5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce - 2023 5 Live Boxing Awards

Episode Date: December 27, 2023

Former world champions Barry Jones and Richie Woodhall join Steve Bunce as the 5 Live Boxing awards return. They are tasked with deciding the winners of six categories including “Fight of the year�� and “British boxer of the year”.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, good evening. My name is Big Moe and welcome to the 2023 five live boxing awards coming to you from a very secret location. This evening is all about celebrating and recognizing the men and women who have reached the pinnacle of their sport over the last 12 months. So let's get this show on the road. Without further ado, let's introduce our judges for the this evening ceremony. First, the former WBC super middleweight world champion, Mr. Richie Woodall. The former WBO super featherweight world champion, Mr. Barry Jones. And your host for this evening, Mr. Steve Bunce. Take it away, fellas. Thank you very much indeed, Big Mo. And he is right. This is a

secret location. If you're on the ground floor of this fabulous hotel, the Swiss International in Riyadh, you wouldn't even be able to find us in room 1105 on floor 11. The reason why you wouldn't be able to find us is the lifts are out of service and why would you walk up 11 floors to find four men sitting in a room talking about boxing that's happened. But here is a warning for you. If you're wondering in about 57 minutes time why we didn't talk about any of the fights that took place on the glorious day of reckoning, that's because, and I'm going to tell

you now, spoiler alert, and I never ever fibbed it. you. We recorded it before the first bell had taken place inside the arena in Riyadh for that particular night. So if those eight fights throw up the best knock down, the fight of the year, the shock of the year, the whatever of the year, apologies in advance. Well, not really. Now, Big Moe's already done the introductions. Just to say that Barry is to my right and Ritchie is directly in front of me. We're all sprawling and relaxed. But this is going to get very serious. Let me just explain how it will work. Big Mo will announce the category,

and we'll go through the five or six people or events inside that category. And then Barry first will probably dissect it and sling them all out and throw in five more. Ritchie will throw in five more. I'll throw in five different ones. We'll try and keep it to about six minutes per category. And once we're finished, and this is the part I particularly love about this review of the year show,

I get to cast the only vote. that's democracy at work if you don't mind me saying so so before we let Big Mo push us through this arduous task of looking back on the year Barry 2023 how good or how bad was it

through your eyes I thought it was fantastic and the reason why more than anything else we didn't get some of the fights that we hoped for of course but we did get a few that we didn't expect to see

absolutely great point but more than that there was big boxing big time boxing every week every weekend every weekend. Six weekends off this year. Oh, what?

I had six weekends of it. That's more than I add. But I mean, but that's unheard of. Every year we get busier. So that's got to be a good thing for boxing, surely. So I think it's been a vintage year, I would see. And Richie, a vintage year, Barry San. What's the year been like for you, 2023?

I think there's been some ups and downs in boxing. Some big, big events as well. Also, you've got to remember there was an Olympic qualified. the first Olympic qualifying. We've got three boxers through from GB through to Parrish next year. So that's the start of it. There's another two qualifiers to come early next year.

So that was good news on the amateur side of it. And obviously, what I think is dominated this year in the pro game is we're here in Saudi Arabia and I think this probably will be the future of a lot of big boxing events. So really looking forward to that. I think they do things very well over here, very well organised.

And, you know, I'm very complimentary to them for hosting these massive events that they've done really well. And this is our third time this year in Saudi. That's it, third time. So, you know, Steve, and there's more to come. But they can't do enough for you over here. Like I say, they're very nice people. Let me just point out that somebody from His Excellency's office approached me at the Way Inn and said, Steve, we've really enjoyed your coverage on the BBC.

and we'd like to send you a little thank you. And I said, we can't accept a little thank you, but I'll let you into a secret. We do love dates. So when we get to the fight, okay, I'm expecting us, all of us, from the BBC, to have a box of complementary dates, which I don't think would contravene any rules.

It's a nice offering. It's a peace offering, a box of Saudi dates. That will help me out, Steve, because, you know, I'm a bit low on Christmas presents at the moment, say my missis likes dates. I don't want... Well, Bell, you're not in a gang with that one. He's not in a gang with that.

You're not in a gang with that. I don't want dates. I don't like dates. What do you want? Well, he's offering first of all. What, the Rolex watch? You can't have a Rolex watch, Bell. I'm shameless.

I want everything. Give me everything. Let's kick on. Barry wants a Rolex watch. Ritchie wants some dates for his misses. You know what? I'll take anything, to be honest with you. Or nothing.

As long as it's within guidelines. Let's push on. Big Mo, help us out. Come on. Push us along, Big Mo, push us along. All right, ladies and gentlemen, it's time to hand out some awards. Your first award up for grabs is for fight of the year. Here are your nominees.

Cameron versus Taylor won. Spence versus Crawford. Taylor versus Cameron, two. Wood versus Laura, won. And Rodriguez versus Edward. So there's the categories. And the reason why we're laughing is because we spared nothing on production. So we here in our bedroom studio couldn't listen to Big Mo.

So we've got Paddy English as he's called, Paddy the Englishman, reading out in Big Mo's accent the categories. In fact, we should just get rid of Big Mo and just get Patty to do his American circus accent. If I do accents like that, I'd get sacked. If I did Kazakh, if I talk Kazakh, I'd get sack for it. He's allowed to talk American like that. Why isn't he in trouble? Anyway, let's try and move on.

We're 17 minutes into the show. We haven't talked about the boxing yet. Ritchie, fight of the year. You've heard those categories there, those nominations there. You can throw some more in. Go, Richie. No, there's some really good fights there.

Obviously, Cameron Taylor won, I thought was a fantastic win for Chantel Cameron. Spence Crawford, I think, it tops probably everything. But just one that I'll throw in there that was my favourite fight of the year, actually, because it only went eight rounds. It was back in January.

It was Arthur Berturbiev versus Anthony Yard at the Wembley Arena. And, you know, Berturbiev 18 and O, knocking everyone out. And he'd come up against an Anthony Yard that we knew was a good fighter, Anthony Yard, but he really showed his metal in this, Steve, because this was a toe-to-to-to battle,

but not just a scrap as in Crash-Bang Wallet. There was some really good boxing in there for both guys. And I think Anthony Yard showed, he's as hard as nails as well as a good fighter, came up a little bit short, probably a little bit more experience from Berturbia at World Championship level. But that for me,

because it was a toe-to-to-to, great scrap, every single round, they hit each other with real hard shots. It was so entertaining. And that for me, back in January, was my fight of the year, Art of Baturbia versus Anthony Yard. Barry?

That's a very, very good choice. It really is. And I do think the list is pretty good. it really is. And Spencer and Crawford should have been fight at the year except it was a

one-sided fight. I would say that. There's a couple, I think. I did write the out of a bit BF down.

Also, Shaki Foster viz Hernandez was an absolute war. You know, really was. You know, he was behind Foster

and you got to stop between the last round. I forget that. Emmanuel Navarretti, of course, Ian Wilson was an absolute

humdinger as well. But for me is Cordina, Joe Cordina versus Rakamoff. I thought that was in Cardin because the way

Cordina had to fight, which wasn't necessarily Joe Caldina away. Yeah, but just the fight on its own merits being, well, whatever it was, was absolutely fantastic fight to watch, it really was. Because of all the backstory with it as well,

I thought the big Joe, never lost his title in the ring, had to come back, even though he won the world title, he still hadn't answered the questions that we had no answer to about his grit, determination, what he's like when he takes a good shot,

and he answered everything in that night to push through the fire and get the win. So I think, and I'm biased because he's from Cardiff, let's not forget that. So I do pick Joe Cardina versus Rachemov.

I think they're both very good answers. I do, but they're not the right answer. Because I'll tell you the winner now, if you like. It's quite simple. I was ringside, not seven days ago in Glendale. Two undefeated young world champions, putting it all on the line, leaving absolutely everything in the ring.

Ban Rodriguez, who I think in the next three or four years could establish himself as the number one fighter in the world. Finally, finally stop. in Sonny Edwards after six rounds two of the judges had it even then Sunny's face started to collapse so that would be my personal one

But is it Steve because it was so fresh in your mind it was only seven days ago No I think I think it will I think that will stand the test So as will Yard and Berturbiaf don't get me wrong And as will several of your mentions there You did a bit of a fighting talk list there Barry What you did is you did a thing where

You listed one and you looked to me If I liked it Then you did another one to gauge if I liked it So you thought, I've got 10 more in the locker. I'll wait till Bunce his eyes light out. Then I'll lie on that one. The craziest thing about that is that you think I'm looking for your approval, which is just madness, in it, which, come on, let's be honest.

And you just, because you had no disrespect to you, don't take this the wrong way. I won't take the wrong way, though. Experienced. Okay. You just remember what the last fight was. I can't remember the rest of it. You said looking at your poker face, but you wasn't giving it. I do want to give a show, though.

It was a small hall show in Brentwood. You like this one, don't you? Yeah, beginning of December. And it was Jack Manhattan versus CJ Challenger. And that was an absolute... It was one of the best fights ever seen Ringsside. You watch that at me at about midnight, yeah. It was an absolute war.

It really was. It was unbelievable fighting. I've got to give them a little bit of a mention. But for me, I think I wouldn't go wrong with Bammondson, because that's the fight at the highest level. There's a lot of stake there. They brought a lot... They showed a really big light on the Flyweight Division that night.

And Sunny showed a great determination that people didn't think he had just to stay in there. Let's be honest, but Bam Rodriguez is a, yeah, I think he's a generational talent. Yeah, what I do love here, and I know we're keeping this one for a long time, we're going to keep it, is that Paddy the producer is very clever. He pulled Richie aside at breakfast and told Richie what the bonus prize was for having more wins than Barry or me. And then he pulled Barry aside and told him what the bonus prize was.

So that's beautiful is Richie doesn't know what Barry's been promised, and Barry doesn't know what Richie's been promised. And it's a serious bonus. But here's the thing. I can just hook the whole thing. I can cheat the whole thing. You understand me? I can absolutely cheat it.

But you know what? I'm going to give it to Richie for Berturbiev. You were full of integrity like at the beginning of the show. Wait, I didn't take the role next watch. I can't take any gifts off anybody. No, I was full of integrity for five or six minutes. Integrity is not meant to last. Anyway, so that's, but you know what, Richie?

It's not on the list, but Barry, I think you'd agree. I'm going to go Yard and Berturbiev with Richie. Thank you. I really do. Well done, Rich. Absolutely. You've won that. Thank you.

Mo, give us another one, Mo. Sorry if you've been snoozing. Give us another one. Our next award is for Knockdown of the Year. Here are your nominees. Marizio Lara knocks down Lee Wood. Liam Smith knocks down Chris Eubing Jr. Je li Jean knocks down Joe Joyce. Daniel Dubois knocks down Alexander Usik. Francis Inganu knocks down Town Town Town. and Fury.

Okay, well, you heard the list there. I'll kick off, shall I? I'll kick off. And I'll tell you why I think it's Inganu and Fury. Because here's a man that had never had an amateur professional boxing match. He'd done kickboxing. He'd excelled in MMA. But he'd never had a gloves-only fight with big old gloves.

And the day after the fight, I had a coffee over breakfast with Mike Tyson. who trained him. And Mike Tyson in the skimpiest shorts you've ever, ever seen, got up and showed me what they'd worked on for Engarno, a raw novice, to counter a lazy fury with that big looping left hook. The fact that a raw novice could put that into place with a heavyweight,

who we considered one of the most skilled heavyweights out there, that's why I think, because it was audacious. Now, you two can offer a couple of alternative knockdowns, but I'm telling you now, I'm telling you now, the winners in Ghana. But you can have a go. Go on you have a go, Rich. No, it was a good shot indeed, wasn't it?

But I think everyone realized, well, certainly people who were experiencing boxing, looked at Fury on the floor. And you know he's going to get up because Tyson always does get up. And he gets up a better fighter. But yes, it's a good knockout. A good knockdown, should I say. I'll put a couple of ones in also. I think the Joseph Parker right up against Simon Keen here in Riyadh.

on the same night. You watch that, the technique in that, measuring with the jab and then whipping that right up and got through. That for me was a superb punch. It really was. The technique, the time in the power. A1, it was a classic. But there's one more that I liked throughout the year,

which probably edges it and beats it. And that's got to be for me, Jely Zhang versus Joe Joyce. The right hook that he put Joe Joyce, the juggernaut on his backside. and it more or less sort of finishes the fight off, if you like. But what, well, it did finish the fight, didn't it? Yeah.

What a right hook that was, because everyone's expecting the left hand because Joe Joyce was being caught with left hands and in the previous fight with the left hand. But this time it was the right hook. The technique again, the time in the power was fantastic. So that for me just nicks it. Jely Zhang, the right hook that flawed Joe Joyce. At the moment, it's a very strong second and third.

Barry, come on, get a silver. Get a bronze and silver. Gano versus Fureli, that was a, it wasn't a great knockdown. I mean, I think for shock at the year, maybe,

but I don't think it was a, I think it was a weak knockdown. It was a weak knockdown, but it was audacious. It was outrageous. He's just making words up now, so let's just move on. But,

Marisa Latter versus Lee Wood. The way he dips down for that left hook, he dipped over that front foot, he turned his body, almost turned his back to Wood to get the leverage on the whip on that shot. And Wood was up

on all three score cards, cruise in a victory. I like that. Lopez, knocking all colonel with that uppercut. Yeah, staggering.

Sickening. Yeah, that was unbelievable. But for me, it's Juntu Nakatani versus Andrew Maloney. Yeah. That was the shot. He just,

it was unbelievable shot. He just dipped his shoulder through a big long left hand caught him flush, knocked him spark out. Right, and the 12th round of a world title fight, Superfly bit world,

WBO, Superfly with World title fights. Yeah. And that for me is knockout of the year. So that weight, that should be good. Barry, once again, there's a very strong offer from you.

see the fight, that's all. No, no. Listen, that's one of those fights. I watched, I watch all those fights. Don't watch them live because I'm not going to stay up. Where was that fight? It was in the States. It was a, it was a through night.

But either way, the punch, that weight, forget about the weights, but the punch itself, it was out like a light. No, listen, Barry, I'll take that into ball. And if it's not that, if it's not that, it's not that, it's not that. Marisa Lara. I know, it's telling you, it's not, no, it's not knocked out. It's not down. It could be

it could be would get an hold or could get on a warrant on I'll tell you another one okay one that I think Richie and I did or the one that you and I did

Samuel Antwe that was outrageous okay yeah so Samuel Ante against Mason Carterite okay I'll put that up against anything in history

but they're not on the list they're not on the list even though I gave Richie the first title and it wasn't on the list that's because it was exceptional or it was extraordinary

Engarnu is the knockdown that's why Paddy is smart and the producer it was clever to way he did it. Knock down, this pod's going to take five hours,

I don't care. I said, no, this is not, that's not enough. On that list, on that list, yeah.

I can read it again, though, Lara knocking out Lee Wood, it's got to be the win. No, which, Rich, Rich,

on the list there, we have. But, on the list there, I'm going with my, what I said, Barry, fight your corner,

I'm going, Jelly Jean. The right hook. This is, this is, the flawed, this is a broadcast divide here, no.

You guys doing your work with T&T I do my word for this old. I don't agree with you. It's probably the watches and stuff. If they're Rolexes, sling them in the bin. Right, carry on. Boys, great stuff from the pair of you.

You're doing a really bumper job. You're doing a really, really good job. But it was cleverly devised a wording here. And for shock value, Lara knocks loads of people down. Okay, let's get that right. For shock value, for lasting images, It's Big Francis Engano dancing over Tyson Fury.

Barry Be Quiet. That's number two. Big Mo, move the... Mo, I wish you were here to referee this rabble. Our next award, ladies and gentlemen, is for event of the year. Here are your nominees. Fury versus Ngano in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cameron versus Taylor 1 and 2 in Dublin, Ireland.

Lawrence O'Colee versus Chris Billham Smith in Bournemouth, England Crawford versus Spence in Las Vegas, Nevada and Canello versus Ryder in Guadalajara, Mexico. Okay, so a event of the year, Barry, you take it away. You tell me what you think. It's just difficult this is because, like, I was in Vegas for Spencer and Crawford

and it had that super fight feel. And the whole night was amazing. well me and paddy me and paddy were there and that whole night was amazing and i rich i was there because of rich he was there barry yeah but you weren't there with me were you why don't you just say barry everybody okay in this room except for you bunty was there that was one of your six weekends off of course thanks boys but it was no but what was it what was it was the whole i think the way in and the press conference were brilliant and the

night and that ring walk and it had the ring walk of crawfords that had the feel of a superstar night. It was amazing. But Fyreu and Ghanu, the whole builder for that on the night was something I'd never seen before. I don't know if it translated on TV, but being live there... I think something got

lost, bizarrely. I'm not surprised because it went on forever, but I mean, but when you were there on the night, it was just like unbelievable. It was like the opening ceremony of Olympics or something like that, wasn't it? Didn't you think they undersold the ring coming out of a 30 foot hole in the ground.

And I'd smuggled you in that week. You remember, I'd smuggled the pair of you in to see the ring that was going to come up. We'd watched it come up fully illegally. And on the night, I'd done a whole big thing with Woodsy. I was working on TNT. This is going to be unbelievable. And the next thing, you know, the ring's come up.

And he just carries on with people, it was like it didn't happen. Why wasn't that made a bigger thing of it? It cost about $10 million. What they should have done is I don't ganao in the ring already. And then just, just, I keep him in the shadow. And I've all liked around the ring. this is my artistic endeavours here. And I have that like that,

almost like a Rocky Ford type thing. Barry, I've got to move you on. I've got Big Moe in my ear telling me to move you on. Richard, you go, and Big Moe saying, keep it brief, brother, keep it brief. Yeah, I'll keep it brief. Like what Barry says, out in Vegas, Spence and Crawford,

was an incredible event and one that I'll never forget. One of the biggest, I think, I've been out there. I think Cameron Taylor one and two has taken women's boxing to another level. these are female boxes fighting like blokes which is great and I mean that with all respect to all the guys out there

women's boxing now has really moved on and it really showed the quality of the boxing I thought in that was exceptional from both boxes so Cameron and Taylor taking women's boxing to another level but again Fury and Garner for me let's keep it brief I think I've never been to an event like it It's the biggest event in boxing that I have ever been to that I've ever seen.

And just going through the stars that was there, Tyson Olinfield, Lennox, Mayweather, Eminen was there, Sugar Ray, Duran, Usick. Everyone was there who was involved in boxing. It was a tremendous event, and I would go for that one. Darren Fletch, aka Fletch, managed to get a picture of every single one of those people, including Eminem. One of the few people out who got a picture of M&M. I've got the only picture I got, Michael Spinks. Yeah. You know what I was interested in?

And the thing is he's a bit shrunken. He doesn't quite look like the great fighter he once was. But he was a great fighter. You know what? I'm not saying that would have been my first choice if I'd have been invited to any of the functions that I wasn't invited to. You obviously were.

Is that what you got, you're getting Rolex for going on that function, by the way? That's not everything on that. But you don't get a pack of dates for going to that function. Anyway, I think you're right. I think it was that. But one thing, one I would just throw in is John Ryder against Sol Canelo Alvarez, 60,000 people, outdoor stadium in Guadalajara, with 150 members of a massive mariachi syndicate

along completely one length of the pitch, singing Canelo into the ring. And you know those mariarty songs? They're called Coriadors, where they actually sing the song, and it's about putting your bandages on. It's about walking to the ring. They even have the detail,

like you kiss your mother on the cheek at ringside before you climb in the ring. And they tell the story, and the singers are crying tears. 150 of these Mexican guys dressed up singing their hearts out as Canelo walked to the ring crown. I know I'm not going to win the award even though I'm in charge, but it was a good night. Okay, without a doubt, Big Mo, we are going for the event, Saudi, Fury, Engano. Big Mo, come on, Big Mo, pick the pace up. Would you please pick the pace up?

Our next award is a bit of an open-ended one. This is for non-fighting moment of the year. Here are your nominees. announcement of the Day of Reckoning card for Riyadh season. Amanda Sarano, giving up her WBC belt. The former world champions picture that was taken in Saudi Arabia. Steve Bunce, our host tonight, acting a bouncer at the Anthony Joshua fight, and Dillian White failing a drugs test.

I'll kick this one off, and I'm going to go for the number of unboxing event of the year or whatever we're going to call a specific category. It's a weak name for a big event if you don't mind me saying so, is I'm going to go for the announcement of the Day of Reckoning, the event that we're not actually covering on this end of year review pod, but hey-ho. And I tell you why I'm going to go for it, Barry, because there's a timeline.

On the Friday before the Wednesday when it was announced, on the Friday before, I was with Mike Goodall, the King of the Rings, who puts the rings up and makes the banners for the press comments. I was at the Harlem U-Bank Waying down in Brighton, a fight you and I worked on. Now, at that weighing, I asked Mike Goodalloo, I've known for 30 years. Mike, I've heard a rumor about a big announcement next week, and he went, what day?

I said Wednesday, he went, no, he said, I'm in Liverpool, putting a ring up. So I'm told it's massive. This is at 1 o'clock. He went, no, anyway, 115. He went, I've just been given a call by someone. I won't mention the name. Anyway, 130, he went, that's taking shape. By 1.45, we had one of the fights in bed.

I couldn't believe it. By 2 o'clock, we had another one of the fights in bed. By 6 o'clock that night, 8 fights, 10 fights, 9 fights were in bed. And it was the biggest buzz I've ever heard because no one could believe it. Because what happened was Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren had to be on the same table. For the first time in 13 years of promoting for Eddie Hearn. He was going to be in the same room as Frank Warren. And his fighters were going to fight some of Frank Warren's fighters.

Plus the Sowerland Brothers are going to have fighters on the bill. Plus Dimitri Salita from New York was going to have people on the bill. Plus the two broadcasters are going to have some of their biggest attractions on the bill. No one could really believe it. But I took my cue from Mike Goodall because I knew he'd be making 60 foot high backdrops and big screens with stuff on. So the day of reckoning, and when it finally came around, it was at Wembley, the announcement, and every single one of those boxes, 16 of them,

and all of their respective trainers and their promoters. and their promoters and managers. When they filled that stage, that was, I'll tell you what, that was pure Hollywood. It was like a fake scene from a movie about boxing where they've got all the people to get away.

So I'm going, fellas. You can have a go. I'm going with Day of Reckoning announcement. No, you took the words out of my mouth, Steve, because the Day of Reckoning, I'll just add to that as regards to Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren. It means they're working together,

and it also means, in my opinion, they're going to be working together in the future on big events here. This is going to change boxing completely. It could change the whole of boxing. It could change. It certainly changing British boxing because you've got two, the biggest promoters in the world working together now, who at one point didn't even like to be in the same room with each other,

but now all their differences are... And TV companies splitting weeks. Exactly. So it's bringing everyone together. So I've got to go with you on Day of Reckoning, but for the sole reason of the two of the biggest promoters, in the world now working together. And I think it's great for boxing because

what's going to happen now is we're having going to have more of these events, more of these events in terms of the best boxers, Steve, boxing against each other from different camps maybe, but they're going to be together. They're going to be boxing with each other. And it's all because of Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn

working together over here in Saudi. Ritchie, you and I are absolutely right. Now, what I'm doing, I'm looking at this list and I'm thinking, what's Barry going to go for? What's Barry come on with? Just to be awkward. And he'll be awkward. And I'm trying to think, and I'm looking at a list.

I don't think what Barry's going to offer is on the list. I think Barry's going to come up with something that's going to make you and I go, oh, how do we forget that? Barry, tag it away, son. No, I agree with you two. Get lost, do you? Don't start fibbing Rolex Jones. I haven't got anything extra on the list, to be honest.

But I would say that, you know, there was a night where you had two guys. One was a former Cruiserweight Champion of the World. And one I just boxed a former Heavyweight Champion of the World. And they got a bit of a bit of an altercation. And it looked like it was going to kick off. And I was sat ringside looking forward to it, to be honest. And all of a sudden, like Superman flying in from the skies, without the cape or the shape.

Up get Steve Bunce. Like that. You got the haircut for a bouncer. Up get Steve Buntz. And he's in between. He's holding back Tony Bellew. He's sort of keeping, he's keeping Jermaine Franklin. With a palm.

And his, and all his entourage. with a palm up on the ring apron and you literally you know you stopped probably would have been the best fight of the night so for me that was like I was proud to know you I guess I was proud of you because

I don't think you can fight right you're big but I don't think you can fight I'm pretty sure I'm right by there but the fact that you were willing to stand in front of the two fighters knowing you can really fight protecting my mate Tony Bellew because he needs protect him he's got the bottle to do it

he's got the untrainable quality And let's not forget, I don't know, and let's not forget, and I tell people all the time, he was junior of the year, Fitzroy Lodge, 1909. So,

and you know, he was, he got the cutout. I got the, the foot of the cutout. So, for me, you being the bouncer

that night was, was absolutely fantastic. Because I sat there and I slipped down in my chair a little bit. I thought, I'm not getting, I'm not getting involved in this.

That was when, as I slipped down, you stood up, it was like, like, it was a very fun in a, I think my intervention that night was perfectly timed. Carl Frotch was not impressed.

He was desperate for Tony Belly to fight everybody in that corner. And Tony Belly was amazing. Tony Belly was in such a zone. When I saw him two hours later at the end of the night, he didn't know it was me. About six weeks later, he went, oh, Buncey, I forgot, yeah. He completely was in a real zone.

Obviously, I'm not going to give it to you, Barry, even though I should. But before that, let's just mention just a couple of those other events. Amanda Serrano getting rid of her WBC belt because they wouldn't sanction her 12 round three minutes around defence. I'm conflicted about that because I think... I'm conflicted about that. First of all, I think good for her.

First of all, you know, you stand up yourself on what you believe in and you want to be... You want everything to be on an equal platform, and I understand that. But also, for you to demand three-minute rounds means every other woman who boxers now has to conform to just your idea. Absolutely.

And I'm not sure if that's fair. Maybe the old women would do want to box three-minute rounds. I don't know. but it's a you know to train for two minute rounds all your career and all of a sudden that's a lot

box an extra minute now that's a lot that's a lot of adjustment so are you trained for a fight and are you for your fight management at toss but I think it's a I think it's coming though bass I think it's actually coming

for 12 3s 16 minutes longer than we've done for the last 10 or 15 years for the girls I think I think it's coming in I would rather see at the minute I would rather see

12 2s just an extra 2 rounds rather than an extra minute each round and see how that goes. Well, you have to remember, though, you see us up at GB and all the international amateurs, women, boxers, they're all doing three-minute rounds. If that's the case, then you have to do three-threes, you see. They're doing three-frees for two Olympics now, Rich.

Yeah, exactly. Two cycles. Yeah, so they're doing threes now in the amateurs. And it's coming to, I think, the girls. So that's the sense, one. And the other one would be that famous world championship pick that was taken in Saudi in the summer that upset Carl Frampton and you, not so much you, but it upset you a little bit, but Carl Frampton a lot.

This is when dozens and dozens of world champions and boxers from around the globe were gathered and there was a picture. And included next to Mike Tyson and Oscar Delahoeia, there were four or five people that were good, they were boxers, perfectly okay, but maybe shouldn't have been there because Carl Frampton, world champion at two weights, Richie Woodle, Olympic bronze medalist, European It didn't bother me. It bothered me that you were in a hotel whilst people at a banquet

who hadn't even won area of titles were in a picture. Yeah, it did bother me. I know, I know. It bothered me on your behalf and it bothered me immensely as well on Carl Frenner's behalf, to be honest. Well, I want to know if you're going to, thanks for mentioning me.

But, Bay, you weren't in my team on that particular game. I know, like you mentioned everyone else, no, but, but, you know what? The thing was... No, I get lost. Whatever, mate. You're just annoyed. You weren't in it.

So really, you're being passive-aggressive through Richie. Using Richie's pain, it's your pain through Richie doesn't care. I wouldn't have gone. I wouldn't have gone. You would have gone. They got gifts and they got more than dates. And I can only accept dates on behalf of the BBC, okay? And I can only accept them if I go back to the BBC, take them to the fifth floor and share them with everybody.

And there was one other event that we needed, Dillian White failing another drugs test and having to pull out of an anti-Joshua fighter earlier this year, which would have been fantastic event. Because I saw Dillians four weeks before. and his head was in the right place and obviously his body was in the right place. Well, all I know, there's been a couple of boxes of the field, I've had problems with drug tests recently and I've missed two jobs.

No, no. No, absolutely. The joke's a joke, but selfishly, how many other people missed it on work who need to work, by the way, because somebody's cheating. Richie's hands up, we're all right, us, yeah. So it is a problem, and you're disappointing,

Dilliam White, because, you know, he's at the stage of you want to be the best you can be, and every, you're trying to find that extra edge, I understand that. But you know. And he's a good fire anyway. Yeah. I like the story.

The backstory is great. Oh, you know, what I wish is that drug cheats are really horrible human beings. That way it would be easier to hate them. But as it is, the guys that have been, most of the guys that have been found over the last five or six or seven years,

you know, if you've known them, they've been good guys. That's what's rude. That's a conflict, Barry. But they are good guys to us or you, if you know him. But I mean,

the potential what can happen. happen. Yes, I take all that on board. Don't get me wrong. Turns out of good guy, not into another good guy, doesn't it? I think if something happens

in that ring because you have that extra edge, then you're a good guy. It's an extremely, extremely bad thing. Well, I've got Big Moe in me here. Big Moe, listen, I do appreciate you've got to go and collect the kids

from school, and I thank you for your time. So Big Mo, what we're giving, we're giving the non-boxing event. We're giving it to the day of reckoning announcement. I tell what I'm loving this, fellas. And Barry, don't take it personally. You weren't with me in the hotel

when you should have been at the banquet. So I'd overlooked you because you weren't in my company on that particular night. Oh, overlooked another high joke. Well done. Well, then. It's all adding up, no way, Rich. If only this was fighting talk, I'd be deducting points from your score instantly. You know what?

It's not a bad post-engarno award chat. I'm not going to change my mind. It's still Big Francis for that big lumbering left hook against that big lumbering ties of you. Barry, be quiet. Ritchie be quiet. Big Mo! Come on, Big Mo. take control.

The Players Channel from BBC Radio 5 live. Get inside the football in minds of Premier League icons with the Players Channel. From the Footballers Football Podcast with Mikel Antonio and Callan Wilson.

This goal scoring little thing kind of went, since I've joined the podcast my career's got to parthique. No, I'm not. To football first with Troy Dini and Jermaine de Fo. Pallel of Caneyo

don't sit on a bench. You got up, walked out, gone. And they come in Monday morning, normal. The Players Channel. Listen on BBC's Moving right along to our next award of the evening, this is for International Boxer of the Year.

Here are your nominees. Terrence Crawford, Naoya Inouye, Katie Taylor, Devin Haney, and Jesse Rodriguez. Big Mo, thank you very much indeed. Barry, I'm going to let you start here. It's tricky when this is. Don't do that thing where you name Fiver, them looking at me for recognition. Don't do it, Barry.

Put some sunglasses on. No, I just, I'm looking at you just in case you haven't heard of the fighters before. Maybe we can't remember because, you know, it wasn't last week. Okay, well, tell me about Terry Haney. Terry Haney. Oh, Terry Haney.

Terry Haney. From Guilford. Cruise away. Oh, it's how it. It's how we could, you know, because Jesse, you know, Jesse had that great win at the end of the year, of course. not to partly unify the flyweight division.

Devin Haynes had two good wins, but then the Lomachengo win was, and I don't think he did enough to win that fight. I thought he was very lucky. A couple of points on the judges, but a lot of people feel he lost it. Yeah, but then he puts on an absolute clinic against Regis Program.

He really does. A new way, of course, moving up in division, the way he dismantled Stephen Fulton with ease, by the way, was amazing. But Tennis Crawford. That was a super fight for me of the year. And the way he just,

that was a really hard fight on paper. And the way he just took him apart. I mean, he matched him at his own game. It's crazy to say here. He played with Edel Spence. I think he did. I think he did it all in second gear. And for me, that makes him fight with the year.

It might only be one fight, unfortunately, because that's the world we live in now. But I mean, I think that alone, that standoff winner. alone is enough to put up everybody. Richie? Yeah, I'd agree to a certain extent because of the occasion

and before the fight, the pre-fight high that was a 50-50 fight. Everyone thought it was 50-50. There was as many people going for Errol Spence than there was Terrence Cawford. You know, he's a big well-to-wait. And that's a good point you make there because it's only

post-fight that everyone said, yeah, but Spencer been in an accident. He couldn't see out of his left eye, he got a broken shoulder, two bad hands, and his hit was gone and his jaw was broken. It was only after the fight that people listed all the reasons why Terrant Spence was going to lose every round. Exactly, Steve, Steve, before the fight, I spoke to as many people saying Errol Spence

than there was Terran's Gawford. I'm sorry, loads of people in Vegas, or, you know, any fight fans, most of them were Errol Spence fans. But for me, I'm going a great Japanese fighter. Anui, for me, Steve, He gets my fighter of the year, a four-weight world champion, you know.

And devastating. Yes. And a major star. Well, yeah, you know, and it's in the light of weights, obviously, I think he's gone from light fly up to Super Bantam now, but for me, him, 25 and no, 22 knockouts, this guy is a wrecking machine, he really is. And for me, just probably just nicks it above Terrence.

Because obviously Barry's gone Terrence. He was initially my number one. But when you look at the four-weight world, champ and what he's achieved and he'll just probably go for him and he's a great fight and you know what he might not stop there he might move up some Superbantam he

obviously fighting very surely isn't he going for the Super Unify the Supervan to be undisputed he could get a feather way yeah go on back again boxing day after we do this potter for us and he's boxing mal into palace to there you go that's trying you understood superband and the championship world so yeah it's a really

it's a solid case I can't argue with that I don't know I've gone the other way but yeah it's No, no, you... They're very equal, aren't they? Terrence, Crawford, in terms of his achievements, and Inouye being a four-way world show. You're still slightly in front, and I'm not going to offer anything that ruins that,

but I might just... Do you know what, 20 world title fights in Newies had? Which we forget, yeah. 20 world title fights, mate. I'm not going to... She's not going to win, because I'm obviously casting the vote, but I am going to mention...

I am going to mention what Katie Taylor did in that return fight. Yeah, great. And also the fact that in all of those fights, the two fights with Cameron, you know, every single score, except for one was close, one point or a draw,

two points or a draw, one point or a draw, except if there was one score in the rematch. And the quality of the boxing in those fights were brilliantly. And, you know, just how torrid it was and then the arena. But hey-ho, Barry, I'm going to give it to Crawford, and before I throw it to Big Moe,

is there anyone else? Anyone else you can think of? You know, I'll tear one, Rich, Bacoteer Jalov, the big Uzbek. I think he's unbeaten this year. I think he won the world this year. He won all sorts of tournaments this year.

He's going to win the Olympics next year. He qualified for the Olympics. The big lad. I mean, that's not the bad one. Obviously, I don't love the fight of the year. Buturbiev. Yeah. Yeah.

He's won our fight at the year, but he doesn't win our international boxing year. What kind of panel are you three? Exactly. Anyway, let's move on. Big Moe, move us on. Moeison, I'm sorry about the kids. Have you arranged someone else to collect them?

That's great. Just talking to Big Moe. Take it away. And now, our final. Award of the Evening. This is for British Boxer of the Year. Here are your

nominees. Ellie Scottney, Joe Cordina, Chris Billam Smith, Anthony Joshua and Lee Wood. So there's the British list, Barry. And what's quite

amazing there is that obviously Cordina's unbeaten in two this year. Chris Billum Smith's unbeaten into this year. Wood is two and one. Anthony Joshua might have lost by the time this is broadcast. Ellie Scotney has only had eight fights. She won two this year. I'm going to say this. I'm not so sure there's a standout single British boxer of the year. We've been doing this for about six or seven years, this award ceremony. And I don't think we've ever had a year where we didn't all go, Yep, Joshua, yep, X, yep, Y.

Well, the problem is, all these boxes are fighting at world level. Joshua, maybe just slightly below that. So you have to give it to one of those. But there's an argument for, and you guys were ringside, Nathan Heaney, no beating Denzel Bentley. No one gave him a chance. This is beyond. None of us did. I certainly didn't.

Or, you know, Harry Scaff, all of a sudden becoming a champion. I thought that would never happen for him. you know there's some fighters at domestic level who have really really responded well to the pressure put under him but but for me I think though he lost the fight the way he rebounded

with two great wins is Lee Wood I think the way he beat Lara no the way he got hurt the knockout with the stoppage was quite brutal in the first fight against Marisa Lara but then the way he come back really quickly and it was clever to get the rematch really quick

because Lara was out celebrating his win and Wood was focusing on Yeah focusing on on the pain of the defeat and really trying to get himself back into contention

so he got his he got himself right and he boxed no it was a real professional performance didn't make one mistake didn't try him too hard to hurt Lara

at any stage just boxed perfectly and just negated everything Lara did and then pulls the win off against Warren's yeah yeah in a fight he was losing

yeah it's a sensational fin of the finish The finish. Yeah, the finish. Good show. What was it on the knock down down at the year then? Oh,

see, what I'm finding with you two is just complications and complications and contradictions. You know, you've got to, there's a linear pattern to this show,

okay? And at the moment, you two, if you don't mind me saying so, it's like you're operating in different continents. It's like I'm speaking to you from Hancock,

from Hanoi, and you're in Swansea. Come on, boys. Get together. We're in the same room. Carry on that Swansea stuff. I'll tell you what. I'm sorry,

I don't know why I said, Swanson. We're on the 11th floor. You'd be on the first floor. Fast. Fast on the lift, that's sure. Okay, well, I'll throw another one into the mix. Oh, go on, Mitchie.

So I've got two. Another one into the mist that's not on the list. Domestically, I think the most exciting British boxer at the moment, Nick Ball. Yeah, Nick Ball. And what a win that was against Dogby, to be honest. What a win that was? And this kid, you know, he's going through the ranks.

What is he now? WBC's your number one now? I think he is in the top. I think he's in the top ten all over Nick Ball. You know what I mean? At Feather. Yeah, at Feather. He is so exciting.

And him against Figueroa. That fight against me. That's what a fight that is. What about him against someone like Warrington? If you want to keep it domestic. Absolutely. Anyway, there's a Nick Ball, good throwing. So domestically, Nick Boar,

but I'm going with actually a Welshman for Fighter of the Year. Overall, and that's Joe Cordyne at world level. And I'll tell you for why. You mentioned it. The win against Rakimov, that's a good win, you know, because these fighters from Tajikistan, from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, turning pro now, brilliant amateur careers. They have hundreds of fights internationally.

They're really brought up tough. Now they're going pro, and they're good, decent pros. But they're under the radar for most people. That was a terrific win. And he's won again against Vasquez. So for me, Fighter of the Year, Joe Cordina at world level. You know what, that's tight. I'd go also for Lee Wood,

even though, I mean, Paddy, the producer, does have a point, you know, but he did lose this year, yeah, but he did avenge it brilliantly and then he did move on brilliantly. Plus, he had three really big sell-out fights. So that's also a factor. I'd go ahead.

But I just want to look, if we can, for a second. Joshua, I mean, irrespected of what happens when he steps in the wing against Otto Vallian. And if we were, if we were recording this on Christmas Day, like that would be nice, wouldn't it, between us, kids we've got the amount of grandkids we've got but it'd be really good to recall this because they're not a chance if we were called on a business day perhaps perhaps it would perhaps it would

definitely be josh if he were to knock out otterval in four or five rounds so perhaps that should be the asterisk we attach so that sort of moves joshua to the side ellie scotny she i thought the win over shenica johnson where i think she was an underdog back in june that was a good win but then the next one was a shout out it's quite straightforward that's why ellie's not quite but making making the shortest now the chris bill and smithing is interesting yeah because even know he beat Akoli, dropped him two or three times, then Akoli lost points. And it was outdoors, you know, in the Vitali Stadium,

his home ground as a Bournemouth fan, Bournemouth Ida, Bournemouth icon. And it was a great win, and he's had a defence since then. He didn't get a mention from either of you to, and he's only getting a mention from me because I'm hosting it. But that win alone,

that was a kind of, that was very much the type of win that could give a boxer the fighter the year award. Yeah, well, he'd be the last to call you. I know Koli gets a criticism for his technical prowess and understandably, but he's still a... Still lots of Koli, I thought Bill of Schiff was going to get beat against Koli. The reason being because the way he fights to Bill and Smith, he's brave.

You will commit to attacks. He will try and win the fight. And I thought him trying to win the fight in the way he does coming forward means he walks onto a shot and gets knocked out. That's what I thought was going to happen in the end. But he never, you know, he knew, you know, he spared hundreds of rounds, and he learned from those rounds. where O'Cohle, he was probably using Bill and Smith just for sparring.

Bill and Smith was learning. And I think there's a difference there. So he knew what he's up against. He knew how to get him really close so he couldn't work away. And forcing, forcing, O'Cole to hold him and tie him up. And that's why he was a scrappy affair. Against Mastonek, it wasn't a great performance by Bill and Smith, even though he was getting off box.

But he got across the line. He got to him. I know there's an injury. A win's a win. And that's why, and that's why the same with Cordina, I think the Vasquez's fight. I think he must be underperformed. out in Monte Carlo. Yeah, for his ability, I think, you know, that was a fight there.

Fasco is a good fighter, but a featherweight and Joe should have really done a better job. But away from home, remember? It's always different when you're away from home. But the kids also away from home as well, mind. Yes, yes. And what I like about Chris Billum-Smith, it's a great story, Chris Billim Smith,

but I'd like to see the fights in Bournemouth. Let's keep him at home, because I think you'll perform better. Do you know what I mean, Steve? Get people in that vitality stadium. Get them, you know, get them to these fights. Go there twice a year. go to April, May, go to September. Absolutely. If I was Chris Bill and Smith, I said, I want to fight here.

I want to fight in front of my own fans. Because he's going to raise his level and game every time. Can I mention another fighter? No, it is. Dan Aziz. Yeah. Going to Paris to win a European title. Under the radar. No, it's hard for anyone.

And the way he did it, and this is a kid who will fight anybody. He turned pro with no real aspirations doing anything, by the way. I know this is fight the year, not fight the, not career assessment. But he turned pro with no real aspirations. to what he was going to be and just learned on the job. When I covered his early career, actually, and I thought he looks quite good,

but I never thought he would be this level. And now he's on the customer, possibly. If he gets past spots Joshua Bwazzi on February and 30, then he gets a world title shot. Let me just explain. If you've not seen,

if you've never seen Dan Aziz, if you watched him, you might have to rub your eyes because you'd say, that's Marvin Hagler. He bases everything he does on Marvin Hagler. He shorts, his movement, it's brilliant, it's fun.

jumps into the jab? From an orthodox He told me, I did an interview with Dan Aziz earlier this year And one of the fights that he had When it went to interview him And that's not by chance He spends hours

Watching Hagler theorems And then trying the moves It's not by chance You can, anyone can buy purple shorts Anyone can wear high boots like Haggardi Anyone can do that, okay? But you've got to then fight a little bit like him And he mimics him but it works

Steve, you're right on my cage there Because I'll start I've got to mention another fighter then You've mentioned Hagler. I'll mention someone who has got the physique of a Tommy Hurons, Hamza Shiras. They're winning Poland. Oh, mate.

I'll tell you what. He's looking sharp. Really looking forward to the fight with Liam Williams. Tough Welshman. That's going to be a good scrap. But in terms of potential, Hamza Shiraz, mate, he's like another Tommy Hens. Well, if you're paying top trumps, right? If we're paying boxing top Trump.

I'll give you a guy, and this is the craziest one, and you two could probably throw down. things at me, okay? I'll give you... Pleasure. Take Tyson Fury out the equation. Take Anthony Joshua out the equation. I'll give you a guy who topped the bill twice in sold-out arenas, okay? Who made, who's the third highest grossing fighter of the year. He won here in Saudi against Jake Paul.

He won against KSI. I give you big Tommy Fury. Two fights this year, generated millions, unbelievable publicity, was even invited to sports personality of the year. You don't have to reply. You don't have to reply to the pair of you. I just thought I'd throw it out there. You would do anything to get on, you're doing your best to get on that misfit show somehow.

You're lichy. Like, I don't want to say selling your soul because you did that long time ago. But I bought it back. I only put it in a pawnship. I've bought it back for a few of kids. Huge success story, I agree. Yeah.

Well, okay, let's move on from that. So we, so domestic, we're going with Lee Wood, and it shows how exceptional he is, the fact that in one of the fights this year, he was stopped. And we're missing out, perhaps, the fact that the reason why he did have the success,

I'm convinced to this, is that there was a brilliant intervention by Ben Davison, of course, he's going to be in the corner with Anthony Joshua, in that first fight with Lara, when he stopped it, when Lee Wood had somehow beaten the count and was prepared to go on. And I think the referee was going to let him go on.

I think Ben Davidson, fantastic intervention. So if you're a massive fan, a women's boxing. You're probably coming up with loads of names that should be on the list. Savannah Marshall last year was on the list. No two ways about it. Natasha Jonas last year for three world title fights, winning three world title belts. She was definitely on the list. Who makes your list this year, Rich, that we haven't mentioned. We mentioned early. We mentioned Chantelle. Yeah, a couple of girls. Sandy Ryan, most definitely.

Won a world title. World title is a class act. Chantelle, for me, with the win over Katie Taylor, the first one, then she'll have a couple of obviously gets beaten the return, but really quality. And one coming through, as a prospect, there's got to be lower in price. Olympic gold medalist, undefeated as a pro, boxing really, really well, hardly losing a round. And those are good fights coming up, then, aren't they,

with people like Sandy Ryan, Natasha Jonas, as you've just said. Savannah, I think, like you just said, he's still in there. So the quality of the girls, I think, is getting better and better. And all those girls have mentioned have all come through that GB system. They were quality girls as amateurs. Some of them have gone to Olympic Games, and now they're doing it as pros and winning world titles. So it's a big future for women's boxing.

Listen, not only is their big future, but next year it would be fantastic if there was a bit more cooperation. Because in between 10 stone and 11 stone, okay, and you can make catchweight fights. You've got, in my understanding, Caroline Dubois is the biggest lightweight in history, so she's got no problem going up.

Katie Taylor's already now owning four belts at 10 stone. Chantel Cameron, that's three. Throw Lauren Price in there. Raven Chapman. What about Raven? Raven's a bit below that way.

Throw Lauren Price in that mix. Throw Terry Harper in that mix. We've overlooked Terry Harper. I think it's six fighters that could fight within a seven, eight pound area. Okay? That's a mini tournament. I think there with three different promoters,

three different channels, but that would be great for women's boxing. because I tell what we're seeing too much in women's boxing and we saw it with Ellie Scotland's two fights this year she barely dropped her round. You talked there about Lauren Price. She hasn't dropped her out. I don't think Caroline Dubois dropped her round.

The only time these women are having really competitive fights generally is when they're against each other. Katie Taylor, for instance, beating Natasha Jonas by a point to point. The draw, I think, between Natasha Jonas and Terry Harper all those years ago. So there's enough British women to fight enough British women. And you're right. In a year's time, Lauren Price might be picking up four-fifes.

at these categories. Yeah, and like we've just said, just below them, Raven Chapman as well. If you look at the way Raven is boxing now, she's really putting power into her shots. She was a good amateur Raven was, skillful,

but now if you look, the look of it on her front foot, and she's really hitting hard and she's hurting her opponent, so she's added power to a game. So I really rate Raven. I think she's got a big future. And like I say, Steve,

we've got world champions in women's boxing from Great Britain. And I think he's just going going to keep getting better and better. Nina Hughes, don't forget. Nina Hughes. Who's literally. A trainer said to me a few years back,

and I agree, she's like the female Cal Frotch. Like, she's so strong, and she just will just continue. And she's not a chaos, but every shot's heavy. And so she needs to be busier, of course, and it's how to get the fights. Shannon Ryan's another one. When you said explosive power.

Isn't she in a British title fight, the second British title? Lauren Price already on the British title. I think Shannon Ryan's fighting for the British title. I think she's going to be in the second She's really good. She's potentially really good. She has a really good stance of She's powerful. It's just learning to close that gap

and she's doing that really quickly. The thing we're women's boxing, they don't get the luxury to learn on the job. I mean, no, to learn their trade. They have to go, they box at a low level and then it's championship level straight away. So it's the learning curve is really, really steep.

But I do think that around the way you said, there's some really good fashion. And another one coming through, Carys Arton's story. And Ritchie had to mention Carers Arton. store, I'll tell you for why. She's the queen of Sheffield.

She's the queen of Macclesfield. She rules everywhere she walks. She rules that gym, the GB gym. And if Richie had wandered in there after Christmas, all friendly and said her like all the fighters, and there'd have been one person looking at him growling. That would have been Carrey. So he's just got himself out of prison there, trust me.

She's another one who's been screaming for three minute rounds, did you, I think? Yeah, she is. She's tough, Caris is. This has been the five live. Boxing Awards for 2023. And the asterix attached to that is, I vote on them.

I select them. So if it's not complete, it's because it's not a science. Boxing's not a science. We invent it as we go along. Richie Woodle, the former light middleweight champion of Venezuela, and Barry Jones,

the former super heavyweight champion of Bolivia. It's been a pleasure having the two. Two of you on the show. From me, Steve Buntz, bouncer of the year to all of you. Enjoy your new year and it's been a pleasure. And next year, I assure you, 2024 will be even better. I'm Steve Buntz and this has been a very special year on Five Live Boxing. My name is Joe Wilkinson and I'm doing a podcast because I love football.

Boy, I love more is the idea of being friends with a professional footballer. The footballer I'd like to be friends with is Patrick Banford. Hello, Patrick. Will you be my friend? That's yet to be decided. Okay, not what I was hoping. My Mates a Footballer is a new BBC Sounds podcast with me, Patrick Boundford and Joe Wilkinson.

Some days he'll hate it, other days he won't, and eventually he will fall in love of me. Search for My Mates of Footballer on BBC Sounds.