The Opening Bell

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

There was shock and awe in the air at Wembley Stadium as Daniel Dubois demolished Anthony Joshua to continue his stunning career turnaround.What does this mean for Joshua, at 34 years old? Can he possibly come back? And is Dubois really as dangerous as he looked?In This Week we focus on another heavyweight thrashing as we go back to 1962 and the violent coronation of Sonny Liston.Subscribe to Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/TheOpeningBellPodcastAnd if you can’t subscribe, please drop us a review to help our visibility.Many thanks, one and all!

It’s fight week in London where Daniel Dubois prepares to take on Anthony Joshua in a titanic heavyweight encounter at Wembley Stadium.Alex Steedman has gone missing so Darren Rees steps into the presenter hot seat and, alongside Matt Christie, examines the huge British bill that also features a fight that won’t have an IBF title involved.We hear from Robert Smith, who explains what the Saudi revolution has done for British boxing and the Board.Also, the recent effort of Canelo Alvarez - as the went 12 rounds again, this time against Edgar Berlanga - is under review. How much time does the Mexican superstar have left? Hopefully less than The Opening Bell. Please support us at Patreon to help keep your favourite podcast going!

Your good friends at The Opening Bell are delighted to present our new weekly series - ‘Boxing’s Best’ - where, every Saturday morning, we focus on a specific subject within boxing and reveal our own Top 10 favourites. This week, and trust us - it’s a good ‘un, we attempt to name the best boxing events.There are eye-witness accounts of what it was like to attend the first Frazier-Ali showdown, memories of weeping with utter joy at weigh-ins and the frustration of being sent to the nosebleed seats – alongside some history lessons and behind-the-scenes tales that you will not have heard before.As always, please leave feedback, get active on socials and spread the word about what we’re trying to achieve here at The Opening Bell. And never forget, dear Patreons, we love you!

It’s fight week in Las Vegas and as has become custom for the build-up to recent Canelo fights, we do our best to make a case for the underdog who, this time, is Edgar Berlanga.Back at home, stories about Daniel Dubois almost chinning Anthony Joshua a mere eight years ago are doing the rounds and we also discuss in detail how commissions can stamp out bogus titles and Turki Alalshikh’s plan to change the PPV model.In This Week, we relive the night when the one and only Chocolatito endured his first legitimate defeat.If you like what you hear please support us by subscribing to Patreon for the cost of less than a pint of cheap, flat lager.

Naoya Inoue did as expected, and largely as he pleased, when he punched holes in TJ Doheny to the extent the Irishman suffered back spasms and had to quit.Afterwards, Bob Arum spelled out plans for Inoue to conquer Las Vegas in 2025 - with a suggestion that a superfight with Junto Nakatani is on the horizon.As ever, there is plenty of news to digest, from Joshua-Dubois ‘selling out’, the IBF’s selection of mandatories and the comebacks of Conor Benn and Billy Joe Saunders.In This Week we remember when Daniel Zaragoza reluctantly, but classily, handed the torch to a 21-year-old Erik Morales.Patreons - thank you for your support, we will love you forever. As for the rest of you - click here to feel the warmth of that unconditional love: