Ring Champs with Ak & Barak

Ak & Barak are back to break down the most stacked stretch of the boxing calendar, and they are not holding back. This is a full state-of-the-sport conversation built around one argument: boxing is thriving louder than ever, and the next two weeks prove it.The guys preview Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs Antonio Vargas as Bam moves up to chase Naoya Inoue, Boots Ennis vs Zander Zayas at 154, Abdullah Mason’s hometown title shot against Joe Cordina, and Errol Spence Jr’s comeback against Tim Tszyu. Then it gets spicy: Barak predicts Anthony Joshua knocks out Tyson Fury to become a three-time heavyweight champion, they crown Shakur Stevenson the best fighter in the world, and they debate Canelo Alvarez’s next move with Benavidez, Jermall Charlo, and even Errol Spence on the table. 00:00:00 – Intro00:01:45 – Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez Moving Up & The Inoue Dream Match00:12:21 – Boots Ennis vs. Zander Zayas: Coming Out Party or Bust?00:17:36 – Breaking Down Boots vs. Zayas Further00:21:46 – Abdullah Mason Defending His Title in Cleveland00:23:52 – Mason’s Personality & What He Needs to Prove00:31:28 – Anthony Joshua vs. Prenga: Tune-Up for Fury00:31:42 – The Biggest Fight in British History: AJ vs. Tyson Fury00:38:00 – Errol Spence Jr. Returns vs. Tim Tszyu00:42:53 – Canelo’s Future: Benavidez, Jermall Charlo & What’s Left to Prove00:46:17 – Dream Matchup: Errol Spence vs. Canelo Alvarez in 2027?00:49:06 – Boxing’s Biggest Remaining Fights & The State of the Sport00:51:30 – Outro: Boxing Is ThrivingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philly’s own Stephen “Cool Boy” Fulton sits down with Ak & Barak on RING CHAMPS and finally tells the full story of what really happened before his loss to O’Shaquie Foster. The two-time world champion walks through the weight cut from hell — running for hours without sweating, an hour in the sauna tent, passing out in the hotel room with his body locked up, and showing up to the weigh-in with one shoe on and one shoe off. He admits he was “killing himself” on the scale, ran out of legs before the bell, and says if Foster had actually engaged in a rumble, the result would have been completely different. The Foster rematch is officially on his radar.Fulton also opens up about the personal storm he was in heading into that fight: a year-plus breakup he was still working through in the ring, a house break-in where someone walked off with a $20K Chanel bag, and therapy work that finally helped him forgive his mom for the trauma she carried. He talks fashion ($35-40K Margiela fight kits, $1.5M total spent on clothes), his $17M retirement quota, his goal to become the first three-division world champion from Philadelphia, and a mystery summertime comeback fight at 130 pounds.This is one of the rawest, most honest sit-downs Fulton has done since the loss. 00:00:00 - Intro00:01:19 - Best Dressed Boxers: Tank, Devin, Caleb Plant & More00:02:35 - Raising His Sons & Teaching Style00:04:32 - Would Steph Start His Own Clothing Brand?00:05:13 - Most Expensive Fight Outfit: Head-to-Toe Margiela ($35-40K)00:05:53 - How Much Has He Spent on Clothes His Whole Career?00:09:42 - Going to Therapy & What He Learned00:10:51 - Understanding His Mom’s Trauma & Forgiving Her00:12:32 - His Parenting Philosophy: Don’t Force Your Kids00:20:12 - His Financial Goal: $17 Million Before He Hangs It Up00:22:04 - The House Break-In Before His Last Fight00:28:41 - Acting, Podcasting & Life After Boxing00:29:20 - Inoue vs Bam Rodriguez: Who Wins?00:33:38 - Breaking Down Shakur Stevenson00:34:13 - What Was Really Going on Before the Foster Fight (Breakup)00:35:37 - Boxing Is the Loneliest Sport00:36:09 - Being a Lover Boy, Therapy & Learning to Be Alone00:40:47 - Motivation Now: Becoming a 3-Division World Champion00:42:41 - What Really Went Wrong in the Foster Fight00:43:14 - The Weight Cut Nightmare00:47:34 - Does He Want the Rematch with Forster?00:50:12 - Next Fight Coming This Year00:54:20 - What’s Changed in Camp: Back to the Footwork00:59:19 - OutroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gillie Da King sits down with Ak & Barak on Ring Champs for a no-holds-barred conversation about boxing, music, family, and the journey from being blackballed in the rap game to building a million-dollar empire. The Million Dollaz Worth of Game co-host opens up about Lil Wayne’s “Problem Solver” diss, why Jay-Z and 50 Cent both tried to sign him, the moment Wallo sent him the Spotify article that birthed the podcast, and why he cried signing the first deal after his cousin came home from doing 7,300 days.On the boxing side, Gillie goes deep on his Top 5 pound-for-pound list, why Tank Davis is the biggest star in American boxing, why Bam Rodriguez beats Naoya Inoue if they meet, and why Sebastian Fundora is the toughest fight on Boots Ennis’ horizon. He also crowns Joe Frazier King of Philly over Bernard Hopkins, breaks down Bozy’s Dungeon and the Philly fight scene, and explains the Cam Newton tight-pants beef that wasn’t actually beef.This is one of the most personal Ring Champs episodes yet: Gillie talks about losing his son, the philosophy he lives by as a grandfather, and why he’s putting his daughter N3WYRKLA’s debut album with 21 Savage, Trippie Redd, Rob 49, and G Herbo above his own rap career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ak & Barak break down the biggest weekend in boxing. David Benavidez vs. Gerardo “Zurdo” Ramirez headlines Cinco de Mayo weekend on May 2nd in Las Vegas, and the guys make their predictions on whether Benavidez can stop the bigger, more experienced cruiserweight champion to keep his pound-for-pound run alive. Plus a deep dive on the co-main between Munguia and Resendiz, and why Resendiz might need a knockout to stay in the title picture.In the back half: the Errol Spence Jr. comeback rumors are heating up, and Spence vs. Tim Tszyu is seemingly getting closer. Ak & Barak debate whether the layoff helps or hurts Spence, the awkward Charlo Twins training camp situation, and what a Spence return means for the welterweight and 154-pound divisions. They close with a hot take on whether David Benavidez is positioned to take over the Cinco de Mayo and September Mexican fight weekend dates from Canelo AlvarezSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooklyn legend and hip hop icon Big Daddy Kane joins Ak & Barak on RING CHAMPS for one of the most legendary conversations yet. Kane opens up about helping put on a young Jay-Z, taking him on tour as his opening act, and why he believes we never would have gotten Reasonable Doubt if Jay had blown up with his original fast-rap style. He shares the story of touring with Tupac back when Pac was still a dancer for Digital Underground, the night Mister Cee kept telling him Biggie sounded just like him, and the moment he heard Grandmaster Caz and threw his entire rap book in the trash. But this isn't just a hip hop history lesson. Kane goes deep on boxing, breaking down Crawford vs Floyd Mayweather (and why Crawford fights like a skilled version of Roberto Duran), naming Muhammad Ali as the greatest fighter of all time, and revealing how he learned battle rap trash talk from watching Ali's press conferences. Plus, a hilarious Mike Tyson club story you have to hear to believe, his dream fight of Mayweather vs Sugar Ray Leonard, and why he wants to see Shakur vs Tank next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former two-time super middleweight champion Caleb Plant sits down with Ak & Barak at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas for one of the most personal conversations in Ring Champs history. Caleb opens up about the real story behind his Revenge Tour fashion brand, his journey from childhood poverty and being an outsider as a white fighter in amateur boxing, to winning a world title and silencing every doubter. He reveals the untold backstory of his iconic Anthony Dirrell KO celebration and breaks down the powerful “Pale Horse” campaign inspired by his favorite movie,Tombstone’.In a deeply emotional episode, Caleb gets real about his mother’s addiction, the things he had to do to survive as a 19-year-old father with a disabled daughter making $1,500 on his pro debut, and how faith transformed his life. He talks about friends who took advantage of his generosity, buying his dad a Rolex as his first big purchase, and why his fear of going back to poverty keeps him disciplined with his money. From Nipsey Hussle quotes to Al Haymon wisdom, Caleb shares the financial philosophy that’s kept him grounded.Caleb also weighs in on Terence Crawford’s retirement, delivers a detailed Crawford vs. Floyd Mayweather fantasy fight breakdown, shares his take on Zuffa Boxin* and Conor Benn’s loyalty to Eddie Hearn, and calls out Edgar Berlanga and Hamzah Sheeraz for his next fights. Plus: Revenge Tour Chapter 2 is on the way this spring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IBF & Lineal cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia sits down with Ak & Barak to break down his face-to-face encounter with David Benavidez in Las Vegas, his plans to become undisputed before moving to heavyweight permanently, and what it’s like preparing for Zuffa Boxing’s first-ever marquee fight on Sunday, March 8th. Jai also reveals his “Frankenstein” approach to building his fighting style — studying Crawford’s pocket work, Usyk’s footwork, and Shakur’s distance control.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his first sit-down since capturing the WBC Featherweight World Championship, Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington joins Ring Champs for an emotional, unfiltered conversation. Bruce fires back at Teofimo Lopez’s viral “geek” comments, gives insider details on the Tiger Johnson and Haney altercation, and delivers bold pound-for-pound rankings. The new champ also reveals for the first time that he spent time in foster care as an infant — a story he’s never shared publicly — and pays tribute to his brother Ike, who believed in him before anyone else.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ak & Barak sit down with heavyweight warrior Derek Chisora ahead of his 50th fight to talk retirement, family, fitness, and why boxing is a “scumbag sport.” Chisora opens up about his wife and kids, sparring philosophy, and whether this really will be his last time in the ring against Deontay Wilder. Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller joins the couch to break down Chisora vs. Wilder, reflect on his own comeback, and laugh off the viral hair piece moment. From Usyk calling Chisora his toughest fight to Miller’s plans for big paydays and future opponents, this episode blends raw honesty, fight analysis, and unforgettable stories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richardson Hitchins returns to RING CHAMPS and holds nothing back. He reveals the truth about his fallout with Tank Davis over a chain controversy, explains why Devin Haney’s claims about a $2 million Keyshawn Davis offer are false, and opens up about Shakur Stevenson. Hitchins also discusses his upcoming February 21st fight against Oscar Duarte, why he’s moving up to 147, and his thoughts on the biggest fights in boxing today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026 is shaping up as one of boxing’s most stacked years in recent memory, and Ak & Barak got you covered! Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson on January 31 at Madison Square Garden, David Benavidez moving up to cruiserweight against Zurdo Ramirez in May, and potential dream matchups like Naoya Inoue vs. Bam Rodriguez. Ryan Garcia is also set for a comeback, making this year a true revival for the sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christy Martin shattered expectations and redefined what was possible for women in the ring. In this powerful episode of RING CHAMPS, she joins Ak Reyes and Roy Jones Jr to reflect on her trailblazing career, and the upcoming biopic starring Sydney Sweeney that brings her story to Hollywood. 0:00: Intro – Christy Martin joins AK & Roy at Hall of Fame weekend0:36: Christy’s early gym story & breaking barriers1:46: Meeting Don King6:01: Women’s boxing then vs. now7:41: Knockouts, 2-minute rounds & Tyson undercards9:53: Christy’s first experience with Mike Tyson10:53: Ad Break12:09: Regrets, survival, and leaving a dark chapter behind17:35: Christy’s Hall of Fame induction19:27: Taylor vs Serrano – Christy’s take21:40: Jake Paul’s impact on women’s boxing23:02: Claressa Shields27:29: Christy Martin biopic – Sydney Sweeney & behind the scenes31:04: WrapSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lamont Roach Jr. joins Ak & Barak on the newest edition of RING CHAMPS to break down why the Tank Davis rematch fell apart, and how Davis choosing Jake Paul over him speaks volumes. Roach also previews his upcoming war with Pitbull Cruz and what fans should expect in December. Plus, is a Shakur Stevenson fight on the horizon? 00:00 - Intro00:42 - Roach on Tank Fight & Proving Doubters Wrong01:38 - Why Did Tank Take a Knee?02:51 - Did Tank Hurt Roach?03:56 - Hardest Puncher Roach Has Faced04:10 - Were Tank & Roach Ever Friends?05:55 - Have Roach & Tank Spoken Since the Fight?07:48 - Roach Ranks Fashion: Himself, Tank, Ryan Garcia10:20 - Roach on Money Habits11:14 - Was Roach Paid to Skip the Rematch?12:20 - Tank vs Jake: Roach Reacts14:33 - Shakur Fight Plans & Teofimo Prediction17:29 - Ad Break18:47 - Roach on Al Haymon & PBC Deal19:33 - Matias vs Gary A. Russell: Who’s Tougher?20:40 - Roach’s Purple Brand Fashion Story22:08 - Valenzuela vs Russell: Roach’s Breakdown23:48 - Boots Ennis at 154 & Roach’s Thoughts28:20 - Will Roach Return to 130 lbs?29:16 - Danny Garcia’s Farewell Fight31:11 - Cruz’s Best Performance: Tank or Rolly?32:09 - Dumbest & Most Gratifying Purchase36:20 - Roach on Family & Distance36:39 - Haney vs Norman Prediction38:13 - Roach’s Favorite Video Games39:44 - Why Roach Is Called “The Reaper”40:45 - Fighting in DC: Is It Happening?41:37 - Roach’s Dream Opponent Trio After Cruz42:38 - The Standing 845:10 - WrapSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.