Podcast: Previewing Cordina title defense; Jamel Herring interview
Plus: Ajagba-Goodall and Mikaelian-Makabu; Benavidez-Andrade PPV undercard; news of the week; notable GGG, Canelo anniversaries
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The three most notable cards on Saturday include Joe Cordina’s IBF junior lightweight title defense against Edward Vazquez on DAZN; a heavyweight fight between Efe Ajagba and Joe Goodall on ESPN+; and Noel Mikaelian against Ilunga Makabu for the vacant WBC cruiserweight title on a Don King pay-per-view on FITE. We previewed and discussed each of the cards. There is also TJ’s interview with former junior lightweight titlist Jamel Herring, who is coming out of an 18-month retirement on Tuesday night. We also covered notable news of the week and reflected on two notable fight anniversaries involving Gennadiy Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez.
Here is what’s on the show (in order):
Preview of Cordina-Vazquez and exciting Sivenathi Nontshinga’s IBF junior flyweight title defense against Adrian Curiel in the co-feature.
Preview of Ajagba-Goodall in a well-matched heavyweight fight and top prospect Raymond Muratalla against Diego Torres in the lightweight co-feature.
Preview of Mikaelian and former titleholder Makabu for the WBC cruiserweight title recently vacated by Badou Jack.
TJ’s interview with Herring about his comeback and more.
Announcement of the Showtime PPV undercard for the David Benavidez-Demetrius Andrade fight on Nov. 25, including the return of Jermall Charlo after 2 1/2 years out of the ring.
Plans for the final Showtime card on Dec. 16 in Minneapolis headlined by David Morrell against an opponent to be announced, according to sources.
Announcement that Vergil Ortiz Jr. will move up to junior middleweight and return against Fredrick Lawson on Jan. 6 in Las Vegas.
My reporting that IBF heavyweight mandatory challenger Filip Hrgovic is now a promotional and broadcast free agent.
Ringside memories on the 10th anniversary of Gennadiy Golovkin’s destruction of Curtis Stevens to retain his middleweight title and the heavyweight fight in the co-feature that left Magomed Abdusalamov with a life-altering brain injury.
Ringside memories on the fourth anniversary of when Canelo Alvarez moved up two divisions and drilled Sergey Kovalev to win the WBO light heavyweight title to become a four-division titleholder.
Please give it a listen! Also: rate, review, subscribe and enjoy!
Cordina-Vazquez photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
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The best and most interesting fight this weekend is Muratalla vs Diego "El Azabache" Torrez. On one hand you've got the guy with all of the hype "Amateur Accolades", Raymond Muratalla. Then you've got a young Mexican fighter coming up the hard way. Every time I've seen Torrez on a DAZN undercard, I've been impressed. Can't say the same about Muratalla. El Azabache is a Pup with Big Paws and I'm surprised that this fight was made. Upset Alert and credit to Torrez for stepping up this early in his career. I'm super tempted to drive up to Tahoe, just for this one fight. 🥊