5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce

From the Sublime to the Ridiculous Nov 18, 2024

Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to pick through the bones of a busy weekend. They get stuck into the main event in Dallas where Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson after the pair completed eight rounds in Dallas. They both agree they never want to see the former heavyweight world champion in a ring again. The highlight of the night was the fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, with Taylor winning a unanimous points decision. And we ask where it went wrong for Chris Billam-Smith as he lost to Gilberto Ramirez in Riyadh.

Katie Taylor, Chris Billam-Smith and a bunch of world titles Nov 11, 2024

Ahead of two huge nights of boxing, Buncey catches up with Katie Taylor and Chris Billam-Smith. Katie is putting her super lightweight belts on the line against Amanda Serrano in Dallas on Friday, while CBS hopes to add the WBA cruiserweight belt to his WBO title when he faces Gilberto Ramirez in Riyadh the following night. Both fighters talk about the magnitude of their events and what they expect from their opponents. We also hear from CBS’s trainer Shane McGuigan.

Pod on Tour - Josh Taylor in Edinburgh Nov 08, 2024

Buncey takes the pod to Edinburgh for an evening with former undisputed world champion Josh Taylor. Live at Hibs Football Club, Josh opens up about why he believes he's far from done with boxing and shares his ambitions of becoming a two-time world champion. We also hear from his wife and mother, and the audience has the chance to ask their questions.

Lennox Lewis, Caroline Dubois and a bit of Carl Frampton Nov 04, 2024

Former heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis joins Buncey for a catch-up. They discuss the upcoming rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, and Lennox shares his view of which of the two fighters will have learnt more from their first fight. Carl Frampton is on the pod to discuss Saturday night’s thriller in Birmingham between Shabaz Masoud and Liam Davies. And Caroline Dubois gives us her shopping list of fights she wants in 2025.

The Rumble in the Jungle at 50 Oct 30, 2024

Fifty years after the Rumble in the Jungle, Buncey sits down with journalist Colin Hart for an eyewitness account of the iconic event. Colin is the sole surviving British journalist who witnessed Muhammad Ali's victory over George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire, on October 24, 1974. He shares his memories of that unforgettable night and explains why it continues to be one of the greatest spectacles in sports history.

Who next for Catterall after beating Prograis? Oct 28, 2024

Barry Jones is with Buncey as they reflect on a dramatic night at the new Co-op Live. They hear from Jack Catterall after he beat Regis Prograis on points and ask what next for the man from Chorley. Promoter Eddie Hearn is also on the pod, as is Reece Bellotti, who had his fight against Michael Gomez called off just a couple of hours before they were supposed to fight.

Catterall vs Prograis: The press conference Oct 24, 2024

Buncey is at a new arena in Manchester for yet another press conference. This time, it's Jack Catterall vs. Regis Prograis, who will battle on Saturday at the venue. Steve sits down to discuss the fight and the undercard with Eddie Hearn, Jack Catterall, Regis Prograis, Campbell Hatton, and Pat McCormack.

They Meet Again: Heavyweight Rematch Oct 23, 2024

Steve Bunce and Barry Jones are in Guildhall, London, for a press conference to officially launch the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. With just over eight weeks to go until their second bout, Buncey speaks to promoter Frank Warren, British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley, and British heavyweight contender Johnny Fisher, stirring anticipation for yet another huge night of boxing in 2024.

Pod on Tour - Billam-Smith in Bournemouth Sep 13, 2024

Buncey travels to the south coast for an evening with WBO World Champion Chris Billam-Smith. Surrounded by his fans at AFC Bournemouth, they discuss his journey from delivering Chinese food to becoming a cruiserweight world champion. We also hear from his wife, Mia, who shares her experience of being ringside when he won his world title. Chris also answers questions from the audience, including a particularly embarrassing one from his friend and trainer, Shane McGuigan.

Pod on Tour - Jonas and Smith in Liverpool Jul 19, 2024

Buncey is joined on stage by Natasha Jonas and Callum Smith as the tour lands in Liverpool. They discuss the highs and lows of their career, how they both have more to achieve in the ring and take questions from the audience.

Wales’ first female world champion May 12, 2024

Stacey Copeland sits in for Buncey as Lauren Price becomes a world champion. She is joined by Barry Jones to reflect on an historic night of boxing in the Welsh capital. We hear from Lauren, as well as her promoter Ben Shalom and her partner Karriss Artingstall.

Introducing... Powerplay: The House of Don King May 09, 2024

Veteran fight aficionado Steve Bunce is alongside Heavyweight Champion of the World Lennox Lewis to examine the early life and crimes of notorious Boxing promoter Don King.

Listen to the full box set first on BBC Sounds.

Pod on tour - Warrington and Bridges in Leeds Apr 03, 2024

Buncey is joined by Josh Warrington and Ebanie Bridges as the tour heads to Leeds. The pair discuss the highs and lows of their career, how they are hungry to regain their world titles, and they take questions from the audience.

Pod on tour - The Walsh Brothers in Cromer Feb 10, 2024

Buncey takes the pod to Cromer for the third stop on its UK tour. He’s joined on stage by the Walsh brothers - Liam, Ryan and Michael. They take us back to the early days of sparring in their living room, fighting their dad for a few quid and what regrets they have from their respective careers.

2023 5 Live Boxing Awards Dec 27, 2023

Former world champions Barry Jones and Richie Woodhall join Steve Bunce as the 5 Live Boxing awards return. They are tasked with deciding the winners of six categories including “Fight of the year” and “British boxer of the year”.

Pod on tour: Joe Calzaghe and Barry Jones in Cardiff Dec 08, 2023

Buncey takes the pod to Cardiff for the second stop on its UK tour. Former world champions Joe Calzaghe and Barry Jones join him on stage to look back at some of the highlights (and lowlights) of their respective careers.

Barry gives a convincing argument as to why he was the better boxer of the pair, and Joe still remembers where he was when news filtered through of Apollo Creed’s death.

Be warned, there is some strong language and a few bleeps as well!

Simply the Best - A Chris Eubank special Nov 14, 2023

Buncey travels to Brighton to sit down with former two-weight world champion Chris Eubank. In an emotional chat, they discuss how he is dealing with the recent deaths of both his son Sebastian and brother Simon, why he is so against his son Chris fighting Conor Benn and how he is still dealing with the pain of what happened to Michael Watson following their fight in 1991.

If you, or someone you know, have been affected by bereavement you can get more information via the BBC Action Line - www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/.

Pod on tour - Carl Frampton and Paddy Barnes in Belfast Nov 01, 2023

Buncey takes the pod to its first stop on its inaugural UK tour. He is joined by Carl Frampton and Paddy Barnes in Belfast in front of a live audience. They chat about the fallout from the Tyson Fury - Francis Ngannou fight in Saudi at the weekend, and take questions from the audience.

Taylor v Cameron: Meet the fighters May 17, 2023

Carl Frampton joins Steve at the public workout to look ahead to the mega-fight in Dublin this weekend. They are joined by the two fighters who were both very relaxed despite the size of the task on Saturday night. Carl and Katie reminisce about the days when they used to spar together, and Steve accidentally disrespects Chantelle!

Haringey Box Cup special Jun 20, 2022

Steve is back on the road this week as he spends the day at the Haringey Box Cup - Europe's largest amateur boxing event. Joined at Alexandra Palace by Olympian and former Box Cup champion Cheavon Clarke, they speak to many of the fighters, trainers and organisers to get a feel for what the event is all about.

Wood v Conlan: Who wins? Mar 10, 2022

Steve takes the pod to Nottingham ahead of the big showdown between Leigh Wood and Michael Conlan on Saturday night. He chats to both boxers, as well as promoter Eddie Hearn.

Khan vs Brook: Finally Fighting Feb 14, 2022

Amir Khan and Kell Brook, two names that have been put together for years. The former boxing world champions have taken on some of the biggest names in the sport but as yet, have managed to avoid each other. Finally brought together by new boxing promoter, Ben Shalom, they’ve agreed to fight at a catchweight of 149lbs, just above the welterweight limit. Eleanor Roper has been spending time in Bolton and Sheffield, going behind-the-scenes in both camps, ahead of the much anticipated Manchester bout. She hears from both fighters about the highs and lows of their careers and the two-decade long rivalry that will finally be settled on Saturday 19 February.

Greatest Fights - The Thrilla in Manila (Ali v Frazier 3) with Gene Kilroy Jul 09, 2020

Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier fought to a standstill in their final contest back in 1975, in what has become along with 'The Rumble in the Jungle' one of the defining fights in the history of 'The Greatest'.

One of the last surviving members of Ali's inner circle, his business manager and confidante Gene Kilroy, joins Mike Costello and Steve Bunce to remember the build up, the night, and the legacy left by Ali.

Greatest Fights: Corrales v Castillo with Joe Goossen Jul 02, 2020

Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo produced a contest for the ages back in 2005, featuring one of the most dramatic comebacks ever seen.

Joe Goossen was in Corrales' corner that night, and joins Mike and Steve to remember their game plan for the fight, the subtle tricks trainers and fighters can pull to gain an advantage, and the tragedy of Corrales' death two years later.

Greatest Fights: Benn v Eubank with Richie Woodhall Jun 25, 2020

The night that "changed British boxing", according to Steve Bunce: Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank's torrid 9 rounds at the NEC in Birmingham in 1990.

Former world super middleweight champion Richie Woodhall joins the podcast to remember the night, which heralded a boom period for boxing on terrestrial TV in the UK.

The man who shot Muhammad Ali Jun 22, 2020

Legendary photographer Neil Leifer, who captured some of the most iconic images of Muhammad Ali in a career spanning half a century, joins Mike and Steve to tell the story behind some of his most famous work. Also, reaction to the confirmation of the date of boxing's return in the UK.

Greatest Fights - Hagler v Hearns with Andy Lee Jun 18, 2020

Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Tommy ‘The Hitman’ Hearns met in April 1985 for two and a half of the most explosive rounds in boxing history.

Former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, who later trained in the famous Kronk gym with Hearns’ trainer Emmanuel Steward, watches along with Mike and Steve and remembers the legacy this fight left in Detroit.

Greatest Fights - Gatti v Ward I with Paulie Malignaggi Jun 11, 2020

Reliving the ten round classic between Arturo 'Thunder' Gatti and 'Irish' Micky Ward, in the company of former two weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi.

Ward later became the subject of 2010 film 'The Fighter', and was played by Mark Wahlberg.

Greatest Fights - Evander Holyfield on Tyson v Holyfield 1 Jun 04, 2020

Former heavyweight world champion Evander Holyfield revisits the night he dismantled Mike Tyson in 11 rounds, as well as the infamous 'ear bite' in their second fight.

Greatest Fights - Carl Froch on Hamed v Barrera May 28, 2020

Former world super middleweight champion Carl Froch joins Mike and Steve to revisit the night in Las Vegas that came to define the career of Prince Naseem Hamed - a comprehensive defeat to the Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera.

19-year-old Froch was in the stands as a paying fan. Was Naz overhyped or did outside factors contribute to defeat in his most significant fight?

Greatest Fights - Ricky Hatton on Hatton v Tszyu May 21, 2020

Reliving the night in 2005 when Ricky Hatton beat Kostya Tszyu to win his first world title, in front of a packed M.E.N. Arena.

Hatton reflects on his greatest night in the ring, how his career developed afterwards and why he has struggled with depression in retirement.

Boxing in Eddie Hearn's back garden; and Adam Booth on training and getting destroyed by Don King May 18, 2020

After Eddie Hearn revealed he's planning to put on fights in his back garden, are we a step closer to the return of professional boxing? Mike and Steve debate the logistical issues with trainer Adam Booth, as well as looking at the path Booth took becoming a world title-winning trainer.

Greatest Fights - Tyson v Spinks with David Haye May 14, 2020

Former heavyweight world champion David Haye joins Mike Costello and Steve Bunce to rewatch the night in 1988 when a 21-year-old Mike Tyson was at his most fearsome in the ring, destroying Michael Spinks in 91 seconds.

They delve into the circumstances surrounding the fight including Donald Trump's involvement in putting it on, and debate Tyson's legacy among the greatest of all time.

Greatest Fights - Sugar Ray Leonard on Leonard v Hearns May 07, 2020

In the first of a new mini-series, one of the greatest boxers of all time, Sugar Ray Leonard, relives his late stoppage of Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns in 1981.

Leonard remembers how Angelo Dundee's corner work was the key to inspiring his late onslaught that ended the fight, and explains how the aftermath of this fight led to a dark period in his life when he abused alcohol and drugs.

'Greatest Fights' will focus on a brilliant or significant bout in boxing history. With a new episode every Thursday, Mike and Steve rewatch the fight with a boxer - either one who was directly involved in the fight or who was heavily influenced by it.

Future episodes include Ricky Hatton and David Haye.

Buatsi on training in lockdown, Olympic what-ifs, and the Yorkshireman who fought Ali Mar 30, 2020

2016 Olympic bronze medallist Joshua Buatsi explains how he's staying in shape during the lockdown, and reveals his thoughts on news that the Tokyo Olympic are going to be delayed until 2021. Then, Mike and Steve discuss an interview from the archive with Richard Dunn, who fought Muhammad Ali in 1976.

Mike's fight recommendation of the week: Marquez v Vasquez 2 (2007) Steve's book recommendation of the week: The Devil and Sonny Liston by Nick Tosches Homework: watch Liston v Clay (1964)

How long until Joshua fights Fury or Wilder? Dec 16, 2019

How long will boxing fans have to wait to see Anthony Joshua against the other two big names in the heavyweight division, Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder? Mike and Steve break down the politics and the timings issues that could get in the way. Also, more reaction to Andy Ruiz's excuses for losing to Joshua, a preview of Daniel Dubois upcoming fight and an appreciation of the importance of amateur boxing clubs.

Joshua beaten: The rumours, the fallout, and what comes next? Jun 04, 2019

As the dust settles on Anthony Joshua's stunning upset defeat to Andy Ruiz jr., Mike and Steve debate the rumours around Joshua being knocked out in sparring, Joshua's father's apparently angry reaction in the ring after the fight, and what changes he needs to make to get back to the top of the sport.

Joshua stunned in New York Jun 02, 2019

Mike and Steve are ringside in New York's Madison Square Garden where Andy Ruiz Jr. produced one of the biggest shocks in the history of heavyweight boxing to take Anthony Joshua's IBF, WBO and WBA world heavyweight titles from him. Along with David Haye and Carl Frampton they analyse a US debut to forget for AJ, heap praise on underdog Ruiz, and ask what this result means for future fights in the division. Then, the boys take a trip to the diner after interviewing both Ruiz Jr. and Joshua in the changing rooms.

Joshua v Ruiz: Final fight breakdown May 31, 2019

Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz jr weigh in ahead of the heavyweight world title fight at Madison Square Garden. Mike and Steve analyse how they looked on the scales, and break down how they see the fight going. Paulie Malignaggi also pops by to give his prediction.

Joshua vs Ruiz: AJ wants Fury next May 30, 2019

Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. faced the media for the final time before their world heavyweight title fight this weekend at Madison Square Garden. Joshua says he is turning his attention to a fight with Tyson Fury, after Deontay Wilder announced his next fight would be a rematch against Luis Ortiz. Also, Mike and Steve talk to several of the undercard fighters including Katie Taylor and Callum Smith ahead of their world title fights, and Carl Frampton pops up to talk about sparring with Taylor, his training partner Tommy Coyle and where he goes next in his own career.

Joshua vs Ruiz: Wilder's spanner in the works May 29, 2019

Deontay Wilder hijacked the fight week news cycle overnight in New York by announcing his next bout would not be against Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury, instead opting for a rematch with Luis Ortiz. Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn reacts to the news and explains his frustration at being unable to even get a meeting with Wilder's representatives. Mike and Steve then speak to legendary Muhammad Ali biographer Thomas Hauser, who paints a worrying picture about the state of the heavyweight division and in boxing in general the longer we have to wait for a superfight.

Wilder produces an all-time knockout May 20, 2019

Deontay Wilder once again proved his punching power by knocking out Dominic Breazeale in their WBC heavweight title contest. Mike and Steve ask where it ranks in the annals of great heavyweight knockouts and debate whether this changes their opinion of who would win between Wilder, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. They also address Wilder's controversial comments made before that fight about killing an opponent in the ring.

Later, Josh Taylor joins the podcast after becoming a world champion at the weekend by beating Ivan Baranchyk in the World Boxing Super Series semi finals, plus reaction to 'The Monster' Naoya Inoue adding another knockout to his record and Billy Joe Saunders becoming a two weight world champion in Stevenage.

BONUS POD: Groves on retirement, Froch and taking control May 14, 2019

Former super middleweight world champion George Groves reflects on the end of his career, his two massive fights against Carl Froch, and how he tried to take control of his career.

Billy Joe's back, Deontay's underrated and Josh Taylor: world champion? May 13, 2019

Former super middleweight champion George Groves joins the podcast to talk about the upcoming fights this weekend, including Billy Joe Saunders v Shefat Isufi for the WBO super middleweight world title, Deontay Wilder's return to the ring against former Anthony Joshua opponent Dominic Breazeale, and his former training mate Josh Taylor's bid for a world title in the semi final of the World Boxing Super Series against Ivan Baranchyk in Glasgow.

Who is boxing's Tiger? Apr 16, 2019

As Mike and Steve arrive in a chilly New York ahead of Terence Crawford v Amir Khan for the WBO weltweight title, is there anyone currently in the sport of boxing that can inspire the same universal excitement as Tiger Woods in his Masters victory? Also, an early look at why Crawford v Khan might not be the mismatch expected by some bookmakers, and a review of Anthony Crolla's lopsided four round defeat by Vasyl Lomachenko at the weekend.

AJ & Josh Warrington look to America Feb 11, 2019

With confirmation that Anthony Joshua will fight Jarrell Miller in the States not far away, Eddie Hearn joins the podcast to talk about a frustrating period for the WBA, IBF and WBO champion since beating Alexander Povetkin last September. Mike and Steve discuss the difference in how Joshua has conducted his career in comparison with Great Britain's previous Olympic super heavyweight gold medallist Audley Harrison. Then, Josh Warrington calls in to talk about his upcoming fight with Kid Galahad, the change in his status since beating Carl Frampton, and his hopes for the rest of the year.

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