5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce

What can we expect from AJ as he returns to the ring in July? Buncey sits down with the former two-time heavyweight world champion ahead of his comeback fight against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah. Joshua opens up on coping with the tragic loss of two close friends in Lagos last December, while promoter Eddie Hearn shares the latest on AJ’s future plans. Former world champion Darren Barker also joins us with his analysis on what we can expect when Joshua steps back into the ring.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

Will Rico Verhoeven get the apology he’s after? The Dutchman and his team have lodged an official protest over the controversial ending to the fight in Egypt. Rico joins us to explain why they decided to take action, looks back on that unforgettable night, and reveals he’s hoping to be back in the ring again before the end of the year.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2026

Should Rico Verhoeven feel hard done by? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to dissect a dramatic night in the desert as Oleksandr Usyk controversially stopped the Dutchman in the 11th round. We hear from Verhoeven himself, as well as his trainer Peter Fury, after a fight that’s already sparked huge debate.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2026

How will Rico Verhoeven cope against the best boxer on the planet? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to break down the fight and explain what makes Oleksandr Usyk so dangerous. They also discuss the undercard and hear from Hamzah Sheeraz and Richard Torres Jr.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2026

What kind of challenge will Rico Verhoeven pose to Oleksandr Usyk? That’s just one of the questions Buncey puts to Eddie Hearn as they sit down ahead of Saturday night’s fight. We hear from both fighters on what they’re expecting in the ring, while four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen gives an insight into his fellow Dutchman and close friend.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2026

How will a kickboxing world champion fare against one of the greatest heavyweights of all time? That’s the question Buncey puts to Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke as the pair look ahead to this weekend’s spectacular showdown beneath the Egyptian pyramids between Rico Verhoeven and Oleksandr Usyk. Plus, they reflect on Dave Allen’s defeat to Filip Hrgovic, while Frazer gives an update on his own career after his narrow loss to Justis Huni.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2026

Can Dave Allen really beat Filip Hrgovic? The White Rhino returns to the ring in Doncaster this Saturday and sits down with Buncey ahead of the biggest fight of his career. They look back at the brutal defeat to Arslanbek Makhmudov, why Allen believes he’s never been in better shape, and what victory over Hrgovic would mean. Plus, we hear from his trainer Jamie Moore.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2026

Has there been a better heavyweight fight on British soil? Daniel Dubois is a two-time world champion after stopping Fabio Wardley in the 11th round of a brutal and unforgettable scrap in Manchester. Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to break down a fight that will live long in the memory. They hear from Dubois, his father Stan, trainer Don Charles and promoter Frank Warren.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2026

Can Fabio Wardley make a successful first defence of his WBO heavyweight world title, or will Daniel Dubois become a two-time world champion? Ahead of Saturday night’s massive all-British showdown in Manchester, Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to break down where the fight will be won and lost, the key tactical battles, and which fighter has the edge.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2026

Can Frank Warren really stay neutral when two of his fighters are battling it out for the world heavyweight title? Buncey sits down with the Queensberry boss to get his thoughts ahead of Saturday night’s huge dust-up, plus they discuss Arsenal’s hopes of getting the job done in Budapest in a few weeks’ time. We also hear from Daniel Dubois’ manager and advisor, Sam Jones.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2026

Can Daniel Dubois become a two-time heavyweight world champion? He certainly believes he can, as he sits down with Buncey ahead of Saturday’s huge fight with Fabio Wardley. Dubois discusses his preparations and why he feels he can reclaim a world title. We also hear from his trainer Don Charles, who explains why he believes Dubois is stronger, sharper and ready to prove himself.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2026

Can Fabio Wardley make a successful first defence of his WBO heavyweight world title? Buncey sits down with Wardley ahead of Saturday’s fight with Daniel Dubois to discuss the pressure, preparation and what’s at stake. Plus, we hear from his long-time coach, Rob Hodgins, who offers a unique insight into the fighter.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

Will we see a better 24 hours of boxing all year? Buncey and Barry aren’t convinced, as they reflect on a huge weekend in Tokyo, Vegas and Wolverhampton. Plus, reaction from Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn and a look ahead to Wardley v Dubois in Manchester this Saturday.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

When’s Adam Azim getting his world title shot? And is Lauren Price really set to take on Claressa Shields? Buncey puts it all to Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom in a wide-ranging chat. They also talk Frazer Clarke, Martin Bakole and Richard Riakporhe. Plus, find out why Belfast was chosen to host his stag do!

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2026

How clinical was Ben Whittaker? Richie Woodhall and Buncey break down his first-round stoppage of Braian Suarez in Liverpool, with reaction from Whittaker, Eddie Hearn and Andy Lee. Plus, they look back at the other fights on the undercard.

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2026

Will the hype around Ben Whittaker translate into the ring? He takes on Braian Suarez in Liverpool on Saturday night, and Buncey catches up with him after the weigh-in. We also hear from Matchroom’s Frank Smith and his trainer Andy Lee, while chief support Molly McCann also joins Buncey for a chat.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2026

Can a kickboxer with just one pro boxing fight really become heavyweight champion of the world? That’s exactly what Rico Verhoeven is aiming to do as he prepares to face Oleksandr Usyk in front of the pyramids of Egypt this May. Buncey speaks to both fighters, as well as Verhoeven’s trainer Peter Fury and promoter, Eddie Hearn.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2026

Are we getting closer to Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua? The Gypsy King beat Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and then called out AJ. Natasha Jonas joins Buncey to chat about the fight and how likely it is we’ll actually see it happen. We also hear from Fury’s manager Spencer Brown and promoter Frank Warren, plus some thoughts from Moses Itauma.

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2026

Has Tyson Fury still got it? Barry Jones joins Buncey to preview the Gypsy King’s return after 16 months away. Will it help or hinder? Plus, insight from former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, and a look ahead to the rest of the card, including Conor Benn vs Regis Prograis.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2026

What version of Tyson Fury will turn up this weekend? The Gypsy King returns after 16 months out and sits down with Buncey to discuss his fight with Arslanbek Makhmudov, his desire to face Anthony Joshua next, and why he believes he’s in the shape of his life. Plus, we hear from Conor Benn ahead of his fight with Regis Prograis. And former world champion David Haye gives us his take on Saturday night's fight.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2026

Did we just witness one of the greatest women’s fights ever? Buncey and Stacey certainly think so after watching Ellie Scotney crowned undisputed super-bantamweight world champion at Olympia. They hear from an emotional Scotney and her trainer, Shane McGuigan. Plus, they look back at the other three fights on the card, hearing from Caroline Dubois and Chantelle Cameron, while MVP’s Nikisa Bidarian reflects on a historic night.

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2026

Is Derek Chisora calling time on boxing as a cult hero? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey as Del Boy says no more after losing a split decision to Deontay Wilder. They hear from both fighters.

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2026

Will Ellie Scotney become the youngest UK boxer in the four-belt era to go undisputed? Who comes out on top as Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper meet in a world title unification? And how will Chantelle Cameron fare over three-minute rounds? Buncey speaks to all the fighters ahead of Sunday’s all-women’s card at Olympia, and sits down with MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian to discuss his vision for women’s boxing.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2026

Will it be Derek Chisora or Deontay Wilder getting their hand raised on Saturday night? Ahead of what could be their final fights, Buncey sits down with both fighters, plus promoter Kalle Sauerland.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2026

Can Lauren Price go on to become the best female boxer on the planet? Buncey heads to Sheffield to speak to the unified world champion about her journey, her ambitions and the unconventional path that got her here. Plus insight from her trainer, Rob McCracken, and coach Richie Woodhall. She fights this weekend in Cardiff against Stephanie Pineiro.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2026

Did Moses Itauma confirm he’s heavyweight boxing’s next big thing? Buncey and Richie Woodhall discuss the 21-year-old’s knockout win over Jermaine Franklin. Is he ready for a world title shot? We hear from Itauma, his manager Francis Warren and his promoter Frank Warren.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2026

Want to know more about Moses Itauma? How good is he, and how good can he become? Buncey sits down with boxing’s hottest prospect to find out what makes him tick and learn more about his path to this point. We also hear from his promoter, Frank Warren and his opponent this weekend, Jermaine Franklin. Plus, there’s analysis from former world champion Barry Jones.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2026

How does British boxing really work? What does the Board actually do, and where does its money come from? Buncey goes behind the scenes with BBBoC General Secretary Robert Smith. From finances and licensing to disciplinary hearings, he explains how the Board operates and debunks some of the biggest myths.

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2026

What’s next for Anthony Cacace after becoming a two-time world champion? The Belfast fighter was simply too good for Jazza Dickens at the 3Arena in Dublin. Barry Jones joins Buncey to dissect the fight and debate whether a unification showdown with Emanuel Navarrete could be next. They also preview George Liddard vs Tyler Denny for the British and Commonwealth middleweight titles in London, and a middleweight world title fight in Orlando.

Transcribed - Published: 16 March 2026

He beat Nigel Benn twice. He beat Chris Eubank twice. Former two-weight world champion Steve Collins joins Buncey to reflect on his career, including training in the same gym as Marvin Hagler. He also looks ahead the world title fight between Anthony Cacace and Jazza Dickens in Dublin this weekend.

Transcribed - Published: 9 March 2026

Has boxing experienced a stranger ten days? From Conor Benn’s departure from Matchroom to Oleksandr Usyk defending his WBC title beneath the pyramids, and the emergence of a reported $1 billion lawsuit, the sport has produced no shortage of surprises. Buncey is joined by Boxing Scene editor Matt Christie to try to make sense of it all.

Transcribed - Published: 2 March 2026

Can Fabio Wardley make a successful defence of his world title, or will Daniel Dubois become a two-time champion? Ahead of their fight in May, Buncey speaks to both men at the launch press conference. Barry Jones joins and makes the argument on why we could be in for a great fight. And Queensberry boss Frank Warren is also on the pod.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2026

Will there be a bigger boxing story in 2026 than Conor Benn leaving Matchroom? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to reflect on Benn’s decision to sign with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, while Eddie Hearn gives his immediate reaction. Plus, they ask what’s next for Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington after their Nottingham rematch, with Wood the clear winner. We hear from both fighters.

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2026

Will it be repeat or revenge? Buncey heads to Nottingham to speak with Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington ahead of their highly anticipated rematch on Saturday night. He also catches up with promoter Eddie Hearn and "Meatball" Molly McCann. Plus, we hear from Ismael Davis and Bilal Fawaz as they prepare to battle it out for the British title.

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2026

Can Tyson Fury be the sport’s saviour after vowing to make boxing great again? The Gypsy King joins Buncey to reveal why he’s ended his retirement, why he’s convinced another world title is within reach, and why he’s decided to go without a trainer. We also hear from his promoter, Frank Warren, and his opponent, Arslanbek Makhmudov. Plus, Barry Jones breaks down the fight and explains what each man must do to get the win.

Transcribed - Published: 16 February 2026

Did Brandon Figueroa and his team go too far with their celebrations? And what’s next for Nick Ball? Barry Jones joins Buncey to analyse a lively fight in Liverpool, where Ball lost his world title after hitting the canvas twice in the 12th. Plus, as the fighters gathered at London’s Olympia last week to announce the MVP-promoted all-women’s card on 5 April, Buncey catches up with many of them.

Transcribed - Published: 9 February 2026

Can Wilder still be the fighter he once was, and how much does Derek Chisora have left? Barry Jones joins Buncey at the launch press conference ahead of their April fight to ask what we can expect from both men. Buncey also sits down with the pair, as well as the promoters involved, Frank Warren and Kalle Sauerland.

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2026

Has there ever been a stranger moment in the ring than Jarrell Miller losing his toupee mid-fight? Stacey Copeland joins Buncey to unpack that bizarre scene, as well as the impressive performances from Josh Kelly and Shakur Stevenson. Kelly claimed his first world title with victory over Bakhram Murtazaliev, while Stevenson made history by becoming a four-weight world champion. Plus, Stacey gives her verdict on Fran Hennessy’s narrow win at the Copper Box.

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2026

Can Josh Kelly add his name to the growing list of British world champions? He challenges Bakhram Murtazaliev for the IBF super-welterweight title on Saturday. Matchroom CEO Frank Smith joins Buncey to preview the fight, with Kelly himself on the pod as he bids for his first world title. We also hear from his trainer Adam Booth, plus heavyweight prospect Leo Atang.

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2026

When might we see Tyson Fury back? What’s next for Fabio Wardley? Buncey asks Queensberry boss Frank Warren as they look ahead to what the first half of 2026 might bring for his fighters. Warren also gives his verdict on Zuffa Boxing following their inaugural event last weekend.

Transcribed - Published: 26 January 2026

Is enough being done to support boxers once they hang up the gloves? In this special programme, Stacey Copeland examines the realities fighters face when their careers end, from loss of identity to physical and mental challenges. Joined by Steve Bunce, former undisputed world champion Josh Taylor and leading trainer Dom Ingle, the discussion explores whether the sport is doing enough and what more can be done to help boxers prepare for life out of the ring. They also hear from Ricky Hatton's friend and manager, Paul Speak, Robert Smith of the BBBoC, and Queensberry boss Frank Warren.

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2026

Where does Dalton Smith’s world title win in New York rank among the greatest British performances overseas? Mike Costello joins Buncey to look back at some of the most iconic nights by a Brit abroad, from Lloyd Honeyghan to Tyson Fury. Plus, Dalton himself on the night, the fight, and what comes next.

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2026

Is this set to be Katie Taylor’s final year in the ring? Can Ellie Scotney take the final step and become undisputed? And will we finally see Lauren Price face Mikaela Mayer? Plenty for Buncey and Stacey Copeland to debate as they look ahead to what could be a huge and defining year for women’s boxing.

Transcribed - Published: 12 January 2026

After everything we saw in 2025, can 2026 possibly match it? Barry Jones joins Buncey to look ahead to a busy year in boxing. They talk through the fights already on the books, the ones that still need to be made, and work their way through the weight divisions to pick out the match-ups they most want to see.

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2026

Awards season has arrived, and it’s time for the 5 Live boxing team to hand out their prizes for 2025. Buncey is joined by Barry Jones and Darren Barker to decide who takes fighter of the year, what was the standout event, and whether they can agree on anything at all. Six categories to get through from a year that will go down as one of boxing’s best.

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2025

Did it really turn into the biggest mismatch in boxing history? Buncey puts that to former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi a they review the fight and hear from both fighters, as well as Eddie Hearn and Nakisa Bidarian.

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2025

As fight night approaches, Buncey catches up with former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi. They discuss what’s at stake for both fighters and whether Jake Paul stands any chance against AJ. And Jake Paul’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian and AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn are also on the pod.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2025

With the press conference done and dusted, Buncey catches up with former world champion Carl Froch, who gives his take on the fight and explains why Anthony Joshua won’t hold back. We also hear from both fighters.

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2025

Does Jake Paul deserve more respect for making the Anthony Joshua fight? Buncey is joined by Chris Billam-Smith to debate that and preview what sort of fight lies ahead. He also hears from AJ’s new cutman Russ Anber and Caroline Dubois, who defends her world title on the undercard.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

Is a two-time heavyweight world champion really fighting a YouTuber-turned-boxer in Miami this weekend? Yes. And that’s where Buncey is as fight week for Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua gets underway. To kick things off, he sits down with AJ’s long-time promoter Eddie Hearn to explain how the fight came about and to reflect on the highs and lows of their 12-year working relationship.

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2025