Podcast: Interview with Top Rank's new HOFer Brad Goodman
Plus: recapping Shields-Cornejo; Gervonta Davis sent to jail; news on Usyk-Dubois, Tim Tszyu, Showtime's July schedule; big Ricky Hatton anniversary memories
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There was just one notable show over the weekend, the DAZN card on which undisputed women’s middleweight champion and pound-for-pound No. 1 Claressa Shields shut out No. 1 contender Maricela Cornejo with ease, so we discussed the fight in detail. There is also my interview with longtime Top Rank matchmaker Brad Goodman, who will deservedly be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday. We also discussed some news of the week — including Gervonta Davis landing back in jail — and we looked back on the anniversary of the crowning moment of British legend Ricky Hatton’s career.
Here’s what we discussed on this episode (in order):
Davis breaking the terms of his 90-day home confinement sentence, having it rescinded and being sent to jail for the remainder of his term — and then insanely doing an Instagram live audio on the phone with somebody complaining about the judge in the case and calling her “crazy.” Absolutely nuts.
Recap of Shields’ masterful decision over Cornejo before a big home region crowd in Detroit to retain the undisputed title and what could possibly be next as she stands so head and shoulders above everyone else in and around her division.
My interview with newly minted Hall of Famer Goodman, who, in the interest of full disclosure, has been a close personal friend of mine for more than 30 years, before he was the Top Rank matchmaker and before I began covering boxing. We discussed many topics: his emotions when he got the Hall call; his thoughts on the class of greats he will be inducted with; how he got his start in boxing; how he views his role; building stars and champions; the current state of Top Rank’s prospects and much more.
Why the Oleksandr Usyk-Daniel Dubois heavyweight title bout is being pushed back two week and Usyk’s signing with Saudi Arabian promoter Skill Challenge Promotions.
The issues making a deal for the rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Canelo Alvarez, according to Team Bivol, and what the issues are.
Tim Tszyu’s plan to go forward with his interim junior middleweight title defense against Carlos Ocampo despite a severe dog bite that left him with 26 stitches in his right forearm.
The latest on Showtime’s July schedule, which besides the huge Errol Spence Jr.-Terence Crawford pay-per-view fight, will include a pair of network cards, one with Jaron “Boots” Ennis defending his interim welterweight belt against Roiman Villa and one with a lightweight title eliminator between Frank Martin and Artem Harutyunyan.
Memories on the 18th anniversary of Hatton making Hall of Famer Tszyu (Tim’s father) retire after the 11th round to win the junior welterweight championship in the biggest moment of his career.
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.
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