Podcast: Preview of Anderson vs. Merhy heavyweight fight
Plus: Ajagba-Vianello and Gill-Barrett; 'Boots' signs with Matchroom; Gary Shaw passes; Canelo-Munguia undercard thoughts; anniversary memories of 2 big fights
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 notable cards on Saturday and we previewed them both. There is the Top Rank card on ESPN headlined by a heavyweight match between unbeaten contender Jared Anderson and Ryad Merhy and the Matchroom Boxing card on DAZN topped by a junior lightweight bout between Jordan Gill and Zelfa Barrett. There is also plenty of news of the week to go over and a look back at two highly significant fights on their anniversary.
Here is what’s on the show (in order):
Preview of the Anderson-Merhy fight as well as an interesting heavyweight co-feature between Efe Ajagba and Guido Vianello and some discussion of the rest of the undercard.
Preview of Gill-Barrett, a fight that looks awfully competitive on paper between the British countrymen.
Help me celebrate the start of my 25th year of full-time boxing coverage by upgrading to a paid subscription for full access to all posts and comments — and also support independent journalism.
The announcement that Matchroom Boxing has signed IBF welterweight titlist and immensely talented Jaron “Boots” Ennis and what it all means.
Mourning the passing of renowned promoter Gary Shaw, who I knew very well, at age 79. He worked with tons of big names, put on many big fights and co-created “ShoBox.”
PBC’s announcement of the Canelo Alvarez-Jaime Munguia pay-per-view undercard and thoughts on it.
Announcement that former P4P king Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez will return July 12 at home in Nicaragua.
Memories on the eighth anniversary of when Anthony Joshua won his first heavyweight world title when he smashed Charles Martin in the second round to win the IBF belt.
Memories on the 27th anniversary of when Oscar De La Hoya moved up to welterweight and outpointed fellow Hall of Famer Pernell Whitaker to win the WBC title in one of his biggest victories.
Please give it a listen! 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.
Anderson-Merhy 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