5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce

Rob McCracken, the performance director of GB Boxing, joins Buncey for this Olympics special. With only six GB boxers competing in Paris next week, they discuss the challenges of qualifying and the lessons learned from this campaign. They also hear from gold medal prospects Delicious Orie and Rosie Eccles, and talk about the other four boxers who make up the team.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2024

Buncey is joined on stage by Natasha Jonas and Callum Smith as the tour lands in Liverpool. They discuss the highs and lows of their career, how they both have more to achieve in the ring and take questions from the audience.

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2024

Buncey sits down with former Olympic champion Audley Harrison. At the Sydney Olympics in 2000, he won Britain’s first ever super-heavyweight gold and their first in the ring for 32 years. He talks Buncey through his journey from a young and hungry novice to standing on the top step of the podium. They discuss how that moment led to improved funding and laid the foundations for the state-of-the-art set-up which has since produced seven more gold medals in the ring for Team GB. He also recalls how being asked to shave his beard was instrumental in him winning that gold.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2024

WBC World Champion Skye Nicolson is Buncey’s guest this week. The pair chat about how she ended up in a gym in South-East London, why she thinks Amanda Serrano is ducking her and whether she can turn her dream of becoming undisputed into a reality. We also hear from her trainer Eddie Lam.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2024

Stacey Copeland sits in for Buncey and takes the pod to the new Co-op Live arena in Manchester. She's at the launch press conference for the fight between Jack Catterall and Regis Prograis. We hear from both fighters, as well as promoter Eddie Hearn and Jack’s trainer Jamie Moore. Rhiannon Dixon is also on the pod as she's defending her world title against fellow Brit Terri Harper.

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2024

British heavyweight Johnny Fisher is Buncey's guest this week. The “Romford Bull” fights Alen Babic at the Copperbox on Saturday night and along with trainer Mark Tibbs, they sit down for an all-encompassing chat. From a chance meeting with a former US Navy SEAL to sparring with Tyson Fury, they chat about his progression from amateur boxer to one of the biggest ticket sellers in the game.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2024

Barry Jones joins Buncey as Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois face-off for the first time. The pair are due to fight at Wembley in September for Dubois’ IBF heavyweight belt. We hear from both fighters and their respective promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn. They also cast their eye over the undercard.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2024

Barry Jones joins Buncey to reflect on a big weekend of fights and announcements. With confirmation that Jack Catterall will fight Regis Prograis in August, we hear from promoter Eddie Hearn. Ben Shalom is also on the pod as his fighter Tyler Denny beats Matchroom’s Felix Cash. And did we witness the fight of the year on Saturday night?Plus, we look ahead to a huge night in Phoenix this weekend as Juan Estrada and Jesse Rodriguez fight for the WBC and Ring Magazine super flyweight world titles.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2024

Barry Jones and Buncey react to Chris Billam-Smith retaining his world title. The pair are backstage at Selhurst Park and speak to both CBS and Richard Riakporhe. They also chat with promoter Ben Shalom and trainer Shane McGuigan about what's next for the man from Bournemouth.

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2024

Buncey heads to Croydon ahead of this weekend’s world title fight at Selhurst Park. He chats to both Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe and promoter Ben Shalom. We also hear from Ben Whittaker and Fran Hennessy who feature on the undercard.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2024

Top trainer Shane McGuigan joins Buncey to explain how he prepares a fighter for fight night. From cutting weight for the weigh-in to the moments before the first bell, he shares the practices and processes that he and his team go through to ensure their fighter is in the best mental and physical condition.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2024

Barry Jones joins Buncey to look back at unforgettable night of Boxing. They hear from the victorious Frank Warren and a deflated Eddie Hearn. And Nick Ball, who won the fight of the night, tells us what it feels like to become a world champion.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2024

Buncey goes inside the Matrchroom camp as we continue to build up to Saturday night. He speaks to boss Eddie Hearn, as well as Craig Richards and Ray Ford. We also get a perspective on the heavyweights from Joseph Parker and Michael Buffer makes his mandatory appearance on the pod.

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2024

Buncey is joined by Barry Jones to look ahead to Saturday night. They focus on Queensberry in this pod and hear from boss Frank Warren, his team captain Hamzah Sheeraz and light heavyweight Willy Hutchinson.

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2024

Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to look back at a pulsating night of boxing in Leeds. They hear from the victorious Jack Catterall, a disappointed Josh Taylor and the promoter Eddie Hearn. And with the Matchroom v Queensberry 5v5 this weekend, the pair cast their eye over the fights they are looking forward to. Also, with Olympic qualifiers taking place in Thailand, Richie shares his insight into the boxers hoping to make it to Paris in July.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2024

Steve Bunce is in Leeds for the press conference of Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall The Rematch. Join Steve as he sits down to speak with promoter Eddie Hearn, the two fighters Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall and their respective coaches; Jamie Moore and Joe Mcnally.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2024

George Groves joins Buncey to reflect on a historic night in Riyadh. They discuss how Oleksandr Usyk was just too good on the night for Tyson Fury as he became the undisputed heavyweight world champion. They hear from Fury’s promoter Frank Warren, Usyk’s manager Alex Krassyuk and they also speak to Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn and British heavyweight Derek Chisora.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2024

Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to discuss where the fight could be won or lost on Saturday. They chat about what happened at the weigh-in and how the pair had to be separated by security. Lennox Lewis is also on the pod to talk about his memories of becoming undisputed and tells us how he thinks Saturday night will pan out.

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2024

Carl Frampton joins Buncey to reflect on events at the press conference. We also hear from Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke and the former unified light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2024

Buncey is joined by Barry Jones after seeing both boxers at the public workout. They discuss what they have learnt about the pair from seeing them in the ring. We also hear from Fury’s trainer SugarHill Steward and his US promoter Bob Arum.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2024

Buncey sits down with Tyson Fury’s promoter Frank Warren. He tells us how the relationship came about, what it’s like working with the Gypsy King and what he thinks will happen on Saturday night. Please be aware this podcast contains a discussion about suicide. If you need any help please visit bbc.co.uk/actionline

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2024

Buncey is joined by Barry Jones as we kick off fight week in Riyadh. Having been with both fighters today, Buncey tells us what he learnt about the pair. We hear about the scuffle that involved John Fury and a member of Usyk’s team. And they cast their eye over some of the other fights on the card.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2024

Stacey Copeland sits in for Buncey as Lauren Price becomes a world champion. She is joined by Barry Jones to reflect on an historic night of boxing in the Welsh capital. We hear from Lauren, as well as her promoter Ben Shalom and her partner Karriss Artingstall.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2024

Buncey is in Cardiff ahead of this weekend’s world title showdown between Jessica McCaskill and Lauren Price. We hear from the pair as they compete for the WBA, IBO and Ring Magazine welterweight titles. Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom is also on the pod, as is Welsh boxing legend Enzo Maccarinelli.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2024

Veteran fight aficionado Steve Bunce is alongside Heavyweight Champion of the World Lennox Lewis to examine the early life and crimes of notorious Boxing promoter Don King.Listen to the full box set first on BBC Sounds.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2024

Buncey is in Salford to catch up with the WBO lightweight world champion Rhiannon Dixon. They discuss her path to professional boxing and how she had to give up a career as an pharmacist to pursue her dream. And ahead of Lauren Price’s first shot at winning a world title this weekend, we hear from her opponent Jessica McCaskill and promoter Ben Shalom.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2024

Buncey sits down with the boss of Golden Boy promotions Oscar de la Hoya. Talking before the news of Ryan Garcia’s failed drug test, they reflect on that night in New York, discuss his plans for boxing in Las Vegas and what we can expect from this weekend’s Canelo-Mungia fight. We also catch up with Chris Billam-Smith and Richard Riakporhe who fight for CBS’s WBO world title.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2024

Buncey heads to the Moss Side Boxing Gym in Manchester. He's joined by Joe Gallagher, who’s been part of the gym for nearly forty years and now trains the likes of Tasha Jonas and Lawrence Okie there. They take a stroll down memory lane and exchange stories from the early days when Phil Martin ran the place. Joe also updates us on his current stable of fighters and what the next few months hold.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2024

Barry Jones joins Buncey to pick through the bones of an extraordinary fight in New York at the weekend. They question whether Ryan Garcia pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes with his antics in the build-up to the fight with Devin Haney, which saw him floor his opponent three times on his way to a majority points win. They take a deep dive into the build-up and analyse why Garcia proved to be too good on the night.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2024

Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn sit down with Buncey to talk through their five-versus-five card. The pair tell us why they believe they have the fighters to win the tournament. We also hear from all ten fighters taking part in the event in Saudi Arabia in June.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2024

Barry Jones joins Buncey to reflect on an eventful fight launch in London. Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are on the pod to discuss their fight for all the belts in June in Saudi Arabia. The guys cast their eyes over the Queensberry v Matchroom fight card and ask whether there has ever been a better fight trailer than the one produced for the 5v5. And following her win at the weekend, Ellie Scotney joins Buncey to discuss becoming a unified world champion.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2024

Buncey sits down with former world champion Barry McGuigan. Following the release of a new BBC documentary that goes inside the McGuigan gym, Barry delves into what makes a successful stable of fighters, how his son Shane has become a top trainer and what it takes to bring through multiple world champions. All four episodes of Stable: The Boxing Game can be watched on BBC iPlayer.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2024

Buncey is joined by Josh Warrington and Ebanie Bridges as the tour heads to Leeds. The pair discuss the highs and lows of their career, how they are hungry to regain their world titles, and they take questions from the audience.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2024

Barry Jones joins Buncey to reflect on a spectacular British heavyweight title fight at the O2. Fabio Wardley and Fraser Clarke's 12-round bout ended in a split-decision draw which meant Wardley retained his title. We hear from both fighters and promoter Ben Shalom. Ben Whittaker is also on the pod as he showboated his way to a comfortable points win against Leon Willings. And Barry talks us through the recently announced undercard for the Fury-Usyk fight next month.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2024

Buncey is joined backstage at the Sheffield Arena by Barry Jones. They speak to both Sandy Ryan who retained her WBO welterweight belt, and Dalton Smith who took another step closer to a world title shot. Promoter Eddie Hearn is also on the pod to discuss what next for the two fighters. And they look ahead to the British heavyweight title fight taking place this Sunday between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2024

Natasha Jonas joins Buncey to look ahead to a big night of boxing in Sheffield. We hear from both Sandy Ryan and Terri Harper who are fighting for Sandy’s WBO welterweight crown. Dalton Smith and his trainer Grant Smith are also on the pod to tell us how important this fight is against Jose Zepeda. And Sunny Edwards shares his views on the fight and how life is after he lost his world title back in December.

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2024

Natasha Jonas joins Buncey to look ahead to a big night of boxing in Sheffield. We hear from both Sandy Ryan and Terri Harper who are fighting for Sandy’s WBO welterweight crown. Dalton Smith and his trainer Grant Smith are also on the pod to tell us how important this fight is against Jose Zepeda. And Sunny Edwards shares his views on the fight and how life is after he lost his world title back in December.

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2024

Buncey is joined in the studio by Natasha Jonas and Anthony Crolla. They take a look at the heavyweight division and ask what’s next for Anthony Joshua. They scrutinize both sides of the argument regarding whether women should box 3-minute rounds. And is having 6 judges ringside gonna help or hinder the sport?

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2024

Buncey sits down with promoters Kalle and Nisse Sauerland from Wasserman Boxing. They look back at how their father Wilfried Sauerland became involved in the sport and how he went on to become one of Germany’s most prominent promoters. They share their memories from that time and some of the extraordinary tales their father recounted to them. They also reflect on the highs and lows of the business they run today, which has branched out into the lucrative world of cross-over boxing.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2024

Barry Jones joins Buncey to reflect on a stunning performance by Anthony Joshua in Riyadh. They hear from AJ as well as his promoter Eddie Hearn. And Tyson Fury shares his thoughts on the performance.

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2024

Barry Jones joins Buncey in Riyadh to look ahead to a mad night of boxing. We hear from Ngannou’s trainer Dewey Cooper, and from a young boxer that has sparred with both fighters. And Liverpool’s Nick Ball, who fights Rey Vargas for the WBC featherweight title is also on the pod.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2024

Buncey takes the pod to the press conference ahead of the big fight on Friday. He sits down with Queensberry boss Frank Warren and his counterpart at Matchroom Eddie Hearn. And we hear from a local Saudi boxer who fights on Saturday whose story even left Buncey speechless!

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2024

Buncey has touched down in Riyadh ahead of the big fight this weekend. He chats to both Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou who both appear to be in high spirits. We also get a unique glimpse into AJ from his publicist Andy Bell.

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2024

Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to assess the two fighters ahead of their bout on Friday. Having rewatched Ngannou’s fight with Tyson Fury, they ask what we learnt from his professional boxing debut. And they look at what new trainer Ben Davison has brought to AJ’s game as they go into their second fight together.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2024

Buncey’s in London ahead of the highly anticipated rematch between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall. The pair fight in Leeds on April 27th, and we hear from both of them to find out why there is so much bad blood between them. He also chats to DAZN’s Jamie Ward who has spent considerable time with both fighters, and we speak to the men who put it all together - Sam Jones and promoter Eddie Hearn.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2024

Buncey heads to Dublin to catch up with Joseph Parker ahead of his fight with Zhilei Zhang. Joined by his trainer Andy Lee, they delve into the backstory of how Tyson Fury played a crucial role in connecting Parker and Lee and explore the dynamics of their successful partnership. They reflect on Parker's recent victory over Deontay Wilder and share their expectations for the upcoming bout against Zhang.

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2024

Buncey’s in London at the launch press conference for the British heavyweight fight title between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke. He chats to the pair, who both make a convincing case why their route to the top gives them the edge. Promoter Ben Shalom is also on the pod to give his take on the fight and updates us on some other news from his stable. And British light-heavyweight prospect Ben Whittaker, who won a lot of fans (including Shaquille O’Neal) following his last performance reacts to accusations he disrespects opponents with his showboating style of fighting.

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2024

Buncey takes the pod to Cromer for the third stop on its UK tour. He’s joined on stage by the Walsh brothers - Liam, Ryan and Michael. They take us back to the early days of sparring in their living room, fighting their dad for a few quid and what regrets they have from their respective careers.

Transcribed - Published: 10 February 2024

Buncey is joined by Queensberry boss Frank Warren to discuss an eventful 36 hours for the Fury-Usyk fight. He tells us how he found out about the cut to Tyson Fury and reacts to some of the conspiracy theories doing the rounds. Barry Jones is also on the pod and gives his reaction to the news and the rescheduled date. And we hear from Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez after their 12 rounds at Wembley at the weekend.

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2024

Wembley is the venue of today’s pod as Buncey looks ahead to a huge night of boxing at the OVO Arena. He speaks to Dan Azeez and Joshua Buatsi, who top the bill in their highly-anticipated WBA world title final eliminator. Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom is also on the show as well as a few of the fighters who feature on the undercard including Ben Whittaker, Caroline Dubois and Francesca Hennessy with her dad, promoter and manager Mick Hennessy.

Transcribed - Published: 1 February 2024