5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce

Is Dalton Smith pound-for-pound the best British fighter this year? Richie Woodhall and Buncey dissect his WBC Super Lightweight world title defence against Alberto Putello in Sheffield. Dalton Smith reacts to coming through a difficult first defence. Plus, Eddie Hearn gives his verdict on whether there could be a Hillsborough homecoming for Dalton in 2027.

Is Dalton Smith facing one of the toughest homecomings in boxing history? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to preview Smith’s first defence of his super lightweight world title against Alberto Puello. Dalton himself joins the pod to reflect on his unforgettable title-winning night in New York and the challenge that lies ahead. We also hear from Leo Atang, one of Britain’s brightest young heavyweight prospects. And with the dust finally settling on Daniel Dubois’ devastating victory over Fabio Wardley, did Wardley’s decision to take the rematch so soon prove a costly mistake?

Is Daniel Dubois now the most feared man in the heavyweight division? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to dissect Dubois’ devastating victory, what went wrong for Fabio Wardley and what’s next for both men. Plus, we hear from both fighters, promoter Frank Warren and trainer Don Charles.

Is Daniel Dubois really the clear favourite for his rematch with Fabio Wardley? Richie Woodhall and Buncey aren’t convinced. Fresh from the weigh-in, they explain why the world title fight could be much closer than the odds suggest and break down how it may unfold.

Will the outcome be different when Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley run it back at The O2 this weekend? Carl Frampton and Buncey join Stacey Copeland to preview the rematch. Wardley explains the changes he’s made as he bids to become a two-time world champion, while Dubois believes he’s simply too good for anything other than a repeat result. We also hear from Frank Warren, who promotes both fighters.

Repeat or revenge? As fight week begins, Buncey sits down with Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley ahead of their WBO heavyweight title rematch. Wardley explains what he’s changed since their dramatic first meeting in May, while Dubois reveals why he’s confident of winning again. Wardley’s longtime trainer Rob Hodgins also reflects on that defeat and what it will take to turn the tables this weekend.

Just how involved is Dana White in the Fury v Joshua fight and why has it sparked a war of words with Eddie Hearn? In this bonus episode, the Zuffa Boxing boss sits down with Buncey to reveal his role in the Cardiff fight, address his ongoing feud with Hearn and explain whether he had any part in negotiating the contracts with both fighters.

What did we learn about Ben Whittaker after his unconvincing win over Conor Wallace? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to pick through the fight and ask why Whittaker faded, whether Wallace could have done more when he had him in trouble, and what the performance tells us about Whittaker’s progress. Plus, we hear from Whittaker himself and his promoter Eddie Hearn.

Is Ben Whittaker destined to become the face of boxing? The Olympic silver medallist faces Conor Wallace in Birmingham this weekend and sits down with Buncey ahead of the fight. His trainer Andy Lee also joins the pod and is in no doubt Whittaker can reach the very top, even becoming undisputed. Plus, promoter Eddie Hearn explains why he shares Lee’s belief that Ben could become one of the biggest stars in the sport.

No more false starts. Fury v Joshua is finally on. Fresh from the press conference in London, Buncey and Barry Jones join Stacey Copeland to reflect on what we learned as the two British heavyweight rivals came face to face. Buncey also sits down with both Fury and Joshua, while Eddie Hearn explains why it’s taken so many twists and turns to finally get one of British boxing’s biggest fights over the line.

Is it on? Is it off? After telling the world last week that Fury v Joshua was on, Buncey is forced to issue an apology as yet more complications emerge in getting the fight over the line. Richie Woodhall joins him and adds absolutely no insight into what’s happening. So they pivot to a packed October of British boxing and hear from Dalton Smith ahead of his fight.

It sounded too good to be true. Now it’s official. Anthony Joshua will finally fight Tyson Fury on December 11th and Buncey and Barry Jones have been scrambled into action for an emergency pod. They react to the announcement, assess where both men are at this stage of their careers, and break down how the biggest all-British heavyweight fight of a generation could play out when they finally meet in the ring.

Steve Bunce is joined by Barry Jones in Manchester as they react to Pat Brown’s victory over John Hedges. Buncey hears from Brown, who claims the British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles in just his seventh fight. Eddie Hearn gives the latest on Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua, with an announcement ‘imminent’ for the highly anticipated heavyweight battle to take place in the UK in December. Plus, Darren Barker speaks about his remarkable fundraising challenge.

Welterweight has produced some of the most complete and celebrated fighters in boxing history, but who is the best of the best? Chairman Ade Oladipo is joined by comedian and boxing podcaster Travis Jay, alongside trainer and online sensation Frank Gilfeather, who reveals how he once trained with one of the greatest fighters ever to enter a ring. Across four categories, the board considers the finest 147lb operators from every era. Can anyone displace Sugar Ray Robinson at the top of the division? Was Sugar Ray Leonard the most adaptable fighter boxing has ever seen? And how do modern greats Floyd Mayweather, Terence Crawford, Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley compare with the legends who came before them? Expect expert insight, passionate disagreement, some surprising omissions and the remarkable story of a boxing icon’s visit to Paisley in the 1960s. Can the board agree on the greatest welterweight of them all?

How did Ryan Garcia make it look so easy? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to break down Garcia’s devastating two-round stoppage of Conor Benn in Las Vegas. They look at what made Garcia so dominant from the opening bell, whether Benn could have approached the fight differently and where it all went wrong for the Brit. Plus, they assess what the defeat means for Benn and ask what comes next for both fighters.

What is the greatest round in boxing history? Chairman Ade Oladipo is determined to find out as The Boxing Board returns for another passionate debate. Joining Ade are former WBO cruiserweight world champion and broadcaster Johnny Nelson, alongside comedian and boxing commentator Kevin “KG” Garry. Together, the board tackles four categories: the best round involving a British fighter, the best round since 2010, the best round in a championship bout and the best round in a non-championship bout. Can anything top the unforgettable ninth round of Gatti vs Ward? Where does Danny Williams’ remarkable one-armed comeback in round six against Mark Potter rank among British boxing’s greatest moments? And has there ever been a more explosive opening round than Hagler vs Hearns? Expect passion, unexpected takes and another classic story from Johnny “The Entertainer” Nelson.

Will we ever see the likes of Katie Taylor again? On an unforgettable night at Croke Park, she said one final goodbye to boxing in front of 80,000 fans and brought down the curtain on one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen. Stacey Copeland joins Buncey in Dublin to reflect on an extraordinary farewell and try to put into context what they witnessed. We also hear from Katie, her promoter Eddie Hearn, her manager Brian Peters and her father Peter.

Has there ever been, or will there ever be, a bigger send-off than the one awaiting Katie Taylor at Croke Park on Saturday night? Buncey is joined by Stacey Copeland in Dublin as Taylor prepares to bring the curtain down on an extraordinary career. He sits down with the Irish sporting icon and also hears from her manager Brian Peters, promoter Eddie Hearn and trainer Ross Enamait.

Will it be repeat or revenge when Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley run it back following their first fight in May? The pair meet again at the O2 in October, and we hear from both fighters as they explain why they’re confident of coming out on top. Plus, promoter Frank Warren joins the pod to give us the latest on Moses Itauma and share his thoughts on how the second fight between Dubois and Wardley could play out.

The Boxing Board is back to settle one of boxing’s most explosive arguments: who possessed the greatest punches in the sport’s history? Chairman Ade Oladipo is joined by broadcaster and former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson, alongside former Team GB boxer and boxing writer Ruth Raper, for a debate spanning four punch-perfect categories: the jab, the hook, the uppercut and the body breaker. Can anyone compare with the snap of Larry Holmes’ jab? Does anybody deserve to top Roy Jones Jr. for the greatest hook in boxing? And which heavyweight uppercut will earn our producer’s pick as the most lethal ever thrown? Expect strong opinions, expert knowledge and plenty of names that will have boxing fans arguing long after the final bell.

What next for Moses Itauma? After watching Filip Hrgovic shatter his world-title dream, Buncey is joined by Richie Woodhall to examine why Itauma came up short. We also hear from his promoter, Frank Warren, as they assess what the defeat means and where Itauma goes from here.

What can we read into the mindsets of both fighters after Filip Hrgovic slapped Moses Itauma following a shove off the stage? There’s plenty for Buncey and Richie Woodhall to get stuck into ahead of the heavyweight world title showdown at the O2. They also hear from promoter Frank Warren, who witnessed the fracas from just a few feet away. Plus, the guys break down where they believe the fight will be won and lost.

Will Moses Itauma make history and become the second-youngest heavyweight to win a world title? Buncey sits down with the 21-year-old to find out whether making history means anything to him. We also hear from his opponent, Filip Hrgovic, who is yet to be convinced Itauma is the next big thing. Plus, Queensberry’s George Warren joins the pod, along with Itauma’s trainer Ben Davison.

Who sits at the top of boxing’s heavyweight tree, not just today but across every era? Chairman Ade Oladipo is joined by boxing trainer and online sensation Frank Gilfeather, alongside rising heavyweight star Johnny Fisher, for a no-holds-barred meeting of The Boxing Board. The panel tackles the current crop of giants and a tantalising fantasy fight: how would Oleksandr Usyk fare against Lennox Lewis? Johnny reveals which former heavyweight champion would give him the biggest fright when the bell rings, while Frank draws on his encyclopaedic knowledge to share the remarkable and hilarious tale of Sonny Liston’s visit to a Paisley housing estate. Then the board looks back to the radio era, debating who was king when boxing captured the nation’s imagination, and whether the sport has lost some of that meaning today. After all the arguments, memories and bold claims, only one question remains: who does the board place at the summit of heavyweight history?

What on earth is going on with the proposed fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua? Buncey sits down with BoxingScene’s Matt Christie to try to make sense of it all. Is Eddie Hearn right to ask for amendments to the contract if the fight is to take place in New York? The guys assess what we know, what still needs to be resolved and how it could all play out. Plus, with Moses Itauma fighting for his first world title at the O2 this weekend, they ask just how good the 21-year-old really is.

Ade Oladipo, Emily Eubank, and Liam Gough are back with another hard-hitting, no-holds-barred episode of The Punch Perfect Podcast on BBC Sounds! After a quick heads-up to mind young ears for a few explicit slips, the crew jumps headfirst into 'The Clinch' to take on a legendary mythical matchup debate. Producer Jay delivers the envelope, setting off the three-minute timer as the hosts dissect a massive claim: "Muhammad Ali wouldn't be champion in the current heavyweight scene." How would 'The Greatest' fare against modern heavyweight giants, or is classic speed and ring IQ enough to rule any era? The team has just one round to trade arguments and deliver a final verdict. Then, it's time to head back to 'The Blueprint' to build out the next critical layer of their Frankenstein GOAT. With George Foreman lock-in for power, Chris Eubank Senior for heart and resilience, Muhammad Ali taking marketability, and Oleksandr Usyk locked in for technical skill, the hosts turn their attention to physical durability: THE…

Is the hype around Pat Brown real? If he beats John Hedges in September, he’ll become the quickest man ever to win the British cruiserweight title in terms of professional fights. Pat sits down with Buncey to discuss his mindset ahead of the fight, where his confidence comes from and how the “club” atmosphere in the gym pushes everyone to improve. His trainer Jamie Moore also joins Buncey to give his unique insight into the 26-year-old.

Ade Oladipo, Emily Eubank, and Liam Gough return to give their unfiltered takes on the fight game in another punchy episode of The Punch Perfect Podcast on BBC Sounds! The gang steps straight into 'The Clinch' to take on a heated debate rocking modern combat sports. Producer Jay hands over the envelope, starting a strict three-minute timer for the hosts to dissect a contentious statement: "It is time to implement mandatory hydration testing or same-day weigh-ins." Is gimmick matchmaking pulling eyes away from true fighters, or does it bring a much-needed new audience to the sport? The trio has just one round to clash and reach a final decision. Next up, it’s back to 'The Blueprint' to build the next vital piece of their Frankenstein GOAT. With George Foreman lock-in for power, Chris Eubank Senior taking heart and resilience, and marketability already checked off, the hosts turn their attention to pure skill: BOXING TECHNIQUE. This section is all about the sweet science, masterful defence, and ring…

Is there a more successful and more versatile man in boxing? For more than three decades, Russ Anber has been one of the sport's most respected and influential figures. A world-renowned trainer, cutman, hand wrapper, manager and proud member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, he has worked in the corners of countless world champions and been at the heart of some of boxing's biggest nights. Away from the corner, Anber is also the founder of Rival Boxing Gear, the company behind what has become the most widely used boxing glove in the world. His innovation has changed the sport just as much outside the ring as inside it. In this special episode, Buncey sits down with Anber to reflect on an extraordinary career that has taken him from humble beginnings to the very top of boxing. They discuss the fighters who have shaped his journey, the pressure and precision required to be one of the sport's finest cutmen and hand wrappers.

Ade Oladipo, Emily Eubank, and Liam Gough are back to put the boxing world to rights in another hard-hitting episode of The Punch Perfect Podcast on BBC Sounds! After a brief warning to expect a few passionate slip-ups of explicit language, the team dives straight into 'The Clinch' to confront one of the most critical safety debates in the sport today. Guided by producer Jay's envelope, the hosts start a strict three-minute timer to dissect the statement: "Trainers need to throw in the towel more often." Do corner teams protect their fighters enough, or does the warrior mentality of the sport stand in the way of vital safety decisions? The hosts have just one round to debate and reach a final verdict. Then, it's time to return to 'The Blueprint' to draft the next critical component of their Frankenstein GOAT. With the legendary power of George Foreman and the unbreakable heart of Chris Eubank Senior already secured in the first two episodes, the crew turns their attention to a highly lucrative attribute:…

Is there a bigger fight in women's boxing than Mikaela Mayer v Chantelle Cameron? The pair top the MVP UK v USA card in Birmingham later this month, and former undisputed world champion Ellie Scotney joins Buncey to preview the huge night. She also reveals the rather extravagant gift Jake Paul has bought her. We also hear from Skye Nicolson after her move to the MVP stable and her addition to the Birmingham card. Caroline Dubois explains why she's swapped trainer Shane McGuigan for Manny Robles, while Mikaela Mayer, Chantelle Cameron and MVP co-founder Nikisa Bidarian all join the pod to look ahead to one of the biggest events in women's boxing this year.

To mark South Asian Heritage Month, Buncey is joined by former IBO world champion Jawaid Khaliq and the BBC's Kal Sajad to celebrate the South Asian community's contribution to British boxing. From the pioneers who broke down barriers to today's new generation of stars, they explore how British boxing has evolved and why South Asian representation in the sport is stronger than ever. The discussion looks back at trailblazers such as Amir Khan, who paved the way, the challenges they faced, and the lasting impact they've had on the sport both inside and outside the ring. We also hear from two of Britain's biggest boxing names, Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim, who reflect on their heritage, their journeys to the top, and the responsibility they feel as role models for the next generation. This podcast has been edited since publication.

Ade, Emily, and Liam are back for another episode of The Punch Perfect Podcast, on their relentless mission to build the ultimate boxing machine: the Frankenstein GOAT! To start things off, the trio checks in on the fallout from last week's decisions. With their personal fighting nicknames (The Black Prince, The Hatman, and Miss Eubank) fully established, they recap their first official consensus: crown-funding their monster fighter with the legendary power of George Foreman. The action officially begins when they step into 'The Clinch' to tackle a highly controversial topic delivered straight from producer Jay's envelope: "Governing bodies should refuse licences to fighters over the age of 40!" With a strict three-minute round on the clock, the panel debates the safety, legacy, and commercial appeal of over-40 legends, reflecting on iconic veteran runs from the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins, and Shannon Briggs. Will the team reach a unanimous decision, or are we…

Does the Joshua-Fury fight still whet the appetite after watching both men in action this weekend? Barry Jones joins Buncey after they watched Anthony Joshua climb off the canvas twice before stopping Kristian Prenga in the second round. They discuss what AJ's performance means for a potential showdown with Fury, and we also hear from Joshua himself as Buncey catches up with him in the ring moments after the fight.

Tyson Fury has done his bit, now it's over to Anthony Joshua. Carl Frampton joins Buncey after Fury's win in Thailand, while AJ weighs in ahead of his fight with Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia. They discuss Joshua's final face-off with his opponent, what they made of his demeanour, and whether the long-awaited showdown with Fury is now within touching distance. Plus, we hear from someone who was ringside in Pattaya for Fury's victory.

Will Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury both come through unscathed this weekend? Natasha Jonas and Joe Gallagher join Buncey to preview the fights in Saudi Arabia and Thailand, discuss what kind of Anthony Joshua we can expect to see back in the ring, and debate where the long-awaited fight between the pair should take place. Joe also doesn't pull any punches with his verdict on today's heavyweight division. Plus, we hear from both fighters and Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Punch Perfect Podcast, your new favourite boxing show! Join hosts Emily Eubank, Ade Oladipo, and Liam Gough as they kick off their ultimate mission: attempting to engineer the ultimate fighter. A "Frankenstein GOAT" of boxing. But before serious punches are thrown, we step right into 'The Clinch' for a no-punches-pulled look at the sport. The producers have handed them an envelope containing a massive debate topic: "Fighters would rather retire a millionaire than be a Zuffa belt holder." With the clock ticking down a single three-minute round, the three tackle the dilution of championship belts, whether fighters are chasing clout over legacy, and if the entry of organisations like Zuffa will bring clarity or total chaos. They then get down to business in 'The Blueprint'; the heart of the show where they must collectively build their Frankenstein fighter. The attribute on the operating table is pure, unadulterated power. Each host champions up to three heavy-hitting…

What was Anthony Joshua's defining victory? Which defeat left the deepest scar? Buncey is joined by Richie Woodhall to relive the ten fights that defined AJ's career. From world-title glory and unforgettable knockouts to the setbacks that changed everything, they decide which moments shaped one of Britain's greatest heavyweights.

It's been a hectic few weeks in the heavyweight division since Oleksandr Usyk vacated his world titles, giving Buncey and Barry plenty to get stuck into. They assess Murat Gassiev's first defence of his WBA heavyweight crown, discuss the bizarre ending to Joe Joyce's comeback fight and whether it's finally time for him to call it a day. They also debate the potential venues for the long-awaited Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury showdown, with Barry making a passionate case for Cardiff, before looking at where the rest of the heavyweight titles could end up. Plus, they give their verdict on reports that Usyk could face Deontay Wilder in what may be his final fight.

What can we expect from Team England at the Commonwealth Games? Buncey heads to Sheffield to catch up with head coach Rob McCracken as the squad puts the finishing touches to its preparations for Glasgow. McCracken explains why he has selected this team and picks out the boxers to watch, while Buncey also sits down with European U23 Champion Damar Thomas and reigning U19 world champion Ruby White.

What has been the fight of the year so far? Which performance stood out above all the rest? And what has been boxing's lowest moment of 2026? Tony Bellew and Carl Frampton join Buncey to review the first six months of the year, debating the biggest talking points and the British world champions who have made their mark. They also ask whether anything will top the epic heavyweight battle between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois in Manchester.

Is Filip Hrgovic a step too far, too soon for Moses Itauma? Buncey sits down with the heavyweight prospect to discuss the biggest fight of his career so far, whether he's getting the recognition he feels he deserves, and why he believes he's ready for the challenge. We also hear from his manager, Francis Warren, and from Hrgovic himself.

Is Ryan Garner ready to take the next step and mix it with the elite of the super-featherweight division? The Southampton fighter takes on Italy's Michael Magnesi for the interim WBC super-featherweight title at St Mary's Stadium this Saturday. Garner joins Buncey to reflect on his journey so far, the setbacks and frustrations he's had to overcome, and why he believes now is the time to prove he belongs at world level.

Will Croke Park ever see a bigger night than the one that awaits Katie Taylor when she steps into the ring for one final time? Buncey sits down with Katie to reflect on her remarkable journey, the long road to finally bringing this event to life, and what retirement might hold when the gloves are eventually hung up. We also hear from her manager, Brian Peters, who reveals how the team got the historic occasion over the line.

What does Dana White really think about Eddie Hearn, boxing's sanctioning bodies and the reaction to him getting involved in the sport? Buncey sits down with the boss of Zuffa Boxing to find out. White doesn't hold back as he gives his honest take on boxing, the people who run it and the changes he thinks the sport needs. It's a candid, outspoken and at times controversial chat with a man who’s not scared of ruffling a few feathers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.