Podcast: John Ryder interview; preview of Jonas-Mayer title fight

Plus: Joshua-Ngannou presser; more news of the week, including on the Saudi Arabian cards; De La Hoya, Garcia at it again; birthday tributes; fight anniversary

Click photo to subscribe to DAZN for Munguia-Ryder and more

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There is one notable card this week and we previewed the main event, Natasha Jonas defending the IBF women’s welterweight title against former unified junior lightweight titlist Mikaela Mayer in Jonas’ hometown of Liverpool, England, on Saturday on ESPN+ in the U.S. and Sky Sports in the U.K. There is also my interview with super middleweight contender John Ryder, who faces Jaime Munguia on Jan. 27 in a fight that figures to be action packed. We also discussed several news items of the week, paid birthday tributes to a pair of Hall of Famers and discussed the anniversary of a significant fight.

Here is what’s on the show (in order):

• Preview of Jonas-Mayer, which figures to be a competitive fight between top women, who were both Olympians and have faced several quality opponents in the pro ranks.

• My interview with Ryder ahead of next Saturday’s fight with Munguia in a Golden Boy main event on DAZN. We covered several topics, including his mindset going into a fight with an unbeaten opponent; coming back after a decision loss challenging undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez in a highly entertaining battle last May; his goals for the remainder of his career; and more.

• Thoughts on the kickoff presser for Anthony Joshua-Francis Ngannou that took place in London this week, thoughts on the fight and on the interesting undercard that will include another heavyweight bout between WBO interim titlist Zhilei Zhang against Joseph Parker.

• The news made by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh at the presser as he announced two more boxing events he aims to put on this year.

• Discussion on the Jai Opetaia-Mairis Briedis cruiserweight title rematch being ticketed for the Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk co-feature on Feb. 17 and the probability that after turning down a Briedis fight, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is headed to a fight with WBA titlist Arsen Goulamirian in late March.

• The lightweight fight Golden Boy is finalizing between William Zepeda and Maxi Hughes for March 16 on DAZN.

• The never-ending pissing contest between Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya and his star fighter, Ryan Garcia, who were at it again this week.

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• Birthday tributes to Hall of Famers Buddy McGirt (60) — the man responsible for my career as a boxing journalist — and Marco Antonio Barrera (50).

• Ringside memories on the ninth anniversary of when Deontay Wilder routed Bermane Stiverne to win the WBC heavyweight title.

Please give it a listen! Also: rate, review, subscribe and enjoy!

Ryder photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom Boxing

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