Send us a text

Boxing's landscape shifted dramatically as Terence Crawford accomplished the seemingly impossible - jumping two weight classes to dethrone Canelo Alvarez and claim all the super middleweight belts. The historic victory was a masterclass in precision, timing, and fight IQ as Crawford neutralized Canelo's power advantage with superior movement and consistent output across all twelve rounds.

The episode dives deep into how Crawford's strategy unfolded, analyzing the key moments that led to his undisputed championship victory. We break down Canelo's late surge in the championship rounds and discuss why it ultimately proved insufficient against Crawford's dominance. Between Crawford's mariachi-themed entrance (complete with trolling Canelo) and the pound-for-pound implications of this result, this fight delivered drama despite not becoming the slugfest some anticipated.

But the true fight of the night award goes to Christian Mbilli versus Lester Martinez - an absolute barnburner that ended in a draw. We examine this under-the-radar classic that featured haymakers, heart, and non-stop action worthy of an immediate rematch. The episode also covers other notable weekend action including Naoya Inoue's continued dominance at super bantamweight and Lewis Crocker's split decision victory over Paddy Donovan.

We take a moment to pay respects to boxing legend Ricky Hatton, who passed away at just 46 years old, reflecting on his impact on the sport and the shock of his untimely death. The conversation winds through other topics including Max Kellerman's controversial commentary and Top Rank's streaming situation, all delivered with our signature blend of analysis and humor.

Listen now for our complete breakdown of a transformative weekend in boxing history. Subscribe to ensure you never miss our analysis of the sport's biggest moments and most compelling characters.

Send us a text

Boxing's heavyweight renaissance takes center stage as we unpack three thrilling encounters that showcase the division's exciting present and future. Oleksandr Usyk's masterful performance against Daniel Dubois demonstrates why many consider him potentially the greatest boxer of this generation - his footwork, angles, and newfound power combining to form a complete fighting package at age 38. "This guy literally - you put him in any era, he could stand in there with the greats."

The emergence of 20-year-old Moses Atama provides a glimpse into heavyweight boxing's future, as his stunning two-minute demolition of veteran Dillian White announced his arrival on the big stage. We break down how Atama's relentless pressure and power overwhelmed White from the opening bell, creating the kind of statement performance that instantly elevates a prospect's profile.

For fans of old-school heavyweight slugfests, the Filip Hrgović versus Arlene Adeleye bout delivered primitive excitement with two massive men trading thunderous blows. The eighth round particularly captivated us, featuring a knockdown followed by a dramatic momentum shift that exemplifies why heavyweight boxing at its most raw remains uniquely thrilling.

The super welterweight division gives us something to discuss as Sebastian Fundora dominates Tim Zuu in their rematch, while we also touch on Raymond Ford's creative Tom and Jerry-themed boxing attire and ESPN KO's emergence following the conclusion of their Top Rank partnership.

Looking ahead to September's superfight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, we examine why this clash between pound-for-pound elites represents a must-watch moment for both hardcore and casual boxing fans. Will you join us next time as we break down what happens when "God versus Allah" meet inside the squared circle?

Send us a text

Boxing's dual identity was on full display this weekend as Netflix's groundbreaking all-female card delivered exceptional entertainment while a questionable pay-per-view left fans wondering why they'd part with their money. The contrast couldn't have been more striking.

Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano concluded their historic trilogy with Taylor securing a legitimate victory after two previous controversial decisions. Though starting painfully slow – the hosts jokingly scored round one "0-0" – the fight eventually delivered meaningful action between two pioneers who have transformed women's boxing. Meanwhile, Edgar Berlanga learned the harsh lesson that trash talk requires skill to back it up, as Hamza Shiraz systematically dismantled him despite Berlanga's pre-fight antics that included mocking Oscar De La Hoya with women's lingerie at press conferences.

The Netflix card featured several standout performances, including the action-packed Skye Nicolson versus Raven Mercado bout that showcased non-stop offensive exchanges. Shadasia Green's victory over Savannah Marshall demonstrated how speed can neutralize technical prowess, while Trinica Johnson delivered a one-sided beating that had viewers uncomfortable with the mismatch. Even Shakur Stevenson – often criticized for his defensive style – delivered an entertaining performance against William Zepeda, though he later admitted he'd return to his less fan-friendly approach in future fights.

Looking ahead, while Manny Pacquiao's return from retirement generates mild curiosity, the upcoming Usyk versus Dubois II rematch has hardcore fans genuinely excited. As our hosts put it, "If Pacquiao's comeback is Easter, Usyk-Dubois is Christmas." The weekend showcased boxing's capacity for both brilliance and frustration – moments of skill and heart alongside questionable business decisions that continue to plague the sport.

Ready to dive deeper into boxing analysis that doesn't pull punches? Subscribe to Punches and Punchlines for weekly breakdowns of everything happening in the sweet science – delivered with both expertise and humor.