

5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce
BBC Radio 5 Live
Discussion, analysis and the latest news from big fight nights and the world of boxing, featuring special guests.New episodes every Monday, get in touch with the pod via 5 Live Sport on social media and remember to share your ratings and reviews.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 29, 2025 • 31min
Dave Allen: Looking Back and Fighting Forward
Is Dave Allen becoming one of Britain’s most popular boxers? Ahead of his Sheffield headliner, the “White Rhino” joins Buncey to reflect on his rise through the ranks, finally getting an en-suite, and the prospect of a fight with Deontay Wilder. Plus, trainer Jamie Moore gives his insight on his fighter's journey.

Sep 22, 2025 • 35min
Parker v Wardley: The Heavy Waiting Game.
Big-time boxing returns to the O2 in October. Former world champion Barry Jones joins Buncey to look ahead to the heavyweight clash between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley, with the winner in line to face undisputed world champion Oleksandr Usyk. But who is taking the bigger gamble? We hear from both fighters and promoter Frank Warren.

Sep 17, 2025 • 48min
Eubank v Benn II: The First Face-Off
Will it be repeat or revenge? Buncey speaks to Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn ahead of their November rematch at the Tottenham Hostpsur Stadium. He also hears from their respective promoters, Ben Shalom and Eddie Hearn. Plus, fresh from winning his first world title, Lewis Crocker pops over for a chat.

Sep 17, 2025 • 54min
Ricky Hatton: The Hitman’s Legacy
Will Ricky Hatton go down as one of Britain’s most beloved fighters? Mark Chapman is joined by Stacey Copeland, Anthony Crolla, and Steve Bunce to answer that question and reminisce the extraordinary career he had both in and out of the ring. They are also joined by Frank Warren who managed and promoted Hatton during his rise through the sport.

Sep 14, 2025 • 32min
Remembering Hatton with Costello and Bunce
Buncey is joined by the former BBC Boxing correspondent Mike Costello to look back on the life and career of Ricky Hatton who died at the age of 46. They share their memories of the man who will be remembered as one of the best from the UK.

Sep 14, 2025 • 31min
Reaction to Ricky Hatton's Death
Steve Crossman is joined by Steve Bunce and Richie Woodhall to react to the sad news about Ricky Hatton's death.Steve and Richie reflect on his life and career, his battles with his mental health, and on what he meant to everyone who knew him.As a former World Champion, Ricky Hatton will go down as one of the biggest icons in British boxing history.

Sep 12, 2025 • 28min
Canelo v Crawford - The Preview
Can Terence Crawford cope with the leap in size, and is Canelo Álvarez still at his peak? Those are just two of the questions Buncey and former world champion Barry Jones ponder ahead of this weekend’s Vegas super-fight. You’ll also hear from Amir Khan, who has shared the ring with both men, and promoter Frank Warren tells us who he thinks wins.

Sep 11, 2025 • 33min
Crocker v Donovan - The Preview
Will we see a different Lewis Crocker in the rematch? Or will Paddy Donovan pick up where he left off? Former world champion Darren Barker joins Buncey to look ahead to the fight at Windsor Park. Both Crocker and Donovan are on the pod, as well as promoter Eddie Hearn.

Sep 8, 2025 • 31min
Meatball & Chips
Can Molly McCann replicate her MMA success in the boxing ring? The Liverpudlian has swapped the cage for the ring, and this week she sits down with Buncey to discuss the decision, the challenges of the transition, and how she and her promoter, Eddie Hearn, have carefully mapped out the next 18 months, which begins this weekend in Belfast.

Sep 1, 2025 • 40min
Remembering Joe Bugner
Following the death of British heavyweight legend Joe Bugner, Buncey speaks to those who knew him best. Robert Smith, General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, whose father Andy trained Bugner, shares his personal memories and explains why he ranks him just behind Lennox Lewis among Britain’s all-time greats. Matchroom’s Barry Hearn reflects on staging the famous Bruno-Bugner fight at White Hart Lane in 1987, while former British heavyweight champion Scott Welch recalls facing an ageing Bugner in the mid-90s. Plus, we hear a rare extract from Bugner’s appearance on Desert Island Discs in 1973.


