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
Ben Shalom and the BBC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:50
Ahead of his first promoted fight on the BBC, Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom joins Buncey for an in-depth conversation about the new partnership. He explains how the landmark deal with the BBC was reached, what it means for the s…
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Duration: 32:04
Did defeat in Sheffield make Dave Allen even more popular? Barry Jones joins Buncey to reflect on a memorable night where “The White Rhino” was beaten on points by Arslanbek Makhmudov. They hear from Allen in an emotiona…
Boxing’s back on the BBC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:22
How big a moment is it to see live boxing back on BBC television on a Saturday night? Buncey speaks to Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV ahead of their British heavyweight title fight in Derby on October 25th, live on BBC 2.…
Dave Allen: Looking Back and Fighting Forward [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:19
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 f…
Parker v Wardley: The Heavy Waiting Game. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:54
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 worl…
Eubank v Benn II: The First Face-Off [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:44
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.…
Ricky Hatton: The Hitman’s Legacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:39
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 i…
Remembering Hatton with Costello and Bunce [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:09
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 t…
Reaction to Ricky Hatton's Death [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:02
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…
Canelo v Crawford - The Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:29
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.…