The Opening Bell

As expected, Mike Tyson looked old, slow and vulnerable while being outpointed by Jake Paul in an unedifying, forgettable encounter.But what do the incredible viewing figures - it was seen in 60m homes - mean for the sport of boxing?At least Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano turned in a terrific scrap and, out in Saudi, Gilberto Ramirez was too slick for a beyond brave Chris Billam-Smith.Finally, a treat in This Week as Smokin’ Bert Cooper turns in an inspired showing to almost show Evander Holyfield.

Conor Benn last week announced, for the third time in two years, that he had been ‘cleared’ to fight. Is this really the end of the matter?Elsewhere, Turki Alalshikh announced his aquirement of The Ring and, if that wasn’t enough, a $20m deal for Naoya Inoue.In action was Jaron Ennis, merely going through the motions, while Keyshawn Davis showcased his limitless potential.This Week marks the anniversary of the epic opener between Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield.Thanks for the ongoing support, one and all.

With the Daniel Dubois-Anthony Joshua rematch seemingly off the table, we examine the leading contenders to take on Dubois and ponder what the future may hold for Joshua.There’s Queensberry’s deal with DAZN to discuss along with the long-term position of Frank Warren in the business after he recently admitted he had considered retirement.We also reflect on all the action from the weekend, including Shabaz Masoud’s majestic victory over Liam Davies, and there’s a special report from the amateur Under-19 World Championships.In This Week, we head back to 1989 and Sugar Ray Leonard taking on Donnie Lalonde.

Alex and Matt discuss the unexpected storylines emerging from the initial press conference for the December rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. With a full training camp, a focused mind and a more unified corner, how much better can Fury be? And is it enough?Matt speaks to the British Boxing Board for more background detail on what constitutes an approved boxing glove while we reflect on another career highlight win for Jack Catterall. Is Jack ready to beat boxing’s best?This Week in history takes you back to 1984 when Edwin Rosario and Jose Luis Ramirez rematched in a short but thrilling war.Later this week there’s a bonus pod available on Patreon and Apple + where Alex and Matt analyse the best British and Irish fighters from the modern era. Subscribe now for ad free listening and bonus content like that every week for less than £5 per month.

Alex and Matt discuss the unexpected storylines emerging from the initial press conference for the December rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. With a full training camp, a focused mind and a more unified corner, how much better can Fury be? And is it enough?Matt speaks to the British Boxing Board for more background detail on what constitutes an approved boxing glove while we reflect on another career highlight win for Jack Catterall. Is Jack ready to beat boxing’s best?This Week in history takes you back to 1984 when Edwin Rosario and Jose Luis Ramirez rematched in a short but thrilling war.Later this week there’s a bonus pod available on Patreon and Apple + where Alex and Matt analyse the best British and Irish fighters from the modern era. Subscribe now for ad free listening and bonus content like that every week for less than £5 per month.

In a stunning and brutal thrashing, Bakhram Murtazaliev needed less than nine minutes to defeat Tim Tszyu, scoring four knockdowns along the way.We address the modern day habit of writing off the vanquished boxer after defeat - Can Tszyu really have fallen that far, this quickly?The showing of Adam Azim, who defeated Ohara Davies in eight rounds, is another worthy of analysis and we touch on the glove row that triggered Frank Warren’s latest threat to sue.And in This Week, we remember the British barnburner between Michael Gomez and Alex Arthur from 2003. For more on that subject, we recommend this article on Gomez https://boxingnewsonline.net/drugs-alcohol-street-fights-stabbings-tragedies-and-catching-burglars-with-robin-reid-the-turbulent-times-of-michael-gomez/ and video interview with his trainer, Billy Graham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWSmtmidZA8Thank you one and all for supporting the podcast in whichever way you see fit. Remember, for those on Apple, you can now directly subscribe to the bonus content without leaving the App.

DID BETERBIEV DESERVE TO BEAT BIVOL?All that was left to do after watching a truly wondrous scrap between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol was squabble about the decision awarded to the former.We examine whether or not the right man won - and ask, more pertinently, did either of them deserve to lose? - while taking a closer look at the scoring system which can make close fights appear more lopsided than they really were.Other subjects discussed include the chemistry between Frank Warren, Eddie Hearn and Ben Shalom, and we go back to 2005 to relive Tomasz Adamek offering no clues whatsoever that he will one day campaign atop the heavyweight division.Patreons, we adore you, thank you for your support. And despite what Alex says, the rest of you are pretty special, too. Thanks for all the support.The podcast is sponsored by NAS Medical LTD. NAS Medical specialise in complete medical coverage for boxing events, including fight night ringside medical care, ringside medicine training courses and expert second opinions on all aspects of boxing related medical matters. Boxer safety is their priority. Find them on Instagram @nasmedicalltd orwww.nasmedical.co.uk

Let’s talk about the sumptuous fight that sees Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol duke it out for light-heavyweight supremacy. Let’s talk about the best contest to be made in boxing, one with so many subplots and potential outcomes, it’s a wonder we managed to cram them all into the space of 70-odd minutes.Let’s also talk about the rematch between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank, a blast from the past that exhibits the ferocity of the former and the theatre of the latter.And if you don’t want us to talk about subscribing ever again, sign up to Patreon today. You know it makes sense.https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast

Following his bizarre rant at last week’s press conference, Chris Eubank Jr was forced to apologise to Frank Warren - and vice versa - in an unconvincing resolution to a longstanding feud. Was the advice Junior’s father gave him many years ago ringing in his ears?In This Week, we tell the story of Johnny Tapia’s troubled but loving mind as we explore his thrilling rivalry with Paulie Ayala.Last weekend saw a series of storylines developing in the women’s code as Mikaela Mayer defeated a Sandy Ryan who saw red in the most bizarre way en route to the fight, and Terri Harper breathed new life into her career with victory over Rhiannon Dixon.Thanks for the support - as always. We would strongly suggest subscribing, however, if you want to escape the wrath of The Steed.https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcast