Boxing content, news, interviews and opinion from Steed & Christie.
Joined February 2023
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🎙️ Should boxing impose a mandatory retirement age?
Robert Smith explains why the issue is far more complicated than simply setting a cut-off. If a fighter continues to pass the required medical tests, how far should a regulator be allowed to go in stopping them from competing?
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: tinyurl.com/5bpntkcp
#TheOpeningBell | @MattCBoxingNews
🎙️ Robert Smith admits he is entering the final stretch of his time as General Secretary of the @BBBofCuk.
He says retirement has been discussed with his family and, while he doesn’t expect to leave boxing completely, his current role will eventually come to an end.
And yes, he already knows exactly what some people will say when that day comes.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: tinyurl.com/5bpntkcp
#TheOpeningBell | @MattCBoxingNews
🎙️Can the British Boxing Board of Control really regulate promoters who have far greater financial power and influence?
Robert Smith rejects the suggestion that the Board is beholden to boxing’s biggest promoters and insists everyone is treated the same – from Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren to smaller operators across the sport.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: tinyurl.com/5bpntkcp
#TheOpeningBell | @MattCBoxingNews
🎙️ @audleyharrison breaks down the technical battle between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley.
Dubois has improved, but Audley believes there are still more levels for him to reach. For Wardley, the key could be much simpler: establish the jab, frustrate Dubois and make the fight happen on his terms.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: tinyurl.com/yc7rdv3x
#TheOpeningBell | #DuboisWardley2 | @MattCBoxingNews
🎙️ What would 54-year-old @audleyharrison say to the 28-year-old version of himself preparing to turn professional?
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: tinyurl.com/yc7rdv3x
#TheOpeningBell | @MattCBoxingNews
The Opening Bell Podcast retweeted
It was pleasure sharing the ring on more than one occasion with the tough warrior Michael Sprott 🥊
🎙️ @audleyharrison relives the extraordinary night he defeated Michael Sprott despite effectively fighting with one arm.
In agony from the third round onwards and knowing he couldn't win on points, Harrison kept telling himself one thing: “Losing is not an option.”
Then, in the final round, he found the punch he needed.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: tinyurl.com/yc7rdv3x
#TheOpeningBell | @MattCBoxingNews
🎙️ @audleyharrison relives the extraordinary night he defeated Michael Sprott despite effectively fighting with one arm.
In agony from the third round onwards and knowing he couldn't win on points, Harrison kept telling himself one thing: “Losing is not an option.”
Then, in the final round, he found the punch he needed.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: tinyurl.com/yc7rdv3x
#TheOpeningBell | @MattCBoxingNews
🎙️ Does too much boxing media value access over asking difficult questions?
Tom Ivers and Matt Christie discuss the journalists willing to risk awkward reactions, lost interviews and damaged relationships in order to hold the sport’s most powerful figures to account.
Because without people prepared to ask those questions, who does?
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: tinyurl.com/y66xun8z
#TheOpeningBell | @MattCBoxingNews
🥊 Ben Whittaker’s toughest test yet? Was the criticism fair, and did referee Kieran McCann get it right?
Matt is joined by Tom Ivers to break it all down, plus Tom’s journey from the ring to journalism and the potential comebacks of Chisora & Mayweather.
youtube.com/watch?v=_EBeE3dL…
🎙️ Ben Whittaker’s public persona attracts plenty of criticism – but those who spend time with him away from the cameras often tell a very different story.
@tomosivers recalls Whittaker being humble, respectful and generous during a visit to his amateur gym, and explains why the man behind the scenes can be very different from the character fans see on fight night.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: tinyurl.com/y66xun8z
#TheOpeningBell | @MattCBoxingNews
Mike Costello – former BBC & DAZN commentator and one of boxing’s wisest voices – joins The Opening Bell to discuss his career, retirement, ringside memories and the Anthony Joshua–Tyson Fury saga.
When should it have happened? And can it still happen?
youtube.com/watch?v=8RDlceVG…
🎙️ Mike Costello spent decades living on boxing’s clock – constantly on call, constantly chasing the next story.
But eventually the buzz disappeared.
Here, Costello explains why he knew it was time to walk away, why he has no regrets, and what it means now to wake up knowing that every day is his own.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: tinyurl.com/kn25k9ca
#TheOpeningBell | @MattCBoxingNews
🎙️ A supercomputer has predicted a very specific outcome for Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Joshua starts fast, Fury takes over – and stops him in the ninth round.
Whatever happens, will the fight finally live up to the years of hype?
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: tinyurl.com/kn25k9ca
#TheOpeningBell | @MattCBoxingNews | #FuryJoshua
Mere days after Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury was seemingly confirmed, we're now being told the fight is already in jeopardy.
@MattCBoxingNews lets off some steam about the latest twist, the endless uncertainty surrounding boxing's biggest fights and the eternal circus that comes with following this sport.
Support The Opening Bell by subscribing if you can.
Recorded at the exact moment Anthony Joshua–Tyson Fury was confirmed for December 11 in Cardiff, The Opening Bell brings some bittersweet news.
Alex Steedman is leaving the podcast. It’s heartbreaking.
But The Opening Bell will continue. @MattCBoxingNews pays tribute to Steed and explains what comes next.
Stay with us. ❤️
youtube.com/watch?v=h-YiF6sS…
Garcia demolished Benn in under 5 – but did the scales beat him first? @TrisDixon joins The Opening Bell to discuss the stoppage, the weigh-in debate, and what's next for both fighters. 🥊
youtube.com/watch?v=WpedjDmC…
🎙️ Canelo Alvarez has carried the “face of boxing” label for years, following in the footsteps of Floyd Mayweather. But after another huge night for Ryan Garcia, has that mantle now passed to him?
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: tinyurl.com/33kn3apk
#TheOpeningBell | @MattCBoxingNews | @TrisDixon