The Opening Bell; A boxing podcast · Matt Christie and Alex Steedman

REMEMBERING JAMES COOK

·1 hr 23 min·5 clips

James Cook's sudden death from cancer leaves the boxing community mourning a selfless figure who helped countless kids.

Hosts Matt Christie and his co-host discuss boxing news and reflect on the late James Cook. The episode covers significant recent events and broader issues in the sport. Vasiliy Lomachenko's retirement reshapes the lightweight division, creating opportunities for fighters like Andy Cruz and Ray Muratalla. Christie argues Lomachenko was the most influential fighter of his generation, despite a professional record that may undersell his talent. The hosts remember James Cook, an MBE recipient and former boxer who recently passed away from bladder cancer shortly after diagnosis. Moses Itauma is reportedly close to a deal to fight Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia on August 16th, with Christie making Itauma a heavy favorite. Heavyweight prospect Delicious Orie retired after just one professional bout, a decision the hosts found wise and courageous. Fabio Wardley scored a dramatic one-punch knockout to defeat Junaid Bostan after trailing on the cards, showcasing his fight-changing power. The IBF cruiserweight title fight between Jai Opetaia and Claudio Squercio is criticized as a terrible mismatch, highlighting problems with sanctioning body rankings. The hosts discuss doping in sport, citing the 2012 London Olympics as having over 120 subsequent positive tests due to improved retroactive analysis. Christie expresses concern that boxing is approaching a crossroads with performance-enhancing drugs, similar to cycling and athletics. He references books on doping, including David Walsh's "The Russian Affair" and Richard Moore's "E-Tape." A memorable moment is Michael Watson visiting James Cook in the hospital, with a poignant picture of Watson holding Cook's hand. Christie shares that Cook only realized he had cancer just before the Conor Benn vs. Chris Eubank Jr. fight last month. The line that doping "spoils the next generation" of would-be participants is reiterated as the core moral problem. The discussion on fighter safety references Tris Dixon's book "Road to Nowhere," advocating for open conversations about long-term damage. Middleweight contender Lewis Richardson is cited as a fighter who acknowledges the risks but focuses on having the right team around him. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending news updates with reflective commentary on the sport's deeper issues. The style is informed by Christie's recent holiday reading on sports doping and insider perspectives. This episode will appeal to listeners who want a thoughtful blend of current boxing news and ethical discussions beyond just fight results. Fans seeking only round-by-round fight analysis or hype-driven content might find the broader commentary less engaging.

As heard by us

A brisk boxing roundup that drifts a little, then closes with real feeling.

The episode keeps moving, and that pace helps. It runs from Vasily Lomachenko's retirement to the Canelo-Crawford talk, then lands on Fabio Wardley's comeback with the kind of surprise reaction that gives the discussion some lift.

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Why you'd press play

For a boxing catch-up that lands on Lomachenko's retirement, Wardley's shock turnaround, and a real tribute to James Cook.

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