Podcast: Haney-Garcia thoughts; Sheeraz's blowout of Williams
Big Bellotti win; more news; Douglas-Tyson, De La Hoya-Quartey anniversaries
A note to Fight Freaks Unite readers: I created Fight Freaks Unite in January 2021 and eight months later it also became available for paid subscriptions for additional content — and as a way to help keep this newsletter going and for readers to support independent journalism. If you haven’t upgraded to a paid subscription please consider it. If you have already, I truly appreciate it! Also, consider a gift subscription for the Fight Freak in your life.
It was a light weekend with a pair of smaller cards in London but we discussed both, including middleweight up-and-comer Hamzah Sheeraz’s first-round knockout Liam Williams in the Queensberry main event and junior lightweight Reece Bellotti’s decision win over Liam Dillon in a fantastic scrap in the Matchroom Boxing headliner. We also discussed some major news items and looked back on two big-time anniversaries, including Buster Douglas’ iconic upset of Mike Tyson.
Here is what’s on the show (in order):
Recap of Sheeraz’s destruction of Williams and what to make of the performances and their futures. We also discussed light heavyweight contender Anthony Yarde’s third-round knockout of journeyman Marko Nikolic on the undercard and what Yarde’s future looks like.
Recap of Bellotti’s very exiting decision over Dillon to win the British junior lightweight title and retain the Commonwealth title and what made it special. We also discussed light heavyweight contender Craig Richards’ return from a long layoff for a knockout win and the impressive lightweight prospect Cameron Vuong, who also won by knockout on the undercard.
Discussion of the fight between WBC junior welterweight titlist Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia being signed for April 20. Our thoughts on the match, getting the deal done relatively easily, the willingness of both to make the biggest fights possible and more on what will be a huge event.
Please upgrade to a paid subscription for full access to all posts and comments — and also help support independent journalism
Eddie Hearn’s comments that he will make an “eight-figure offer” to Gervonta Davis to fight Conor Benn and is that even a fight anyone cares about?
An extended discussion and memories on the 34th anniversary of Douglas’ 10th-round knockout of Tyson to win the undisputed heavyweight title in the biggest upset in boxing history and trying to explain just how monumental it was worldwide.
Happy 93rd birthday wishes to the great Larry Merchant, who spent his birthday 34 years ago ringside in Tokyo calling Douglas-Tyson on HBO.
Memories on the 25th anniversary of then-WBC welterweight champion Oscar De La Hoya’s huge win over then-unbeaten Ike Quartey in a memorable fight that was one of De La Hoya’s biggest wins.
Please give it a listen! Also: rate, review, subscribe and enjoy!
We bring you the preview each Friday and the weekend recap each Monday. Let me know what you think of the podcast by leaving your comments.
Please upgrade your subscription here: https://danrafael.substack.com/subscribe
Thank you so much for your support of Fight Freaks Unite!
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danrafael1/
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanRafael1
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanRafaelBoxing