Podcast: Japanese title tripleheader recap; Duarte-Sims card preview
The deaths of three important boxing figures, Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Don Elbaum and Tommy Brooks; more news of the week
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’s a hybrid recap and preview podcast! Double the fun! We recapped Wednesday’s world title tripleheader from Japan and previewed Saturday’s Golden Boy card on DAZN. We also covered several news items of the week. Also, check out and subscribe to the YouTube channel for a variety of content.
Here is what’s on the show (in order):
Recap of the excellent Teiken Promotions card from Yokohama, Japan, on which Ricardo Sandoval survived a knockdown and won a big upset split decision against Kenshiro Teraji to take his WBC/WBA flyweight titles; WBA bantamweight titlist Antonio Vargas scored a difference-making 12th-round knockdown of Daigo Higa to secure a draw; and the exciting Kyosuke Takami stopped Erick Rosa in the 10th round to win the WBA junior flyweight title.
Preview of the Golden Boy card in Chicago on which junior welterweight contenders Oscar Duarte and Kenneth Sims Jr. will meet in the main event; junior welterweights Regis Prograis and Joseph Diaz Jr. will meet in the co-feature of what amounts to a loser-goes-home fight; and American heavyweight prospect Joshua Edwards, a 2024 U.S. Olympian, will continue his development.
Upgrade to a paid subscription by Aug. 1 and take advantage of the summer sale for 10% off. You’ll have full access to all posts, the full archive and comment posting ability — and you will support independent journalism.
It’s been a rough week with the deaths of three notable boxing people, Hall of Fame light heavyweight and cruiserweight champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi, HOF matchmaker/promoter Don Elbaum, and top trainer Tommy Brooks. We discussed their careers and their place in the sport.
The WBC stripping Francisco Rodriguez Jr. of its interim flyweight title after his positive drug test from his win against Galal Yafai and giving him a year of “probation.”
Former IBF junior welterweight titlist Liam Paro announcing he will move up to welterweight and calling out Keith Thurman to fight him (at 150 pounds) and Manny Pacquiao.
Listen to the episode! 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.
Teraji-Sandoval photo: Naoki Fukuda
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
