Podcast: Preview of Benavidez-Morrell, Figueroa-Fulton II
Thoughts on the rest of the PBC PPV card, Azim-Lipinets and Shields-Perkins; news of the week; big fight anniversary memories
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LAS VEGAS — At last, the first big card of the year is here — the light heavyweight showdown between David Benavidez and David Morrell, which headlines a PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view (also available on PPV.COM). We previewed the fight and the undercard and other bouts this weekend. We also discussed the latest news of the week and looked back on the fight anniversaries.
Here is what’s on the show (in order):
Preview of Benavidez-Morrell, one of the best fights that can be made in boxing: The build up, the animosity, the stakes and the even bigger fight that could be in store for the winner.
Preview of what looks like an excellent undercard: the long-awaited rematch between WBC featherweight titlist Brandon Figueroa and Stephen Fulton; former junior welterweight titlist Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz versus Angel Fierro; and middleweight contender Jesus Ramos taking on former unified junior middleweight titlist Jeison Rosario.
TJ’s interview with Mark Boccardi of PPV.COM, our sponsor, on his thoughts on Benavidez-Morrell.
Preview of up-and-coming British junior welterweight Adam Azim taking on the most notable opponent of his career in former titlist Sergey Lipinets in the Boxxer main event on Saturday on Peacock in the U.S. and Sky Sports in the U.K.
Preview of women’s pound-for-pound No. 1 Claressa Shields facing Danielle Perkins for the undisputed heavyweight title on the Salita Promotions card Sunday on DAZN.
I am in Las Vegas covering Benavidez-Morrell. Please upgrade to a paid subscription and make sure you don’t miss any coverage and for full access to all posts and comments — and support independent journalism.
Thoughts on the death of legendary boxing writer (and one of my mentors) Michael Katz, who passed this week at age 85.
Top Rank’s announcement of its March 29 ESPN card headlined by the rematch between WBO women’s welterweight titlist Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan with WBO welterweight titlist Brian Norman defending against Derrieck Cuevas.
The WBO’s ruling that junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez must next make his mandatory title defense against the Jack Catterall-Arnold Barboza interim title bout winner within 180 days of their Feb. 15 bout.
Announcement of a flyweight unification fight between WBC titlist Kenshiro Teraji and WBA titlist Seigo Yuri Akui.
Golden Boy’s plan for a rematch between WBC interim lightweight titlist William Zepeda and Tevin Farmer.
Memories on the 31st anniversary of when huge underdog Frankie Randall dropped Julio Cesar Chavez (89-0-1 at time) for the first time and handed him his first loss to take WBC junior welterweight title by split decision in the main event of the first card ever at MGM Grand.
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.
Benavidez-Morrell photo: Esther Lin/PBC
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