Podcast: Haney-Lomachenko, Taylor-Cameron previews
Plus: My interview with Katie Taylor, news of the week, and memories on the anniversary of Gatti-Ward I
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.
There are two major shows on Saturday, the Top Rank/ESPN PPV headlined by Devin Haney’s undisputed lightweight title defense against former unified champion Vasiliy Lomachenko in Las Vegas and the Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card topped by undisputed women’s lightweight champion Katie Taylor moving up to challenge undisputed junior welterweight champion Chantelle Cameron in Taylor’s long-awaited first pro fight at home in Dublin, Ireland. We previewed and discussed both cards. You will also hear my interview with Taylor on her big fight. We also covered several news items from the week and looked back on the anniversary of the legendary first fight between Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward.
Here is what’s on the show (in order):
Previewing the outstanding Haney-Lomachenko fight — what’s at stake, what to expect, what a win would mean for each, and much more.
Previewing the undercard, including the Oscar Valdez-Adam Lopez junior lightweight rematch, Junto Nakatani-Andrew Moloney for the vacant WBO junior bantamweight title and a step-up fight for lightweight prospect Raymond Muratalla against Jeremia Nakathila.
Previewing Taylor-Cameron, one of the best fights that could be made in women’s boxing.
My interview with Taylor during which we covered several topics, including her emotions about finally fighting at home; her decision to seek out Cameron, perhaps the hardest fight she could make, once Amanda Serrano withdrew with an injury; her thoughts on why making major fights in women’s boxing is so much more common and easier than it is in men’s boxing; if she wins will she stay at junior welterweight or return to lightweight; more.
WBC junior welterweight titlist Regis Prograis’ need for a new opponent with injured Liam Paro withdrawing from their June 17 fight.
The WBA scheduling a May 25 purse for the mandatory fight between unified heavyweight titlist Oleksandr Usyk and “regular” titlist Daniel Dubois and where things stand.
The Nevada commission extending Alberto Puello’s suspension for testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug.
The WBO giving injured Jermell Charlo a deadline of Sept. 30 to make his mandatory defense against the Tim Tszyu-Carlos Ocampo winner.
Memories on the 21st anniversary of Gatti-Ward I, simply one of the greatest fights of all time.
Please give it a listen! Also: rate, review, subscribe and enjoy!
Haney-Lomachenko photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
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