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  • Barboza-Sims Headlines For Golden Boy, Dickens Defends Against Cacace In Ireland And More! | BFW Preview Podcast

    Barboza-Sims Headlines For Golden Boy, Dickens Defends Against Cacace In Ireland And More! | BFW Preview Podcast
    2026/03/13
    We ready for an action packed weekend of championship action from Ireland to Southern California on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"

    Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael return for their insight and takes.

    First, they preview the Golden Boy DAZN card Saturday night in Anaheim, California
    Welterweight Arnold Barboza meets Kenneth Sims in a 12 round contender main event. Both are looking to stay in contention in the division.

    Also, WBO/WBA strawweight champion Oscar Collazo defends against Jesus Haro. Welterweight Alexis Rocha looks to get back on the winning track vs. veteran Jo Jo Diaz, and undisputed women’s flyweight champion Gabriela Fundora meets her mandatory challenger Viviana Ruiz Corredor.

    Then, a preview of the Queensberry DAZN main event on Saturday in Dublin, Ireland
    James "Jazza" Dickens battles former world champ. Anthony Cacace, 12 rounds, for Dickens’ WBA junior lightweight title. This will be a rockiing atmosphere for two hard hitting 130 lb. fighters.

    Some news

    Jai Opetaia team has sent legal letters to various industry folks demanding records preservation ahead of a possible lawsuit against the IBF by he and Zuffa Boxing claiming “that the IBF's abrupt decision to withdraw was the product of coordinated, industry-wide collusion designed to punish him for working with Zuffa and to deter other athletes from doing the same.”

    Big Dan was texted the letter from a numbe he did not know and I know at least one other boxing writer it was also sent to. It's CRAZY and he has more!

    Per sources, negotiations are ongoing for a fight between former lightweight titlist Gervonta Davis and WBC interim junior welterweight titlist Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz to meet in a rematch that would headline a PBC on Prime PPV this summer while Davis’ court case winds it way through the Florida legal system. The boys discuss.

    Dan is also reporting, lineal and unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol and IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert have a deal. The purse bid scheduled for this past Tuesday was cancdeled and the fight is supposed to be added to the Oleksandr Usyk-Rico Verhoeven Ring magazine undercard on May 23 outdoors at the Pyramids of Giza in Giza, Egypt.

    Bivol's manager Vadim Kornilov also told Dan about Bivol’s “hit list” for his next three fights.

    Heavyweight contender Frank Sanchez is dealing with inflammation in his surgically repaired knee, which forced him on Wednesday to postpone his IBF title eliminator against Richard Torrez Jr. on the March 28 Sebastian Fundora-Keith Thurman PBC on Prime Video PPV. Sources told me plans are to reschedule it for May 30 on the undercard of the soon-to-be-finalized Devin Haney-Rolando Romero welterweight unification fight in Brooklyn.

    The IBF on Tuesday stripped Janibek Alimkhanuly of its middleweight world title but not specifically due to the failed VADA test but because by the time returns from a year suspension he will not have been able to fulfill his mandatory defense, which is due on or before July 4.

    Tim Tszyu will take a warm-up fight before an expected summer bout with Errol Spence. He will fight Denis Nurja in a 10-rounder at 157 pounds in Wollongong, Australia. PBC announced Wednesday the card will be stream on Prime Video in the U.S. on April 4 at 9 p.m. (April 5 morning in Australia). Card also includes Australia’s Sam Goodman in a hometown fight against Rodrigo Ruiz in an IBF junior featherweight title eliminator.

    And, Zuffa Boxing 05 card is set for April 5 at Apex in Las Vegas. Main event announced during Opetaia-Glanton card: Andres Cortes will move up to lightweight and fight Eridson Garcia. Also, not announced yet but per Dan's reporting, in the co-feature, former WBC featherweight titlist Mark Magsayo will face former WBA junior lightweight title challenger Feargal McCrory in a 10-rounder as both also move up to lightweight.

    Hear it all on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
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    1 時間 3 分
  • Jai Opetaia Defends.... But What Title? + De La Hoya Gets Legal Win And Floyd Mayweather Another Exhibition? | BFW Preview Podcast

    Jai Opetaia Defends.... But What Title? + De La Hoya Gets Legal Win And Floyd Mayweather Another Exhibition? | BFW Preview Podcast
    2026/03/06
    We are back and ready for a "Title" Fight at cruiserweight, but curious as to which title is at stake in Las Vegas Sunday night. We sort that and preview that matchup and have some fight news on the "Big Fight Weekend Preview" Podcast!

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

    They start with Sunday night’s Zuffa Boxing main event at the Apex in Las Vegas
    Jai Opetaia vs. Brandon Glanton, for Opetaia’s lineal cruiserweight title, the Ring Magazine belt, the Zuffa new title, but what about Opetaia's IBF championship? That's unclear. We have the latest.

    Then, some news

    Golden Boy Promotions won a legal victory in United States District Court in Nevada on Monday night, as Judge Cristina Silva keeps Golden Boy's interim injunctive relief preventing, at least for now, Vergil Ortiz from contracting for the Jarpm Ennis. She has ordered the case be settled in arbitration. We explain what it all means for now?

    Then, William Zepeda and Lamont Roach Jr. will fight for the vacant WBC lightweight title stripped from Shakur Stevenson last month. However, how is the "interim" WBC 135 lb. champ Jadier Herrera not involved?

    Floyd Mayweather announces another exhibition- this one for June 27 in Athens, Greece, vs. Mike Zambidis, a retired Greek kickboxer who won a variety of world titles in various promotions during his 2000 to 2015 career. How many exhibitions are we up to with Floyd before he rematches Pacquiao in September?

    MVP is hosting a press conference at Madison Square Garden on Friday for what it says is a major announcement. Per Dan's reporting, it will be to announce an April 17 card involving Alycia Baumgardner in a unified women’s junior lightweight title defense vs. former lightweight title challenger Bo Mi Re Shin of Korea with the card on ESPN as the first of multiple ESPN events.

    Eddie Hearn announced Thursday he has signed UFC heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall as his first client of the newly created Matchroom Talent Agency. Will put him negotiating with Dana White on Aspinnal’s UFC fight. That should be fun to hear Eddie talk about how underpaid UFC fighters are. We go over the latest in the fued.

    And, with Oscar Duarte having his title shot vs. Richardson Hitchins canceled the day of the fight from the Barrios-Garcia card, Golden Boy tells Dan they plan to add him to the May 2 Benavidez-Zurdo PPV card.

    It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
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    47 分
  • Jai Opetaia Conversation With Dan Rafael 3 3 26 | Fight Freaks Unite Podcast

    Jai Opetaia Conversation With Dan Rafael 3 3 26 | Fight Freaks Unite Podcast
    2026/03/04
    Coming up Sunday night in Las Vegas, IBF cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia will make his debut with Zuffa Boxing in their main event.

    However, is this fight for his title or will he potentially have to give it up, as Zuffa seems insistent on not doing business with the existing boxing organizations?

    Well he addresses that situation and the opponent he's faciing, American Brandon Glanton and more with our insider Dan Rafael. Will the hard hitting, unbeaten Aussie Opetaia get bigger and better fights because of Zuffa or will this quicklly turn into a mess out of the ring for him?

    We are about to find out.

    Here more from the champ on this "Fight Freaks Unite Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
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    17 分
  • Emanuel Navarrete Pummels Nunez + Jai Opetaia With Dan And Usyk Fighting Kick Boxer? | Fight Freaks Unite Recap

    Emanuel Navarrete Pummels Nunez + Jai Opetaia With Dan And Usyk Fighting Kick Boxer? | Fight Freaks Unite Recap
    2026/03/02
    It was a devastating performance for Mexican star Emanuel Navarrete to become unified champ, plus, we've got the IBF cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia with us and more on the latest "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast."

    Host T.J. Rives is back along with insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter to give their insight and more.

    First, they recap Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing DAZN card from Glendale, Arizona
    Navarrete dominated and scored a TKO11 over Eduardo "Sugar" Nunez and unifies WBO/IBF 130 lb. titles. It was a great showing, but why did the referee and ring doctor, etc. not stop it quicker? Plus, what's out there for the new unified champ?

    And, on the undercard, Emiliano Vargas TKO9 Agustin Quintana, junior welterweights and upset as Abel Ramos W10 split decision over prospect Tahmir Smalls at welterweight


    Next, Jai Opetaia joins Dan, as next Sunday March 8th he defends the lineal, and supposedly the IBF cruiserweight title against Brandon Glanton in the main event of the Zuffa Boxing card at the Apex in Las Vegas on Paramount+. Hear Opetaia on why he's signed with Zuffa and what he expects in this one and beyond?

    Then, NEWS
    Lineal/unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will fight Rico Verhoeven, a former longtime kickboxing heavyweight champion and regarded as one of the greatest kickboxers ever, in the main event of a Ring magazine card on May 23 (DAZN PPV) outdoors to the exotic backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza in Giza, Egypt. On Sunday, the WBC announced it will sanction it as a title fight. WBA and IBF have both told me they have not been contacted about the bout.

    Ryan Garcia healing from a sprained right hand in his win over Mario Barrios but said on social media he will be back this summer and wants to fight Devin Haney in a rematch/unification fight.

    Discussions for a fight between Edgar Berlanga and Chris Eubank Jr. possibly at super middleweight. Both need a win.
    The exodus of talent continues in drips from Top Rank as former WBO featherweight titlist and two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez announced Friday that his contract with Top Rank has expired and that he is a free agent.

    And, Queensberry Promotions is headed to France as its international expansion continues in April with a DAZN card in Paris headlined by French heavyweight Tony Yoka vs. former cruserweight champ, Lawrence Okolie and junior middleweight up-and-comer Bakary Samake vs. Ermal Hadribeaj in the co-feature.

    It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
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    1 時間 19 分
  • Emanuel Navarrete-"Sugar" Nunez Showdown, Mayweather-Pacquiao II And Conor Benn Opponent | BFW Preview Podcast

    Emanuel Navarrete-"Sugar" Nunez Showdown, Mayweather-Pacquiao II And Conor Benn Opponent | BFW Preview Podcast
    2026/02/27
    We're back with a potential exciting junior lightweight battle in Arizona for unification as the most prominent fight of the weekend and some very interesting fight news, too on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"

    Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter return with their insight and takes

    Preview Saturday’s Matchroom Boxing DAZN card in Glendale, Arizona

    Emanuel Navarrete vs. Eduardo Nunez, WBO/IBF junior lightweight unification. Both guys can really punch and also get hit. We have thoughts on the battle. Plus,
    Tahmir Smalls vs. Abel Ramos, 10 rounds, welterweights
    Emiliano Vargas vs. Agustin Quintana, 10 rounds, junior welterweights

    News
    Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao rematch announced Monday for Sept. 19 at the Sphere in Las Vegas and on Netflix in a bout that counts on the recrods. Both are in their late 40's and it's 11 years after they fought. What ARE WE DOING HERE?!

    Conor Benn’s one-fight, $15 million fight with Zuffa/Turki Alashikh will be against Regis Prograis in a 10-rounder at 150 pounds on the Tyson Fury-Arslanbek Makhmudov card it was announced on Thursday. Will make him by far the highest paid undercard fight of all time.

    Jake Paul announced he had to have a second surgery on the broken jaw he suffered in the sixth-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua on Dec.19. Will we see him again in 2026?

    Katie Taylor, one of the greatest female boxers of all time, announced she will have a farewell fight later this year in Dublin. We have more.

    Claressa Shields shutout over Franchon Crews Dezurn on Sunday night to retain the women’s undisputed heavyweight title in their rematch. Huge crowd of about 18,000 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

    WBO/IBF middleweight titleholder Janibek Alimkhanuly was suspended by the WBO for a year – but allowed to keep the title -- and by the Kazakhstan Professional Boxing Federation for six months. This is related to testing positive for the banned substance Meldonium days before he was scheduled to face WBA titlist Erislandy Lara in a three-belt unification fight on Dec. 6. The IBF has yet to rule. He gets to keep the belts?! Again, WHAT are we doing here?!

    Also, WBC middleweight titlist Carlos Adames will make his third defense in a rescheduled bout against Austin “Ammo” Williams in the main event of a quickly scheduled Matchroom Boxing card on March 21 (DAZN) at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

    And, finally, the IBF on Monday ordered junior welterweight titlist Richardson Hitchins to next make his mandatory defense against Lindolfo Delgado. This comes days after Hitchins’ optional against Oscar Duarte was canceled when Hitchins became ill and was vomiting after breakfast on the morning of the fight. We explain why Duarte isn't getting the title fight, for now.

    It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
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    1 時間 4 分
  • Zuffa Boxing Showing Hypocrisy With Conor Benn Signing? | Fight Freaks Unite Podcast

    Zuffa Boxing Showing Hypocrisy With Conor Benn Signing? | Fight Freaks Unite Podcast
    2026/02/24
    It's a SWERVE in the boxing promotional world as the new start up, Zuffa Boxing, in the U.S. has snatched away British prominent fighter Conor Benn from U.K. based Matchroom Boxing.

    We had a spirited discussion on this weekend's "Fight Freaks Unite Recap," as host T.J. Rives particularly is criticizing the terms of the signing by Zuffa and how it hypocritically contradicts their supposed "revolutionizing" boxing promotions with their own system, fighter pay model and ignoring the boxing organizations.

    Insider Dan Rafael provides his counter points, but also agrees and is questioning how Zuffa can justify the apparent ridiculous money that Benn is getting for a "one off" fight with them?

    Benn is off his career best win defeating Chris Eubank Jr. in their rematch last November. And what about how he left Matchroom, whom had stood by him, including financially, during his PED suspension?

    Enjoy this portion of the Pod and a reminder to hear the whole show, just click the previous podcast on this feed. And, make sure to follow/subscribe for all the content here on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.
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    16 分
  • Ryan Garcia Dominates Barrios, Leigh Wood Wins Warrington Rematch + Conor Benn Signs With Zuffa | Fight Freaks Unite Recap

    Ryan Garcia Dominates Barrios, Leigh Wood Wins Warrington Rematch + Conor Benn Signs With Zuffa | Fight Freaks Unite Recap
    2026/02/23
    A Tremendous performance by Ryan Garcia leads the weekend and we talk about his long awaited world title win on Saturday night in Vegas, plus the rest of the PPV card, a win for Leigh Wood in his all British showdown and some very intriguing fight news too on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast!"

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

    The start with the Ring mag DAZN PPV card Saturday night in Las Vegas ,as Ryan Garcia dominated Mario Barrios over 12 and wins the WBC welterweight crown. It was a great performance by "King Ry" and we dissect why.

    Next the Richardson Hitchins IBF 140 lb. defense with Oscar Duarte was canceled Saturday late morning in Vegas. Dan has the latest on what happened and why the conspiracy theorists should PIPE DOWN.

    Also, Gary Antuanne Russell W12 over Andy Hiraoka, and keeps the WBA junior welterweight crown

    Frank Martin had a draw with Nahir Albright in a junior welterweight clash.

    Bektemir Melikuziev deeats Sena Agbeko,and keeps WBA "Continental" super middleweight crown

    Plus Amari Jones and Mohammed Alakel get KOs, but American heayweight Joshua Edwards struggled over six rounds with his opponent, Brandon Colantonio.

    Next the Matchroom Boxing DAZN main event Saturday in Nottingham, England

    Leigh Wood won an easy 12 rounder for the most part with Josh Warrington, in their junor lightweight rematch. Could it have been both of their final fights?

    Next, some NEWS
    Hall of famer Floyd Mayweather, who turns 49 on Tuesday, announces he will exit retirement for an official fight later this summer after his spring exhibition with Mike Tyson slated for Afrrica.... WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE?!

    Next, in something of shocker, British welterweight star Conor Benn has signed with Zuffa Boxing, they announced on Friday. Per Dan's sources it is one-fight deal worth a staggering $15 million to fight by the end of May. There are lots of takes, including T.J. pointing out that Zuffa is not raally revolutionizing anything... they're just like all the other promotions competing for fighters and willing to overpay to do it.

    And finally unified cruiserweight titleholder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and David Benavidez, the WBC light heavyweight titleholder moving up in weight, met he media on Saturday morning in Las Vegas to officially announce their May 2 PBC on Prime Video PPV fight, which will take place T-Mobile Arena.
    Dan has some thoughts on the kickoff presser.

    Hear it all on the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!
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    1 時間 13 分