Podcast
5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce
Hosted by BBC Radio 5 Live · EN
Discussion, analysis and the latest news from big fight nights and the world of boxing, featuring special guests. New episodes every Monday, get in touch with the pod via 5 Live Sport on social media and remember to share your ratings and reviews.
64episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Punch Perfect: 3. Throwing in the Towel & The Money Makers
1w ago00:39:19Tap to summarizeAde 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: MARKETABILITY. This segment is all about the unique ability to sell out stadiums, deliver legendary trash-talk soundbites, and put absolute bums on seats. Each host pitches their top three ultimate self-promoters and crowd-pullers from boxing history. Through fierce debate and elimination rounds, they must collectively agree on the single most marketable fighter to add to their growing masterpiece. Finally, the bell rings for 'The Final Round' as Ade steps up to present his controversial hot take on the current state of champion politics: "Undisputed belt holders shouldn't lose all their belts after one loss." The crew goes back and forth on whether the undisputed status should have its own safety net or if losing it all is simply the brutal reality of the squared circle. Unfiltered, highly opinionated, and packed with expert insight - this is the conversation every fight fan needs to hear. Subscribe to The Punch Perfect Podcast on BBC Sounds, leave your verdict in the comments, and don't miss a second of the build!
Transcribe →One of the Biggest Events in Women's Boxing
1w ago00:41:22Tap to summarizeIs 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.
Transcribe →South Asian Heritage Month Special
2w ago00:55:51Tap to summarizeTo 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.
Transcribe →
Punch Perfect: 2. Fighting Age Limits & Heart of a Warrior
2w ago00:38:53Tap to summarizeAde, 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 headed for a split decision on whether age is just a number in the ring? Then comes 'The Blueprint' to piece together the next crucial element of their Frankenstein GOAT. This week's attribute up for debate is the mental and spiritual core of any true champion: Heart, Resilience, and Warrior Spirit. But what does having a "warrior spirit" actually mean? Then, it’s time to dive headfirst into the dark side of the sport, debating whether the consequences for drug cheats in boxing are simply not harsh enough, or whether influencer boxing is ultimately good or bad for the game. It's honest, unfiltered, and deeply passionate boxing talk. Subscribe to The Punch Perfect Podcast on BBC Sounds, leave your thoughts in the comments, and help us build the ultimate fighter!
Transcribe →Has Fury-Joshua Really Moved Any Closer?
3w ago00:34:15Tap to summarizeDoes 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.
Transcribe →Fury Wins. Joshua Weighs In
3w ago00:25:00Tap to summarizeTyson 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.
Transcribe →Fury & Joshua: A Heavyweight Double Header
3w ago00:56:46Tap to summarizeWill 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.
Transcribe →Punch Perfect: 1. Power
3w ago00:33:56Tap to summarizeWelcome 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 fighters from history; who holds the absolute gold standard for the most devastating power? Can they reach a unanimous decision, or will it end in a split decision?Then for the final round, Em, Ade and Liam tackle the wild world of crossover boxing: how long will it be before we see a woman take on a man in a fight?
Transcribe →The 10 Fights That Shaped Anthony Joshua
3w ago00:40:12Tap to summarizeWhat 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.
Transcribe →The Brand New Heavies
Jul 1300:45:38Tap to summarizeIt'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.
Transcribe →