Podcast: How about that insane conclusion to Love-Spark on DAZN?
Also talking Alimkhanuly-Bentley, Mayweather-Deji, more weekend action plus the latest boxing news
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Welcome to the Fight Freaks Unite recap podcast coming off a weekend that included a Top Rank/ESPN+ show topped by Janibek Alimkhanuly’s successful WBO middleweight title defense against Denzel Bentley, a Matchroom Boxing/DAZN card headlined by junior welterweight Montana Love against Stevie Spark in a bout with a wild ending and cards that included exhibition bouts, one featuring Floyd Mayweather versus British YouTuber Deji Olantunji and one that matched retired legends Ricky Hatton and Marco Antonio Barrera. Plus we had a few news items to go over.
Here’s what we discussed on this episode (in order):
Alimkhanuly’s decision win over Bentley to retain his title but falling way short of expectations of an explosive performance — and Bentley’s far better showing than anyone expected. Also, what could be the most doable notable fight for Alimkhanuly in the near future? We have the answer.
Women’s strawweight champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada’s return from an 11-month layoff for her first fight since signing with Top Rank in July to score a shutout decision of Jazmin Gala Villarino in an entertaining fight.
My view of a pair of interesting Top Rank lightweight prospects, who won on the undercard: Raymond Muratalla and Emiliano Vargas.
The Love-Spark fight and the insane ending that resulted in Love being disqualified by referee David Fields for shoving Spark over the top rope and out of the ring onto the arena floor in the sixth round. Should Love have been DQ’d? What other options were there? What’s next? Detailed discussion on all of that. Also thoughts on junior welterweight Richard Hitchins’ strong showing in the co-feature.
Natasha Jonas’ rout of Marie-Eve Dicaire to unify three women’s junior middleweight titles.
The Hatton-Barrera exhibition and Mayweather’s sixth-round knockout of Deji in their exhibition and the differences between the events. Plus: The absolutely horrendous Mayweather-Deji broadcast production and the terribly unfair treatment of undercard fighter Paul Bamba, who was booted from his fight with Tommy Fury by promoter Global Titans.
The new opponent for WBC flyweight titlist Julio Cesar Martinez on Dec. 3.
The IBF’s order to unified heavyweight titlist Oleksandr Usyk to make a mandatory defense next against Filip Hrgovic, which very well could mess up plans for a Tyson Fury-Usyk undisputed title fight in early 2023.
Please give it a listen! Also: rate, review, subscribe and enjoy!
We will be bringing you the weekend recap each Monday. Let me know what you think of the podcast by leaving your comments.
Spark-Love photo: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing
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Dan does exceptional commentary in reference to the Montana Love disqualification. There is no question that Love wanted out. As Dan says “Montana did tell David Fields that he couldn’t see .....with the cut on his eye......and in my opinion was looking to end the fights” (Fields was told to give the fight another minute)...... Then comes the HULK HOGAN move by Love. David Fields did the right thing in an audience that he knew was not going to be very happy with his decision. Fields had the experience to know Love wanted out of the fight. Sparks was much too physical for Love (not more gifted) and Love could not handle the “heat”. Kudos to Dan and his comments. Right on.