Podcast Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Episode: THE W.A.D.E. Concept - WEEK IN REVIEW - AJ VS JAKE PAUL CONFIRMED?! EUBANK VS BENN 2 IS ON & SALT PAPI VS TONY FERGUSON FACE 2 FACE?!
Release Date: August 10, 2025

Introduction

The episode dives deep into some of the most talked-about sports headlines of the week, focusing on major boxing match confirmations and a high-profile crossover fight. Hosted by Colin Cowherd, the discussion is candid, analytical, and filled with Cowherd's characteristic opinions.

1. Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua: A Bout of Risks and Realities

Timestamp: [02:06] - [16:10]

Colin Cowherd opens the discussion with the hot topic of Jake Paul potentially facing Anthony Joshua. He voices significant concerns over Jake Paul’s ability to handle such a formidable opponent, stating, “I'm truly like concerned that Jake Paul is going to get his actual head knocked off his shoulders” ([02:06]).

Nikisa Badarian's Perspective: Jake Paul's manager, Nikisa Badarian, appears optimistic about the fight. At [03:50], Badarian remarks, “I think the fight can absolutely happen. I'm looking at it as Jake versus Joshua, which is quite biblical and it's quite impactful in many ways.”

Colin critiques Badarian’s comparison to biblical stories, highlighting his skepticism about the feasibility and safety of the match. He emphasizes that Anthony Joshua is a seasoned heavyweight who has faced top-tier opponents, contrasting Jake Paul's relatively limited experience in the heavyweight division.

Potential Outcomes and Risks: Cowherd breaks down the physical and experiential disparities between Joshua and Paul. He notes Joshua's resilience and technical prowess, stating, “Anthony Joshua is used to fighting the bigger level of heavyweights and has fought the most skilled heavyweight there is” ([05:41]). Cowherd argues that Jake Paul's ambition might lead him into a high-risk situation without substantial benefits, despite the lucrative nature of such a high-profile fight.

Fight Logistics: Badarian discusses the logistics, suggesting the fight could take place in Q1 of 2026 ([09:39]). Possible venues include Wembley Stadium, tapping into the UK’s strong boxing fanbase, which could draw massive viewership.

Public and Industry Reaction: Cowherd references endorsements from industry figures like Turkey Al Shake, who believes in the fight's potential, saying it’s a "99% to 1% fight" in favor of Joshua ([10:05]). Cowherd remains critical, maintaining a 70% belief in the fight happening but expressing doubt about its legitimacy and safety for Jake Paul.

Conclusion on Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua: Cowherd concludes that while the fight is likely to happen, it represents a dangerous move for Jake Paul. He remains bearish on Jake’s long-term aspirations to become a world champion, suggesting that the fight could derail his career trajectory if not managed carefully.

2. Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Connor Ben 2: The Rematch Confirmed

Timestamp: [16:10] - [63:10]

The second major segment covers the highly anticipated rematch between Chris Eubank Jr. and Connor Ben. Colin Cowherd reveals that the rematch has been officially confirmed for November 15th at Tottenham Stadium, presented as "The Ring Unfinished Business" ([16:10]).

Background and First Fight Recap: Cowherd recaps the first encounter, acknowledging it as a potential "fight of the year" candidate in 2025. He highlights the controversy surrounding the initial match, including weigh-in issues where Eubank Jr. missed weight, resulting in a hefty fine ([20:00]).

Weigh-In and Weight Class Concerns: The rematch retains the 160-pound limit, sparking debates about the athletes' natural weight classes. Cowherd points out that neither fighter is naturally suited to this weight, which raises concerns about their performance and safety. He states, “Chris Eubank Jr. is not a natural 160 anymore” ([30:00]).

Fight Analysis and Predictions: Cowherd analyzes both fighters’ performances and strategies:

• Chris Eubank Jr.: Praised for his technical skills and resilience, Cowherd believes Eubank Jr. has limited avenues to further elevate his game, given his age and the stress of weight cutting.

• Connor Ben: Seen as having potential growth opportunities, Cowherd is optimistic about Ben’s ability to adjust his strategy. He remarks, “I picked him in the first fight and again he was moments away from having some big time success” ([50:02]).

Cowherd predicts that Connor Ben might have the upper hand in the rematch due to his youth, speed, and eagerness to improve, despite Eubank Jr.’s superior boxing experience. He fosters anticipation for a competitive and entertaining fight, acknowledging both fighters' willingness to take significant risks.

Venue and Promotion: The rematch at Tottenham Stadium is lauded as a strategic choice, leveraging the UK's passionate boxing audience. Cowherd underscores the event's potential to draw significant attention and possibly set up a trilogy if the rematch proves decisive ([60:59]).

Final Thoughts on Eubank Jr. vs. Connor Ben 2: Concluding this segment, Cowherd expresses excitement for the rematch while remaining cautiously optimistic about Connor Ben's chances. He encourages listeners to share their predictions and reflects on the broader implications for both fighters' careers.

3. Salt Papi vs. Tony Ferguson: The MMA to Boxing Crossover Showdown

Timestamp: [63:10] - [61:11]

The final major highlight of the episode is the face-off between Salt Papi and Tony Ferguson. Colin previews the upcoming fight, emphasizing the unique challenges of transitioning from MMA to boxing.

Fight Preview and Personalities: The face-off segment features Salt Papi (Nathaniel) and Tony Ferguson, both bringing distinct backgrounds and styles to the ring. Cowherd discusses Salt Papi’s emergence as a social media influencer turned boxer, noting, “Misfits does clearly think of Salt Papi as, like a superstar” ([66:00]).

Colin's Analysis: Cowherd is critical of MMA fighters crossing over to boxing without adequate preparation. He points out that Tony Ferguson’s extensive MMA experience may not translate well to the boxing ring, especially against a technically proficient opponent like Salt Papi. He states, “Boxing is bringing guys in that had never boxed... there are completely different sports” ([70:00]).

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd: “I want to see Salt Papi address that. When Tony's like, yes, you can knock me out, why isn't he addressing it?”
• Tony Ferguson: “I'm going to have to turn it in. I don't like to talk too much about like other things. You guys are going to have to tune in when it goes into.”

Fight Dynamics: Cowherd predicts Salt Papi’s victory, attributing it to his specialized boxing training and better adaptability to the sport. He questions Tony Ferguson's ability to compete at the same level, especially considering Ferguson's recent performance trends in MMA and boxing.

Final Predictions: Colin is confident that Salt Papi will dominate the fight, drawing parallels to previous influencer boxing matches where technical skill outweighed raw athleticism from other combat sports. He remarks, “This is why you don't see boxers go to MMA, because they're not the same sport and they would get rag dolls and destroyed” ([80:00]).

Conclusion on Salt Papi vs. Tony Ferguson: Cowherd wraps up by reinforcing his stance that Salt Papi’s focused training and boxing-oriented approach give him a decisive edge over Tony Ferguson, whose diverse combat background lacks the specificity required for boxing excellence.

Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Colin Cowherd concludes the episode by reiterating his excitement for the upcoming fights while maintaining a critical eye on the athletes' decisions to engage in high-risk matchups. He encourages listeners to share their opinions and emphasizes the importance of strategic career moves over sensational but potentially harmful fights.

Notable Closing Quote:
“I can't believe it. But they're actually gonna do this. This is insane.” ([62:00])

Key Takeaways

• Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua: High-profile but risky fight with concerns over Jake Paul's safety and career impact.
• Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Connor Ben 2: Exciting rematch with potential for a competitive showdown, leaning slightly towards Connor Ben’s favor due to his youth and adaptability.
• Salt Papi vs. Tony Ferguson: Predicted victory for Salt Papi, highlighting the challenges MMA fighters face when transitioning to boxing.

Colin Cowherd provides a thorough, opinionated analysis of each fight, balancing excitement with cautionary perspectives on athlete safety and career sustainability.