It's the latest editon of the recap show as host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael of his Fight Freaks Unite Substack and Newsletter are back with plenty to go over from Arizona to Puerto Rico and even, Bulgaria. And, they add some fight news and great nostalgia.
First, they go over Saturday’s Top Rank/ESPN card from Phoneix, as Emanuel Navarrete wipes out Oscar Valdez in their rematch and retains the WBO junior lightweight title. What's the future for both?
Then, Rafael Espinoza stops Robeisy Ramirez in a bizarre re-enactment of the Roberto Duran's famous "No Mas" against Sugar Ray Leonard in the Saturday rematch with Ramirez to retain the WBO featherweight title. What was really going on with Ramirez's eye and will Espinoza end up on the track to move up and fight Navarrete?
Next, It's Saturday’s Matchroom/DAZN card from San Juan, Puerto Rico, where Richardson Hitchins defeated Liam Paro by decision and wins IBF junior welterweight title. It was at times a dull bout, but Hitchins was clearly better. And, what's n store for him?
Dan also has more on Saturday’s Epic Sports/DAZN card from Sofia, Bulgaria, where heavyweight Kubrat Pulev decisioned Mahmoud Charr, for the WBA “regular” title.
Then, some news, including:
Canelo Alvarez spoke to the media scrum in at a restaurant opening in California and opens door to Crawford fight, and on working with Turki and a possible Jake Paul fight?
Not shoicking, but Israil Madrimov is suffering from "acute bronchitis" and withdrew from the Dec 21 fight with Serheii Bohachuk, who will instead face replacement Ishmael Davis. It's expected Madrimov recover and get ready for Vergil Ortiz on Feb. 22 on another Riyadh card.
Finally, it's Nostalgia as on
Dec. 8 – 17 years ago Sunday – Floyd Mayweather retains lineal/WBC welterweight title by highlight-reek KO in 10th of junior welterweight champion Ricky 'Hitman" Hatton in as big a fight as there was in the era. Wildest fight week ever. 30K Brits come to Vegas and the MGM runs out of beer! Dan was ringside for it all.
Also, on Dec. 8 – 12 years ago Sunday – Juan Manuel Marquez, on verge of being stopped, scores one of greatest KOs of all time as he puts newly elected hall of famer Manny Pacquiao to sleep, face first with one shot at the end of RD 6 in their 4th and final fight. This was his only win of the series and the only result of the series that was definitive. It was the KO of the year, Fight of the Year, Fight of the decade. Big Dan was ringside at the MGM Grand.
And, Sunday is also Bob Arum turned 93 years old. We give a little Arum appreciation on his amazing career.
It's all part of the "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!