5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce

It's been a hectic few weeks in the heavyweight division since Oleksandr Usyk vacated his world titles, giving Buncey and Barry plenty to get stuck into. They assess Murat Gassiev's first defence of his WBA heavyweight crown, discuss the bizarre ending to Joe Joyce's comeback fight and whether it's finally time for him to call it a day. They also debate the potential venues for the long-awaited Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury showdown, with Barry making a passionate case for Cardiff, before looking at where the rest of the heavyweight titles could end up. Plus, they give their verdict on reports that Usyk could face Deontay Wilder in what may be his final fight.

What can we expect from Team England at the Commonwealth Games? Buncey heads to Sheffield to catch up with head coach Rob McCracken as the squad puts the finishing touches to its preparations for Glasgow. McCracken explains why he has selected this team and picks out the boxers to watch, while Buncey also sits down with European U23 Champion Damar Thomas and reigning U19 world champion Ruby White.

What has been the fight of the year so far? Which performance stood out above all the rest? And what has been boxing's lowest moment of 2026? Tony Bellew and Carl Frampton join Buncey to review the first six months of the year, debating the biggest talking points and the British world champions who have made their mark. They also ask whether anything will top the epic heavyweight battle between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois in Manchester.

Is Filip Hrgovic a step too far, too soon for Moses Itauma? Buncey sits down with the heavyweight prospect to discuss the biggest fight of his career so far, whether he's getting the recognition he feels he deserves, and why he believes he's ready for the challenge. We also hear from his manager, Francis Warren, and from Hrgovic himself.

Is Ryan Garner ready to take the next step and mix it with the elite of the super-featherweight division? The Southampton fighter takes on Italy's Michael Magnesi for the interim WBC super-featherweight title at St Mary's Stadium this Saturday. Garner joins Buncey to reflect on his journey so far, the setbacks and frustrations he's had to overcome, and why he believes now is the time to prove he belongs at world level.

Will Croke Park ever see a bigger night than the one that awaits Katie Taylor when she steps into the ring for one final time? Buncey sits down with Katie to reflect on her remarkable journey, the long road to finally bringing this event to life, and what retirement might hold when the gloves are eventually hung up. We also hear from her manager, Brian Peters, who reveals how the team got the historic occasion over the line.

What does Dana White really think about Eddie Hearn, boxing's sanctioning bodies and the reaction to him getting involved in the sport? Buncey sits down with the boss of Zuffa Boxing to find out. White doesn't hold back as he gives his honest take on boxing, the people who run it and the changes he thinks the sport needs. It's a candid, outspoken and at times controversial chat with a man who’s not scared of ruffling a few feathers.

What can we expect from AJ as he returns to the ring in July? Buncey sits down with the former two-time heavyweight world champion ahead of his comeback fight against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah. Joshua opens up on coping with the tragic loss of two close friends in Lagos last December, while promoter Eddie Hearn shares the latest on AJ’s future plans. Former world champion Darren Barker also joins us with his analysis on what we can expect when Joshua steps back into the ring.

Will Rico Verhoeven get the apology he’s after? The Dutchman and his team have lodged an official protest over the controversial ending to the fight in Egypt. Rico joins us to explain why they decided to take action, looks back on that unforgettable night, and reveals he’s hoping to be back in the ring again before the end of the year.

Should Rico Verhoeven feel hard done by? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to dissect a dramatic night in the desert as Oleksandr Usyk controversially stopped the Dutchman in the 11th round. We hear from Verhoeven himself, as well as his trainer Peter Fury, after a fight that’s already sparked huge debate.

How will Rico Verhoeven cope against the best boxer on the planet? Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to break down the fight and explain what makes Oleksandr Usyk so dangerous. They also discuss the undercard and hear from Hamzah Sheeraz and Richard Torres Jr.

What kind of challenge will Rico Verhoeven pose to Oleksandr Usyk? That’s just one of the questions Buncey puts to Eddie Hearn as they sit down ahead of Saturday night’s fight. We hear from both fighters on what they’re expecting in the ring, while four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen gives an insight into his fellow Dutchman and close friend.

How will a kickboxing world champion fare against one of the greatest heavyweights of all time? That’s the question Buncey puts to Olympic bronze medallist Frazer Clarke as the pair look ahead to this weekend’s spectacular showdown beneath the Egyptian pyramids between Rico Verhoeven and Oleksandr Usyk. Plus, they reflect on Dave Allen’s defeat to Filip Hrgovic, while Frazer gives an update on his own career after his narrow loss to Justis Huni.

Can Dave Allen really beat Filip Hrgovic? The White Rhino returns to the ring in Doncaster this Saturday and sits down with Buncey ahead of the biggest fight of his career. They look back at the brutal defeat to Arslanbek Makhmudov, why Allen believes he’s never been in better shape, and what victory over Hrgovic would mean. Plus, we hear from his trainer Jamie Moore.

Has there been a better heavyweight fight on British soil? Daniel Dubois is a two-time world champion after stopping Fabio Wardley in the 11th round of a brutal and unforgettable scrap in Manchester. Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to break down a fight that will live long in the memory. They hear from Dubois, his father Stan, trainer Don Charles and promoter Frank Warren.

Can Fabio Wardley make a successful first defence of his WBO heavyweight world title, or will Daniel Dubois become a two-time world champion? Ahead of Saturday night’s massive all-British showdown in Manchester, Richie Woodhall joins Buncey to break down where the fight will be won and lost, the key tactical battles, and which fighter has the edge.

Can Frank Warren really stay neutral when two of his fighters are battling it out for the world heavyweight title? Buncey sits down with the Queensberry boss to get his thoughts ahead of Saturday night’s huge dust-up, plus they discuss Arsenal’s hopes of getting the job done in Budapest in a few weeks’ time. We also hear from Daniel Dubois’ manager and advisor, Sam Jones.

Can Daniel Dubois become a two-time heavyweight world champion? He certainly believes he can, as he sits down with Buncey ahead of Saturday’s huge fight with Fabio Wardley. Dubois discusses his preparations and why he feels he can reclaim a world title. We also hear from his trainer Don Charles, who explains why he believes Dubois is stronger, sharper and ready to prove himself.

Can Fabio Wardley make a successful first defence of his WBO heavyweight world title? Buncey sits down with Wardley ahead of Saturday’s fight with Daniel Dubois to discuss the pressure, preparation and what’s at stake. Plus, we hear from his long-time coach, Rob Hodgins, who offers a unique insight into the fighter.

Will we see a better 24 hours of boxing all year? Buncey and Barry aren’t convinced, as they reflect on a huge weekend in Tokyo, Vegas and Wolverhampton. Plus, reaction from Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn and a look ahead to Wardley v Dubois in Manchester this Saturday.