The Opening Bell; A boxing podcast

Boxing fans got what they wanted when Anthony Joshua knocked out Jake Paul, breaking his jaw in two places. Or did they? That Paul lasted into the sixth round has only given the supposed imposter an even bigger platform to shout from. That he suffered a broken jaw is now his most treasured badge of honour. What did it all really say about both, though? Was Paul better than we expected? Was Joshua worse than we feared? And where does this leave boxing as 2026 approaches? Elsewhere, Troy Williamson continues his incredible comeback when he knocked out Callum Simpson in 10 rounds, Craig Richards turned back a spirited Dan Azeez, and Lawrence Okolie won again at heavyweight. Meanwhile, in America, Terence Crawford retired to leave fans debating his place in history. Merry Christmas you lovely lot. Thank you, so much, for your ongoing support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JOSHUA vs. PAUL - WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? | DIEGO PACHECO | TERENCE CRAWFORD | MICHAEL CARBAJAL Anthony Joshua is really going to fight Jake Paul, it seems. But what can we expect? A real fight? A gruesome mismatch? Or, dare we even think it, an upset of the ages? Before we get stuck into the most obscure of main courses we chew on the other talking points. Like… Terence Crawford vs. WBC; Jimmy’s Corner in crisis; The performances of Diego Pacheco and Joe Cordina; and, briefly, Fury vs. Joshua. And for our weekly dose of nostalgia we direct the DeLorean to 1992 and take in some vintage Michael Carbajal action. Stay lovely, eat healthy, keep fit, be nice, keep listening. Thanks to all of you. And if you’ve read this far, let us know via our socials or on the Patreon. Bonjour! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome Sky Sports lead commentator Andy Clarke to the pod for a peer in and around the current state of boxing across the world. Currently in Dubai for the IBA championships, Andy’s experiences in both amateur and professional boxing means he’s well placed to discuss the challenges facing the Sport today. Tune in and enjoy and once again thanks to those supporting the pod for less than a fiver a month via Patreon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WEIGHT OF THE MATTER | BEN WHITTAKER | KATIE TAYLOR | WBC CONVENTION Out at the WBC Convention in Bangkok, the current system of weighing in the day before the fight has been examined in-depth. Is it time for authorities to now switch weigh-ins back to the same day? Also in Bangkok, the ratings meetings got underway, Katie Taylor confirmed plans to do battle with Ronda Rousey and, at the gala dinner, Oleksandr Usyk appeared to have the time of his life. Back in the UK, the career of Frazer Clarke hangs in the balance following another bruising defeat while Ben Whittaker - after a one-round victory - might be set for lift-off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Devin Haney dominated Brian Norman Jr last weekend, won a world belt in a third weight class, only to be met by criticism from Conor Benn. Does Benn warrant a shot at Haney and, should he get one, can he win? We also look ahead to a busy weekend in Britain when Ben Whittaker makes his Matchroom debut in a contest surely designed for him to make a statement and remind fans what all the fuss is about. Meanwhile, Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV lock horns on the BBC with the vacant British heavyweight title up for grabs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices