

Off the weekend and the compelling Conor Benn rematch win over Chris Eubank Jr. and Rafael Espinoza battering another opponent in a WBO title defense we're ready to recap it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"

Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter have their takes here.
 
First, they recap Saturday’s Ring magazine DAZN PPV card in London
Conor Benn W12 Chris Eubank Jr. in a rematch, where the Benn's finally get a win over the Eubanks. Where do both go from here? Also, on the undercard
Jack Catterall scores a KO12 of Ekow Essuman and wins WBO Global
Plus, 147 lb. contender Adam Azim TKO12 against Kurt Scoby and wins vacant WBO Intercontinental 140


Next a Recap of  Saturday’s Top Rank/Zanfer card in San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Featherweight Rafael Espinoza TKO11 Arnold Khegai, retains WBO featherweight title. A brutal beating of Khegai that should have been stopped sooner. And on the undercard,
Junior welterweight Emiliano Vargas W10 Jonathan Montrel and Junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado W12 split Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, IBF title eliminator –with controversy! And, Heavyweight Richard Torrez TKO1 against Tomas Salek. Torrez need better competition. 
 
News
Former WBO heavyweight titleholder Joseph Parker tested positive for cocaine in a urine test administered on the day that he suffered an 11th-round knockout loss to Fabio Wardley last month that cost him the WBO interim belt and a due mandatory shot at undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Turki Alasheikh/Eddie Hearn hinted at Fury-Joshua in September during the Benn-Eubank show. September?? Really? 

And, Matchroom and DAZN announce four Jan/Feb main events, which includes:
IBF lightweight titlist Raymond Muratalla vs. mandatory challenger Andy Cruz  
IBF junior middleweight titlist Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. mandatory challenger Josh Kelly  
Junior lightweight rematch between former featherweight titleholders Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington  
Junior lightweight unification fight pairing WBO titlist Emanuel Navarrete and IBF titlist Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez.

Dan has more on these.

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 and we finally have a weekend with multiple compelling fights on separate cards in both London and Mexico and we're ready to preview those, plus a bonafide light heavyweight star is on the show for the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast."

Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael to go over it all. 

They start with the preview of the Boxxer/Matchroom DAZN PPV card Saturday in London
Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn, rematch, 12 rounds, middleweights. It was an amazing first fight in April and now, they are back again before the end of 2025 to slug it out again. The gents discuss.
There's also more on the undercard with Jack Catterall vs. Ekow Essuman, 12 rounds, welterweights and Adam Azim vs. Kurt Scoby, 12 rounds, junior welterweights.

Next, we preview the Zanfer Promotions/Top Rank card on TR Classics FAST channel in San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Rafael Espinoza returns to meet Arnold Khegai, 12 rounds, for Espinoza’s WBO featherweight title. This is a true height mismatch and will Espinoza roll in his home country defense. We discuss.

The co-feature has Lindolfo Delgado vs. Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, 12 rounds, IBF junior welterweight eliminator. Plus, Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Tomas Salek, 10 rounds, heavyweights Emiliano Vargas vs. Jonathan Montrel, 10 rounds, junior welterweights 
Next it's Dan and David Benavidez in conversation.

Benavidez defends WBC and WBA “regular” light heavyweight belts vs. Anthony Yarde in the main event of the Ring magazing DAZN PPV on Nov. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Benavidez is in position for a massive fight potentially with Dmitry Bivol for all the 175 lb. titles. 
 
News
Deal near for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua on either Dec. 9 or Dec. 16 – Dan and T.J. want to know- What are we doing here?!? What is the "realism" of this actually happening?


Next, heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma back in action to face battle-tested Jermain Franklin in the main event of a Queensberry DAZN card Jan. 24 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.

Also, in the wake of KO1 loss to Vergil Ortiz, Erickson Lubin addressed his future via social media, writng he will return and move up to middleweight.

Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya said the hope is unified cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will return to action in February and then to get him a much bigger fight.

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

Coming up on Saturday night November 22nd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, unbeaten U.S. lightweight contender Abdullah Mason will go for his first world title. That's when he battles England's Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO 135 lb. crown.

But, before that happens he spoke with our insider Dan Rafael in a one on one conversation.

Find out more about what the Cleveland, OH, native thinks about this big moment in his career, what kind of threat Noakes will be and more, as part of our preview coverage of this great card.

It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Conversation podcast with Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!

It was a quick and decisive night for Vergil Ortiz in the Golden Boy main event, Dan talks with a rising lightweight star and we have fight news, too, on the newest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."

Host T.J. Rives returns with insider Dan Rafael of the Fight Freaks Unite Substack and newsletter with "The Tea." (good info/takes)

First a Recap of the Saturday Golden Boy / DAZN card in Fort Worth, Texas
Vergil Ortiz scores quick TKO2 over Erickson Lubin, for Ortiz’s WBC interim 154 lb. title.
The guys iscuss prospect of Ortiz-Jaron Ennis next and do we believe them?

Next, what turned out to be a terrible undercard
Darius Fulghum D10 David Stevens in a boring bout.
Amari Jones TKO3 Shady Gamhou middleweights.
Joshua Edwards heavyweight win over Zeno Vooris
Robin Safar W10 Derick Miller Jr., cruiserweight bout
 
Also a quick recap of the Friday night ProBox main event in Lakeland, Florida
Welterweight Tiger Johnson, the Top Rank-promoted 2020 U.S. Olympian, pummeled Nicklaus Flaz in a TKO4. Dan has more.

Then hear from Abdullah Mason, the unbeaten U.S. lightweight with Dan who battles unbeaten English contender Sam Noakes on 11/22 in the massive Riyadh Season PPV.
 
And, some news:
WBO junior middleweight titlist Xander Zayas and WBA counterpart Abass Baraou will meet in a title unification fight on Jan. 31 in San Juan, according to the WBO and confirmed by Zayas promoter Top Rank. Is this possibly going to be the first fight card for Top Rank's new fight deal with a broadcaster.

WBA bantamweight titleholder Seiya Tsutsumi will defend against interim titlist and surefire future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire, age 42, on Dec.17 in Tokyo, Teiken Promotions announced  

And, undisputed women’s heavyweight champion and female No. 1 pound-for-pound Claressa Shields, who had become a promotional free agent, has re-signed with Salita Promotions as and brought on Wynn Records as a co-promoter, in an $8 million multi-fight partnership We go over the deal.

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