The Rocky Road

We’re joined by Jay Byrne of JB Boxing Promotions — and there is plenty to discuss.Dublin has enjoyed a boxing boom this summer, beginning with Byrne’s show at Leopardstown in July and concluding at the National Stadium on September 27, when Paul Loonam faces Ruadhan Farrell for the Irish super-bantamweight title.In between, promotional heavyweights Queensberry, Zuffa Boxing and Matchroom have all visited the capital, staging shows that showcased the good, the bad and the ugly of boxing.We discuss the strength of Irish women’s boxing following Katie Taylor’s retirement after her Croke Park swansong; what legacy — if any — the event at GAA HQ will leave; who can carry the torch for Irish boxing and lead us back to Jones’ Road; and where the next generation of television stars might emerge after RTÉ screened Taylor v Flora Pili, its first live professional boxing broadcast in 15 years.We also address fighter safety. Jay’s brother Glenn was forced to retire after suffering a brain bleed following his fight with William Crolla in April. Then, in August, the boxing community was horrified when Lee Reeves suffered the same injury against Gary Cully at the 3Arena.Is boxing becoming less safe — and, if so, why? Jay shares his theories about what is going wrong.Plus, we preview Judgment Day, JB Boxing Promotions’ next show at the home of Irish boxing.

Kevin Byrne is joined by Gavan Casey to reflect on an epic night at Croke Park as Katie Taylor's celebrated career came to an end as a unified world champion after victory over Flora Pili. Kevin also catches up with Taylor's trainer Ross Enamait and RTE's Siobhan Madigan.

It's finally here - Katie Taylor will fight at Croke Park this weekend in her sold-out finale against Flora Pili. Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire look ahead to what could be described as the greatest goodbye in boxing history. The Irish icon will lace up the gloves for one final fight which will be broadcast on RTE in Ireland and DAZN around the globe.

The conversation continues in Part 2 as Brian Peters opens up on his decade-long bond with Katie Taylor and why they’ve operated on a handshake deal without a contract. Brian sets the record straight on the Amanda Serrano and Chantelle Cameron fights, reflects on coming out of retirement in Connemara to change Irish sport forever and shares a brilliant story about spending a day in a hotel room with Muhammad Ali before they headed to a classic Irish boxing bout involving Steve Collins. Plus, Brian reveals details about Katie's life after boxing - from producing a brand-new theatrical stage play about her life (featuring a 21-date tour, Q&A, and dates in the Aran Islands) to launching new business where the plan is to fight just as hard in the boardroom as she did in the boxing ring. We also discuss in greater detail his workings with Irishmen Pierce O'Leary, Steven Cairns and Adam Olaniyan - with the retirement ship most definitely skuttled at Killary Harbour.

In Part 1 of an exclusive two-part interview, legendary boxing manager Brian Peters joins Kevin Byrne to break down Katie Taylor’s historic Croke Park fight night and the landmark deal to bring live boxing back to RTÉ. Brian reflects on the 17-minute sell-out demand, why he and KT refuse to take 'no' for an answer, suddenly and unexpectedly getting emotional at the press conference, the importance of building on momentum when you have it, emphasising the power of GAA HQ to the Brits, his time working with the Meath footballers in the 90s and a late-night run-in with Hollywood actor Colm Meaney. 

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.