The Opening Bell; A boxing podcast

Robert Smith, as the General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, has what can only be described as the hardest and most impossible job in British boxing.

Never one to duck a question, Robert highlights how hard his role is as we discuss the latest controversial decision to leave observers screaming 'robbery', the actions of a referee who twice opted to ignore the towel after it had been thrown in an effort to stop the fight and we go deep into the process such incidents trigger.

There's the issue of boxers fighting on too long or coming back when it's clear their best days have gone.

PEDs in the sport has been a thorn in Rob's side, whether due to his disappointment with the boxers involved or the legislation he's had little choice but to accept.

And, finally, there's the exit door that he admits is getting closer and closer.

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Audley Harrison has lived an extraordinary life. Yet for so long, his critics focused on what he hadn't achieved rather than what he had.

Audley puts the record straight this week as he discusses his journey to Olympic glory and, in detail, the rollercoaster professional career that followed.

He reflects on the breakdown he suffered and the panic attacks that followed. The defeats to the likes of David Haye, Deontay Wilder and David Price clearly still niggle, but he accepts that he made some bad decisions along the way, even if he doesn't regret the path he took.

We also celebrate the victories, both personal and professional, and relive that stunning one-armed triumph over Michael Sprott.

There's also a dissection of the impending rematch between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley, we take Audley back in time, and look ahead to what comes next for the one and only A-Force.

Go well, folks, and enjoy The Opening Bell.
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What started out as plain sailing for Ben Whittaker hit choppy waters in the late rounds of his battle with Conor Wallace. 'The Surgeon', however, just about stayed afloat to remain unbeaten in his first 12-round fight.

As ever with Whittaker, the critics came out in mass. Was the criticism fair? Or was it merely a young fighter finding his way through a tough spot? The referee, Kieran McCann, also received stick. We hear the BBBoC's verdict on his performance.

Joining Matt is up-and-coming journalist Tom Ivers, who was ringside to witness Whittaker, has spent time with him in the gym, and is well-placed to add some balance to the discussion.

We get to hear about Tom's own journey into the sport, from his days as a promising amateur to the stoppage loss that ended his career, through to him making his mark in the world of boxing journalism.

There's also comebacks to discuss, namely those of Derek Chisora and Floyd Mayweather, who may or may not be about to return.
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Mike Costello, former BBC and DAZN commentator and one of the wisest figures in boxing, is here to discuss his career, his retirement, and his thoughts on the Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury saga.

Costello relives his experiences at ringside, the life it gave him, and the memories he will always cherish. From his days at the BBC through to the end of his career - as he made the switch from radio to television - Costello was a key voice at some of the most important fights of the modern era.

He turns his attention to Joshua-Fury, and the mayhem behind the scenes, but concludes that the fight's making remains important even at this late stage of the heavyweights' careers. Also discussed is when the fight should have been made, what each now brings to the fight, and who's the likeliest to emerge victorious.

Providing it happens, of course.

There are some sound issues along the way. Apologies for those. We hope you still enjoy it.

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With love and the best of wishes, The OB.
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Mere days after Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is confirmed, we're told it's in jeopardy.

Matt Christie lets off some steam on the subject and the eternal circus that is the sport of boxing.

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