Podcast: Wilder interview ahead of return; Norman-Sasaki recap
Yafai-Rodriguez, Mielnicki-Gardzielik previews; news of the week; ringside memories of epic De La Hoya-Mosley I on the 25th anniversary
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It’s a hybrid recap and preview show as we discussed WBO welterweight titlist Brian Norman’s sensational knockout of Jin Sasaki and also previewed a light weekend of action. There is also my interview with Deontay Wilder, the former longtime WBC heavyweight titlist, who is getting set for his return to the ring after a year layoff; news of the week; and my ringside memories on the 25th anniversary of the epic first fight between Hall of Famers Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley, a showdown that was especially meaningful to me.
Here is what’s on the show (in order):
Recap of Norman’s fifth-round demolition of Sasaki on Thursday in Tokyo that ended with a knockout of the year contender and Thanongsak Simsri’s split decision over Cristian Araneta to win the vacant IBF junior flyweight title.
Preview of WBC interim flyweight titlist Galal Yafai’s mandatory defense against former unified strawweight titleholder Francisco Rodriguez, which headlines the Matchroom Boxing card on DAZN on Saturday.
Preview the top two bouts, both at middleweight, on the Top Rank card on ESPN+ on Saturday: Vito Mielnicki Jr. versus Kamil Gardzielik and Jahi Tucker against Lorenzo Simpson.
My interview with Wilder, who returns to the ring for the first time in a year and looking to shake off having lost two fights in a row as he meets Tyrrell Herndon on June 27 in the main event of a PPV.COM/Integrated Sports event.
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Announcement that the Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford fight is now officially set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and that TKO’s boxing promotional company, which will put on the event, has unveiled its name.
Disclosure that, as entirely expected, Jamie Munguia’s B sample was also positive for exogenous testosterone and what’s next.
Unified welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ announcement that is moving up to junior middleweight.
The nostalgia segments are available on the YouTube channel, so please subscribe. Ringside memories on the 25th anniversary of the sensational welterweight title fight between Hall of Famers De La Hoya and Mosley, who waged an instant classic that culminated a really big fight week for me. Check out our video here & subscribe to the YouTube channel.
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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.
Wilder photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
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