5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce

Is Dillian Whyte being unfairly written off ahead of his fight with Moses Itauma? Buncey sits down with Whyte, who explains why he's in such good shape and why he took the fight. We also hear from Itauma, who is taking a very philosophical approach to the fight. Plus, Nick Ball, David Adeleye and Filip Hrgović are also on the pod.

Is Moses Itauma the future of the heavyweight division? Barry Jones joins Buncey to preview Saturday’s stacked Riyadh card, featuring Itauma’s clash with Dillian Whyte and a world title fight for Britain’s sole male champion, Nick Ball, as he takes on Sam Goodman.

How does GB Boxing’s Rob McCracken reflect on the disappointment of Paris 2024? A year on, Buncey sits down with the performance director to explore what went wrong and how preparations for LA 2028 are already in motion. He also hears from hopeful's Chantelle Reid and Odel Kamara, who will to compete at the inaugural World Boxing Championships in Liverpool in September.

Did Daniel Dubois’ defeat to Oleksandr Usyk have more to do with what happened before the fight than during it? Buncey and Barry Jones unpack the fallout from that dramatic night, including talk of a party at Dubois’ house just hours before the bout. They explore what’s next for both fighters and whether Joseph Parker deserves a shot, despite Turki Alalshikh pouring cold water on the idea. Plus, they pay tribute to former undisputed champion Josh Taylor, who announced his retirement last week.

Is Oleksandr Usyk one of the greatest boxers of all time? After witnessing another masterclass from the Ukrainian, Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to reflect on Usyk becoming a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion with his stoppage of Daniel Dubois at Wembley. We hear from Usyk himself in the dressing room, his longtime cornerman Russ Anber, and get reaction from Dubois and his promoter Frank Warren.

Can Daniel Dubois do what no other fighter has done before him and beat Oleksandr Usyk? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey on the eve of the history-making fight to discuss that and where he thinks the fight will be won and lost. They are also joined by former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, who shares his thoughts.

What is Oleksandr Usyk really like behind the scenes? Carl Frampton joins Buncey at the press conference to get unique insight from those who know the Ukrainian champion best. Long-time corner man Russ Anber shares stories from his years working as Usyk’s trainer, cutman and hand-wrapper, while Ukrainian commentator Volodymyr Kobelkov, who’s known Usyk for two decades, offers a personal perspective. Joseph Parker also drops by with an update on his own future and how he sees the fight playing out. Plus, DAZN’s Michael Ridout makes his pod debut to answer the big questions: is pay-per-view really dead and is Eubank-Benn 2 off?

What can we take from the first Usyk-Dubois fight? Barry Jones joins Buncey as they rewatch the 2023 fight and break down what it tells us ahead of the rematch.

Is Frank Warren right to believe Daniel Dubois can beat Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday? Buncey sits down with the Queensberry boss to hear why Dubois is a changed man since their first fight. They also discuss Tyson Fury and when he might return to the ring.

Repeat or revenge? Darren Barker hops aboard Daniel Dubois' open-top bus with Buncey to preview Saturday night’s undisputed heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Dubois. They’re joined by Dubois himself and his trainer Don Charles.

Has Hamzah Sheeraz just announced himself as a new force at 168lbs? After a brutal knockout of Edgar Berlanga in New York, Buncey is joined by Barry Jones to ask whether a super fight with Canelo Álvarez or David Benavidez could be next. They also hear from Sheeraz’s promoter Frank Warren, and Dalton Smith, who’s set to face Subriel Matias on the Ring IV card this November in Riyadh.

Has Katie Taylor strengthened her claim as the greatest female boxer of all time? Barry Jones joins Buncey to look back on a historic night in New York, where Taylor once again outsmarted Amanda Serrano. We hear from Katie herself, along with her promoter Eddie Hearn, and Ellie Scotney, who added another world title to her collection with an impressive win over Yamileth Mercado.

Barry Jones joins Buncey for an in-depth preview of the trilogy fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden. They’re also joined by Taylor’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, to give his take on the fight. Plus, with Ellie Scotney, Savannah Marshall, Chantelle Cameron, and Ramla Ali all set to feature on the undercard, they break down how each fight may play out.

Can Amanda Serrano turn the tide and beat Katie Taylor in their trilogy fight on Friday? Buncey heads to the press conference at Madison Square Garden to put that question to promoter Jake Paul. He also hears from Taylor’s trainer Ross Enamait, Serrano’s sister Cindy, and legendary U.S. boxing journalist Mark Kriegel on what this fight means. Plus, we get an insight into Amanda Serrano from a Puerto Rican sports reporter.

Buncey takes the pod to the public workout, where he catches up with Katie Taylor and her promoter Frank Smith from Matchroom Boxing. He also speaks to Nakisa Bidarian of MVP, who shares the vision behind the company he co-founded with Jake Paul. And Alicia Baumgardner joins the pod as she returns to MSG, having been part of the BBC commentary team for the first Taylor-Serrano fight.

Can Katie Taylor come out on top once again as she takes on Amanda Serrano in their highly anticipated trilogy fight this Friday night in New York? Buncey has touched down in the Big Apple and is joined by Stacey Copeland to break down the main event, reflect on one of boxing’s greatest rivalries, and take a closer look at a stacked undercard that includes Ellie Scotney, Chantelle Cameron and Savannah Marshall.

Richie Woodhall joins Buncey after Jack Catterall outpointed Harlem Eubank by technical decision in a one-sided contest in Manchester. Both Catterall and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, share their thoughts on the fight. Plus, they hear from Leo Atang, Joe Cordina, Skye Nicolson and Pat Brown, who all fought on the undercard.

Will Jack Catterall look to make a statement in his fight against Harlem Eubank in Manchester on Saturday night. Buncey speaks to both fighters as they headline a stacked card at the AO Arena. He also chats with Catterall's trainer Jamie Moore, and to promoter Eddie Hearn.

Will there ever be a bigger night of boxing than what’s coming to Madison Square Garden on July 11th? Buncey sits down with three of the fighters on the stacked card featuring over 20 world title belts. Savannah Marshall explains why this is a bucket-list moment as she aims to add the WBO belt to her IBF and Ring Magazine titles. Chantelle Cameron reveals she’s still chasing a trilogy bout with Katie Taylor. And we’re introduced to rising Canadian star Tam Thibeault, who also features on the bill.

Former world champion Barry Jones joins Buncey to unpack a busy weekend in boxing. They chat Canelo vs. Crawford as their promotional tour has kicked off ahead of their September fight. Eddie Hearn gives his take on Galal Yafai’s first professional loss, and Tiah-Mai Ayton, one of England’s most talked-about prospects, reflects on her dramatic debut. And there may be a bit of Jake Paul chat.

Buncey sits down with WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine world champion Ellie Scotney as she prepares to head to New York to defend all her belts on the massive Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano card in New York. She explains how the opportunity came about to join Jake Paul's MVP stable and how it is a dream come true. She also tells the tales of how she ended up taking Serrano on the pads when she went over for the press conference last month.

Barry Jones joins Buncey to unpack a dramatic weekend of action, as Fabio Wardley delivered a one-punch knockout to stop Justis Huni in a controversial 10th-round finish in Ipswich, while in Barnsley, Callum Simpson stopped Ivan Zucco in the 10th after being dropped twice. We hear from Wardley and Huni’s promoter Eddie Hearn. And Buncey chats to Ben Shalom about Simpson’s win and what the future holds for Boxxer as their broadcast deal with Sky has expired. Plus, we pay tribute to legendary trainer James Cook, who passed away at the weekend.

Nine years on from Muhammad Ali’s death, Buncey sits down with his close friend and longtime business manager, Gene Kilroy, to hear first-hand stories about the man behind the legend. From their first meeting in Germany in 1960 to the way Kilroy has upheld Ali’s legacy, they revisit some key moments from an extraordinary life.

Carl Frampton joins Buncey to look back at a busy night of boxing from Glasgow. Will we see Josh Taylor back in the ring after he lost to Ekow Essuman? And what next for the man from Nottingham? We hear from him and Moses Itauma, who continues to impress following his second-round stoppage of Mike Balogun.

Barry Jones joins Buncey to dissect Dave Allen’s TKO win over Johnny Fisher. Along the way they hear from Allen himself, plus his trainer Jamie Moore and promoter Eddie Hearn. Plus British heavyweight champion David Adeleye shares his views on the fight and tells us what might be next for him. And Dave Allen's girlfriend makes a cameo appearance on the pod!

Buncey is at the weigh-in to chat to Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen ahead of their rematch this Saturday at the Copper Box. He also hears from Fisher’s dad “Big” John, Allen’s trainer Jamie Moore, and Matchroom CEO Frank Smith.

Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to reflect on an extraordinary night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where Chris Eubank Jr beat Conor Benn. We hear from both fighters.

Buncey joins Michael Watson as he walks a mile through the streets of London to raise money for charity. Back in 1991, during his fight with Chris Eubank, Watson was caught by a brutal uppercut and collapsed soon after the bout. He spent 40 days in a coma. Surrounded by friends and family as he made his way up The Mall, Buncey chats to Watson himself, as well as Chris Eubank, who reflects on that fateful night and shares his concerns about his son’s upcoming bout with Conor Benn. We also hear from Watson’s neurosurgeon, Peter Hamlyn, his lawyer, Michael Toohig, and the many supporters who turned out to walk alongside their friend.

As we pay tribute to George Foreman after his death at the age of 76, Mike Costello and Steve Bunce look back on the most famous fight of them all: Muhammad Ali v George Foreman, Zaire 1974 in the Rumble in the Jungle.Episode first released in 2019.

Darren Barker and Barry Jones join Buncey look back at the year in boxing. They highlight their moments from the last twelve months in 5 Live Boxing's 2024 awards show.

Buncey is joined by Darren Barker as fight week kicks off in Riyadh. They hear from Oleksandr Usyk as well as his manager Alex Krassyuk. Dave Allen, who fights on the undercard, is also on the pod and he talks about sparring both fighters.

Buncey travels to West London to visit one of the city's oldest boxing clubs. He’s joined by three generations of the club's legacy: world champion George Groves, legendary trainer Mick Delaney, and Lucas Rohrig, who will be making his professional debut this weekend. Together, they discuss the gym's rich history, the challenge of relocating after the Grenfell Tower fire, and how some of the UK’s top boxing talent began their careers at the iconic club.

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn joins Buncey to look ahead to the domestic flyweight clash in Birmingham. He speaks to both Sunny Edwards and Galal Yafai who both explain why they will get their arm raised at the end of the fight. And he also speaks to former world champion Darren Barker.

As Sunny Edwards and Galal Yafai prepare to face each other this weekend, Buncey looks ahead to the fight with Barry Jones. They discuss the different paths the two fighters have taken to reach this point. We hear from both of them as well as promoter Eddie Hearn. And with the news that Natasha Jonas and Lauren Price are returning to the ring on December 14th (against different opponents), they are also on the pod.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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/.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.