Podcast: Tim Tszyu interview; previewing Wood-Warrington
Plus: A look at Zurdo-Smith; Canelo-Charlo PPV numbers; Showtime's end of year schedule; HOF ballots; Joshua appreciation on 10th anniversary of pro debut
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There are two notable cards on Saturday, both on DAZN. One is headlined by Leigh Wood’s WBA featherweight title defense against Josh Warrington in Sheffield, England and the other is topped by Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez and Joe Smith Jr. moving up to cruiserweight for a WBA title eliminator in Las Vegas. We previewed and discussed both bouts. There is also my one-on-one interview with WBO junior middleweight titlist Tim Tszyu ahead of his defense against Brian Mendoza next week on Showtime. We also discussed news of the week and two notable anniversaries.
Here is what’s on the show (in order):
Preview of Wood-Warrington: What kind of fight to expect, what’s at stake and more. We also previewed the co-feature: Terri Harper vs. Cecilia Braekhus for Harper’s WBA and the vacant WBO women’s junior middleweight titles.
Preview of Ramirez-Smith: Both coming off losses, both moving up to the 193-pound catch weight, where the winner fits in within the cruiserweight division and more.
My interview with Tszyu. We covered a variety of topics, including the disappointment of his fight with Jermell Charlo being canceled earlier this year; the importance of being active; his upcoming defense against Mendoza; carving out a name for himself in the shadow of his legendary Hall of Fame father Kostya Tszyu; and much more.
My reporting on the pay-per-view numbers for the Canelo Alvarez-Charlo fight.
Details on the potential schedule for the rest of the year for Showtime, which could see the end of its network boxing franchise at the end of the year.
Discussion of the new ballots for the International Boxing Hall of Fame, which were mailed this week to electors (of which I am one).
Ryan Garcia’s return against Oscar Duarte being made official for Dec. 2 on DAZN.
Appreciation of Anthony Joshua on the 10th anniversary of his professional debut and some discussion about whether he will make the Hall of Fame.
Memories on the 23rd anniversary of the memorable rematch between Paulie Ayala and the late Hall of Famer Johnny Tapia.
Please give it a listen! Also: rate, review, subscribe and enjoy!
Tim Tszyu photo: Matt Roberts/No Limit Boxing
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