Afleveringen
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On this weeks episode, I chat about the journey to 100 episodes and the plans for the future. A massive thank you to all my guests and to everyone that has listened over the years.
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Michael begins by reflecting on the immediate aftermath of his highly controversial exit from the 2016 Olympics. Following this pivotal moment, he shifted his focus to professional boxing, opting to partner with Top Rank promotions in the United States. Michael discusses the process of relocating with his family to the U.S. and recounts his early successes in the professional arena. It wasn’t long before he found himself headlining St. Patrick’s Day events at Madison Square Garden in New York, captivating a large Irish audience. He opens up about the significant backlash he faced back home, stemming from the controversy surrounding his ring entrance music, and how some of the public's perception of him does not reflect his true character. Our conversation delves into notable bouts from his pro career, including a gratifying victory over his 2016 Olympic rival, Vladimir Nikitin, at MSG. He also secured both WBO and WBA continental titles, including a great win against former world champion TJ Doheny at Falls Park in 2021. This then positioned Michael for that much-anticipated shot at the world title against Leigh Wood in 2022. The matchup was unforgettable and Fight of the Year, but the last round defeat was the first setback in Michael's pro career. After some good wins, back-to-back defeats against Luis Alberto Lopez and Jordan Gill, Michael took a break from the ring for over a year to regroup. During this hiatus, he remained active, discovering a new passion for running and successfully completed a marathon in under three hours—a challenge he set for himself and accomplished. However, the call of boxing was undeniable, and following a 15-month absence, a recent victory has set him back on the right path. Michael continues to harbor ambitions of capturing that elusive world title, with the final chapter of his professional career yet to be written.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Paul Quinn and I debate our Top 10 Super-Middleweight's of all time. We cover fighters from the past 40 years on both sides of the pond. We debate our different criteria's and examine each boxers achievements and CV. Do you agree with our selections? Have a listen and let us know who makes your Top 10 list.
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Eamonn Magill is a professional boxing referee and amateur boxing coach in North Belfast. He talks about his childhood growing up in Dublin, moving North at a young age and how he first joined the Sacred Heart Amateur Boxing Club in the Bone are of North Belfast as a kid. He would leave boxing in his teenage years, but the love of the sport was always there.
Years after Sacred Heart closed its doors, he played an instrumental role in securing the premises for the current club after it was closed for well over 10 years. Eamonn talks about the long process it took to get the club to where it is today and the massive role the club plays in his local area. He also helped launch the very successful Belfast Boxers page on social media alongside Hugh O'Halloran and he talks about some of the great experiences he had interviewing and meeting boxers from over the years.
Becoming a referee was never something Eamonn thought about and it was only by chance that he stepped in at the last minute to referee at a while collar event that set him on the path. He is now a qualified top class BBBC referee and can be seen at all the big shows in N. Ireland. We talk about some of the big events and of course some of the viral moments he has been involved in. Eamonn is a huge character and shares some hilarious stories, so this is one podcast not to be missed.
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The Walsh name in County Wexford is one of the most famous in Irish boxing. Dean Walsh's family history was steeped in boxing with his father and uncles winning countless Irish titles. His uncle Billy in particular was one of Wexford's greatest sportsmen, so it was no surprise that Dean joined a boxing club at only 7 years of age. Over the course of his incredible amateur career, he would win 13 Irish titles in total.
Dean talks about the struggles he had trying to win a major medal after coming up short so many times at countless European championships at various levels. He would make the step up to elite level in 2014 when he would win his first title beating Michael Nevin in the final. He would then win back to back Irish finals against former European gold medalist, Ray Moylette in incredible finals. That illusive medal at a major championship would then come in 2015 when Dean would secure a European bronze medal in Bulgaria.
Dean opens up about the huge disappointment of missing out on Olympic qualification in 2016 and how this sent him to a dark place mentally. Issues with alcohol and fights in bars would ultimately lead to a prison sentence in 2020 which would change his life forever. Dean came out and was determined to change his ways and get back into boxing. His father, Donal played a huge part in getting him back and his love and support even in the hard times was the catalyst he needed to continue. Incredibly after being out of the sport for over 3 years, he would win back to back Irish elite titles in 2023 and 2024.
Once again Olympic qualification for Paris 2024 eluded him and professional boxing was the next step. Dean turned professional in late 2024 and has already won his first 2 fights and has an upcoming fight on DAZN in June. He talks about the great team he has at present and his ambitions for the future. Dean is hoping the Walsh name will continue to flourish in the professional ranks. Listen to his story today.
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Michael Conlan grew up in West Belfast and comes from a family steeped in boxing, so it was no surprise that he would follow in his brothers footsteps to Clonard ABC at only 8 years of age. He was always a young boxer who was full of confidence in the ring and winning an Irish title in his first year set him on his way in amateur boxing. Michael opens up about going down the wrong path in his teenage years by drinking and taking various substances from as early as 12-13 years of age. A turning point came when he was selected for the Commonwealth Youth Games at 16. He was told he would have to be drug tested and this was a moment when Michael decided things had to change in his life and from that point, he dedicated himself fully to boxing.
Once Michael moved to senior level, he would soon really come to the fore and would win Ulster and Irish senior titles in 2010 and 2011. After reaching the quarter finals of the World Championships in 2011, an Olympic spot in London 2012 was secured. Michael would go on to claim a bronze medal at those unforgettable games after losing to the Cuban who would eventually claim gold. Over the next 3 years, Michael would cement himself in Irish boxing history by winning Commonwealth, European and World senior gold medals and he goes into depth about the journey to winning these major titles. Going into the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, he was the poster boy of Irish sport and alongside Katie Taylor was the favourite to claim a gold medal for Ireland.
We go into depth about the build up to the hugely controversial quarter final defeat to Russian, Vladimir Nikitin. Who can forget the famous middle finger salute to the judges and the raw interview he gave to RTE straight after the fight. Michael speaks from the heart on his amateur career and there are plenty of funny stories thrown in there as well. Listen to part 1 today of our 2 part special episode.
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Paul Quinn and I chat about all the main talking points from the last month in Irish and World boxing. We review the recent huge card at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium featuring the brutal war between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. We also discuss if Irish boxing now has a new star after Aaron McKenna's fantastic performance to defeat Liam Smith on the undercard. We then turn our attention to this past weekend with wins for Canelo Alvarez, Naoya Inoue, Devin Haney and Roddy Romero. We also preview some of the big shows coming up including Anto Cacace v Leigh Wood this weekend which also features Kurt Walker in a 50/50 against Liam Davies. Lastly, we chat about the announced undisputed title fights featuring Oleksandr Usyk v Daniel Dubois in Wembley in July and Canelo Alvarez v Terence Crawford in Las Vegas this September.
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Danny chats to me growing up in Cork and his start in boxing. He had a very successful amateur career, winning 3 Irish National titles and represented Ireland at the European championships. He would decide to travel to Australia as many lads would in their late teens, but he would soon stumble across a boxing gym and continue his journey on the other side of the world. He would turn professional over in Australia and would win his first 3 fights before COVID would derail his career.
Danny would decide to move back home in 2020 and would begin the next chapter of his pro career in 2021. In recent years he has won fights in Ireland and in Australia to remain undefeated 9-0. In recent months a link up with manager, Dennis Hogan and being signed by Tasman promotions has allowed him to get onto the huge DAZN platform. He now has an opportunity to win his first title as he challenges for the WBC Australasia title on the undercard of Jai Opetaia's world title fight in Australia on June 8th. Danny is hoping this next fight will be just the start of the titles in his career. Listen to his story today.
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Paul grew up in Sheffield, England and talks about his upbringing which included spending some years in Jamaica as a kid. He had a modest amateur career in his own words, but it was always Paul's ambition to turn professional and he would begin his pro career with very mixed results, winning only 3 of his first 7 contests. Paul was eager to improve and spent a number of years training and fighting in Canada alongside former Olympic medalist and world amateur champion, Shawn O'Sullivan.
Paul would soon return to England and begin winning fights over the next 3 years. In 1992 after a stoppage defeat to Paul Wesley, he would retire from the sport and be out of the ring for over 2 years and would face many dark days. When he would decide to return to the sport, he would train and spar alongside Irish boxers, Eamon Loughran and Steve Collins under the Barry Hearn Matchroom stable. Then in 1995, he would win his first major title when he stopped Damien Denny at the Ulster Hall in April, 1995 for the WBO Inter-continental title. This win would lead to an unexpected World title shot against champion, Verno Phillips in Paul's hometown of Sheffield. Paul would put on the performance of his life to win a points decision and become Britain's first Light-Middleweight world champion.
Paul opens up about the tough times that would follow after this moment as he was stripped of his title due to politics and never defended the title. He would fight on for 7 more years and claim a Commonwealth Middleweight title and WBC International Super-Middleweight title. Paul finally talks about how life has been since retirement and also about his new autobiography which will be released later this year.
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Paul Quinn and I debate our dream all time fantasy matchups in world boxing. We cover fighters from various decades and generations to build the ultimate dream card featuring some of our favourite fighters ever. Let us know who would make your shortlist and if you agree with who we feel would come out on top of our matchups.
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Neil Gough is a former 8 x Irish Elite champion from County Waterford and is widely regarded as one of the greatest amateur boxers Ireland has ever produced. He talks about his early years at St. Paul's ABC under his hugely influential coach, John Finn. We chat about his early amateur career and his competitive rivalry with Eddie Fisher during his Intermediate years.
We then go through his amazing record of 11 straight Irish senior finals against quality opposition including, Eamonn Magee, Neil Sinclair, Eddie Fisher, Francis Barrett and James Moore amongst others. There were numerous World and European championship appearances including a fantastic run to the quarter finals of the 1997 World Championships in Budapest when he would lose to 2 x Olympic Gold medalist Oleg Saitov. This run would place Neil as world number 5 in at the time.
Neil also opens up about his frustration at failing to reach 3 consecutive Olympic Games after falling just short at various qualifiers. There are also stories about meeting boxing legends, Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield thrown in there as well. Finally, we find out how Neil is still involved in amateur boxing in Waterford to this very day. Neil is a proper gentleman and it is a real pleasure sharing his story.
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Matthew Tyndall Jr grew up in Bray, Co. Wicklow and comes from a family steeped in boxing. Matthew talks about walking into a boxing gym at only 4 years of age and how Katie Taylor would become a huge inspiration to him growing up. Matthew would have immediate success winning an Irish title in his very first year. Throughout his illustrious amateur career, he would win 9 Irish national titles and would represent his country in European championships.
Matthew would become quite disillusioned with the amateur game and would decide to turn professional in 2023 at only 20 years of age. He is currently 7-1 as a professional having just come off an unsuccessful attempt at the Irish Welterweight title against Senan Kelly in 2024 after stepping in at short notice. He has recently linked up with Irish boxing legend, Wayne McCullough in Las Vegas and is hoping to move over to train full time in pursuit of securing some titles in the very near future. Listen to Matthew’s story today.
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James Moore grew up in Arklow, County Wicklow and was in a boxing gym from 6 years of age. His amateur career was in his own words a “late developer” in fact he never won an Irish title at schoolboy, youth or junior level in the early days. It wasn’t long until he would start to have great success beginning with an Irish Intermediate title in 1997. The goal was always to win that National Elite title, but standing in his way was the seasoned, Neil Gough. After coming up short in semi-finals and finals to the Waterford man, he would eventually claim that senior title in 2001 beating Gough in the final. James would soon add a Four Nations gold medal before representing Ireland at the 2001 World Senior championships in Belfast.
Those championships would prove to be the greatest week of James’ amateur career. He would go on to claim the only bronze medal from a strong Irish team. James talks about what he had to overcome having 5 fights in 6 days to win his medal. He also talks about sparring stories with Carl Frochin the training camp and nights out with David Haye. After this success at these championships, he would find the next year or so a struggle with injuries, constant training camps and the tragedy of losing 3 of his best friends in a caraccident. James would still continue to have success in 2002-2003 winning 2 more Irish Elite titles and multiple Four Nation gold medals, but when an Olympic place wasn’t secured in 2004, he knew that professional boxing was thenext step in his career.
James would move to New York and train in the famous Gleason’s Gym and quickly build up an undefeated record over the next 3 years. He would add a New York State title and top the bill at Madison Square Garden, Theatre. He would build a 15-0 undefeated record before losing a dubious decision to Gabriel Rosado in 2008. He would go on to win 2 more fights before losing a points decision to future World Champion, Yuri Foreman for the NABF title and Pawel Wolak in his final fight at Yankee Stadium. Since retirement, James has become a part owner in a successful bar in Queens, NY and is happy and content in the States with his wife and 3 kids. He is a humble man who very rarely talks about his boxing story, so I am really excited to release this to you all.
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Paul Quinn and I chat about all the main talking points from the last month in Irish and World boxing. We review the recent fights involving Irish boxers including, Tyrone McKenna, TJ Doheny, Paddy Donovan, Lewis Crocker, Feargal McCrory, Callum Walsh and Donagh Keary. We also look back at the massive Saudi card featuring the rematch between Bivol and Beterviev amongst many others. We preview some big shows coming up involving Chris Eubank Jr v Conor Benn and Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano 3. Finally, we chat about some of the other talking points including Dana White's plans for professional boxing as well as a tribute to the legend, George Foreman who sadly passed away this past weekend.
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This week, I look back at some of the greatest wins away from home involving Irish boxers. I go right back over the past 100 years and put together a list featuring over 40 boxers at both amateur and professional level. Please let me know of some of your favourite memories and let me know if there are any boxers that deserve a special mention.
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I look back at this weekend's much anticipated show at the SSE Arena, Belfast featuring the mouth watering contest between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan as well as a stacked undercard. I talk about my experience of being in the arena and go through each contest that I watched. I am then joined by our resident guest, Paul Quinn to chat about the controversial main event which resulted in Lewis Crocker remaining unbeaten following Paddy Donovan being disqualified in chaotic scenes. Paul does not hold back when giving his opinions on this one.
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Paul Quinn and I debate our dream All Irish matchups over the years. We cover fighters from various decades and generations to build the ultimate dream card featuring some of our greatest fighters. Let us know who would make your shortlist.
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On this weeks episode, I will be looking back at some of the greatest families in Irish professional boxing. This will cover almost 100 years in the sport and many different families will be featured. We have brothers, fathers and sons, uncles-nephews and many more connections. Let me know of any families that you think deserve a special mention and apologies if I have missed any families out.
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Paul Quinn and I talk about some of the big talking points from the last month in Irish and world boxing. We preview some of the massive cards involving Irish fighters starting with Lewis Crocker v Paddy Donovan at the SSE Arena. We also give our thoughts on the great undercard featuring, Padraig McCrory v Craig Richards and Tommy McCarthy v Steven Ward amongst others.
We also look ahead to the mouth watering contest between Aaron McKenna and Liam Smith on the Conor Benn v Chris Eubank undercard at the Tottenham Hotspur arena in April.
We gives our opinions on the imminent news that Anto Cacace will face Leigh Wood in a massive fight after recently vacating his IBF world title. Finally, we give our 5 fight predictions for the huge upcoming Saudi card this month featuring Beterbiev v Bivol 2 and Daniel Dubois v Joseph Parker and many more.
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Tiernan Bradley is currently undefeated as a professional boxer and he has set his sights on major titles in 2025. On the episode, Tiernan talks me through his journey growing up in County Tyrone, winning countless Irish titles as well as claiming European and Commonwealth medals in the amateur ranks. He also discusses his adventures in countries such as Russia, Samoa and the USA . During the journey there have been long periods of inactivity which ultimately left Tiernan having to lose over 30kg's to get to the point where he could restart his career as a professional boxer in late 2020. In the last 4 years he has moved to 10-0 in the pro ranks, moved to Brighton, sparred world class fighters and is currently backed by GBM promotions. We also chat about future plans and his goals going forward.
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