Life After Boxing

Life After Boxing

Author: BBC Radio 5 Live January 23, 2026 Duration: 57:10

Is enough being done to support boxers once they hang up the gloves? In this special programme, Stacey Copeland examines the realities fighters face when their careers end, from loss of identity to physical and mental challenges.

Joined by Steve Bunce, former undisputed world champion Josh Taylor and leading trainer Dom Ingle, the discussion explores whether the sport is doing enough and what more can be done to help boxers prepare for life out of the ring. They also hear from Ricky Hatton's friend and manager, Paul Speak, Robert Smith of the BBBoC, and Queensberry boss Frank Warren.


Every Monday, Steve Bunce brings the noise and knowledge from the squared circle straight to your ears. This isn't just a rundown of results; it's a deep, often lively dive into the stories that define the fight game. On 5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce, you'll hear immediate reaction from the biggest fight nights, analysis of what those results really mean for the sport, and conversations about the figures shaping boxing behind the scenes. As a production from BBC Radio 5 Live, the podcast leverages unparalleled access, regularly featuring special guests from the heart of the action-fighters, trainers, and insiders who provide authentic perspective. It’s where the headlines are dissected and the narratives between the bells are explored. Whether it's a breaking news story or a classic fight revisited, the discussion is always informed by Bunce's decades of experience and genuine passion. Tune in for a weekly dose that captures the raw excitement and complex debates of boxing culture, all delivered with the authority and quality you'd expect from the BBC. New episodes arrive weekly to keep you connected to every jab, hook, and headline.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce
Podcast Episodes
Can Verhoeven Shock Usyk? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:51
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 spectacul…
The Rhino Reloaded [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:31
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 Arslanbe…
Wardley v Dubois: A Heavyweight Epic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:09
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 join…
Wardley v Dubois: Fight Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:28
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 W…
Wardley v Dubois: Frank Warren [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:30
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, pl…
Wardley v Dubois: Inside the Dubois Camp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:56
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 fe…
Wardley v Dubois: Inside the Wardley Camp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:20
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. P…
Boxing’s Christmas Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:50
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…
In Conversation with Ben Shalom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:44
When’s Adam Azim getting his world title shot? And is Lauren Price really set to take on Claressa Shields? Buncey puts it all to Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom in a wide-ranging chat. They also talk Frazer Clarke, Martin Bakole a…
Whittaker's surgical masterclass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:11
How clinical was Ben Whittaker? Richie Woodhall and Buncey break down his first-round stoppage of Braian Suarez in Liverpool, with reaction from Whittaker, Eddie Hearn and Andy Lee. Plus, they look back at the other figh…