On the latest edition of the show, host T.J. Rives is back to preview the weekend of fight action from L.A. to Manchester, England with his guests.
Marquis Johns, Sr. Writer of BigFightWeekend.com and Manouk Akopyan of the L.A. Times and Boxingscene.com jump aboard to discuss it all.
The guys first go over the Top Rank fight card last weekend in Florida that saw New York, Super Middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga’s 16 straight first round KOs streak stopped in a win over Demond Nicholson. And, they talk also about Mexican WBO World Featherweight Champ, Emanuel Navarette overwhelming Christopher Diaz in a late stoppage.
They also discuss the latest with popular California Lightweight contender, Ryan Garcia, taking time from the ring for what he says is his own mental health. Manouk gives his insight from discussions he’s had one on one with with the WBC’s #1 Lightweight, Garcia about it. And, when will we see him again in 2021?
Then, the guys talk at length about the Fox/Premier Boxing Champions PPV Saturday night in Southern California as former Unified Heavyweight champ (briefly) Andy Ruiz is in non-title headlining action with aging vet, Chris Arreola.
Ruiz is best know for his stunning TKO of Anthony Joshua (above) at Madison Square Garden in June 2019, as he won the WBA, IBF and WBO World Titles all at once. He then came in 15 lb. heavier and lost the belts right back to Joshua in a December decision that year.
This will be the first fight card in California with fans present since the Covid-19 pandemic began in March of last year.
Manouk will be ringside for this entire card and he and Marquis preview the main event and other bouts to watch.
Finally, T.J. and Marquis go over the fight odds for the weekend’s action, including the Matchroom Boxing triple header of fights Saturday afternoon U.S. time in Manchester, England.
Women’s World Lightweight champ, Katie Taylor is a -570 favorite to retain her titles and New Zealand Heavyweight Joseph Parker being a slight fave over English vet Dereck Chisora in the Heavyweight main event.
Back to L.A. and that card, Ruiz is heavily favored at -2400 to beat the 40 year old Arreola. There are a couple of other fighters and fights to look at possible underdogs, too.
Hear it all on “The Big Fight Weekend Podcast” and make sure to subscribe/rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.!!
