The Opening Bell; A boxing podcast cover art

The Opening Bell; A boxing podcast

The Opening Bell; A boxing podcast

By: Matt Christie and Alex Steedman
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Every Thursday Matt Christie and Alex Steedman look at the latest boxing news headlines, review and preview the big fights and speak to the many fascinating characters who make boxing what it is. Want to get in touch? TheOpeningBellPodcast@Gmail.com Follow on X Matt = @MattCBoxingNews Alex: @alexsteedman Please follow, subscribe and leave us a review. Get bonus content on PatreonThe Opening Bell
Episodes
  • OLEKSANDR USYK vs RICO VERHOEVEN

    OLEKSANDR USYK vs RICO VERHOEVEN
    May 21 2026
    Is Rico Verhoeven about to do the unthinkable and upset world heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk? Well, no, of course he’s not, but what Usyk ultimately looks like and how he wins are certainly worthwhile questions. So too is the status of the belts as, in different ways, each of the WBC, IBF and WBA somehow approve this as a championship contest. Better is the undercard where Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr meet in a solid heavyweight eliminator and Jack Catterall goes in tough against Shakram Glyasov. Hamzah Sheeraz, however, might have an even easier night than Usyk when he battles Alem Bagic for a vacant title. The Opening Bell, the independent voice in boxing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    20 mins
  • RYAN GARCIA vs CONOR BENN | CANELO RETURNS | HRGOVIC HAMMERS ALLEN

    RYAN GARCIA vs CONOR BENN | CANELO RETURNS | HRGOVIC HAMMERS ALLEN
    May 19 2026
    Though not yet formally announced, Ryan Garcia has signalled that a showdown with Conor Benn, at welterweight, will happen in Las Vegas on September 12. It seems certain to be one of the year’s biggest and most lucrative contests albeit a divisive one given their chequered pasts with drug-testing agencies. It’s set to occur on the same day that Canelo Alvarez returns, in Saudi Arabia, to challenge for a super middleweight belt against Christian Mbilli. Does this mean that Turki Alalshikh is plotting another all-conquering weekend extravaganza? Closer to home, in Doncaster, Dave Allen’s place in the heavyweight landscape was again revealed when he was pulled out in three rounds against Filip Hrgovic. The result was predictable, but again brings into focus the role of referees, trainers and doctors when it comes to stopping a fight. In This Week we go back to 1990, a new decade in its infancy and two of the finest fighters of the time – Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whittaker and Azumah Nelson – making their cases to be recognised among the leaders of the sport. The Opening Bell, the independent voice in boxing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • IS DAVE ALLEN IN OVER HIS HEAD (YET AGAIN)?

    IS DAVE ALLEN IN OVER HIS HEAD (YET AGAIN)?
    May 12 2026
    Filip Hrgovic starts as a huge favourite, and for good reason, against Dave Allen this weekend. But does the affable Brit have any chance to score the upset?Allen’s losses seem to tell the story here but we highlight why Hrgovic might - and only might - come unstuck.Steedo, after calling right last week, reveals his bet of the weekend as we look closely at the form lines on the undercard.As always, friends, go well out there! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    23 mins
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