Podcast: Recapping the Lopez-Ortiz snoozer and Davis' superb showing
Podcast: Recapping the Lopez-Ortiz snoozer and Davis' superb showing
Plus: Beterbiev-Bivol, Fury, Matias and more news of the week; memories on the anniversary of two significant 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 no major fights to preview this weekend but we had a big show Thursday night with the Top Rank card in Las Vegas and we recapped the show headlined by Teofimo Lopez’s junior welterweight title defense against Jamaine Ortiz. We also covered a slew of news items and looked back on the anniversary of two major fights.
Here is what’s on the show (in order):
Recap of Lopez’s extremely shaky and disputed decision over Ortiz in a terrible fight.
Recap of the co-feature, lightweight Keyshawn Davis’s sensational performance in a sixth-round knockout of Jose Pedraza.
Artur Beterbiev and Top Rank coming to terms with the Saudis for the Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol undisputed light heavyweight title fight for June 1, although it is not signed just yet, and broadcast details.
Tyson Fury’s declaration that he’s not retiring any time soon as he names five potential major fights he believes he will have.
Please upgrade to a paid subscription for full access to all posts and comments — and also help support independent journalism
The retirement announcement from longtime super middleweight contender John Ryder and a reflection on his career.
The talks for IBF junior welterweight titlist Subriel Matias to defend this summer at home in Puerto Rico against Liam Paro as part of a potential deal with Matchroom Boxing.
Top Rank’s efforts to finalize the vacant WBO lightweight title fight between Emanuel Navarrete and Denys Berinchyk for May 18.
Memories on the 27th anniversary of Prince Naseem Hamed’s knockout of well-respected Tom “Boom Boom” Johnson to unify the WBO and IBF featherweight titles.
Memories on the 33rd anniversary of Sugar Ray Leonard’s ill-advised return to challenge WBC junior middleweight titlist Terry Norris, which did not go well and sent him back into retirement.
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.
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
