The Rocky Road

Cornerman Tony Dunlop joins us to discuss Aaron McKenna’s IBF world middleweight title victory at the 3Arena. We talk about the years of hard work put in by dad and coach Fergal and his sons Aaron and Stevie, and why Belfast Kronk veteran Dunlop, who assists Fergal in the corner, believes this is only the beginning for Team McKenna.Tony also worked with Andy Lee, another Irish world middleweight champion, meaning he has cornered two of the four in Irish boxing history. He was there for some of Lee’s finest nights, including THAT knockout victory over Carl Daniels at Madison Square Garden.Tony reflects on his time at Detroit’s Kronk Gym, the lessons he learnt from Emanuel Steward, and James Tennyson’s explosive career, which brought Irish, Commonwealth, British and European titles. He also discusses his own fighting days, which included Elite success and three professional bouts before he hung up the gloves at 21 and moved into coaching.Tony is a proper boxing man, and it was a treat to hear some of his stories.

Not for the first time, the 3Arena/O2/Point Depot has proven to be a house of pain for Irish boxing. Following in the footsteps of Bernard Dunne and Katie Taylor, Pierce O’Leary lost his unbeaten record in an enthralling encounter with Mark Chamberlain - a bout that is certain to make plenty of Fight-of-the-Year lists. Down twice early on and battling a bloodied, broken nose, Big Bang got right back into the contest by blasting Chamberlain to the canvas in a power-packed seventh round. However, just when the comeback looked on, he found himself on the receiving end of a vicious combination as his composed opponent managed to take him out. It capped off a brutal night that also saw the gallant Lee Reeves rushed to the hospital by ambulance after being knocked out by Gary Cully in one of the evening’s Irish derbies.I’m joined by Joe O’Neill to intro the show, as we discuss the conflicting feelings a night like this brings, before hearing from pundits Carl Frampton, Darren Barker, and Barry Jones on the spectacle these boxers delivered for the Dublin crowd. We also hear from world champ Anto Cacace, who was in town to catch the action. Gary Cully talks to us from his dressing room immediately after his win over Reeves, sending his thoughts to his stricken opponent after possibly rescuing his own career with that late shot. We also feature reaction from Sean McComb and Adam Olaniyan, both winners on the card, as well as Craig O’Brien and Senan Kelly, who both suffered knockout defeats on the night. Dave Coldwell, trainer of Kelly’s conqueror Steven Cairns, tells us why his man can go right to the top, while Mayo middleweight Eoghan Lavin helps us sum up a night that will be remembered for reasons both good and bad. All of us at The Rocky Road send our love and support to Lee Reeves, his family, and his friends during this tough time. Get well soon, Lee.

Today, we’re joined by a man with one of the most decorated records in modern Irish boxing: three European gold medals, two World Championship silver medals, an Olympic appearance and a career as a professional contender.Since turning professional, his path hasn’t always been straightforward. From overcoming a freak injury on his debut in New York to stringing together a run of victories, his most recent opponent – inactivity – has proved one of the toughest of all.But that all ends at the 3Arena on 8 August, when he takes on dangerous knockout artist Artjom Kasparian. With 14 wins and 12 KOs, including four last year, the Armenian-born Dutchman, who is based in Manchester, isn’t coming to play. But neither is Joe Ward.The Westmeath southpaw explains how he has stayed ready in the gym despite not fighting since 2024, why beating up journeymen wouldn’t have done him much good anyway and why he is primed to deliver a statement performance on his Zuffa Boxing debut. But it isn’t all about the performance – it’s also about bringing out the dog inside him and winning by any means necessary.Joe also discusses the recent struggles of his former amateur team and why its boxers need to show that same fighting spirit to bring home medals. He reflects on his time alongside Katie Taylor and explains why he can’t wait for her Croke Park swansong. He also talks about the huge loss to Irish boxing following Zaur Antia’s departure for the USA and his joy at seeing his two sons follow in his footsteps by becoming Irish champions in their own right.The card also features Aaron McKenna fighting for a world title and Callum Walsh making his Irish return. But if anyone thinks boxing is solely a young man’s game, the veteran is adamant that class is permanent – and he intends to prove it on the night.

We hit Dublin Docklands BC this week to sit down with local hero Pierce O’Leary, who’s back in town for his rescheduled dust-up with Mark Chamberlain at the 3Arena on 1 August.‘Big Bang’ tells us what it’s like to get exactly what he’s been looking for – and has sacrificed so much for – as he explains just how hungry he is to tear into his opponent less than 1km from his gaff.He outlines why his ‘go in there and f*** s*** up’ mentality will serve him well in this fight and admits he’s had to dodge his granny’s sweet drawer when calling over for cups of tea during camp, as well as the coddle she loves to serve up.We also touch on call-outs, getting cosy in the cot and Croke Park as O’Leary prepares to enter fight mode.As well as Pierce, we speak to his former amateur coach Philip Keogh, who remains part of his team during these heady professional days. Philip tells us about the boy wonder who first walked through the doors, motivating inner-city kids and the push and pull that has seen some of Ireland’s finest fighters leave the amateur set-up before completing their Olympic cycles – O’Leary included.

In Part 2 of our special from Vicar Street on the Katie Taylor/Croker Park, it’s a heavyweight special - fitting, given Muhammad Ali was the last fighter to headline there.‘No Carty, No Party’ seems to be the case once again as Dublin heavyweight Thomas Carty takes on durable Doncaster puncher Dave Allen in a make-or-break fight for both men. Carty grew up dreaming of playing for Dublin at Croke Park. Allen, meanwhile, is barely aware of the place and, with respect, doesn’t really care about its significance. We hear from both on why what happens between the ropes is all that matters.Katie’s cousin, Molly ‘Meatball’ McCann, a former UFC fighter, has secured a slot on the bill as she looks to add to her 4-0 boxing record in Dublin. We talk about the numbers game, the cold, hard currency of clicks, and why being kicked in the ring on her last visit to Ireland sent her career skyrocketing.Bobbi Flood, one of Ireland’s brightest prospects, also tells us how his cheeky teenage prediction to Eddie Hearn almost - kinda, sorta - came true.And it wouldn’t be a heavyweight special without Adam Olaniyan, the blessed Tallaght tower who’s coming for them all. Everyone keeps saying this is once-in-a-lifetime stuff, that Croker will never happen again. All the while, Adam is planning his first world title defence there.

The undercard for Katie Taylor’s Croke Park fight on September 5th has been officially confirmed - not that she needed one, judging by how ticket sales are said to have gone.In Part 1 of our special from Vicar Street, we hear from Jamie Conlan on how some of these fights came together. He manages Tyrone McKenna, who is in tough against heavy-handed world title challenger Paddy Donovan.We hear from both men on their all-Irish battle and why, for one, it’s the biggest fight of his life - while for the other, it’s a chance to have fun, lead his people to hallowed turf, and give them a day in the sun.Also on the card, Irish Olympic boxer Emmet Brennan - who grew up in the shadow of Croker - faces a monster test against UK KO artist Taylor Bevan. Emmet talks about what it’s been like spending 18 months out of the ring, his delight at landing a slot like this, and why he credits quitting alcohol with so much of his recent success. He also explains why he believes he can exploit weaknesses in Bevan and earn himself a bumper promotional deal.There’s an all-Irish clash at middleweight too, as Paul Ryan takes on Paddy Gallagher - both of whom have been guests on the show to tell their stories in 2026. We check in with both as they come to terms with winning the golden ticket so many of their fellow boxers coveted: a backstage pass on Jones’ Road and the chance to say, “I fought there.”

Lewis Crocker surrendered his IBF world welterweight title after a gruelling battle with Liam Paro in Brisbane.Having won the belt in his closely contested rematch with Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park last September, the Croc was handed a stern first defence: a trip Down Under to face the home favourite.And he very nearly pulled it off, coming on strong in the late rounds and showing much of his feted power as he hurt Paro down the stretch and came close to getting him out of there in a desperate final round.We discuss the bout, and what’s next for both fighters, on today’s show.Renowned Australian journalist Grantlee Kieza joins us to give his view of the contest, as well as to discuss his time in the corner of his country’s boxing GOAT, Jeff Fenech, and his long association with heavyweight Joe Bugner.Lewis’ sister, Alanna Nihell, also comes on to tell us why her younger brother won’t be too downhearted in defeat and why he’s still got the world at his feet.Alanna also tells us why she’ll be front and centre at Croke Park on September 5 for her old friend’s last dance, 25 years after facing Katie Taylor in the IABA’s first sanctioned female bout at the National Stadium.Finally, the voice of boxing in Belfast, David Mohan of BBC Sport NI, gives us his analysis of the Crocker-Paro war.Podcast photo credit: No Limit Boxing

Barry Jones is a decorated ex-boxer turned pundit and analyst, a former WBO super-featherweight world champion who’s returning to Dublin this summer for a couple of key events in the calendar. First he’ll be ringside to call Pierce O’Leary v Mark Chamberlain at the 3Arena in August – then he’ll be back the following month to bring us Katie Taylor’s retirement bout against Flora Pili at Croke Park, which was finally announced last week. Along with the Zuffa card spearheaded by Callum Walsh v Tyler Denny and a world title shot for Aaron McKenna, it’s a mental summer for Irish boxing, and who better than the world’s best boxing pundit to talk us through it? Barry discusses the inner drive of a top champion, life after boxing for Katie and why honesty is the best policy on the mic – no matter what pressures might be applied in favour of a house fighter. We also hear about Dublin’s integral part in his own world title journey.