The Neutral Corner boxing podcast

On episode 388 of The Neutral Corner boxing podcast, host Michael Montero gives his reaction and analysis of the two headliner bouts of the weekend. In Tokyo, Naoya Inoue defends his undisputed super bantamweight world championship against fellow Japanese native Junto Nakatani. In Las Vegas, Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez defends his unified cruiserweight world titles against David Benavidez. https://youtube.com/live/F6I59b8do8I

Phone: 1-213-267-7787On episode 387 of The Neutral Corner Boxing Podcast, host Michael Montero reviews recent wins by heavyweights Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury. Anthony Joshua was ringside for both fights, who will he decide to face next? Next, Montero previews a loaded schedule in May, including an all-Japanese showdown between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani in Tokyo. The heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, returns for a historic match up in Giza, Egypt, and more! https://youtube.com/live/-z1_Q7fABvw

Michael Montero breaks down the dominant win by Shakur Stevenson over Teofimo Lopez last night in New York city, and the subsequent overreaction by the boxing media, pundits and fans. Is Stevenson right up there with Oleksandr Usyk and Naoya Inoue, or is too soon to go there?

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK)On episode 386 of The Neutral Corner Boxing Podcast, host Michael Montero reviews the circus fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua, which "AJ" won by knockout after a slow start. Montero also gives his thoughts on who the 2025 Fighter of the Year is: does Terence Crawford deserve it, or are people overlooking far more deserving candidates? Who were the biggest winners and losers in boxing this year? Who wins an all-Japanese showdown between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani if they fight next year?youtube.com/live/5NWjiXGvazc

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK)On episode 385 of The Neutral Corner Boxing Podcast, host Michael Montero previews the heavyweight match up between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua, which will be broadcast live on Netflix on Friday, 19-December from Miami, Florida. Montero also gives his thoughts on Terence "Bud" Crawford announcing his retirement this week. What is Bud's legacy and where does he stack up all-time? https://youtube.com/live/FFGhPwtWbFY

On episode 384 of The Neutral Corner Boxing Podcast, host Michael Montero reviews the "RING IV: Night of the Champions" card, which took place on Saturday, 22-November in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and was broadcast live on DAZN PPV. Young champions David Benavidez, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez and Devin Haney all scored dominant wins. Abdullah Mason and Sam Noakes had a Fight of the Year candidate, and Vito Mielnicki Jr, Mohammed Alakel and others got wins as well. https://youtube.com/live/RyrC4OuzNwk

On episode 383 of The Neutral Corner Boxing Podcast, host Michael Montero gives his thoughts on recent allegations of domestic abuse from Gervonta Davis, causing Jake Paul and MVP Promotions to seek another opponent for their upcoming event. Montero also opines on reaction to Victor Conte's death, the Wardley vs Parker stoppage, and Buatsi vs Parker scorecards, and more. https://youtube.com/live/gIg9OjrdQ1U

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK)On episode 382 of The Neutral Corner Boxing Podcast, host Michael Montero breaks down the super middleweight showdown between current champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and Terence "Bud" Crawford. The match up features the premiere Mexican and American fighters of this generation, and will be broadcast live on Netflix from Las Vegas, Nevada. The following day, Naoya Inoue defends his undisputed super bantamweight championship against former unified title holder Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Japan. https://youtube.com/live/9kq7xMyJQ4I

Posted 29-July, 2025 On episode 381 of The Neutral Corner Boxing Podcast, host Michael Montero gives his thoughts on Top Rank's last show on ESPN, which marked the final boxing broadcast on American television. Presently, no American promoter has a TV network deal, meaning boxing lives entirely on streaming platforms in the USA. What does this mean for the future? Where are we at midway thru 2025 and what can we expect over the second half of the year? https://youtube.com/live/Qa5WgyMyezs

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK) CALL IN!!! On episode 380 of The Neutral Corner boxing podcast, host Michael Montero gives his thoughts on the super fight between Canelo Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs) and Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs). The bout, for Canelo's undisputed super middleweight championship, will headline a show in Las Vegas on 13 September and will be broadcast live on Netflix. Alvarez is 6-0 since losing to undisputed light heavyweight champions Dmitry Bivol in 2022, but has not stopped any of his opponents. Meanwhile, Crawford has only fought five times since 2019, but has stopped all but one of his opponents. The American will be jumping up two divisions for this match up.https://youtube.com/live/jZO9k8-CKQ0

Vasyl Lomachenko, one of the greatest fighters of the last generation, officially announced his retirement on social media this week. Widely considered the greatest amateur boxer ever, "Loma" won gold medals at multiple World Championships and Olympic Games. As a professional, he won titles in three weight classes and unified titles as an undersized lightweight. Despite all of his achievements, Lomachenko ultimately became a divisive figure among fight fans, particularly in America. Michael Montero gives his thoughts on an incredible career.https://youtube.com/live/18Fg5TYWsKc

He's back! Michael Montero reviews the big weekend of boxing full of disappointments, upsets and more. Also, the stage is set for Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, who will fight later this year. https://youtube.com/live/Grn23jqMAd4

On episode 379 of The Neutral Corner Boxing Podcast, host Michael Montero previews what could possibly be the greatest PPV card of all time, headlined by the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Last October, Beterbiev won a close majority decision to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion. Now they will fight again in Riyadh, with an absolutely stacked undercard. https://youtube.com/live/DRHj2XG6J4Y

Breaking down the fight between David Benavidez and David Morrell, which the American took by unanimous decision to move one step closer to a championship match up with either Artur Beterbiev or Dmitry Bivol.  Looking at the upcoming fight schedule, Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford, and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVujonB-GEY

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK)On episode 378 of The Neutral Corner boxing podcast, host Michael Montero reviews the best and worst of 2024 in the sweet science. Montero gives his picks for the best Prospect, Upset, Knockout, Fight and Fighter of the Year, and more! https://youtube.com/live/iekqVzKWjR8

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK) Ring Magazine boxing writer Michael Montero gives his thoughts just after the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  Usyk defended his heavyweight championship with an unanimous decision victory over Tyson Fury.  Montero now rates Usyk as the best fighter of the 21st century, the greatest cruiserweight of all time, and a top ten all time great heavyweight. https://youtube.com/live/-65ydnWJ0_o

Michael Montero joined Sport Nation New Zealand to preview the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, plus other news and rumors in boxing. 

TNC is back! On episode 377 of The Neutral Corner boxing podcast, host Michael Montero catches up on everything in the world of boxing. Montero reviews the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight and addresses rumors of "fight fixing", then previews the upcoming rematch between heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As always, we take your calls, cover all the news and more. https://youtube.com/live/90Slm204j-E

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK)On episode 376 of The Neutral Corner boxing podcast, host Michael Montero previews the super fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. The undefeated Russia natives will meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this Saturday to fight for the undisputed light heavyweight championship of the world. Montero also catches up on news, reviews Daniel Dubois' knockout win over Anthony Joshua a few weeks ago in London, and more.https://www.youtube.com/live/nUumn1ZcHqs?si=F--d4GZ6xmDI70Ec

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK)On episode 375 of The Neutral Corner Boxing Podcast, host Michael Montero previews the upcoming fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.  The heavyweight showdown will take place at Wembley Stadium in London.  Also, rumor has it that lightweight title holder Gervonta "Tank" Davis will face junior lightweight contender Lamont Roach next.  When will Tank finally step up and face the elite?https://youtube.com/live/EXuI1CyFl1g

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK)On episode 374 of The Neutral Corner boxing podcast, host Michael Montero previews the upcoming junior featherweight undisputed championship fight between Naoya Inoue and TJ Doheny in Tokyo. Montero also looks ahead at the schedule for remainder of the year: Canelo Alvarez vs Edgar Berlanga (9/14), Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua (9/21), Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol (10/12), Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul (11/15), Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury II (12/21)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VinIHYPhz7Y

Michael Montero breaks down the reasons why Terence Crawford has failed to break thru with main stream audiences in his professional career.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrKUuUACtXw

On episode 373 of The Neutral Corner Boxing Podcast, host Michael Montero previews the big card in Los Angeles, headlined by the Terence Crawford vs Israil Madrimov junior middleweight title fight.  Montero also reviews the great heavyweight fight between Derek Chisora and Joe Joyce last Saturday in London.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQwwHQP9AFs

Jaron "Boots" Ennis scored an impressive victory over David Avanesyan in his hometown of Philadelphia this weekend. He seemingly has limitless potential? How high can he climb? Is a fight with Terence Crawford possible?https://youtube.com/live/EVszTOnD1dM

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK)It's Friday - time to crack a beer and talk some boxing! Ryan Garcia set the boxing world ablaze over the July 4th holiday with inappropriate comments he made on social media. The fallout was so bad that the WBC "expelled" Garcia from their origination. All of this after recently being suspended by the NYSAC for PEDS use. Is Ryan Garcia a villain? Is he a victim? Or is he a little bit of both in certain ways? We'll also have some Pound-for-Pound talk regarding Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez and more! https://youtube.com/live/4ZM1oy4t-N0

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK) Ring Magazine boxing writer Michael Montero reviews the junior bantamweight showdown between Mexican legend Juan Francisco Estrada and rising American star Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez in Phoenix, Arizona. The highly anticipated match up headlines a Matchroom Boxing card that will be broadcast on DAZN. https://youtube.com/live/W2_abgXoYac

Michael Montero gives his immediate reaction after the "5 vs 5" Matchroom vs Queensbury card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In the main event, Zhilei Zhang dominated former title holder Deontay Wilder before stopping him in devastating fashion. All truths are being revealed in the heavyweight division. Montero breaks it all down.

Oleksandr Usyk soldified his legacy as an all-time great in boxing history with a decisive victory over Tyson Fury tonight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  Michael Montero gives his immediate thoughts.  Who wins the rematch? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjpI_kYfuSE

It's finally here! The undisputed heavyweight championship fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is taking place on Saturday, 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. How will it all play out? Which fighter has the edge? Who will win? Michael Montero of Ring Magazine breaks it all down.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WuuLWqm1Cc

Two undisputed championship fights within less than 48 hours!! It's a great time to be a fight fan. Wanted to share my thoughts on Canelo Alvarez and Naoya Inoue after their latest victories in Las Vegas and Tokyo. https://youtube.com/live/741mij1Xx_0

According to reports, Ryan Garcia tested positive for banned substance Ostarine before his fight with Devin Haney last month.  The samples were collected and tested by VADA.  What will happen now?  Will there be a suspension?  Will the fight be changed to a No Contest?  Does anybody care either way?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9D022KBCz8

A few quick thoughts on the big fight last Satyurday night in Brooklyn between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney. In a classic "bait and switch" scenario, Garcia weight-bullied the career weight-bully. https://youtube.com/live/HL7BY61cbi0

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK)On episode 371 of The Neutral Corner boxing podcast, host Michael Montero catches up on a TON of boxing news, reviews several weeks of fights, and previews what's on the schedule coming up. https://youtube.com/live/itV2V-dE4yI

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK) On episode 370 of The Neutral Corner boxing podcast, host Michael Montero reviews a LOADED schedule this spring, with intriguing match ups throughout May into June. Montero also previews the schedule this weekend, catches up on news, and more! https://youtube.com/live/d6W94PJsqgo

An interview with Mark "Staffy" Stafford of SENZ Radio New Zealand to discuss the recent run of Joseph Parker, as well as all the other news in the heavyweight division. Michael Montero and Staffy talk about Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Deontay Wilder, Filip Hrgovic, Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson and more!https://youtu.be/Tb0BYUYjeRM

Giving my immediate thoughts after Anthony Joshua's dominant 2nd round stoppage over Frances Ngannou in Saudi Arabia. Also, Joseph Parker scores a hard fought win over Zhilei Zhang and more. https://youtube.com/live/yRdZFEKdDFo

After weeks of rumors and speculation, the announcement has finally been made. Canelo Alvarez is leaving his partnership with PBC to go his own way. The platform signed Canelo to a 3-fight deal late last year, the first of which was a lackluster match up between the Mexican star and Jermell Charlo. Now, Canelo has moved on after PBC failed to meet his financial demands. Boxing insider Rick Glaser first broke the story earlier this year, but it wasn't officially announced until now. Why is the American boxing press so spineless and worthless? Michael Montero breaks it all down. https://youtube.com/live/q0hWDVkjCfU

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK) On episode 369 of The Neutral Corner boxing podcast, host Michael Montero catches up on a bunch of news and rumors, and previews a fantastic lineup of fights from April thru June. Also, is PBC in trouble? Their Amazon Prime launch is another lackluster PPV headlined by a fight nobody asked for, and they are yet to announce Canelo's May bout. What's going on? https://youtube.com/live/ubB3PVCJWjk

On episode 368 of The Neutral Corner boxing podcast, host Michael Montero catches up on the news, reviews the upcoming spring fight schedule and another lackluster performance from a young American star, Teofimo Lopez.https://www.youtube.com/live/osKn9guvfwU?si=fNl9PKdDZaX4DtTL

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK) The highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight championship fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk is off due an injury suffered by Fury. The Brit was cut over his eye in sparring and it appears he will be out for a while. Will they ever fight?https://youtube.com/live/zGdGcVdaAik

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK)Host Michael Montero reviews recent wins by Artur Beterbiev and Jaime Munguia - could fights with Dmitry Bivol and Canelo Alvarez be next? Montero also previews the upcoming schedule, good and bad, and catches up on all the news. https://www.youtube.com/live/ODhwPvL37Os?si=tiAnJAcNraW6ANfA

As a lifelong Detroit Lions fan (I'm a native), I wanted to take a few minutes to show my appreciation for the team this season. This run has meant so much to the people Detroit for so many reasons. The Lions are Super Bowl bound!!!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EiQAZYvI7s

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK)First TNC of the new year! Michael Montero kicks off 2024 with a preview of the light heavyweight championship fight between Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith in Quebec, Canada.https://youtube.com/live/SINEWTYogDo

2023 ended with a bang, with two great events to close out what has been an entertaining year in boxing. Michael Montero gives his thoughts on the "Day of Reckoning" card in Saudi Arabia, and Naoya Inoue scoring a historic victory in Japan to secure the undisputed championship in a second weight class.https://youtube.com/live/fQGwj7ZuyCA

Michael Montero is joined by boxing insider Rick Glaser, then he reviews a loaded card from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Naoya Inoue going for undisputed twice within a year. https://youtube.com/live/X571g4N2g74

PHONES: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +442081036051 (UK) Just wanted to give some quick thoughts on if/how boxing can thrive in the era of "cord cutting" and piracy. The music industry has shown us the way. https://youtu.be/X4t7rEsUsaQ

Despite what many boxing purists will try to tell you, there is actually MORE talent in the sport today than any other time in history. However, there are fewer stars today - WHY? Michael Montero breaks down the current state of boxing, which is more fragmented and watered-down than ever, and explains how we got here. Get ready for a historical look at the sport.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpYn5bD_uYQ

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK) On episode 364 of The Neutral Corner Boxing Podcast, host Michael Montero catches up on a ton of recent news in the fight game. The WBC is beefing with The Ring and cutting ties with BoxRec, Andre Ward has a Twitter spat with journalist Dan Rafael, the IBF strips Bud Crawford after protected Errol Spence for years, and the Saudis announce numerous fight cards loaded with heavyweight action. Are they saving boxing from extinction?https://youtube.com/live/Xj1AcOQV4Xo

Phones: 1-213-267-7787 (USA), +44 2081 036051 (UK) On episode 363 of The Neutral Corner boxing podcast, host Michael Montero gives further insight into the collapse of Showtime Boxing, and phony "outrage" from apologists, Giovanni Santillan putting on a show in Inglewood, California, and thoughts on the Tyson Fury vs Frances Ngannou event.https://youtube.com/live/4oxPtWvScf0

Michael Montero gives his thoughts on the official announcement that Showtime will end their boxing programming at the end of the year, after being a leader in the industry for decades. What does this mean for Al Haymon, Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and his stable of 100+ fighters going forward? https://youtube.com/live/0d_wvIWobUI