Episodes

  • THE JINX SPINKS BIOGRAPHER – JACK HIRSCH

    THE JINX SPINKS BIOGRAPHER – JACK HIRSCH
    May 1 2026
    In a real treat of a bonus podcast, we get to know a stalwart of the US boxing circuit, the one and only Jack Hirsch. Jack fell in love with boxing as a youngster but after a spell as an amateur and getting beaten up by world middleweight champions in sparring, he realised his calling was on the other side of the ropes. Witness to some of the most important fights in history, Jack talks us through watching Muhammad Ali and Roberto Duran in New York, his move into journalism and getting to know the legends of the sport. One of those, the great light-heavyweight and heavyweight Michael ‘The Jinx’ Spinks is the subject of Jack’s first book. The process of writing that is a fascinating listen, as is his opinions on boxing journalism today. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • JOSHUA V FURY – MOSES NEXT MOVE – INOUE V NAKATANI – BENEVIDEZ V RAMIREZ

    JOSHUA V FURY – MOSES NEXT MOVE – INOUE V NAKATANI – BENEVIDEZ V RAMIREZ
    Apr 28 2026
    It’s on! Anthony Joshua will at last fight Tyson Fury. But hang on, will he really? The contracts have been signed but Joshua must get through a July 25th fight before that. He also needs to see how he feels being back in the ring after the tragic events of four months ago. And will Fury have an interim fight himself? With this pair, we just don’t know. Also set to fight on July 25th is Moses Itauma but he has no opponent in place yet. We examine the reasons why this next step is such a crucial one for Itauma’s development. The upcoming weekend is shaping up to be a cracker with Inoue – Nakatani, Ramirez – Benevidez and Walker – Eggington to enjoy. And finally in This Week, we cruise back to 1980 for some Wilfredo Gomez action which commentator Howard Cossell describes as a “national embarrassment.’ Keep it real folks, stick with The Opening Bell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • THE PROSPECT - REESE LYNCH

    THE PROSPECT - REESE LYNCH
    Apr 25 2026
    Time for The Opening Bell podcast to check in with unbeaten boxer Reese Lynch for a glimpse behind the scenes in the life of a boxing prospect. We talk sparring sensibly, dealing with cuts, going on after the main event, money, haircuts, fight outfits and much, much more. The Prospect series hopes to lift the bonnet on the boxing business so follow, subscribe and stay tuned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • RISE OF WHITTAKER – FALL OF KINAHAN

    RISE OF WHITTAKER – FALL OF KINAHAN
    Apr 21 2026
    Ben Whittaker unleashed his latest dazzling display at the weekend with another early blowout. But is the newfound fire enough to take him to the top? And if it is, which opponents does he need to get there? The fall of Daniel Kinahan, who last week was arrested in Dubai, will leave many wondering if those who were happy to do business with him a few years ago remain so today. There is breaking news of Lawrence Okolie failing a test. As the show records, we find out that Okolie is on the front foot when it comes to clearing his name. And in This Week, we fire up the burners back to 1992 for some Frank Bruno mania and vintage Des Lynam. Please follow and subscribe to The Opening Bell; your only choice for independent reporting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • FURY V JOSHUA? – BENN’S POWER CUT

    FURY V JOSHUA? – BENN’S POWER CUT
    Apr 14 2026
    Tyson Fury returned, beat Arslanbek Makhmudov, then thought all he had to do was shout at ringsider Anthony Joshua to secure his next big fight. But it didn’t quite work out like that. Regardless, the Fury of 2026 -though not the Fury of 2020- proved he’s still among the sprightliest heavyweights around. The watching AJ, however, wasn’t overly impressed. Conor Benn’s evening didn’t exactly go to plan either. Expected to walk through the war-torn Regis Prograis, Benn was made to work hard to win on points over 10 rounds. It begged the question: Why hasn’t Benn knocked anyone out since 2022? Zuffa continue to make moves with the signing of Chris Billam-Smith and last, but not least, we head back to 2004 and a heartbreaking world title defeat for Michael Brodie. Keep supporting The Opening Bell – your only choice for truly independent reporting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • DEL BOY’S LAST STAND? TYSON FURY RETURNS

    DEL BOY’S LAST STAND? TYSON FURY RETURNS
    Apr 7 2026
    Was the punishing and chaotic loss to Deontay Wilder really Derek Chisora’s last fight? Though dramatic in places, it certainly felt like the end of something. The performance of Chisora, again beyond plucky, triggers discussion about the complexities of retirement. Wilder meanwhile, just about proved there might be some gas left in the tank but how far can that feasibly take him? Which leads us to wonder about Tyson Fury and his comeback against Arslanbek Makhmudov. Fury is unquestionably motivated again but it seems unlikely he’ll truly be able to roll back the years. Get your lollipops out for This Week as we go back to 2005 for some vintage mischief from Jorge Arce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • CHISORA V WILDER – DENZEL BENTLEY

    CHISORA V WILDER – DENZEL BENTLEY
    Mar 31 2026
    Who’d have thought that the war-torn Derek Chisora would ever start as favourite to beat Deontay Wilder, once the most explosive of heavyweights? But that’s where we are with Wilder exhibiting wear and tear and Chisora, by comparison, chugging along, surprising well. Which leads us to the question; Who wins? And what does that win look like? We hear from Denzel Bentley who talks candidly about layoffs, making ends meet, drug cheats and loyalty. It’s an interview not to be missed. Much like The Opening Bell! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • MOSES THE MAN: CAN ANYONE STOP MOSES ITAUMA?

    MOSES THE MAN: CAN ANYONE STOP MOSES ITAUMA?
    Mar 31 2026
    Well, well, well. What a performance from Moses Itauma to cement his reputation as the heavyweight king in waiting. But is everyone – and we mean everyone – getting too excited on the strength of a victory over Jermaine Franklin, a fighter who had previously lost his biggest fights? Or is the expectancy surrounding Itauma, arguably the most hyped heavyweight in history, truly justified? As well as plotting an ideal route to the top for Moses, we briefly examine Dave Allen being chucked in with Filip Hrgovic and reflect on Sebastian Fundora’s pummelling of veteran Keith Thurman. In This Week, it’s back to 1981, where Marvin Hagler oozes style at ringside as Sugar Ray Leonard shows his spiteful side while overpowering Larry Bonds. The Opening Bell podcast is here, come and get it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins