The Rocky Road

Brandon McCarthy - American Dream

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:52:46 GMT

Brandon McCarthy is living the dream right now. As he prepares to get back in the ring in Las Vegas, after 13 months out, the Kilkenny boxer – a 16-time Irish amateur champion – reflects on the lesson’s he’s learned so far in the pros, boxing out of the famous Wild Card Gym in California where he walks in his hero Manny Pacquiao’s footsteps. McCarthy tells us about working with Pacman’s former trainer, sparring with his son and hopefully working with the Filipino legend in the near future as he eyes the Floyd Mayweather Jr rematch later this year. McCarthy also touches on the progress made by his compatriots in recent months and tells us his route to world title glory, having locked down a new managerial and promotional set-up this year.

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Steven O'Rourke - United They Stand

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:34:52 GMT

Steven O’Rourke runs O’Rourke’s Gym in Inchicore, Dublin. Originally from Denton in Manchester, boxing and Manchester United were the twin pillars of his youth - and they remain so today.

Steven takes us back to street life in the 60s and 70s, running with the Manchester-Irish lads and learning early on how to fight his way out of trouble. He recalls the dream-like access he had to the Old Trafford dressing room through his father’s TV career - and the crushing blow of that world being snatched away when his father died young. Left to process his grief through the only outlet he knew - violence - Steven explains how boxing ultimately saved him. The sport provided the discipline he lacked, along with a few necessary "clips round the ear" from a trainer who saw his potential.

Eventually, the love of a good woman brought Steven to Ireland, where he established his Dublin gym 15 years ago. We discuss the stable of fighters he’s built, his ongoing friction with the Boxing Union of Ireland, and why he is certain his son, light-welterweight prospect Ryan O'Rourke, has what it takes to go all the way. It's taken last week's guest Ryan a long time to secure a big fight but he's finally got one, as he takes on Alex Vargas at Madison Square Garden on April 17 in a clash of undefeated boxers.

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Ryan O'Rourke - Star is Rising

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:04:02 GMT

Kevin Byrne caught up with Ryan O'Rourke before his fight against Alex Vargas on April 17th was announced.

O’Rourke is not easily dissuaded. At 26 years old and 13-0, with a promotional deal in the US with Star Boxing, the Dubliner’s trajectory looks envious from the outside. But behind the record lies the exhausting reality of the professional game.

In 2025 alone, Ryan saw four fights collapse. Inactivity? Check. Last-minute cancellations? Check. Opponents vanishing after the money and miles have already been spent? Check. Most people would have packed it in for a more reliable weekly wage, but Ryan is fueled by an inner drive that goes beyond the paycheck.

Following the loss of his close friend John Cooney, Ryan is fighting for a legacy that transcends the sport’s "BS." In this episode, we discuss his upbringing in Dublin, avoiding the capital’s teenage pitfalls, and the decision to choose the ring over the football pitch. We also dive into the unique dynamic of being trained by his father, Steven, and his desire to ignite a massive domestic rivalry with Pierce O’Leary—a Northside vs. Southside "mill-up" with the potential to echo the legendary Gus Farrell v Ske Mullen battles of the 60s.

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Anthony Cacace's Dublin Delight

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:38:16 GMT

‘Ohh, Anto Cacace’ came the chant at the end of a blistering night in Dublin that saw the Belfast man crowned a two-time world champion. The Apache beat Jazza Dickens by unanimous decision to claim the Liverpudlian’s WBA super-featherweight strap. That came after the Big Bang – with Pierce O’Leary’s homecoming, at last, proving he hadn’t bitten off more than he could chew, not by a long shot. He told his team to get him on a show at the 3Arena and he’d do the rest. He certainly did, filling the place before filling in Maxi Hughes to take the IBO belt at 140lb. Another local fella celebrating was Jono Carroll, who edged Belfast’s Colm Murphy for the IBO strap at super-featherweight and he’ll surely be eyeing a clash with Cacace. But will it come to fruition? How far can Pierce climb? What got Dublin boxing back on top, and who found Adam Olaniyan’s debut opponent? Discussing it all on The Rocky Road, we’re joined by Gavan Casey of the42.ie to chat all things #IrishBoxing. With three reigning world champions now – harking back to the 90s – do the wider public realise how good we have it? They might soon.

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Belfast Brawl - Michael Conlan v Kevin Walsh

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:46:46 GMT

Belfast’s Michael Conlan and Brockton’s Kevin Walsh meet at the SSE Arena on March 20, with the stakes sky-high for both men. For Conlan, at 34, it’s about navigating the final chapter of a storied career. For the unbeaten Walsh, it’s the opportunity he’s been chasing since got the gloves back on while awaiting his fate in a jail cell. In this episode, we sit down with both men to break down a fascinating featherweight clash.

Mick discusses the influence of world champion stablemate Dalton Smith, and the psychology of fight week. ‘King’ Kevin Walsh shares his remarkable path from the streets of Massachusetts – home of Rocky Marciano and Marvelous Marvin Hagler - to a Belfast ‘homecoming’. He talks about his Irish roots, his late father’s influence and why he believes his "equalizer" power will play spoiler on the night.

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Kelsey Leonard - Off To A Flyer

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:29:45 GMT

Kelsey Leonard has got off to a flyer in professional boxing. Fittingly, that’s exactly how she started as an amateur: spotting a flyer at age nine inviting youngsters to her local club, showing up, and never looking back.

Inspired by her idol, Katie Taylor, the Kildare native stormed the amateur ranks, securing eight Irish titles and medals at both the Junior European and World Championships. While Taylor cleared the path for women in the Olympics, Leonard faced a formidable domestic roadblock in Belfast’s Michaela Walsh. In this episode, Kelsey opens up about the lengths she went to for that Olympic dream—and the weight of eventually leaving it behind.

Now, she’s trading one rivalry for another. After a perfect 4-0 start in 2025, Leonard returns to the National Stadium on April 4 to face Mayo’s Elaine Harrison. It’s a landmark moment for the sport: the first all-Irish BUI-sanctioned female fight in history.

Kelsey also breaks down the grueling transition to the pros, from managing an intense training load and media scrutiny to the nuances of mental self-preservation. We also talk about fighting lads and the benefit of having supportive mams and dads. After a shared training session—and a swift arse-kicking on the chessboard—The Rocky Road can confirm: Kelsey Leonard is one fearsome competitor. (Podcast photo by Babs Daly).

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Gary Cully - Back To Work

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:37:20 GMT

Gary Cully could write a book about what’s happened since he last joined us. He’d have a chapter on the best win of his career and perhaps his worst defeat. We’d hear about the realisation that a drugs cheat cut him down in his prime, derailed his momentum and potentially cost him millions of euro. Eye surgery, getting engaged, becoming a dad, developing his businesses, making peace with his inner pain, starting the game of snakes and ladders a few rungs down, rediscovering his passion for boxing, moving up in weight, hustling behind the scenes… it’s all part of The Rocky Road the Kildare man has travelled in recent times. As always, a compelling listen from the engaging Naas boxer who’s determined to put his name up in lights again soon ahead of his 3Arena return to the ring on March 14. Podcast image credit: Babs Daly

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Paddy Gallagher - The Final Four

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:00:00 GMT

After one bender too many, one doghouse too many, Paddy Gallagher decided enough was enough. He was quitting the gargle for good. But when he made that decision, he never really expected what would follow – a boxing comeback. However that’s exactly what’s going down, with the Pat Man ready to return now at the Waterfront, Belfast on February 27. He’s been out of the ring since 2019 so there’s bound to be some ringrust to shake off, and he’ll need to rediscover his timing in there – not that he ever had any to begin with, he jokes. The Rocky Road spends a savage hour with the West Belfast boxer, going over his great amateur career that culminated in Commonwealth glory in India in 2010, turning professional in the Carl Frampton era, tournament boxing in Prizefighter and at the WBC World Invitational in Louisville, and becoming close with Gary Murray, who nearly lost his life after a fight with today’s interviewee. Now 36, Gallagher outlines his short-term ambitions in the sport and tells us why he’s been inspired by the feats of fellow Belfast men Anthony Cacace and Lewis Crocker during his absence. We also delve into the psychology of the comeback, and the alternative - leaving your dreams behind when you feel you could've done just a little bit more. He hasn’t gone away, you know…(Podcast image by Jordan Swain)

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Paul Ryan - Resilience

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:24:05 GMT

‘Ravishing’ Paul Ryan tells us about, er, descending from a boxing Hall of Famer in Tipp’s ‘Trojan Giant’ Paddy Ryan, giving himself his own nickname and why Tyrone McKenna owes him a tattoo. The exciting Dublin middleweight moved into headliner category last year with an impressive victory over Limerick’s Edward Donovan at the National Stadium. That triumph came on the back of a career low, when he fell to his second stoppage defeat at the hands of Canada’s Derek Pomerleau at the WBC Grand Prix in Riyadh. But Ryan is nothing if not resilient. And he’s had to be in recent weeks, with his father passing away suddenly on Christmas night. We talk to Paul about growing up in a tight-knit family, the refereeing call that ruined amateur boxing for him and why he’s always wanted to be a champion pro in the mould of his cult hero, Paul McCloskey. He’s now taken over his dad’s gym business while his own ambitions in boxing remain sky-high – and that means big nights in Dublin and Las Vegas. We also talked about hating every minute of school, holidays off the beaten track and… Bill Gates.

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John Cooney - One Year On

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:18:47 GMT

John Cooney died in February 2025 after suffering a brain injury during the first defence of his Celtic super-featherweight title against Nathan Howells. It was his 12th professional bout, and In total, he boxed 60 rounds across his dozen pro bouts, winning 11, right up to his final contest at the Ulster Hall in Belfast. John was just 28 years old when he passed away, the first fatality in an Irish ring in 70+ years. These are the facts. To find out about the man himself, The Rocky Road visited his gym in Inchicore, Dublin, where coach Steven O’Rourke and best mate Ryan O’Rourke talked about his cheeky character, his punching power and his love for cookies and cheesecake. One year on, the pain of his loss is still deeply felt, while his memory drives them on.

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King Kong v Posh Boy

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:47:23 GMT

This is The Rocky Road to Dublin, Part 3. It’s going to be a big night of boxing at the 3Arena on March 14, headlined by the world title fight between Anthony Cacace and WBA champ, Jazza Dickens. Parts 1 and 2 dealt with the main event and co-main event featuring Pierce O’Leary versus Mark Chamberlain. We also brought you interviews with newcomers Adam Olaniyan and Bobbi Flood, who’ll be making their debuts on the night at the old Point Depot. But wait…there’s more! Jono Carroll will be back in Dublin for the first time in over a decade when he’ll take on Belfast’s Colm Murphy for the IBO world super-featherweight title. It’s a fight right out of leftfield for King Kong, who’s been on a measly diet of one fight a year for the last three years. He’s eyeing a clash with the winner of the main event - and came close to taking on Cacace in this one before it became a title defence for Dickens. Carroll’s had a big career so far - announcing himself on the stage at the 3Arena with victory over Declan Geraghty in 2014, going on to win Prizefighter, boxing on the Tyson Fury v Vladimir Klitshko undercard in Dusseldorf in 2015, challenging Tevin Farmer for the world title in 2019, and beating Scott Quigg in impressive fashion the following year. He’s not exactly in last-chance saloon at the age of 33 - Cacace is testament to that, as he’ll be 37 on fight night - but he knows it’s time to strike. Murphy meanwhile is not one to overlook. Posh Boy may not look like your everyday scrapper but he’s had to overcome a late start to boxing and battles with dyslexia, dyspraxia and doubt to make it this far. He’s highly motivated and hugely dedicated. He and his manager Mark Dunlop explain to us why they’re going to claim a notable scalp on their own journey to the top. We’re also delighted to see a comeback fight for Dublin heavyweight Thomas Carty on the bill. Across 2023 and 2024 he enjoyed three knockout wins at the 3Arena and it appears a simple promotional slogan - No Carty, No Party - has come true. But this has truly been a Rocky Road back to Dublin for the popular northsider. With his momentum growing, he headed to New York for a Paddy’s Day showcase last year - where disaster struck. In a clash with 410lb monster Dejuan Calloway at Madison Square Garden, his knee went, and Carty left the ring in agony. Today he tells us about his brutal recovery spell and why it means so much to be back, one year on. Finally, we’ve got a man who, all going well, will be back headlining in Ireland in his own right in time. Cork’s Steven Cairns, AKA The Irish Takeover, has quietly gone about his business since turning professional back in the Covid days of 2021. The light-welterweight has built an impressive 13-fight winning streak, with eight knockouts, and looks sharp as a tack. He boxed at the National Stadium last year, taking out Francisco Javier Lucero in the third round, and his quality really stood out to all at ringside. We talk to Steven about his pro boxing apprenticeship, boxing all over the world, his epic celebrations and why social media management is a must for every young fighter who wants to make it to the top. (Podcast Photo Credit: Queensberry/Leigh Dawney)

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St. Pierce's Day

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:29:45 GMT

St Pierce's Day weekend is coming. It’s going to be a big night of boxing at the 3Arena on March 14, headlined by the world title fight between Anthony Cacace and WBA champ, Jazza Dickens. The chief support bout sees Pierce O’Leary fighting in Dublin at long last. The local boxer takes on Portsmouth’s Mark Chamberlain for the IBO world title at light-welterweight. Big Bang has previously held the European title and is one of the leading lights in a red-hot division, where UK rival Dalton Smith recently became WBC champion with a sensational knockout of Subriel Matias in New York. Other belt holders in the division include Teofimo Lopez, who holds the WBO strap, and Richardson Hitchins, who’s the IBF kingpin right now. Ireland’s also got talent in there, with Sean McComb clearly a match for anyone given his recent performances, and he’s been heavily linked with a showdown with O’Leary which could possibly go down later this year. Gary Cully, who boxes on the Dublin card, is also hoping to join the mix after moving up a weight class. But first, while the headliner is a mouthwatering contest, for many this is the O’Leary show. Promised a homecoming for several years now, he’s linked up with Brian Peters, who brought big-time boxing back to Dublin in the 2000s with Bernard Dunne and did it again in recent years with Katie Taylor. Now O’Leary is the man to take the mantle. His performances in recent years have absolutely warranted it, his popularity is undeniable, and now it’s here. Today he’ll tell us why he’s ready to deal with all the pressure that comes with it, why he and his team get annoyed with being typecast as simply a banger, and why he’ll finish out his camp back in his hometown. We also hear from Chamberlain. The 27-year-old from Portsmouth, with 17 wins, 1 defeat and 1 draw, is by some distance O’Leary’s biggest obstacle yet. He tells us why he feels all the pressure is on his opponent, how he’s dealt with his own experiences of pressure after being anointed as Saudi powerbroker Turki Al-Sheikh’s favourite fighter, and how he came to boxing as a way of dealing with potential bullies as a kid. Last week we heard from a young Dublin heavyweight who’ll be making his professional debut on the show, in Adam Olaniyan. Today it’s the turn of rising light-middleweight Bobbi Flood, who’ll also be joining the paid ranks on March 14 after signing with Queensbury Promotions. Flood’s name is well known within Irish boxing circles and he’s ready to announce his name to the world, going in with the aim of becoming world champion inside five years. He’s been sparring with pros since his mid-teens and, after a spell working as a mechanic, realised he had to go all-in to pursue his dream. This is The Rocky Road to Dublin, Part 2. (Podcast Photo Credit: Andrew Heeney Media)

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Anthony Cacace v Jazza Dickens

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:04:49 GMT

Anto Cacace is starving. And not just for the Nando’s he’s been waiting all day for. The former IBF world super-featherweight hit The Rocky Road to Dublin to publicise his March 14 clash with Liverpool’s James ‘Jazza’ Dickens at the 3Arena, with Dickens putting his WBA world title on the line in what’s sure to be a mouthwatering clash. ‘The Apache’ tells us why he’s hungrier than ever to keep making history, why he’s skint again after spending all his winnings to date on bricks and mortar, bringing the boys down the M1 for a fight night and why he’ll be dedicating his performance to his late friend, Paul McCullagh Jr. We also sit down with Dickens, who knows hunger all too well. He’s ready to defend his championship belt at the old Point Depot and he tells us about how he used to actually park up his van outside the place back in the day and sleep there on a mattress in the back. Jazza, who’s half-Dub at this stage from his time in the capital under Pete Taylor, is cut from the same cloth as Cacace - a veteran who’s paid his dues, and these two are ready to put it all on the line. Plus we’re joined by brand new heavyweight Adam Olaniyan, who’s making his pro debut on the card. The Tallaght, Dublin boxer stands at 6ft 6in, has won everything at underage level in the amateurs and has pro sparring experience with the likes of Joseph Parker. We hear about his lofty goals in the sport but this is a young man with his feet planted firmly on the ground.

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Feargal McCrory – ‘Don’t Miss Your Chance’

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:33:11 GMT

A new boxing year is upon us and a slew of Irish fighters are looking to break those chains and bring home some major titles. Among them is Tyrone titan Feargal McCrory, who’s KO’d inactivity once before and is determined to do so again. Since ‘Fearless’ last appeared on The Rocky Road, he’s fought three times at Madison Square Garden, boxed for a world title in Washington and proved why he’s one of the most popular Irish fighters around with his willingness to fight anyone, anywhere and his determination to get up off the canvas and keep marching forward, no matter what. We hear about his next move, the pain that drives him, the snakes that frustrate him behind the scenes, his withering assessment of Josh Warrington and why he’s in favour of the Zuffa Boxing move into the sport and why he feels the Ali Act didn’t help him, among lots of other themes in another fascinating conversation with one of Ireland’s most thoughtful, independent fighters.

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Wayne McCullough - WBC World Bantamweight Champion

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:20:15 GMT

Thirty (and a bit) years on from winning the WBC world bantamweight in Japan, Wayne McCullough sits down for a Christmas chat with The Rocky Road. We go back to his breakthrough as a teenager in Belfast, sparring with pros at the Eastwood Gym, his two Olympic Games which culminated in a silver medal at Barcelona 92 and moving to the US to train under the legendary Eddie Futch. What made his mentor tick? And how did they plot his route to championship glory? Wayne then recalls the night itself, how he leapfrogged the various tricks the home crew tried to play on him, and why he wants to return to the Land of the Rising Sun for a reunion with the champion he toppled, Yasuei Yakushiji, who never fought again following their July 1995 bout. Wayne acknowledges Kieran Joyce's role in giving him his Pocket Rocket nickname, pays tribute to his old Ireland team-mates and explains why he wants a role in the future of Irish boxing after Zaur Antia announced his retirement as IABA high performance head coach earlier this year. Plus Wayne also details his struggles with mental health, which he spoke about at the time when such topics were rarely discussed, and he tells us that every day’s a battle on The Rocky Road to happiness. We love a Legends interview over the Christmas period, so enjoy this conversation with one of the Irish boxing GOATs. And Merry Christmas, to all our listeners, from Kev and Simon at the podcast.

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If Walls Could Talk - Cork Boxing Museum

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 20:20:17 GMT

The Tomás MacCurtain Boxing Museum opened in Cork last year, and The Rocky Road went for a guided tour with father-and-son duo, Tommy and Mick Kelleher. It’s not just a tribute to the Rebel County’s achievements in the ring but a testament to the impact Irishmen and women have made all over the world in the squared circle. The museum contains pieces from across the amateur and professional domains, from Mick Leahy’s Lonsdale belt to Zaur Antia’s tracksuit from Paris 2024, where Kellie Harrington won her second Olympic gold medal in a row. The lads tell the story of Paddy Kenny, who boxed at the Rome Olympics in 1960 and is said to have shared a dressing room with a young Cassius Clay, and the ‘Yank’, Maurice Walsh, an American football coach who formed a boxing dynasty after moving to Cork – with treasured artefacts from both. There's so much more besides, including the hurling corner which is something of a shrine to Glen man, Christy Ring. If Walls Could Talk, this place would burn the ear off any Irish sports fan for a week, but listeners can instead enjoy Tommy and Mick’s guide to a unique attraction on Leeside.

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Kieran Joyce - Cork's 'Boxer of the Century' - Part 2

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:44:35 GMT

In Part 2 of The Rocky Road with Kieran Joyce, Cork’s Boxer of the Century, we tell the story of his career from the 1984 Olympics onwards, from Los Angeles to Seoul, where he boxed at his second Games. By then Kieran was a six-time Irish Elite champion and a dangerous man. He’d picked up experience all over the world and had beaten several future world professional champions – including Dublin’s Steve Collins. But again – spoiler alert – the dreaded split decision verdict was waiting in the wings for him. Kieran pulls back the curtain on a legendary amateur career, revealing his secrets and stories: why sugar was his weight-loss secret, and how he gave Wayne McCullough his ‘Pocket Rocket’ nickname (the bill’s in the post, Wayne). We delve into what made his Sunnyside BC coach, Albie Murphy, such a great influence, and the dedication his parents put into his, and his siblings’, lives. Kieran also discusses why he hung up his gloves while still a young man, why he probably doesn’t get enough credit as a coach, and why a move into the professional ranks just didn’t happen. Finally, in a poignant and moving segment, Kieran pays a deeply felt tribute to his beloved daughter, Emma, who tragically died in 2021 after contracting meningitis. This is a must-listen journey through triumph, heartbreak and resilience.

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Kieran Joyce - Cork's 'Boxer of the Century' - Part 1

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:55:58 GMT

Kieran Joyce was named as Cork’s Boxer of the Century in 2014. A product of the Sunnyside Boxing Club, he boxed for Ireland at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games and is fondly remembered by fans as arguably the most exciting boxer to ever grace the National Stadium. The Rocky Road visited Kieran at his home to hear his story: developing his strength early by working in the family coal business, coming from a family of 12 – six boys and six girls – and learning how to scrap, working under the great Albie Murphy and finding success, and meaning, in the boxing ring. Part 1 of Kieran’s story brings us right up to Los Angeles 1984, where he’d gone with one clear goal – to bring back gold to Fairhill in Cork. At that stage he was a two-time Irish senior champ (he’d ultimately win six in a row) and a European bronze medallist. He was throwing opponents around the ring like bags of coal. The Russians and Cubans were boycotting but there was a young American dangerman in his welterweight division by the name of Mark Breland. Joyce had no fear – let me at them, he said. But then, he met his match, and not for the last time: amateur boxing judges bearing split decisions.

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Tommy Kelleher - The Godfather of Cork Boxing

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:22:18 GMT

The Rocky Road took a trip to the Rebel County to sit down with the Godfather of Cork Boxing, Tommy Kelleher. He’s been coaching for five decades and took his first steps in the sport more than 70 years ago. Tommy has coached more than 30 Irish champions and internationals and led Ireland’s boxers at the 1987 and 1988 Gaelic Youths before guiding the senior team to the 1989 World Championships in Moscow, where Michael Carruth claimed a bronze medal. We hear about Tommy’s boxing philosophy, how quickly he can spot the will to win in a young contender, setting a fighter’s nerves before the lonely walk to the ring, coaching a young Roy Keane, impressing Christy Ring, appearing on The Young Offenders and why he’s still putting his life and soul into coaching up-and-coming talents at the Glen Boxing Club on Cork’s northside.

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Zaur Antia - Your Work Here Is Done

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:11:23 GMT

Zaur Antia – your mission is complete. You created universal boxers and delivered medals by the bucketload. Ten Olympic medals came Ireland’s way during your time in charge of the boxing team. As news filters through that the Georgian guru has stepped down as Irish boxing’s head honcho, The Rocky Road spoke with Beijing 2008 Olympian John Joe Joyce, who was there on his first day in Ireland 22 years ago, to hear the incredible, remarkable story of Zaur. How a man with no English could command a room of young boxers. How he convinced them to back themselves, trust their skills, dedicate themselves and keep improving via the skills he was imparting, and the discipline he demanded from them. How he led the way as Ireland won an astounding ten Olympic medals during his time with the team. John Joe takes us from the early days to the current ones, as it’s turned full circle now and his club boxer, Patsy Joyce, recently bagged one of Antia’s final medals as Ireland’s king of the cornermen. He reckons the Georgian is Irish boxing's Jack Charlton. But we know there's only one Zaur Antia – and we salute you.

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Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn 2 Preview

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:30:00 GMT

Veteran boxing journalist Wally Downes Jr of The Sun joins The Rocky Road to break down this Saturday’s rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn. Wally discusses the intense rivalry between the duo – or is it – along with the promotion’s lack of media engagement ahead of the showdown. Curious, or intentional? We also wonder if non-title money fights are the way forward for big-name fighters in the business before Wally makes what might be the first comparison between UK boxing and FFP in football.

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Tommy Hyde - Homecoming

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:50:46 GMT

Undefeated contender Tommy Hyde (13-0) joins The Rocky Road after conquering rings in America, Australia and Spain since his last fight in Cork. We talk about his upcoming homecoming fight in Parochial Hall on November 29, break down his latest win over Patrick Allotey, and get his expert pundit's prediction for the massive Eubank Jr v Benn II rematch. Plus, Tommy reveals the truth behind his unexpected career turn as a food influencer…

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Conrad Cummings - Life After the Final Bell

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:38:30 GMT

We’re joined by a man who was once a five-time Irish amateur champion, a World Series of Boxing star, and a professional middleweight known for his rugged, relentless style: it’s Tyrone’s Conrad Cummings. I first interviewed Conrad back in April 2013, where he told me incredible stories about fighting for Mexico in the WSB - I remember dubbing him The Irish Mexican, not the first and not the last of his kind - and shared his dreams of becoming a full-time pro. He went on to achieve that dream, amassing a solid record of 17 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, before retiring in 2021 on medical grounds. We're starting this conversation with the question he recently posed to himself and the boxing world: When the fighting is over... what exactly is next? Conrad talks about beginning boxing as ‘a chubby nine-year-old’, early amateur rivalries, his different mentors over the years, how being seen as a puncher got in his head, the pride he takes in his career, why skills pay the bills in his approach as a trainer, and a meeting with a former Irish champion who survived a plane crash…

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Peter O'Donnell & Jim Moore remembered

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:26:05 GMT

Irish boxing has suffered a profound loss, mourning two men who dedicated their lives to the sport and shaped generations of champions. Today, we pause to celebrate and honour the immense legacies of Peter O’Donnell and Jim Moore. Donegal's Peter O’Donnell, affectionately known as "Mr Boxing," was a club founder, ring announcer and fight fanatic. We’re joined by his great friend, journalist Chris McNulty, to talk about the man whose influence stretched from the small parish of Raphoe right up to the National Stadium. Then, we pay tribute to the late Jim Moore, the dedicated co-founder of Arklow Boxing Club and a pivotal figure in the IABA High Performance Unit. Jim's coaching genius helped drive Ireland's success on the world stage, coaching the next generation to major medals, including at the inaugural Youth Olympics. We are joined by Jim’s best friend and a coach he mentored, Jimmy Payne, to share personal stories of a man he will never forget.

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A New Dawn in Irish Boxing

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:36:29 GMT

What. A. Night. JB Boxing Promotions promised the most competitive all-Irish card in years and it certainly delivered in Dublin's National Stadium. The Rocky Road was there for it all. We hear from a buzzing Podge Collins who scored the best KO of the night when he took out Michael Osborne to move his record to 4-0. Peter Carr beat Sean Murray in an all-Leinster cracker and the stage was set for the Irish title fight between Daniel O'Sullivan and Dean Walsh. We hear from both men after perhaps the greatest Irish title fight at the venue. Christina Desmond was one of four debutants to emerge victorious - the others being Davey Joyce, Sarah Murphy and Danny Fakoyede. We hear from the Cork boxer who was roared on by double Olympic champ Kellie Harrington. Next up we're in Kevin Cronin's dressing room after he finally got over the line at domestic level, defeating Cathal Crowley in a gripping Kerry-Cork clash. Cronin’s His manager Mick Conlan joined us too, to celebrate his man's win but also question the merits of the decision against Walsh, who he also manages. Spike O'Sullivan returned after 19 months out to outpoint Mateusz Pawlowski - and we caught up with the Cork veteran. We then sat down to chew over the night itself with promoter Jay Byrne and Paul Ryan, who beat Edward Dononvan in the headliner. Both boxers will be given another opportunity to impress after putting themselves on the line - and you can hear from them at the end of the show. A busy show on a busy night - it's the Rocky Road to Dublin

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Spike O'Sullivan - Back to Work

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:58:04 GMT

He's back! At 41, Cork's own Gary 'Spike' O'Sullivan joins us on The Rocky Road as he prepares for his 38th professional fight. He's back for one reason and one reason only - having achieved most of his dreams in the sport, there's one thing left to accomplish: to win a world middleweight title. He discusses the current state of play at 160lbs and reveals he's open to a showdown with fellow Irish contender Aaron 'The Silencer' McKenna.

Spike also shares incredible stories from his weekend at the Atlantic City Hall of Fame alongside titans like Roberto Duran, Steve Collins and Vinny Paz - diving into how he befriended the subjects of major boxing biopics. We also get his favourite boxing movies, personal memories from his 2008 pro debut, his close relationship with Irish title contenders Daniel O'Sullivan and Cathal Crowley, and his tribute to legend Ricky Hatton. Plus, hear why this veteran world-traveller also proudly holds the title of the 'Flat Pack King of Cork'.

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Christina Desmond - Rebel Rising

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:09:32 GMT

Today, we sit down with a boxer who faces a unique challenge, balancing two of the most disciplined jobs in the country. She's a top-tier amateur star, a true trailblazer for Irish boxing, and she is a serving member of An Garda Síochána. We are talking to Cork's own Christina Desmond, who is set to make her professional debut on October 10 at the National Stadium on the 'A New Dawn' show. Here, Christina tells us about growing up on a farm in the Gaelteacht, the backing she gets from that community up and down the country, picking boxing over Cork football and fighting alongside team-mates such as Katie Taylor and Kellie Harrington, self-doubt, comebacks and battling every day to make her late mam, Helen, proud. As the only female on the Cork Boxing Wall of Fame, she’s looking to be fast-tracked in the professional ranks and is Ireland’s most decorated female since KT go join the paid ranks – so if Jake Paul wants to get in touch, the MVP crew are welcome to get in touch.

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Lewis Crocker: World Champion

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 15:59:52 GMT

Well now, who saw that coming? Lewis Crocker beat Paddy Donovan for the second time in 2025 to claim the IBF world welterweight title in Belfast on Saturday night. The first fight in March came his way after The Real Deal was disqualified. The Croc – who was written off by everyone coming into the rematch – scored two knockdowns this time around at Windsor Park, yet there were still howls of controversy when his name was read out as the winner by split decision at the end of their 20th round together in six months. The Rocky Road headed for Belfast for the Irish boxing night of the year, with Kevin Byrne joined by fellow fight writers David Mohan, Joe O’Neill, Gavan Casey and Peter Carroll to digest it all. What’s next for Crocker? What’s next for Donovan? And why does everyone keep mentioning Conor Benn? It’s all here

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The Big Fights Preview

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 19:41:20 GMT

Kevin Byrne catches up with Jason Quigley, Kieran Molloy, Niall Barrett and Jay Byrne to preview a huge night in both Irish and world boxing as Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan rematch for a world title, Callum Walsh takes the next step up in his career and Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez face off in the blockbuster fight of 2025 on September 13.

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Paddy Donovan - Eyes on the Prize

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 18:40:17 GMT

Paddy Donovan and Andy Lee are the special guests for this week's episode as our host, Kevin Byrne, headed to Team Donovan HQ in Ballybrack ahead of the highly anticipated World Title fight between Donovan and Lewis Crocker at Windsor Park in September.

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Brian McKeown - A Rocky Road: Part 2

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:09:04 GMT

In Part Two of our fascinating conversation with Brian McKeown, the focus shifts to his incredible legacy in Cavan. After a challenging early life and a tumultuous return home, Brian details how he established the now-legendary Cavan Boxing Club. He recounts the journey of developing champions like John Joe Nevin, Ceire Smith and Andrew Murray, a path that incredibly led one of his fighters all the way to an Olympic boxing final. Beyond the titles, Brian shares his profound love for boxing as a tool for transformation – giving confidence and setting up better lives for every person who walks through his door. We delve into his deeply inclusive philosophy, his lifetime in Sinn Fein politics, and the recent volunteer award that highlights his unwavering commitment to community. Brian also speaks openly and honestly about his battles with cancer, demonstrating the same resilience he instilled in his fighters. Light-hearted and funny, yet profoundly resonant, this is a truly inspiring story of dedication, impact, and an enduring spirit on The Rocky Road.

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On the road with the Palestine Boxing Team

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:44:26 GMT

Today's episode is a special one, a powerful reminder that the Rocky Road of boxing isn't just about what happens inside the ropes, but the profound human connections forged outside them. We travelled to Drogheda to meet an extraordinary group of guests: a team of Palestinian boxers, mainly from the El Barrio club in Ramallah, who have just completed a poignant and inspiring tour of Ireland, from Waterford to Dublin and Belfast.

I was privileged to sit down with their coach, Nader Jayousi, and an incredible group of boxers: Nada Al-Khawaja, Nidal Foqahaa, Zaid Shkukani, Tamer Touriman, and Shamali Adamov. We also speak with Wasem Abusal, Palestine's first Olympic boxer. We were also joined by former Irish boxer and now county councillor Eric Donovan, who welcomed them to Louth.

This historic tour, organised by Shamrock & Olive Tree Boxing, is a testament to the power of sport to strengthen bonds between nations and offer hope in the face of conflict. The proceeds from their recent boxing events will go directly to two vital causes: The Lajee Center Boxing Club in the Aida Refugee Camp and the Beit Lahia Development Association, a grassroots organisation providing humanitarian support in Gaza.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the unifying power of boxing and its ability to help heal the pain of a people.

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Mick Conlan - The Last Roll of the Dice

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:42:40 GMT

Michael Conlan’s on The Rocky Road to Dublin. Host Kevin remembers his first time seeing the precocious Belfast teenager in action at the National Stadium, sweeping to Irish senior glory in the 2011 final at 52kg on the same night when a 17-year-old Joe Ward shocked Kenneth Egan in the 81kg decider. A year later, Mick became an Olympic medallist in London and when he was named RTE Sportsperson of the Year in 2015, as reigning European and World champion, an upgrade to gold in Rio looked on the cards. At the time it also seemed like he’d morph into a Dublin mainstay when he eventually turned pro but it was not to be. Yet, as Mick says, it’s better late than never, and he’ll finally headline at the 3Arena on September 5 against England’s Jack Bateson as he chases what would be a third world title shot. Here, we sit down with the Falls Road fighter to find out why he’s so excited to box in Dublin at last as a pro, how the 13 years since London 2012 have gone by in a blink, feeling no nerves before his last fight and why that was unusual for him, being one loss away from quitting, not needing boxing anymore, why it's his opponent's world title fight coming here, and his own ambition to face one final title shot at Madison Square Garden on Paddy’s weekend, 2026. After a cosy lunch in the capital, we also chew the fat with irish-boxing.com pair Joe O’Neill and Matt Meehan as we look forward to a bumper couple of weeks for the domestic scene.

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Brian McKeown - A Rocky Road: Part 1

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:04:34 GMT

In Part One of his extraordinary interview on The Rocky Road, we sit down with legendary Cavan Boxing Gym coach, Brian McKeown. Brian takes us back to the 1960s, a time when he sought opportunity in London. He recounts finding an unlikely sanctuary and a mentor in George Francis's gym, a rare beacon of inclusivity in an era notoriously marked by 'No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish' prejudice. But Brian's journey took a dramatic turn when he returned home, becoming caught up in the Republican struggle. He shares his experiences, including a chilling run-in with the infamous Robert Nairac, and how his path led him back to Ireland with a new life ahead in Cavan. This is a powerful and candid look at the early, defining chapters of Brian McKeown’s Rocky Road.

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Andy Murray - The Quiet Man

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:05:15 GMT

Andrew Murray, the quiet Cavan boxer, walked a Rocky Road unlike any other. As a child, he battled Perthes disease, and, despite doctors warning he could end up in a wheelchair if he boxed, the young Andrew was transfixed by Eubank and Benn, igniting an unyielding desire to step between the ropes.

He defied medical caution, joining Cavan Boxing Club, and rose to become a three-time Irish Elite champion and a two-weight professional Irish champion. Andrew fought alongside a golden generation of Irish pros like Bernard Dunne, Andy Lee, John Duddy and Matthew Macklin. He shared bills with champions and contenders, from Paul McCloskey's world title night against Amir Khan, to fighting on the same card as Tyson Fury, and proudly headlining RTE fight nights.

From a challenging loss to Gavin Rees after preparing in remote Ros Muc, to his final victory on a raucous Henry Coyle night in Mayo, Andrew's career was a testament to his quiet determination. In his first podcast interview, we look back at it all.

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Pete Taylor - Footprints

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:06:02 GMT

Now as Katie Taylor basks in the glory of her latest victory over Amanda Serrano, cementing an epic trilogy with a third win over her great rival, the boxing world is wondering, ‘what’s next?’ But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, it’s worth staying in the moment for just a little while longer. Today’s guest, Katie’s dad Pete Taylor, coached her throughout her amateur career but told us something surprising about how he takes in her professional endeavours. We discuss the game-plan, his input, what sets Katie apart from all the rest and then, yes, we get to what’s next. Will she fight on? What’s left to conquer? And is Croke Park a possibility? All this and more on The Rocky Road.

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Sinead Babington - The Road Less Travelled

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 11:51:31 GMT

The biggest fight in women's boxing is just days away. On this episode of The Rocky Road, we dive deep into Taylor-Serrano III – the historic Netflix showdown at Madison Square Garden on July 11. We'll preview the action, break down the 2-0 scoreline, and explore all the angles. We're joined for this special episode by Sinead Babington, the Irish maths and chemistry teacher who somehow became a pro boxer in Mexico. Sinead shares her unconventional journey, from turning over in 2022 to fighting five tough contests in a place that’s home to the roughest, toughest and most determined fighters in the business. Don't miss this unique look at the fight game, from the very top to the toughest proving grounds.

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Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano 3 - The Final Chapter

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 17:37:07 GMT

Katie Taylor says she doesn't need this fight, but Amanda Serrano certainly does! On July 11, at Madison Square Garden, the two titans clash for Taylor-Serrano III – live on Netflix to a global audience of potentially tens of millions.

Join Kevin Byrne and producer Simon Maguire on The Rocky Road as they dissect this historic trilogy. We'll examine why Taylor, despite being 2-0 up (24-1 record for Katie, 47-3-1 for Serrano), is taking this risk.

We'll dive into the controversial commentary of their last bout, debate if Serrano was truly the best option, whether a third Cameron fight is off the table, and most importantly: what happens for Katie Taylor if Serrano finally gets the win? Don't miss this deep dive into boxing's most compelling rivalry.

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When Muhammad Ali fought at Croke Park

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 10:37:28 GMT

Today we’re going back to a time when the greatest show on earth came to Ireland. It was July 1972, and against all odds — and with the help of a strongman named Butty Sugrue — Muhammad Ali touched down in Dublin to fight Al ‘Blue’ Lewis at Croke Park.

It was a week like no other: Ali jogging through Wicklow, dropping into pubs, charming street cleaners, even getting a crash course in Irish history outside the GPO. Ireland was spellbound.

Journalist and author Dave Hannigan joins me today to talk about his newly updated and re-released book The Big Fight, which tells the inside story of that glorious mayhem — and how one of the most famous athletes in history left a mark on the Irish psyche that’s never faded.

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Barry McGuigan v Eusebio Pedroza - One Night in Loftus Road

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:41:37 GMT

We’re going back 40 years to one of the most iconic nights in Irish sporting history. On June 8, 1985, at Loftus Road in London, Barry McGuigan became WBA featherweight champion of the world, defeating Eusebio Pedroza in front of a roaring, emotionally charged crowd. It wasn’t just a boxing match — it was a moment that transcended sport. An Irishman from Clones, cheered on by Catholics and Protestants alike, in the middle of the Troubles. Today, Barry joins us on The Rocky Road to relive that unforgettable night.

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Andy Clarke - The Knockout

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:55:14 GMT

Today’s episode pulls no punches. Joining us is someone whose voice you know from Sky Sports — a man who’s been ringside for some of boxing’s most dramatic moments — commentator Andy Clarke.

But today, he joins us not with a mic, but with a manuscript: his new book The Knockout: Sport’s Most Decisive Moment is out now in paperback.

In it, Andy dissects that split-second moment where everything changes — for better or worse. The knockout. How does it feel to deliver one? To suffer one? To witness one? From triumph to trauma, the book tackles it all.

Andy once said: 'It can feel like the air has been sucked out of the room when someone is in trouble, because you go from wanting to see a knockout to immediately wishing that it hadn’t happened.' We’re going to dig into that feeling, that whiplash — and what it says about the sport, the fighters, and us as fans.

We’ll also get Andy’s take on Manny Pacquiao potentially coming back at 45, whether women’s boxing is held back by shorter rounds when it comes to knockouts, and what to expect from Taylor–Serrano 3. Can Serrano find the game-changer she’s always chased — the KO?

Strap in — this is The Knockout episode of The Rocky Road.

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John Duddy - Part 2 - The Pro Years

Wed, 28 May 2025 09:53:04 GMT

Ireland’s John Duddy fought nine times at Madison Square Garden between 2005 and 2010 – winning them all – and lost just twice in a 31-fight career. At one stage he was right in the mix to fight for the middleweight championship of the world against Kelly Pavlik but boxing had other plans for him. John wrapped up his career in 2011 when he realised his hunger had dimmed, cancelling an all-Irish match-up with Andy Lee, and, bitten by the acting bug, he’s never looked back. He’s still involved in the sport to this day, spearheading a new programme with the Moving Brains Foundation which put on 54 two-hour sessions for people with Parkinsons Disease in 2024 – and continues to grow and grow. And he is also coaching at Trinity Boxing in New York City, a stone’s throw from the World Trade Centre, with the hope of one day opening his own gym. In Part 2 of our interview with The Derry Destroyer, we take up the story as John goes pro in New York and becomes a fixture at The Garden. We go in depth on his work with Moving Brains where his passion shines through. And we ask how he would’ve fared against the champions of his time – and why you’ve always got to back yourself.

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Eoghan Lavin - On The Up

Thu, 22 May 2025 08:00:53 GMT

From the heart of Swinford, County Mayo to the bright lights of the British boxing scene — today we welcome a rising Irish star who’s making waves in the middleweight division. At just 22, Eoghan Lavin is already 5-0 as a pro, backed by heavyweight promoter Frank Warren and trained by former world champ Anthony Crolla, with Anthony Joshua’s 258 and McGinley Sports as his management. With deep amateur credentials and a growing fan base both at home and abroad, Eoghan is looking to make Mayo, a county completely obsessed with its Gaelic footballers, proud of its boxers once more as he follows in the footsteps of the likes of Henry Coyle and Ray Moylette. He fights again on the Galway Glory card at Pearse Stadium on June 28, headlined by Kieran Molloy, and is excited about bringing more big fights and big events back to the west.

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Anthony Cacace - For a Few Dollars More

Thu, 15 May 2025 18:39:28 GMT

From underdog to world-beater, from waiting in the wings to centre stage — Anthony Cacace has flipped the script on what we thought was possible in Irish boxing. Just over a year ago, many wondered if the ‘Apache’ would ever get his big chance. Now he’s one of the most feared men in the super-featherweight division and looking at possible monster matches up at lightweight.

It started in Saudi with a stunning upset over Joe Cordina… continued in Wembley, where he took out the battle-hardened Josh Warrington… and most recently, he silenced Nottingham by stopping Leigh Wood in the ninth round, forcing the towel to come in.

It’s the stuff of Hollywood. And who better to walk us through this incredible chapter than someone who's covered him from the very beginning — Belfast journalist and boxing lifer, David Mohan.

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Daniel 'Daniel San' O'Sullivan - Only Way Is Up

Thu, 08 May 2025 18:35:07 GMT

From the corner of the gym to the centre of the ring, today's guest has made one of the more quietly remarkable transitions in Irish boxing. Daniel 'Daniel San' O'Sullivan started out helping the great Paschal Collins hold pads, wrap hands, and pass on water bottles to some of Ireland’s top fighters — names like Spike O'Sullivan, Stephen Ormond and Craig O'Brien.

But while he was known around the Celtic Warrior Gym as the ever-reliable right-hand man, Daniel was quietly sharpening his own tools. And when he stepped into the spotlight, he didn't miss a beat. After a solid amateur career that saw him scrap with the best between 2019 and 2021, he turned pro in 2022 and hasn’t looked back.

Six fights, six wins, two BUI Celtic titles in two weight divisions — 154 and 160 — and all done with that trademark engine, work ethic, and quiet confidence. He even ran a 10K the morning after his last fight. Relentless is an understatement. Daniel San joins us now on The Rocky Road.

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Back With a Bang: Caoimhin Agyarko Reloaded

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:00:38 GMT

Two fights. Two wins. One big message: he’s back. Belfast’s Caoimhin Agyarko returns to The Rocky Road to talk about his comeback after a frustrating spell on the sidelines. He breaks down his short-notice win over Ryan Kelly, reflects on the mental toll of inactivity, and opens up about how he’s grown since his powerful 2021 interview on mental health. With Irish boxing on the rise, Agyarko’s ready to remind the world where he belongs—right in the title mix.

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Aaron & Fergal McKenna - Premier League boxing

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

It’s fight week, and The Rocky Road takes you inside the McKenna camp ahead of Aaron’s massive showdown with former world champion Liam Smith at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In this exclusive episode, we sit down with Aaron and his father, trainer Fergal McKenna, to explore their family dynamic, the road to success, and the preparations for one of the biggest fights of Aaron’s career.

From their beginnings in Monaghan to globe-trotting training camps in places like Las Vegas, the McKenna duo shares unforgettable stories from the journey. We dive into the mental and physical sacrifices that have shaped Aaron into a world-class fighter and how Fergal’s coaching has guided him every step of the way.

Along the way, we also hear about the surprising support from superstar rapper Kendrick Lamar, who’s been a fan of Aaron’s since his early days in the USA, and what it’s like to prepare for a fight of this magnitude on the world stage.

With the pressure building and the excitement palpable, this episode is a front-row seat to the fight week hustle of one of boxing’s most promising young stars — and the father who’s been there through it all. It’s the McKenna family, the Rocky Road, and Premier League boxing at its finest.

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The Rocky Road to Los Angeles

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:44:47 GMT

After months of uncertainty, Irish boxing has taken a decisive step forward. On this episode of The Rocky Road, Kevin Byrne is joined by Niall O’Carroll, Chairman of the Irish Athletic Boxing Association's Board of Directors, to discuss the landmark vote that sees Ireland join World Boxing as a dual member — clearing a path for Irish athletes to compete at the LA 2028 Olympics.

Boxing is Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport, but recent years have seen tension, confusion, and concern around its future. From governance issues and international boycotts to grassroots frustration and medal-winning clubs acting independently, the road to unity has been far from smooth.

Niall reflects on the battles fought behind the scenes, what finally persuaded the clubs to back World Boxing, and why this decision matters so deeply for the next generation of Irish fighters. He also discusses the appointment of Jon Mackey as National Performance Director and outlines the IABA’s ambitions for LA 2028 and beyond.

It’s a revealing conversation about politics, passion, and preserving Ireland’s proudest Olympic tradition. For anyone who cares about the future of Irish sport, this is one not to miss.

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Ron Katz - Legendary Matchmaker

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:10:39 GMT

Today's guest is a New York and Atlantic City Hall of Fame member as a matchmaker. He's spent half a century in the sport and has worked with everyone from Muhammad Ali to Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson to Marvin Hagler, Steve Collins to Bernard Dunne. And Ron Katz is still making fights today. Here we talk about the three things a fighter needs to become huge, what it was like arranging Tyson's early fights and the future of the boxing business.

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Donald McRae - All Punched Out

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 08:00:00 GMT

‘Boxing has a perverse way of turning every significant bout I see into something deeply personal. It is as crooked and as destructive as it is magnificent and transformative. While watching boxers risk their lives, I fall for the gory drama once more…’ A passage from The Last Bell: Life, Death and Boxing, by the renowned sportswriter, Donald McRae, who joins us today. Donald is the author of five boxing books, each one more magnificent than the last, but his latest one is set to be the final chapter in a 50-year affair with the sport. I didn’t just say ‘love’ there, because sometimes it’s so much more complicated than that, but it’s certainly a consuming passion. There are still compelling characters within the sport, Rocky stories everywhere when you go looking for them, but it’s also a business beset by problems – from doping to gangsterism, the free press being replaced with yes-men with cameras and the migration from broadcast networks to subscription-only digital stations. We’re also grappling with a future where influencers, on one side, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the other, hold sway. I’ve no doubt listeners to this show will be more than familiar with the book before this one, In Sunshine or In Shadow, the surreal story of how boxing gave people hope during the darkest days of the Troubles. And we’re delighted to present a conversation with Donald that touches on the fighters who inspired him after a sustained period of grief, covering Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Katie Taylor, Isaac Chamberlain and the rise of Andy Lee as a boxing trainer along with covering the growing Saudi influence and the human rights stories adjacent, MTK, doping and influencer boxing.

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Glenn Byrne - Focused on Fighting

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:09:00 GMT

Glenn Byrne is an unbeaten professional boxer fighting out of Dublin/Wicklow. The younger brother of Jay Byrne, his manager, promoter and trainer, Glenn's fighting for his first title at the National Stadium on April 12. With a 5-0 record to his name, up next for Glenn is Charly Lopez of Spain, with the BUI Celtic light-middleweight belt on the line. Win, and the route to an Irish title opens up. Lose, and he'll have to begin again. That's something he's already done before, after totally turning his life around following a health scare. Here, Glenn talks about how drinking took over his life and overshadowed his sporting talents, how it made him sick and how he managed to get away from it and flourish. There's an incredible story about Premier League footballer Troy Deeney pushing him towards the boxing journey he's now on after they met at a pool party in Bali. Now, with the world at his feet, his inspirational story is sure to inspire anyone who finds themselves in a similar position to the one he was in.

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Senan Kelly - Time To Shine

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Senan Kelly is from Leixlip, Co Kildare. Currently the Irish welterweight champion, he will defend his title against Dublin's Declan Geraghty at the National Stadium on April 12. It's third time lucky for this pair after two previous dates fell through, and promises to be a compelling contest atop another JB Boxing Promotions card as the business graduates from small-hall to the bigger leagues. Kelly's career has been revitalised since linking up with Byrne in 2023. He'd spent a three-year spell on the sidelines between 2020 and 2023, partly down to the pandemic, mainly down to a desperate shoulder injury that realistically would cause most budding boxers to pack it in and focus on other endeavours. But Kelly isn't most budding boxers. In his demeanour, in his performances, you can see a competitor who'll do whatever it takes to win. Here, The Rocky Road visits Kelly at his house as he tells us about falling into the sport, why he's not interested if he's not directly involved and why he lives and breathes boxing - to the point that he converted his garage into a gym to train others. He also talks about financial insecurities, putting his life on hold to chase the dream and the pride his feels to headline at the home of Irish boxing.

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200th Episode Special: John Duddy - Part 1

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:10:03 GMT

The Rocky Road hits its 200th episode during Paddy’s week – so who better to have on than the King of New York himself, Ireland’s John Duddy. He had a famous fan in Jake LaMotta and later worked closely with Robert DeNiro, who had starred as The Bronx Bull in Martin Scorsese’s epic Raging Bull back in 1980. Even today he’s boxing royalty in the Big Apple but John Duddy is also a son of Derry and an Irish boxing cult hero, someone who helped popularise professional boxing in the early noughties, leading to a wave of up and coming fighters to follow their dreams either at home or across the pond. Show that you can become a big name in Dublin and you could be labelled ‘the next Bernard Dunne’. Show that you’re ready to break the Big Apple and you might, you just might, be labelled ‘the next John Duddy’. The Derry Destroyer fought nine times at Madison Square Garden between 2005 and 2010 – winning them all – and lost just twice in a 31-fight career. At one stage he was right in the mix to fight for the middleweight championship of the world – which LaMotta held between 1949 and 1951 – but boxing had other plans for him. John wrapped up his career in 2011 when he realised his hunger had dimmed, cancelling an all-Irish match-up with Andy Lee, and, bitten by the acting bug, he’s never looked back. He’s still involved in the sport to this day, spearheading a new programme with the Moving Brains Foundation which put on 54 two-hour sessions for people with Parkinsons Disease in 2024 – and continues to grow and grow. And he is also coaching at Trinity Boxing in New York City, a stone’s throw from the World Trade Centre, with the hope of one day opening his own gym. In Part 1, we look back at John’s early years in the Irish amateur ranks, his determination to unseat Michael Roche as light-middleweight champ and the Corkman’s incredible gesture before he finally did, his boxing pals who made it all so enjoyable, and hunkering down to avoid a hurricane in Cuba during a training camp. We also discuss the links in the chain that go from his early life until now – his uncle Jackie, his dad Michael, Charlie Nash, Ken Buchanan, Barry McGuigan and Roberto Duran. This is the ultimate Rocky story.

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Bedlam in Belfast - Crocker vs Donovan

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Kevin Byrne is joined by Irish Boxing's Joe O'Neill to reflect on a wild night in Belfast after Paddy Donovan was disqualified in controversial circumstances in his bout with Lewis Crocker. We also hear from Jamie Conlan, Andy Lee, Paddy Donovan, Ian Gaughran and Eddie Hearn as the fall out from the fight continued well into the night. Expect this story to rumble on for a few weeks...

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Bivol Brilliance, Benn Boils - with Wally Downes Jr

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:33:39 GMT

Joining us today is The Sun’s short boxing writer who loves a tall fistic tale, whether it’s roasting hot in York Hall or self-loathing in Las Vegas – but never rowdy in Saudi. It’s Wally Downes Jr, fresh from Riyadh where he oversaw Dmitry Bivol’s successful revenge mission against Artur Beterbiev. Wally’s just come from the first Chris Eubank Jr-Conor Benn press conference (sponsored by Riyadh Season) where the Brighton boxer egged his opponent – so we ask Wally if it’s fair to say that such cracking shithousery wouldn’t be egged on in Jeddah? We also talk about Aaron McKenna’s shot at Liam Smith on the same card, why Wally loves an underdog story, cutting through PR to report on boxing in 2025, the challenge of writing about sportswashing, why DAZN doesn’t always work for fighters on the rise as well as that Last Crescendo card, Andy Lee’s excellent stewardship of ‘Gypsy’ Joe Parker and his man Paddy Donovan’s upcoming derby battle with Lewis Crocker. And breathe…

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Michael Conlan - The Last Dance

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:27:51 GMT

It’s always a pleasure to talk boxing with today’s guest, Mick Conlan - and the response we get everytime we have him on, shows that listeners relish these appearances as well. There’s so much to talk about in Irish boxing. We’ve recently experienced utter tragedy with the untimely passing of Galway warrior John Cooney following a battle in Belfast, the first fatality in an Irish ring for nearly 60 years. That, and the death of jockey Michael O’Sullivan, is another reminder of the commitment these sportsmen and women give to their craft. From daily battles with the scales, to performing in high-pressure situations where one wrong move can result in catastrophe, boxers and jockeys have much in common and their willingness to sacrifice for our entertainment must never be overlooked. Yet racing goes on, Cheltenham is coming, and boxing continues apace as well, and will do as long as men and women are called to the ring. Today’s guest knows all about that call. After stepping away for all of 2024, he returns on March 7 in Brighton with a new training and promotional team behind him. The featherweight talks about the Last Dance, why he’ll be watching the Eubank-McKenna main event through his fingers, the dirty boxing business, going his own way by managing himself and his new coach, Grant Smith, who in 2006 was hit by a 56-tonne tram going 28mph – and lived to tell the tale. Conlan also discusses his fighters Dean Walsh (who’s in action in Mick’s new home from home of Sheffield on March 1) and Kevin Cronin (who’s taking on Emmet Brennan in Mick’s old stomping ground, Madison Square Garden, a fortnight later) as well as those he's no longer managing, like Lewis Crocker and Pierce O'Leary (who both have huge outings in the pipeline, Crocker v Paddy Donovan on March 1 and Big Bang with a potential Dublin homecoming in April). Plus we couldn’t go without talking about two upcoming world title fights for Irishmen, involving two of his past opponents – TJ Doheny v Nick Ball on March 15 and Anto Cacace v Leigh Wood on May 10.

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Robbie Murray - The Future of Boxing

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:44:09 GMT

Robbie Murray is a former undefeated professional boxer who defied the odds to achieve success in the ring. As a boy, he battled severe asthma and depended on the use of daily oxygen masks, and at that stage a future life as a sportsman seemed a million miles away. But boxing helped him build up his lung capacity and ultimately, he found success in the amateurs before turning pro in 2001, fighting out of Breen’s Gym in Belfast and representing Dublin. He trained and sparred alongside the likes of Neil Sinclair, Eamonn Magee and Paul McCloskey in an era when fellow 140lb boxers Shea Neary, Ricky Hatton and Francie Barrett, his old amateur rival, were making waves. His biggest night came in ’05 when he beat Peter McDonagh for the Irish title at the National Stadium – and bigger nights looked to be on the horizon. But he instead decided to hang up his gloves, his hunger satisfied, health intact, and pursue another legacy in the sport. Robbie became a full-time performance coach and took over his old amateur club, St Matthews in Ballyfermot. Coaching opened his eyes to the need for a fairer – and safer – system in underage boxing. He developed Fight Ireland in a bid to achieve proper matchmaking, knowing there are levels to the game, which he hopes will come back online soon. He then developed the Boxing Winner app, which provides a structured learning and development pathway for boxers of all levels. And The Rocky Road visited Murray in Ballyer to check out his newest venture which could end up changing the sport entirely – simulated boxing. Making boxing safer is something everyone wants but few know how that can be achieved. It is a brutal sport and those who enter it usually do so with their eyes wide open. Fights are fights, rounds are rounds, punishment is taken and dished out. It is the hurt game. Murray has recently completed a masters degree in sports performance analysis and time will tell if his research and methods are adapted to allow fighters worldwide to prepare in a safer way in future. This episode of The Rocky Road is dedicated to John Cooney, an Irish boxing warrior who tragically lost his life following a Celtic title fight at the Ulster Hall in February 2025.

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Stephen Ormond - A New Era Begins

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 15:03:13 GMT

Stephen Ormond, known as The Rock during his fighting career, knows all about The Rocky Road in boxing. A teenage elite champion who comes from a boxing dynasty, he’s related to the legendary Spike McCormack on his mother’s side, while his father and uncles were all champions in the ring as well, iconic fighting Dubliners all. He boxed as a pro for over a decade, with 33 fights in all, winning the WBO European, IBF inter-continental and WBU world titles, and was never, ever in a dull fight. Ormond was a well-schooled, aggressive boxer-puncher who shared the sparring ring with Conor McGregor but never once s***-talked another fighter to get to where he wanted to go. Ultimately, a world title shot passed him by, but he’s determined to reach the holy grail, this time as a trainer. That’s led to the opening of Stephen Ormond Boxing down at the Colosseum Gym in Kylemore, where we met for a chat about his ideas on what makes a successful pro, and a look back at his best night yet in boxing. We’re also joined by his old mate Luke Keeler, a year on from his first appearance on the show, while there’s also something of an exclusive towards the end of the episode as hype man supreme, cutman and uisce guru Mark Kennedy lends his thoughts on Ormond’s potential as a coach, and irish-boxing.com’s effervescent roving reporter Matt Meehan gives his take on the events of the day.

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Lewis Crocker v Paddy Donovan - Team Crocker

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 20:57:27 GMT

The hugely anticipated Irish domestic clash between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan is only weeks away and we've caught up with both camps ahead of the epic clash in Belfast in March. On this episode, we chat with Lewis Crocker, Jamie Conlan and Billy Nelson.

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Lewis Crocker v Paddy Donovan - Team Donovan

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:42:06 GMT

The hugely anticipated Irish domestic fight between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan is only weeks away and we've caught up with both camps ahead of the epic clash in Belfast in March. First up, we chat with Paddy Donovan, Andy Lee and Jason Quigley.

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2024 Irish Boxing Year in Review

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 09:30:57 GMT

Happy Christmas from all of us at The Rocky Road! It's been a big year for the podcast and to round out the campaign, here's our 2024 Year in Review show. Tommy Hyde and Terry O'Neill are back in harness to go over the Irish Fighter, Fight, Knockout and Trainer of the Year. We also discuss the biggest Gutpunch of 2024, the good, bad and ugly of the amateur season and look ahead to some major moves in 2025. Thanks to everyone who's joined us this year on the show, tuned in or helped out along with the fighters, coaches, fans and volunteers who make #IrishBoxing what it is today.

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Oleksandr Usyk - The Greatest of his Time

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 20:12:43 GMT

What more can be said about the genius of Oleksandr Usyk? The Ukrainian got the better of Tyson Fury in their heavyweight championship rematch in Riyadh on Saturday night - this time by unanimous decision. Just as their first battle in May was, this was a thrilling fight, with ebbs and flows, momentum swings, and a force of nature – in the form of Usyk – who just couldn’t be denied in the second half of the contest. What a championship fighter this guy is. Joining us on The Rocky Road to discuss the event are rising Cork boxer Tommy Hyde, who was in Saudi Arabia for the superfight, and actor/comedian and former Ireland international boxer Terry O’Neill.

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Jay Byrne - Making Fights

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 20:25:25 GMT

Jay Byrne is a former Irish boxer and current manager, trainer and promoter. Having just put on his seventh show in just over 12 months in Dublin, he's currently the most prolific fight fixer in the country. Here, he joins The Rocky Road to tell us about the angry young man he once was, how he matured and why he now finds contentment in helping others, be it inside or outside of the ring. Jay discusses his 19-fight career, having boxed the best of British at the start of his career live on Sky Sports, to seeking domestic glories back home with some explosive derby duels. They're now the focus of his promotional career as he looks to build a healthy and entertaining scene in Irish boxing, all the while collaborating with his colleagues who head up rival promotional teams.

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Podge and Rod

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 17:24:27 GMT

"Look, his mother was all over the shop, I had to ring Paschal, Spike, Craig O’Brien, right, and Big Niall Kennedy, ‘Do us a favour lads, will you explain to his mother, he’s not going to be in an intensive care unit after the fight this weekend’." Joining us today on The Rocky Road are father-and-son duo Roddy and Podge Collins. Podge is now a professional boxer, making his debut in October when he knocked out Gianluca Di Florio in the first round at the National Stadium. He talks about his strange lack of nerves ahead of and during the battle while Roddy, a well-known football manager, was aghast at that as he saw so many big-name players turning to jelly on the big occasion. Together they talk us through the famous fighting family’s history, brother Steve’s (or Stephen’s) major title victories, memories from Las Vegas to Millstreet and the long-term goal for Podge’s career as he embarks on a boxing journey with uncle Paschal by his side as trainer/manager. He also talks about how boxing has changed his life after a year in which he's lost 6st and shed his unhappy side to find joy in the roughest, toughest sport there is. Brought to you from the Celtic Warriors Gym, its walls adorned with photographs of boxing legends from Muhammad Ali to Marvin Hagler, Roddy may have made his name in the beautiful game but this is a story of the fight business like no other. Podge returns on Friday night at the Red Cow Hotel’s Warehouse for fight No 2 on a card promoted by Jay Byrne, a fight fixer Roddy insists must be supported in his determination to boost Irish boxing and its combatants.

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Katie Taylor - Bray Bomber Wins Again

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:07:07 GMT

‘This how she fight – head down, balls to the wall!’ Roy Jones Jr is on The Rocky Road this week as we reflect on the epic second fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano fight in Texas. Taylor won the day – again – to retain her undisputed world light-welterweight crown. But did she deserve to get the nod? And, after having a point docked for use of the head, and seeing the eye injury Serrano was forced to fight with, we ask Roy the question – is Katie Taylor a dirty fighter? We also discuss the potential trilogy fight, where and when that might happen and why Taylor got the nod in No2. You’ll find that Hall of Famer Captain Hook, who commentated for the bout on Netflix, gives Taylor’s hooking skills the Roy-al seal of approval. (Podcast image credit: @terrythesnapper)

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Kieran Farrell - The Story So Far

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 09:30:03 GMT

Welcome to Part 2 of our interview with Kieran Farrell. In Part 1 we spoke about his part in Daniel Dubois’ stunning destruction of Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium, how he came to work with the heavyweight knockout artist and where he thinks DDD is going next. Here, Kieran talks about growing up in Heywood, also known as Monkey Town (you’ll find out why, and there’s an Irish connection). Kieran has an Irish connection of his own, with his people coming from here, and he found boxing at an early age and quickly got to know the big dogs on the Manchester scene, from Michael Gomez to Ricky Hatton. His bout with another Manchester idol, Anthony Crolla, changed his life. Farrell said he’d die for the English belt, and he almost did. The young boxer suffered a subdural hematoma during the fight and was rushed to hospital, where the doctors removed 30 per cent of his brain during life-saving surgery. Farrell, who’d become a dad for the first time just two weeks previously, earned just two grand for the fight. At the time Farrell was boxing out of John Breen’s Gym in Belfast, where he’d worked alongside the likes of Paul McCloskey, the Conlan brothers and Andy Murray. He retains a link to the island to this day and his story is the epitome of The Rocky Road. I'd say he'd do it all again if he could.

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Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano 2 Preview

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 09:30:40 GMT

Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano – the rematch is here. We’re joined today by Gavan Casey from The 42, who’s chronicled so much of Taylor’s career to date with consistency and insight. In April 2022 the pair had a war for the ages at Madison Square Garden in New York. Taylor got the nod – with a few shaky moments in the middle. The rematch – and even a trilogy – was immediately suggested but getting it on again has proved difficult. A Dublin date fell through, with Taylor going on to fight Chantelle Cameron twice and become a two-weight undisputed champ, while Serrano’s since become a 12-round fighter and undisputed featherweight champ. Now they meet again at 138lb at Arlington Stadium in Texas on a Netflix-screened card with the circus fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul as its main attraction. We chat with Gav about covering Taylor’s career around the globe, the amazing scenes in the Big Apple for the first Taylor-Serrano bout, the remarkable resilience shown by Taylor to bounce back from her first defeat and a look ahead to what might be coming next for the Bray bomber, win or lose. We also chat about Jake Paul’s role in it all, where the Saudis might come in and the Brian Peters influence on all things Katie.

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Jimmy Halpin - Always Working the Pads

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:30:55 GMT

“Jimmy is a great coach, loved him when he travelled to international training camps with Ireland, great pad man.” When you’re getting praise like this from the notoriously hard-to-please Paddy Barnes, then you must be doing something right. And today’s guest Jimmy Halpin has been doing something right for 40 years now. Before that, the young Dubliner had talent as a boxer but didn’t quite manage to match that with a bulging collection of medals, with his last fight coming in 1981 when, three years out of the ring by then, he ‘got a hiding’ when he returned for one night only on a benefit for the Stardust victims. However the lessons he learned still stand to him to this day. Jimmy is loved by his boxers and adored by other coaches, but he takes no bull either and his forthright honesty (or constructive criticism) sometimes leads to disagreements along the way. He trained Ireland’s first female fighter (and first female world champion) Deirdre Gogarty when she first walked through the doors at St Saviours in Dublin, and taught double Olympic champion Kellie Harrington many of the moves that led to her topping podiums in Tokyo and Paris. Jimmy worked his magic with Cathal O’Grady, Darren Sutherland and Emmet Brennan - Olympians all - at club level and worked alongside Billy Walsh with the Irish high performance team for over a decade. Now, at 72, he’s still giving back as a volunteer, touring clubs all over Dublin, mainly, and giving pointers to coaches and boxers alike. As he says, his mission was to create universal boxers before there was even a term for it. His passion for boxing is infectious and as Jimmy says, once you’re in the club - whether you’re a novice or a potential world champion - you’re deserving of his time, and he’ll strive to help you improve. As for the best fighter he worked with during his time in Ireland? I’ll give you a clue - it’s someone who’s got the full set of medals, anyway.

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Kellie McLoughlin - The Fight of her Life

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:40:00 GMT

Kellie McLoughlin is a three-time Irish champion boxer who’s looking to make the breakthrough to win her first Elite crown. Standing in her way is two-time Olympian Michaela Walsh, who’s ruled her division in Ireland with an iron fist for over a decade. But with McLoughlin and featherweight rival Kelsey Leonard determined to unseat Walsh this year, will there be a changing of the guard in this corner of Irish boxing? McLoughlin is certainly a fighter and she sat down with The Rocky Road to detail her incredible story of survival. There was no trigger for her mental health crisis but when it hit her, it hit her hard. She and her loving family tried everything; from sessions with Pieta House to medication, hospitalisation and electroconvulsive therapy. Eventually, McLoughlin went home and attempted to rebuild her life, and her boxing career. That year, 2019, she won two Irish titles and immediately set her sights on a slot at Paris 2024. But a combination of Covid and Walsh’s form holding tight meant the Belfast boxer became a double Olympian, with McLoughlin still striving to make the breakthrough. Is this her year? Boxer of the tournament at the Emerald Box Cup, winner of two bouts in America on the Bridges Beyond Boxing programme, she’s entering these championships full of confidence and ready to make a dent, trained by the master Jimmy Halpin and his assistant coach Paul Griffin. With guardian angel Sean Carton on her shoulder, she might just do it. This is an incredibly powerful episode and I was left speechless on a number of occasions as the brilliant McLoughlin told her story in expressive detail. If you have been affected by anything discussed on this podcast, please contact the Samaritans on 1850 609 090 or Pieta House on 01 6010000.

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Kieran Farrell - Cornering Daniel Dubois

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 10:14:54 GMT

One kid’s named after former world heavyweight champ Joe Frazier, another’s named after… Irish Olympian Jude Gallagher. That’s Kieran Farrell, a boxing man to his bones, and this week’s guest on The Rocky Road. After Manchester Irishman Liam Gallagher had warmed up the 96000 raving punters at Wembley a few weeks ago, Daniel Dubois marched into the ring and pulled off a superb upset win over Anthony Joshua and walked off with the IBF heavyweight world title. Another Manchester Irishman, Farrell, was a key man in his camp throughout and was seen buzzing about the canvas in the aftermath of Dubois’ destruction of AJ. What a story Kieran has. A former professional fighter whose career was cut short by a brain injury following a 2012 Manchester derby with Anthony Crolla, he’s a boxing lifer who picked up where he left off on the other side of the ropes. He’s a manager, a promoter and a trainer and when his world title dreams were heartbreakingly culled as a boxer, he vowed to get there in his new role – and guide a fighter to championship glory. But, as we hear in Part 1, dirty nappies have taken centre stage for now…

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Lee Gormley - The Writer Fighter

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:08:09 GMT

This week’s guest is doing things a bit back to front. Mostly boxers will finish their careers before going into the media – but Lurgan man Lee Gormley has done it the other way around. Lee has a degree in sports journalism and has covered the bloody business for outlets such as the Boxing News and Boxing Monthly. That passion for boxing ultimately led to him putting on the gloves as an amateur – and now he’s about to have his fifth professional fight. Bolton-based Lee’s back out on November 9 at the Sunderland Live Arena as he looks to build towards BUI Celtic and Irish title shots. Here, he tells The Rocky Road about the fighters that inspired him, why Carl Frampton is a hero of his and how boxing for real informs his work as a journalist in the field.

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Steve Bunce - Calling the Shots

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 08:30:07 GMT

Steve Bunce has spent 40 years writing and talking about boxing for just about every newspaper and magazine in Britain – and just about every TV and radio station as well. In his career he’s reported at ringside in over 30 countries and rubbed shoulders with hustlers and hoodlums, kings and clowns, journeymen and Hall of Fame fighters. To use one of my favourite lines of his, that’s boxing, as they say in the trade. Steve’s new book, Around the World in 80 Fights, follows on from Bunce’s Big Fat Short History of British Boxing. We go through it all here, charting the crazy journey women’s boxing made in his time from the likes of Deirdre Gogarty and Jane Couch starting out to Katie Taylor headlining at Madison Square Garden against Amanda Serrano, a Kiko Martinez love-in in Belfast as he returned to reminisce ten years on from his world title fight with Carl Frampton, and a cheeky text from Kenneth Egan that ensured he got the armband on an all-Irish boxing football team. There’s his legendary showdown with a raging Bernard Hopkins, a discussion of how the media landscape has shifted massively during his four decades in the business, memories of his dalliances with the hardmen of Russia and a poignant story about the late Gary Mason where there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Like his book, this interview has got a bit of everything. Here’s to a few sequels.

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Ryan Burnett - Ecstasy and Agony

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 08:38:26 GMT

In Part 2 with Ryan Burnett, he's a man on the brink. After years of hard work, bordering on obsessiveness, he's about to reach the pinnacle. But winning the world title doesn't give him contentment because it doesn't give him financial freedom; not yet anyway. Here, he talks about becoming world champion with victory over Lee Haskins back in Belfast, where sparring partner Carl Frampton has built an empire. He unifies against Kazakhstan's Zhanat Zhakiyanov - with his former mentor Ricky Hatton now in his opponent's corner - and he's on his way. But the payout doesn't come without a price, as Ryan is brought to hospital after suffering for his triumph. Becoming a champion hasn't dimmed his desire - upon his return to camp, he's instantly beating his pre-fight times in the hill sprints, which gives him a new nickname but, as he believes, the effort nearly kills him. HIs entry into the World Boxing Super Series looks like it's going to lead to an ultimate clash with Japan's Naoya Inoue. But in a set-up showdown with Nonito Donaire, Ryan suffers what ends up being a career-ending back injury. Asked to describe the pain he feels when trying to fight on against the Filipino star, his answer makes me sick to my stomach. At 27, his career as a boxer is over and while there may be regrets and what-ifs, he's a boxing success story - coming out healthy in the knowledge he'll be able to play with his kids when they come along. Now, after being able to buy his house and start a business, he's been bitten by the boxing bug again. And, as he explains, the obsession has started all over again... Ryan Burnett's is the ultimate Rocky Road story.

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Mercedas Taaffe-Cooper - Breaking Barriers

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:15:28 GMT

Mercedas Taaffe-Cooper is an Irish boxing pioneer. A competitor in the 90s when female fighters were thin on the ground, she sparred with Deirdre Gogarty and boxed alongside Jane Couch. She was also one of the first female coaches in the country, guiding the Reynolds brothers, Stephen and Alan, who won a combined 12 senior titles at the National Stadium. Here, Merc talks about the struggle for recognition in the early years, how she and others helped knock down the door to allow Katie Taylor to fight Alanna Murphy in a groundbreaking 2001 contest, being part of the coaching ticket for the men’s World Championships that same year and much more. After a move to Australia, where she continued in an education which was encouraged by the great Nicholas Cruz, she developed further as a psychologist and exercise scientist, combining her practical skills with her boxing background to ultimately develop CounterPunch. Per her own notes it’s an ‘effective, fun-filled, evidence based program to guide young people toward achieving their undoubted potential’. CounterPunch has become a success story Down Under, recently celebrating its first national champion, and now Merc is looking to spread its influence and bring it home to Ireland. Here, she tells The Rocky Road all about her journey which started kickboxing and is now changing lives by educating kids through the medium of boxing.

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Thomas Carty - Bombs Away

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 14:17:45 GMT

It’s a heavyweight special today as we’re joined by Ireland’s top man in the showbiz division, undefeated Dublin banger Thomas ‘The Bomber’ Carty. Carty was on with us three years ago as a 1-0 pro and since then his picked up some momentum. He’s fought at the O2 in London, the Nottingham Arena, Wembley Arena and York Hall in the UK. And he’s managed to fulfil part one of the pro dream by boxing on huge cards back home – twice at the 3Arena on the Katie Taylor v Chantelle Cameron cards, and a trip out west to fight alongside his Celtic Warrior brothers – and manager Dillian Whyte – in Castlebar, Co Mayo. He’s also won a belt in the form of the BUI Celtic title and oh, he started a business too. Next up, on September 20, is another outing at Dublin’s 3Arena, this time supporting another boxer who’s getting a homecoming in the shape of Callum Walsh. Argentina’s Jonathan Exequiel Vergara, who’s won six and lost one so far, will be in the opposite corner on what’s sure to be a fun night at the fights. With the 6ft 4in southpaw back on another major card at the 3Arena, we ask if there’s any truth to the rumour that it’s in the venue’s contract that if there’s no Carty, there’s no party. We also look ahead to the undercard featuring the Craig O’Brien v Edward Donovan and Emmet Brennan v Kevin Cronin derby fights, and upcoming heavyweight slobberknockers featuring his sparring partners Anthony Joshua (v Daniel Dubois) and Tyson Fury (v Oleksandr Usyk II).

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Ryan Burnett - Origins

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 18:42:12 GMT

Ryan Burnett reckons the secret to his boxing success was always asking, 'Why?' A superb athlete who could carry out instructions to the letter, he was also a sponge, capable of remembering and repeating the guidance he was given. That saw him rise to the top of boxing, ultimately becoming the first Irishman to unify world titles, and now it's led to him becoming one of the most sought-after coaches on the island right at the beginning of his journey as a cornerman. Here, in Part 1 of our interview with the former world bantamweight champ, we discuss his start in boxing, being a lone wolf even during his time with Ireland's high performance team, making the move to turn pro under Ricky Hatton but then finding out professional boxing wasn't all glitz and glamour. A failed brain scan, being forced to live in his car, hiding his predicament from his loved ones; nothing was going to stop Burnett from chasing his dream of making a life for himself and his family through boxing.

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Anthony Cacace - The Pride of Belfast

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 08:10:57 GMT

Anto Cacace is the feel-good story of Irish pro boxing this year. Or any other year to be fair. He's always had class but Cacace has never had much luck, with every step forward followed by the inevitable three steps back. Until now. His victory over the undefeated Joe Cordina in Riyadh in May was an unforgettable moment for Cacace and his supporters everywhere. We believe it was one of the most electrifying performances any Irish boxer has put in for a very long time. This is Cacace's third time on The Rocky Road and after hearing about the struggles he's endured in the last two, the hat-trick episode is more of a celebration. We rewatch the highlights video with Anto, and the clips of fellow Belfast man, former sparring partner and big supporter Carl Frampton, going nuts in the venue while working for TNT Sports. We talk about how life has changed since capturing the belt, his incredible homecoming in Andytown and the mural that's sprung up across the road from his mother's house - with Anto, of course, delivering McDonalds down to the painters while they daubed him all over the walls. Of course, there's still serious business ahead - as Cacace defends his belt against Josh Warrington at Wembley on September 21.

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Pierce O'Leary - Sheriff of Dublin, Part 2

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 08:34:34 GMT

Welcome to Part 2 of our interview with rising star Pierce O'Leary. Last time we took a stroll around the Docklands as Big Bang told us all about growing up in Sheriff Street and his desire to become even more of a local hero. In this episode we sat down to talk about his career so far which has taken him to the brink of world title honours. Here Pierce discusses his dream fights, beating Darragh Foley last time out in a derby bout, boxing while sick with food poisoning and his enduring love for horses, which has been handed down through the generations on Sheriff Street.

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Pierce O'Leary - Sheriff of Dublin, Part 1

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 09:54:21 GMT

This week we're in Sheriff Street in Dublin's capital for Part 1 of an interview with local hero Pierce O'Leary. We take a walk around with unbeaten world title hopeful Big Bang while he spends some time at home between fight dates. Pierce talks about his love for the community, the pride he feels for the area and the drive it gives him to dig deep in his toughest battles. Once the bustling heartland of Dublin's Docklands, industrialisation took its toll and the area became run-down and crime-ridden. To outsiders, the name Sheriff Street became synonymous with lawlessness and criminality - but the community has always stuck together and produced people who've made a significant contribution to Ireland, from Sean O'Casey to Luke Kelly to Jim Sheridan, along with boxing idols like previous podcast guest Gus Farrell and now O'Leary. As we walk around, it's hard to ignore the rapid pace of development in the Docklands. It's changed even since Pierce was a kid and it's not been without controversy. Locals have voiced concern about the loss of community identity, lack of affordable housing, threat of gentrification and the prioritisation of commercial interests over community needs. They fight for the area and they also support their fighters, as witnessed by the celebrations up the road on Killarney Street when another north inner city boxer, Kellie Harrington, brought home her second Olympic gold medal from Paris. We finish up at the statue of Luke Kelly which sits beside the Royal Canal before it enters the Liffey and Pierce allows himself to dream of a statue of himself there beside the Dubliner. Stay tuned for Part 2 where Pierce discusses his dream fights, beating Darragh Foley last time out in a derby bout, boxing while sick with food poisoning and his enduring love for horses, which has been handed down through the generations on Sheriff Street.

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Kellie Harrington - Celebration Once Again

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:12:28 GMT

Kellie Harrington is the double Olympic lightweight champion. Let's state that again. Kellie Harrington is the back-to-back Olympic champion. The first Irish boxer to reach two finals - and she won them both. Kenneth Egan joins The Rocky Road podcast today to go over her incredible journey, how she got here and where she's going. We rewatch the nine incredible minutes that saw her sail to victory over China's Yang Wenlu as the Beijing 2008 silver medallist goes over what it is that makes Harrington so great. He describes the butterflies that go through a fighter before an Olympic final, what it's like to be in the flow state during the Games and the difficulties that can strike after a successful tournament. We also look at the overall state of Irish and world boxing as thoughts turn to whether or not the sport will be staged at Los Angeles in 2028.

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Paul Griffin: The Pro Years - Part 2

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 08:00:37 GMT

Paul Griffin was training under Brendan Ingle, alongside world featherweight champ Prince Naseem Hamed, promoted by Frank Warren and about to put his unbeaten record on the line. Then the Dean Pithie fight happened and suddenly it seemed like the prince of Dublin boxing was set for the scrapheap. No longer needed by the fight bosses, and with the lure of the party life back home proving too strong, he took off to Australia to get away from it all. There, he had ten fights - along with a few too many bouts of inactivity - and here, Paul fills in the blanks on some of those forgotten years, while talking about his inspirational recovery to get to where he is today - coaching the next generation of talented young Dubs.

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Paul Griffin: The Pro Years - Part 1

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 11:51:20 GMT

We love Paul Griffin here at The Rocky Road. He's been on twice before - for the 30th anniversary of his epic 1991 European gold medal, and 30 years on from Barcelona 92, alongside medallists Michael Carruth and Wayne McCullough. Now he joins us for a deep dive on his 15-year professional career across a two-part episode. He started out under Frank Warren on a 'Prince' Naseem Hamed card in Scotland, going on to train in Sheffield with the world featherweight champ under fellow Dubliner Brendan Ingle. Paul tells us about sparring Hamed and feeling his frightening power, boxing on Steve Collins undercards at Pairc Ui Chaoimh and Millstreet alongside contemporaries Eamonn Magee and Jim Rock, and building an unbeaten record that would ultimately be popped in a do-or-die title fight with Dean Pithie in England. By that stage, Paul was battling inside and outside of the ropes as his addictions to gambling and alcohol started to take hold. As always, spending time with Paul is fun, cathartic and informative. His recollection is superb so enjoy as he walks you through the 90s boxing scene. Stay tuned for Part 2 as Paul heads Down Under to spearhead the Irish boxing revolution in Australia that ended up with the likes of Dennis Hogan and TJ Doheny reaching the top.

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Michael Conlan - I'm Not Leaving

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 12:02:13 GMT

Michael Conlan is not leaving. After a devastating 2023 in which he lost his second world title shot to Luis Alberto Lopez - followed by defeat against Jordan Gill in Belfast - he seriously considered hanging up the gloves. However he refreshed his mind and body by joining a running club and ran a sub-three hour marathon, he realised he had more to offer the boxing game. Conlan is now between trainers and is trialling some new cornermen as he awaits a bounce-back fight towards the end of the year. He opens up about the pain of defeat, controlling the ego, making tracks as a manager and the determination he has to underline line his legacy by bowing out with a world championship in his locker. Conlan also talks about his admiration for Pierce O'Leary, the rocky road taken by Anthony Cacace to world title glory, Kevin Cronin's progress in the pro ranks and the potential blockbuster bout between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan. We also discuss Ireland's chances at the Paris Olympics.

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To Paris with Glove - Aoife O'Rourke and Jenny Lehane

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 09:09:08 GMT

From July 27 to August 10, we'll be all about Olympic boxing once again. Ireland will send a 10-strong team to Paris 2024 with every boxer there dreaming of a place on top of the podium to follow in the footsteps of Michael Carruth, Katie Taylor and Kellie Harrington.

In this episode I'm sitting down with middleweight Aoife O'Rourke and bantamweight Jenny Lehane. O'Rourke, from Roscommon, is about to arrive at her second Games. The four-time European champion is one of Ireland's most under-the-radar athletes but she wouldn't have it any other way. Meath teacher Lehane has put her career on hold to focus on boxing. And after securing her place at Paris 2024, the gamble has already paid off. Both of our guests started off focusing on other sports - O'Rourke on ladies football, Lehane on taekwondo - but will travel with high hopes of taking home boxing hardware.

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To Paris with Glove - Jude Gallagher and Dean Clancy

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 10:08:17 GMT

In this episode, I'm sitting down with featherweight Jude Gallagher and light-welterweight Dean Clancy, who've risen through the ranks together and will be room-mates in the French capital. A natural successor to the Paddy Barnes-Mick Conlan double act? Maybe, maybe not! What we know is these lads are coming in hot and will be a force to be reckoned with at these Games.

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To Paris with Glove - Daina Moorehouse and Grainne Walsh

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 10:27:30 GMT

In this episode, I'm sitting down with two boxers who qualified at the final tournament in Bangkok - Grainne Walsh and Daina Moorehouse. They've had contrasting journeys to get to this point. Walsh's story is the epitome of The Rocky Road. Said to be one punch from retirement at one point, she's been through four thumb operations and several other dunts to get to this stage where she's got to be a live contender for the podium in Paris. As for Moorehouse, hoping to become Wicklow's latest gold medallist, she's been chasing these Games down with a sense of destiny behind her.

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Olympic Qualifiers - Going for Gold

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 11:11:01 GMT

We’re all on a high at the minute after four more boxers booked their ticket to Paris 2024. It means Ireland have qualified a record ten boxers for the Olympic Games this summer. The final qualifier in Bangkok had ups and downs for the Ireland team but ultimately Daina Moorehouse, Grainne Walsh, Jennifer Lehane and Aidan Walsh got over the line. Our guest Lynne O’Shea was there as a member of the Ireland coaching team - and we’re also joined by amateur boxing insider Alan Donnellan for another review of a brilliant tournament for the High Performance squad. We also discuss selection issues - vindicated or not - and the road ahead now for Ireland’s ten Olympic boxers. Oh, and #GetLynneOnThePlane

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John Joe Nevin - Origins

Wed, 29 May 2024 11:44:17 GMT

John Joe Nevin is one of Ireland’s greatest ever amateur boxers - and some would say THE greatest. He completed the full set of medals - two World Championships bronze (2009, 2011), European Championships gold (2013) and Olympic Games silver (2012). Along the way he put in some of the finest performances Irish boxing fans have ever seen, with the best undoubtedly his London 2012 semi-final win over Cuban world champ Lazaro Alvarez. Now he’s set up his own club, Mullingar Shuffler Boxing Club, after the nickname former Ireland coach Billy Walsh gave him while marvelling at his exploits during those Games. Nevin’s produced his first Irish champ - son Martin got the honour - so The Rocky Road paid him a visit down in Co Westmeath to discuss a career that started out with a hiding (he was eight, the other guy was 12) and ended up with him being No 1 in the world.

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Joe Ward and 'Big' Joe Joyce - Part 3

Wed, 15 May 2024 14:49:53 GMT

The Rocky Road paid a visit to Moate, Co Westmeath for a conversation we've been waiting a few years to have. Joe Ward is one of the finest boxers ever to come out of Ireland and why wouldn't he be, when he comes from fighting stock? After all, his grandfather is no other than 'Big' Joe Joyce, AKA The Hulk, AKA The King of the Travellers. He made his name as the bareknuckle champion of these islands but nowadays Big Joe is his grandson's biggest supporter and a keen advocate of boxing inside the ropes.

In Part Three, Big Joe talks about his family's enormous success in amateur boxing - and how he manages to snaffle all the belts and medals from his silverware-laden gossuns! Joe Ward looks back at the nights that made his name, from double world success at Junior and Youth level to 2011-2013 wins over Kenneth Egan, multiple European titles, Olympic heartache and redemption attempts in the pro arena.

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Niall Barrett - Behind the Scenes

Wed, 08 May 2024 10:16:05 GMT

This week The Rocky Road returns to Naas and we’re putting our money where our mouth is. We know Gary Cully and Co train hard but it’s time to see just how far they’ll go in the pursuit of their boxing dreams. So, under the supervision of UNIT 3 head coach Niall Barrett, we’re put through our paces in his conditioning session alongside Cully, Kelsey Leonard, Paul Loonam, Jamie Morrissey and Cian Reddy, among others. Niall then takes time out to explain the session and go through his coaching philosophy. As Cully explained in a recent episode, he’s decided to put his full faith in Barrett going forward, with his next fight taking place on May 25 against Francesco Patera in Leeds and it’s not hard to see why when there’s such a professionally-run gym on his doorstep, led by someone who’s worked with him since he was a kid. However, as Barrett explains, that means there's instant pressure on his shoulders to ensure his man gets the win and progresses on to huge fight dates in the US in the red-hot lightweight division. Later, we head for Infinity Hot Yoga & Recovery Maynooth, one of Cully’s sponsors, where we take a dip in the ice bath, with owner Mitch Bohan walking us through the benefits of the chilling plunge.

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Young Guns - Brandon McCarthy and Paul Loonam

Wed, 01 May 2024 08:30:53 GMT

This week on The Rocky Road we sat down for a chat with rising stars Paul Loonam and Brandon McCarthy at UNIT 3 in Naas. Friends since their early days in Ireland camps, they’ve gone pro and represent the new batch of Irish talent in the paid ranks. Both had to face up to their disappointment at not making it to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games - with that hitting them in slightly different ways - but there’s a new goal ahead. Loonam will make his debut in Dublin in May on a JB Promotions card, while McCarthy got up and running with a win in San Francisco on St Patrick’s weekend. From Offaly and Kilkenny respectively, not exactly hotbeds of professional boxing, they’ve a great chance to make their mark. As well as preparing for his first outing, Loonam’s a new dad to Gianni, and McCarthy looks to have taken on a new family member as well as he sets up camp with previous guest of The Rocky Road, Tommy Hyde, in Los Angeles. He tells us about sparring the Mexicans and picking up little tricks - some on the borderline of acceptability - with Loonam discussing his decision to set up shop under Niall Barrett in Kildare. Two exciting prospects, they’ll go far - and sound like they’re loving it so far.

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John Joe Nevin - Back on Track

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 08:30:35 GMT

John Joe Nevin is on the comeback trail. Out of the ring since 2019, he’s signed a new management deal with a Las Vegas-based fight fixer and is ready to dream of world titles again. But he knows, as he approaches his 35th birthday, that time is not on his side. Nevin won the lot as an amateur - World, European and Olympic medals - and is clearly one of the GOATs in that code. But it’s ten years since his pro debut, and ten years since he suffered terrible leg injuries during an attack in Mullingar - after which he was told he would never box again before being put in a wheelchair. Somehow Nevin managed to box again that very year, twice in fact, before moving to Philadelphia to spar alongside none other than rising star (and his coach’s son) Boots Ennis, who is now one of boxing’s leading names. At this stage Nevin’s had more managers than Watford FC and he discusses snubbing Amir Khan as well as his short-lived signing for a bizarre double act of Billy Joe Saunders and Daniel Kinahan - before US sanctions put paid to that. It’s definitely been a Rocky Road for the Mullingar Shuffler in the pro ranks but he’s ready to knock a bit of dust and a bit of rust off the motor and take it for another spin…

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Gary Cully - Bouncing Back

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 17:07:31 GMT

Gary Cully knows all about The Rocky Road at this stage. With massive momentum at his back, he went into 2023 certain that he was on the fast track to world title glory. And things got even better when he secured a co-headline slot on the Katie Taylor homecoming bill last May. But he watched Taylor’s fight with Chantelle Cameron from the back of an ambulance following a shock stoppage defeat to Mexico’s Jose Felix. Taylor picked herself up for the rematch with Cameron and ‘The Diva’ had to do the same, even more so, when big-time boxing returned to the 3Arena in Dublin in November. He opted to take the same dressing room, wear the same gear and replicate the same ringwalk for a must-win comeback fight against Reece Mould. He may not have been overly happy with the performance but the Naas man admits that getting the win was all that mattered on the night. We headed down to meet Cully at UNIT 3: Health and Fitness in his hometown, even sampling a fine cup of coffee from his adjacent café, suitably called Diva Coffee Co. And, before training alongside the world title hopeful for the day to see just how seriously he takes his business, we spoke about the impact of the Felix loss, what it was like to lose his O, the struggle to find his feet again and the long-term plan – alongside long-time coach Niall Barrett – before his next fight. And it’s a tough one again, with Cully back in against two-time European champ Francesco Patera on the Josh Taylor v Jack Catterall bill in Leeds on May 25 – exactly a year to the day since his life-changing defeat in Dublin.

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Joe Ward and 'Big' Joe Joyce - Part 2

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 08:30:32 GMT

The Rocky Road paid a visit to Moate, Co Westmeath for a conversation we've been waiting a few years to have. Joe Ward is one of the finest boxers ever to come out of Ireland and why wouldn't he be, when he comes from fighting stock? After all, his grandfather is no other than 'Big' Joe Joyce, AKA The Hulk, AKA The King of the Travellers, AKA - The Boss of All Men. He made his name as the bareknuckle champion of these islands but nowadays Big Joe is his grandson's biggest supporter and a keen advocate of boxing inside the ropes.

In Part Two, we discuss Big Joe's days as a bareknuckle boxer, recall some of his huge fights and the reason he chased them (or they chased him). He tells why he doesn't want his sons or grandsons going into that life now, though, and why organised boxing is the way forward. Joe Ward talks about having a target on his back after making his name as an exciting young boxer and how he managed to stay away from the bareknuckle scene himself.

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Joe Ward and 'Big' Joe Joyce - Part 1

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 14:41:28 GMT

The Rocky Road paid a visit to Moate, Co Westmeath for a conversation we've been waiting a few years to have. Joe Ward is one of the finest boxers ever to come out of Ireland and why wouldn't he be, when he comes from fighting stock? After all, his grandfather is no other than 'Big' Joe Joyce, AKA The Hulk, AKA The King of the Travellers, AKA - The Boss of All Men. He made his name as the bareknuckle champion of these islands but nowadays Big Joe is his grandson's biggest supporter and a keen advocate of boxing inside the ropes.

In Part One, we talk about Joe Ward's professional career as he basks in the glow of his latest victory at Madison Square Garden, considers his British rivals and looks ahead to world title showdowns with the baddest men on the planet. Big Joe talks about his idols as a young man and why he looked up to Muhammad Ali above all others. He also discusses the pride Tyson Fury brought to the Travelling community, while the pair look ahead to the Gypsy King's undisputed world heavyweight showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.

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Kevin McBride - The Clones Colossus

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 13:52:23 GMT

Happy St Patrick's Day from The Rocky Road - and from Kevin McBride. The Clones Colossus is someone we've wanted to have on since the start and we finally made it happen in time for the annual wearing of the green. The man who finished Mike Tyson talks about the return of The Baddest Man on the Planet for his July 20 showdown with Jake Paul at Cowboys Stadium and their 2005 scrap that made McBride a big name around the world. We talk about his epic homecoming in Monaghan after he shocked the world, what he's up to now and we also introduce the 'new' Kevin McBride - his son Kevin, an accomplished swimmer who's dipping his toe into the boxing game in Boston. Plus we also recount his 'holiday' to Barcelona 92, his free trip home for Prizefighter and his spars with the likes of Ray Mercer, John Ruiz and Riddick Bowe. That's what's up!

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Kevin Cronin - The Kingdom Warrior

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 19:53:49 GMT

Kerry boxer Kevin Cronin, AKA The Kingdom Warrior, is feeling excited ahead of a double debut on Paddy's weekend. He's off to Dorchester, Mass, for his US bow, which is also the first outing of a deal he's signed with new promoters Conlan Boxing. Here, Kevin talks about his GAA background, working as a firefighter and The Rocky Road he's navigated through Irish boxing to get to this point. What was once the dream has now become a realistic ambition as he targets a homecoming bout at the INEC in Killarney later this year. And after that, one of the GAA stadiums in the Kingdom will do nicely, thank you.

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March Madness

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:57:47 GMT

Spike O'Sullivan drops by the pod this week ahead of March madness. St Paddy's weekend is looking like one of Irish boxing's busiest ever with fighters in action from Boston to Brisbane via New York, San Francisco, Birmingham, Galway and Castlebar. That's where Spike will be taking part in his comeback bout as he kicks off The Last Dance chapter of his storied career. Here, he talks about the buzz of a dressing room before a fight - channeling nerves, getting the hands wrapped and waiting to clobber flesh and bone. He also talks about the rising stars of the scene, sartorial tips from the mother in law and the nasty injury he picked up while playing football with his kids

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Olympic Qualifiers - The Italian Job

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:43:45 GMT

Eight Irish boxers are gearing up for a tournament that could be life-changing: Martin McDonagh, Kelyn Cassidy, Aidan Walsh, Jude Gallagher, Sean Mari, Grainne Walsh, Jennifer Lehane and Daina Moorehouse are primed and ready to go in Italy for the first Olympic World Qualifier which begins on Monday, March 3 and runs over 16 boxing sessions for one week. London 2012 Olympian Adam Nolan - who qualified from a similar tournament at Trabzon 2012 - and our newly resident amateur boxing expert Alan Donnellan join the show this week to discuss the action coming our way.

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Luke Keeler - Cool Hands

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 12:03:10 GMT

Today’s guest, Luke Keeler, feels he has unfinished business in the ring - so last year he decided to embark on a comeback. From Ballyfermot in Dublin, he came up in one of the most competitive eras of Irish middleweight boxing in the amateurs. And he’s been a pro since 2013, culminating in a world title shot against Demetrious Andrade in 2020 – with a certain Jake Paul boxing on his undercard. With the world gripped by a pandemic, Keeler, a qualified engineer, returned to working life. But the boxing bug hadn’t gone away, you know. Last year he returned to training and had his first fight in nearly four years in November when he beat Jiri Kroupa at the Red Cow in Dublin. Now aged 36, he’s slated to fight again in Galway’s Leisureland on March 16 and is focusing full-time on what’s certainly his last dance in the sport.

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Where's Waldo?

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 13:15:01 GMT

This week’s guest Dee Walsh shocked the Irish boxing scene when he hung up his gloves aged just 26 back in 2015. At that stage he looked like a possible contender for world titles down the line. But don’t rule him out of the running for major championships – because Dee is proving to be an even better trainer than he was a fighter. It’s a huge month for his boxers as Conor Quinn, Padraig McCrory and Lee Reeves all headline separate shows from Belfast to Orlando to Dublin. He joined us on The Rocky Road last year as an insightful pundit in the lead-up to the Terence Crawford v Errol Spence fight but now he’s back to talk more about his own goings-on in the gym

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Anthony Cacace - Chasing Glory

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:27:52 GMT

Today’s guest, Anthony Cacace, fights champ Joe Cordina for the IBF world super-featherweight title in Saudi Arabia on February 17 as part of the Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury undisputed heavyweight championship card. Cacace, dubbed Ireland’s most talented fighter by fans - and our unluckiest by a few - has experienced many of the highs and lows the sport has to offer since he last joined us on the show in November 2021. In April of 2022 he had the rug pulled out from under him when a fight at Wembley Stadium (on Fury v Dillian Whyte) was cancelled virtually at the last minute when his opponent couldn’t get a visa, and all his sacrifices in the lead-up were ultimately for nothing. He considered hanging up the gloves there and then ("F*** boxing!") but five months later, was vindicated for carrying on. That’s when he became IBO champ with a classy victory over Michael Magnesi in Manchester. He boxed once in 2023, defending the belt in his hometown of Belfast to keep the dream of one day headlining in the city alive. Despite blow after blow, knock after knock, things have started to turn for Cacace. And anyone associated with boxing in Ireland beyond will have been happy to hear he’s getting an even bigger opportunity in his next bout. Wales’ IBF world champ Joe Cordina will be the man in the opposite corner as Cacace gets the chance to become Ireland’s first ever world super-featherweight champion. Here, he talks about his rocky road to this point, getting over the low moments and coming out stronger, and why his biggest payday will see him making a trip down to the estate agent’s when all’s said and done.

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Thomas O'Toole - The Kid

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:02:40 GMT

Welcome to the 150th episode of The Rocky Road boxing pod! Today's guest has been on the hitlist since we began. Thomas O’Toole is following in Seán Mannion’s footsteps as a Connemara man looking to make his way as a professional boxer in Boston. And the 6ft 3in southpaw puncher even had Rocky Ros Muc helping out in the corner when he made his pro debut back in 2021. Since then, the former Irish Elite champion has built his record to 8-0 and has recently announced a homecoming bout in Galway for March 16*. Here, the 26-year-old describes his own Rocky Road to this point – the amateur struggle, balancing his sport with college and later with barwork, boxing politics, and the sudden loss of his mother two years ago. O’Toole also had his say on the light-heavyweight hierarchy on the domestic scene and at world level. *Interview took place just before O'Toole officially announced his homecoming, becoming the latest Irish boxer (after Katie Taylor, Jason Quigley, Joe Ward, etc) to tee up an Irish debut after boxing abroad since joining the paid ranks.

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Seamus McDonagh - Taking on Evander Holyfield

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 09:20:33 GMT

In Part 2 of our interview with Seamus McDonagh, he talks about one of the biggest nights of his life - when he fought Evander Holyfield in Atlantic City. The terror he suddenly encountered. The regrets he suddenly came face to face with. The demons he had to overcome. McDonagh also reflects on his career outside the ring - from the silver screen to his business interests.

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Seamus McDonagh - The Early Years

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 09:30:00 GMT

Seamus McDonagh is the special guest for this week's epsiode. In Part 1, Seamus talks about learning to fight in Co Meath, boxing Barry McGuigan as a kid and moving across the pond to seek out the American Dream. While rising the ranks in boxing, Seamus was also finding time to further his education, work with the horses of Central Park and establish himself as a regular at one-too-many watering holes in the City that Never Sleeps...

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2023 Year in Review Special

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 09:20:42 GMT

Rising star Tommy Hyde and boxing comedian/actor Terry O'Neill join host Kevin Byrne to look back at an epic 2023 for Irish boxing. We name our Fighter, Fight, Comeback, Gutpunch, Trainer, Breakthrough and Knockout of the Year, and look ahead to what's coming up in 2024.

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Tony Bates - Mi Vida Loca - Part 2

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 09:30:57 GMT

Tony Bates is a professional boxer from Dublin. Unbeaten since his debut in 2011, he last fought in 2018. Nicknamed ‘Irish Psycho’, he could just as easily have borrowed the moniker ‘Mi Vida Loca’ from the legendary hellraiser Johnny Tapia, because life’s been crazy up to this point. Growing up in Clondalkin, he gained a fondness for gambling, alcohol and drugs at an early age – ‘the party life’ – and somehow found a way to work his excesses around his burgeoning football and boxing careers. In 2008, with the recession starting to bite back home, he headed Down Under where he was called to the ring. Bates sparred every big name in Australia boxing – from Michael Katsidis to Tim Tszyu, Anthony Mundine to Jeff Horn – and started making waves as one of several Irish up-and-comers on the pro scene. But outside the gym, his addictions were always in his ear, coaxing him towards trouble. Gambling was the big one as his life started to spiral out of control. Eventually, Bates was locked up, deemed a violent offender and stuck in a maximum security facility. After serving his sentence, he was due to be deported back to Ireland but then Covid hit and the Aussies decided to dump him on Christmas Island, an external territory mainly used as a refugee and immigration detention centre. Hundreds of miles from the mainland, with no set date for release, no wifi and no visitors, the detainees rioted - with Bates witnessing it all unfold. He contacted The Rocky Road to tell of his plight, trying to find a way out, and believes that going to the media – and informing the authorities – helped him find his way home. And now he’s back in Ireland, back in boxing and looking to get back in a professional ring at the age of 35. He’s survived shootings (of the tasering variety), stabbings (giving as good as he got) and hundreds of street fights, but is now living a peaceful life of prayer (he is a devout Muslim) and preparation (under the watchful eye of new coach Phil Sutcliffe). It’s an unbelievable story and this is the first time he’s told it.

In Part 2, Tony discusses more about his sparring stories - including movearounds with the likes of Jorge Linares - descending into a life of petty crime, his time behind bars, being knifed and getting his revenge, the code he lives by, Christmas Island riots and plans for the future.

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Tony Bates - Mi Vida Loca - Part 1

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 12:59:31 GMT

In Part 1, Tony talks about growing up in the toughest area of Dublin, early days in football, finding gambling, drink and drugs, the party scene in the capital, becoming a fighter to battle the bullies (and getting a taste for it), horses, hellraising and converting to Islam.

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Joe Parker - Deep Waters

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 18:19:49 GMT

Joseph Parker will have his hands full when he meets Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia on December 23. But anyone who’s willing to brave the Forty Foot in Dublin at this time of year is clearly capable of anything. That’s been a daily habit of the New Zealander’s since he rocked up here with trainer Andy Lee. The pair have struck up a fruitful relationship over the past few years, ever since Tyson Fury recommended his cousin Lee as a coach when Parker was looking for a change in the corner. Here, Big Joe talks to The Rocky Road about those dips in the sea, Dalkey steaks, his outrageous CV, why Lee’s experience v Wilder can help him out, Katie Taylor the two-division undisputed champ and Paddy Donovan, who’s coming for it all. During the visit to Ballybrack Boxing Club we also watched Parker taking on four local amateur boxers, all coming up in the world, and spoke with Adam Olaniyan, Harry Geraghty and Martin McDonagh before and after their rounds with the former WBO world heavyweight champion.

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Katie Taylor - Redemption

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 19:09:03 GMT

What a night in Dublin. Katie Taylor emulated boxing legends such as Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard by avenging her first loss and then targeting a trilogy fight with the same opponent. Ali had Frazier, Leonard had Duran – and now Taylor has Chantelle Cameron, having beaten the Englishwoman at the second attempt to become a two-weight undisputed world champion. RTE Sport’s Siobhan Madigan and Mick Foley of the Sunday Times join Kevin Byrne to reflect on a special night at the 3Arena and discuss the KT highs and lows, her GAA-esque approach and the potential Croke Park outing next, the Eddie Hearn Show and Conor McGregor's continued - but controversial - support.

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Shauna O'Keeffe - Going Pro

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 14:11:01 GMT

This week’s guests are 2023 Irish Elite champ, Shauna O’Keeffe, who makes her pro debut at London’s York Hall on December 8, and her trainer/co-manager Kevin Mitchell. ‘The Hammer’ was one of Britain’s most popular boxers in the last two decades, racking up 39 wins and taking part in famous showdowns against the likes of John Murray, Michael Katsidis, Ricky Burns and Jorge Linares. He's been there, done that, and reckons Clonmel’s Shauna can go one better than him and win a world title having been massively impressed with her since she made the switch to the UK during the summer. In the amateurs, she fought them all, going in against Katie Taylor, Kellie Harrington and Amy Broadhurst, while outside the ropes she’s battled an eating disorder and come out with her hand raised. Shauna discusses those days in the vest, why she stopped boxing from 2017-2023, her comeback, pro dreams, body dysmorphia and her own ambitions for a homecoming. We also look ahead to Taylor’s rematch with Chantelle Cameron on Saturday night, with analysis from Mitchell and O’Keeffe on where the Irish hero can improve to gain revenge over her rival. Tipp already has a world beater in Rachael Blackmore and they’d better start unpacking the red carpet for another as she’s targeted a bout at Semple Stadium as the ultimate goal.

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Irish Boxing: Big Time

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 20:43:32 GMT

Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire reflect on a busy period in Irish boxing along with interviews from Alan Donnellan, John Joe Joyce and Eric Donovan after a stacked night of fights from the Elite Finals at the weekend.

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Emmet Brennan and Darren Barker - No Regrets

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:01:45 GMT

This a man who’s living his dream before our very eyes. Emmet Brennan fought for Ireland at the Olympics Games in Tokyo during the summer of 2021. After that he chose to turn pro, but opportunities were few and far between as he moved to America to make his name. That led to a spell in the doldrums, to say the least, but Brennan has come home and put his days of drinking and gambling in the rear-view mirror given his overwhelming desire to succeed in boxing. He’s secured an ambitious management team – under former world champions Darren Barker and Joe Calzaghe – and it’s led to a slot on Katie Taylor’s undercard on November 25. Taylor’s second crack at undisputed world light-welterweight champ Chantelle Cameron should be a humdinger. But the fight of the night could take place much earlier – when Jamie Morrissey of Limerick defends his BUI Celtic light-heavyweight belt against the bould Mr Brennan in what will be just his second fight in the paid ranks. It’ll take place one kilometre from his house and the 32-year-old has been running past the 3Arena most days as he puts in the road work, dreaming of his big night in the capital. Here, Emmet and Darren talk about how they teamed up, the short- and long-term goals they have, pestering Eddie Hearn for opportunities and what Emmet could pick up from the 168lb greats on this side of the pond from Steve Collins to Carl Froch via Chris Eubank, Nigel Benn and Calzaghe himself.

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Jason Quigley - The Gloves are Off

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 11:55:45 GMT

It’s ten years since Jason Quigley became the first Irishman to reach the final of the World Championships In a breakout 2013, he won his first Irish Elite title, followed up with European senior gold and then reached the decider of the Worlds in Russia, going down to Zhanibek Alimkhanuly of Kazakhstan. It was to be his last amateur contest. Since then he’s operated as a professional boxer, graced some of the finest venues in the world, rubbed shoulders with legends and fought for the world title in 2021. Quigley has a few more strings to his bow as well, carving out a niche as a media commentator in the sport and recently, making moves into fighter management and promotion. It’s been 13 years since professional boxing was staged in Donegal but on November 18, Quigley and his partners at Elite Sheer are bringing it back. His old amateur team-mate Joe Ward will headline the event and here, Jason talks about sparring sessions with ‘Mighty Joe’, identifying with Oscar De La Hoya’s well-publicised troubles, separating the man from the boxer, his last outing against Edgar Berlanga and a future in the sport – inside and outside the ropes.

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Eamon Carr - Showbusiness with Blood - Part 2

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 16:00:33 GMT

This is the second part of our interview with Eamon Carr as he launches his book 'Showbusiness with Blood'.

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Eamon Carr - Showbusiness with Blood - Part 1

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 08:57:31 GMT

Eamon Carr is the special guest for this week's episode as he joins Kevin Byrne to talk about his new book: Showbusiness with Blood. Carr reflects on his early career in journalism as he covered a golden age in Irish boxing.

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Graham McCormack - G Train Rolls On

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:00:35 GMT

Limerick's Graham McCormack joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode to reflect on his life and career so far as he gears up for his next fight.

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Dylan Moran - No Laughing Matter

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 09:44:09 GMT

Dylan Moran hails from Waterford but started his pro career in Manchester, the city he will return to on September 2 for his biggest fight to date. Now preparing to take on Albania’s Florian Marku at the Manchester Arena, on a Sky Sports BOXXER show headlined by Liam Smith v Chris Eubank Jr’s rematch, it’s the culmination of years’ worth of work. Here, Dylan talks about leaving school early to work in a meat factory, how amateur boxing broke his heart, finding his feet in kickboxing, living in the gym when he went pro (not a figure of speech), fighting all over the world from Mexico to Mayo, meeting his heroes, the devastation of his first loss, being plucked for sparring with Conor McGregor, facing the media glare when targeted by Jake Paul, getting back on track after Covid, finally getting his homecoming – and preparing for the fight of his life alongside new coach, Jimmy Payne.

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If Walls Could Talk - Crumlin Boxing Club - Part 2

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 09:24:51 GMT

“Some fellas are afraid of nothing, and some fellas are afraid of getting a clatter. And some fellas are not afraid until they get a clatter! Then they realise.” We’re back with Part 2 of If Walls Could Talk, a special double episode of The Rocky Road with Philip Sutcliffe from Crumlin Boxing Club. Plug the imagination back in and let Sucko guide you around one of Ireland’s most successful schools of sport. There are stories about Crumlin fighters like Dean Byrne and Jamie Kavanagh, and a few about Katie Taylor who regularly dropped in for sparring down through the years. Philip tells us about his two Olympic Games as a young boxer, Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984 (with a mix-up about his admittedly elegant green team blazer thrown in) and telling The Greates, Muhammad Ali, where to go – in true Dublin fashion – when the heavyweight icon called him a ‘leprechaun’ and asked him to sit on his lap. Conor McGregor, perhaps Crumlin’s most famous pupil, looms large over the building and you can hear Sutcliffe’s pride when speaking about his achievements in the Octagon and even in the ring. It’s not all about the superstar names though, and Philip is most animated when speaking about the boxing family, or when boxing breaks your heart when talented young fighters go down the wrong road towards crime and drugs. Luckily, more are saved than are lost, a source of obvious pride for the boxing people of Ireland. Finally, Crumlin BC has been a leader in the rolling-out of the High Five Boxing Academy for those with additional needs and, as ever, Sutcliffe is centrally involved, encouraging and cajoling and bringing out the best in people.

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Terry O'Neill - Rope A Dope

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 09:30:13 GMT

Terry O’Neill is a former Irish international boxer turned actor and comedian. During his years in the fight game, the Dubliner won national titles and represented his country across Europe, winning Four Nations gold. His current show, Rope A Dope, is an international hit, featuring twice at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It’s based on his years in the sport and some of the comic elements he came across during his time in the ring. As he says, mental things have gone on over the years, so why not give them a run in the sun? It’s joke heavy but it’s also about the loss of a dream. Terry dreamt about becoming a professional champion like his idol, Rocky Marciano, but has new ambitions these days in showbusiness. Here, he talks about fighting on the fringes of the high performance revolution in Irish boxing and how emotions often got the better of him around his biggest fights, for better or worse. He discusses his new way of channelling that energy, through performance, the joys of being typecast as a ‘Dublin scumbag’ and his ambition to follow classmate and fellow boxer Barry Keoghan all the way to Hollywood one day. It’s a frank and open discussion, and Terry kills – especially when he talks about landing one of his biggest roles. He also takes the Boxing Movie Quote challenge with hilarious results.

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Joe Egan - The Toughest

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:51:04 GMT

Big Joe Egan joins the podcast this week to tell his story and he’s well and truly travelled The Rocky Road to contentment. Raised in Ringsend, Dublin, he took up boxing after being bullied as a kid and never looked back. His first fight was against future world champ Steve Collins and he went on to become multiple-times Irish heavyweight champ, which brought him into the orbit of Floyd Patterson, Cus D’Amato and a young Mike Tyson. He became Tyson’s sparring partner in the Catskills, surviving savage rounds where others couldn’t and even earning the moniker, ‘The Toughest White Man on the Planet’ from the man who couldn’t knock him down, try as he might. The pair became lifetime friends and Tyson even fought some of his early professional bouts in Joe’s Ireland shorts, which he’d absconded with during a trip to the USA. Here, Joe delves into his amateur career and nights at the National Stadium, the support he got from his family, his anger at not being selected for Seoul 88 and helping to make an elderly Lugs Brannigan walk tall after a chance encounter in town. Joe also talks about his own pro career, the crash that effectively finished him, and life after boxing which saw him shot twice during an attack on his pub which featured from machetes, hatchets and shotguns, releasing his life story, after-dinner speaking and featuring in the movies. It’s a hell of a tale.

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Errol Spence v Terence Crawford - Undisputed

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 16:27:48 GMT

Kevin Byrne is joined by Pierce O'Leary, Gary 'Spike' O'Sullivan and Dee Walsh to look ahead to the eagerly anticipated showdown between Errol Spence and Terence Crawford for the unified welterweight title.

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If Walls Could Talk - Crumlin Boxing Club - Part 1

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 10:16:25 GMT

We’ve something different this week as we kick off a new feature called ‘If Walls Could Talk’. On one of my visits to the boxing gym it struck me that I’d love to hear the stories behind the pictures and headlines that are stuck on the wall. It applies to most gyms in the country, so where better to start than in the capital’s Crumlin boxing club with the storyteller that is Phil Sutcliffe. They’re all here, from novices to world champions, volunteers to Olympic gold medallists. We discuss family and fighters, those still punching and those who are no longer with us. Some of the fighters have gone down the wrong road over the years, gotten involved in gangs, while others are soldiers, prison officers and Gardai. Many are massive names in their own separate fields – such as Daniel Day Lewis, who trained here to prepare for The Boxer in the 90s, or MMA’s Conor McGregor who grew up fighting out of the place and is still a frequent visitor. ‘So many names’, says Phil, who says he’d ‘only take a bullet for Madonna if she paid me enough’! This is Part 1 of If Walls Could Talk, from Crumlin Boxing Club.

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Jack Marley - Heavy Hitting

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 22:21:42 GMT

Ireland’s newest heavyweight star Jack Marley is going to the Olympics. The Monkstown BC fighter qualified at the European Games in Poland, where he won silver. In doing so, he became the first Irish heavyweight or super-heavyweight to win a major medal (World, European or Olympics) since Gearoid O Colman way back in 1947, O Colmain winning the European Championships in Dublin. Here, The Rocky Road catches up with Marley to hear how he got started in the sport, why he persevered when Irish titles dried up in his teenage years, when it all clicked and what he’s expecting to do at Paris 2024. We discuss how he skipped the Leaving to make a step-up in the sport, finding his man strength and why belittling the big boys is not such a good idea. In a revealing discussion, Marley also talks about doing it for the people, the leadership Kellie Harrington gives to the Irish team and being inspired to think about his future in the pro game after attending Katie Taylor’s Dublin homecoming. Despite being just 20 years old, Marley has a wise head on his young shoulders and Irish fans, crying out for another great heavyweight, would be entitled to start getting excited just about now.

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Pody McCrory - Hammer Time

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 09:46:50 GMT

STOP! ‘Hammer’ time. Padraig ‘Pody’ McCrory knows a thing or two about stopping people in their tracks. He’s a quiet man but he has been making some serious noise in recent years, knocking out a string of opponents, primarily in his home city of Belfast, and building up a passionate gang of supporters who followed him to Germany last year where he upset the odds to defeat Leon Bunn and claim the IBO world light-heavyweight title. Next up he’s going to headline Feile An Phobail at Falls Park, a few hundred metres from where he grew up. “The Cinderella Man” is how Michael Conlan describes him and here, dad of three McCrory talks about growing up in the aftermath of The Troubles, how boxing broadened his horizons, overcoming a debilitating speech impediment and staying hungry as a 35-year-old veteran.

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Jim McCourt Remembered

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 11:45:27 GMT

Mick Dowling joins The Rocky Road this week to look back at the boxing life of his Olympic team-mate, Jim McCourt RIP. Two amateur boxing devotees who rebuffed the professional ranks to dedicate their fighting lives to Ireland, Dowling and McCourt travelled the world together representing their country. Here, Dowling tells us why ‘The Prince of the Immaculata’ might well have been our best ever, what made him stand apart from even his peers and why they both opted to remain as amateurs for life. We hear Mick’s views on the amateur and pro scenes in 2023, a reflection on his time with RTE and why he still believes boxing can break down barriers for kids all over the country. He recalls his first meetings with a young Katie Taylor – one of the few fighters who can hold a candle to McCourt’s imperiousness. The two-time European Championships medallist is still coaching away, giving back, inspiring the next generation of fighters coming through the production line. Finally there’s an impassioned appeal for the IABA to bring back the big international nights at the National Stadium – it’s about time.

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Feargal McCrory - Fearless

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:33:32 GMT

Last time Feargal McCrory joined us on The Rocky Road, he hadn't had a fight for three years and was desperate to find out if he'd still got it. Three fights later, it looks like he does. 'Fearless' has been winning fans on America's east coast, serving up wins in Brooklyn, Atlantic City and Philadelphia, and is back in action at the end of the month in New York. Here he discusses what it's like to be a Fighting Irishman in the Big Apple, sacrificing it all to follow his dream and the old-school characters he's knocking around with in the gyms. We discuss his aversion to social media, Irish boxing's recent winners and losers and the homecoming potential for several of our US-based fighters - himself included. There's also some great stuff on his dalliances with the Tyrone minor and Under-21 teams back in the day, when he did the unthinkable for a GAA head in the Red Hand County and opted off the panel...three times. McCrory is old stock so it pains me to use this modern lingo, but he's also 'a real one'.

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'Rock, you're an animal' - Ingle

Wed, 24 May 2023 10:44:34 GMT

“Be nice to people on your way up, because you’ll meet them on your way down” – just one of the phrases beloved by Brendan Ingle, the Dubliner who became Britain’s greatest boxing trainer. Ingle died aged 77 five years ago this week, having left an enormous legacy in the sport. He trained four world champions in Naseem Hamed, Johnny Nelson, Kell Brook and Junior Witter while his Wincobank Gym in Sheffield but even more importantly, he changed the lives of hundreds, or even thousands, of young kids who came through the doors of his gym in the old Steel City. One of the pros who worked with Ingle was his fellow Blue, Jim Rock, who was known as ‘The Pink Panther’ during his fighting days. Here, Rock recalls his struggles (as a come-forward fighter) in adapting to ‘The Ingle Way’ – particularly when he was being outdone in the footwork stakes by some of the little kids in the gym when he started out. Jim talks about spars with Naz and Witter (featuring some slight bending of the rules) and the impact mentors like Ingle can have on young kids. Speaking of those on the way up, and the way down, we discuss the return of big-time boxing to Dublin, Katie Taylor’s first loss at the hands of Chantelle Cameron, Dennis Hogan’s unhappy homecoming and Gary Cully’s shock defeat. And given we’ve mentioned 'The Diva', Jim also tells us the story of when the tabloids and paparazzi put the blame – and full media glare – directly on him following the break-up of the Spice Girls due to his ‘relationship’ with ‘Ginger Spice’ Geri Halliwell. Spoiler: he was her boxing trainer.

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Michael Conlan - We Go Again

Wed, 17 May 2023 10:12:54 GMT

Michael Conlan is the special guest for this week's show. He joins Kevin Byrne to preview Katie Taylor's homecoming clash with Chantelle Cameron in Dublin and looks ahead to his own tilt at world title glory when he faces off against Luis Alberto Lopez in Belfast one week later.

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Deirdre Gogarty - Immortal

Wed, 10 May 2023 08:00:00 GMT

A true fighting hero joins us today. She’s Ireland’s first female boxer and was Ireland’s first female world champ. She added to the legacy of Barry McGuigan between the ropes and now Katie Taylor adds to hers. We call this show The Rocky Road but that’s not the half of it when it comes to the journey Deirdre Gogarty went on to make her name in the fight business. Now she’s ready to come back to Ireland for A Night With Deirdre Gogarty in her hometown of Drogheda, and to sit ringside for Taylor v Chantelle Cameron at the 3Arena the following night. From working with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to fighting Christy Martin in Las Vegas, surviving depression and loneliness to supporting her rival against her murderous husband, it's an unbelievable tale - and it's all here.

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David Irving - The Man in the Middle

Wed, 03 May 2023 06:30:49 GMT

Today we welcome back a guest who has lived two lives in boxing – firstly as an amateur and then a pro fighter, and for the last 34 years as a referee and judge

Last time we spoke with David Irving, we discussed his career as a fighter but today we’ll be hearing about his three and a half decades as an official, with the Boxing Union of Ireland and also the WBC

His first fight as a ref was back 1989, Ray Close beating Seamus Casey at Ulster Hall. New Kids on the Block were top of the pops Don’t Know Much by Linda Rondstat was No2, All Around the World by Lisa Stansfield was No3 but soon this new kid on the block knew quite a lot and was travelling around the world in his chosen profession.

He’s been the man in the middle for Irish fights of the year including Reynolds v Trainor (2013) and Carroll v Geraghty (2014) as well as the fairly controversial Fury v Rogan battle in Belfast back in 2012, when there was actually an attempt by the British board to remove him in advance of the event.

Here he also tells us about receiving abuse and even threats during his time working as a referee, still finding a way to be fitter than some fighters 40 years on from his heyday as a boxer himself, and the fouls most favoured by your average Irish puncher. Spoiler alert: some fighters don't need to be told to hit the other guy 'in the ballix'.

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Gus Farrell – On The Waterfront

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:42:19 GMT

“I’m John Farrelly. I’m not Gus Farrell. I’m an ordinary Joe Soap. Gus Farrell is gone.”

This week’s guest was known as Gus Farrell during his fighting days in the 1960s and 70s. Hailing from Sheriff Street in Dublin, he rose to prominence in 1965, winning the Irish junior title, and followed it up with senior success in 1966. A Texaco Award winner for boxing, he was one of Ireland’s most popular sportsmen at the time and by the end of the year, had turned pro, fighting on a number of Barney Eastwood shows in Belfast. The Rocky Road joined Gus – or Gussie – and nephew Lee Farrelly for a couple of pints in north Dublin to hear stories of his life growing up in the city, his work as a cattle drover down the docks, amateur glories and life as a pro. Between 1966 and 1971 he had 23 fights – including a famous double with fellow Dub and friend Liam ‘Ske’ Mullen, when he won the Irish welterweight title – but it's fair to say that injuries robbed him of reaching his full potential. Here, he talks about his lifelong friendships with the McCormack brothers, John and Pat, the importance of family, the dark side of boxing and why he’d rather watch a true Blue over Muhammad Ali any day.

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Roberto Diaz - The Matchmaker

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:09:18 GMT

Roberto Diaz joins us for this week’s episode while enjoying his first ever trip to Ireland. The former Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker was over for the Jason Quigley homecoming and sat down to discuss his relationship with the Donegal contender as well as working with other Irish fighters such as Jamie Kavanagh, Spike O’Sullivan and Aaron McKenna. He goes in depth on what the job of matchmaker entails and why it’s sometimes like being a goalkeeper in football – make one bad mistake and everyone forgets all the great saves you’ve made and blames you for the loss. Roberto’s got an amazing life story too. A cancer survivor, he grew up in San Francisco and nearly fell into gang life before being sent to live with his relatives in Mexico as a teenager. He ended up working in boxing through his friendship with Marco Antonio Barrera and ultimately became one of the most influential people in all of the sport. Here he tells us about working with stars such as Canelo Alvarez, Bernard Hopkins, Ricky Hatton, Erik Morales, Sugar Shane Mosley, and Oscar De La Hoya - and the perils of being a matchmaker. We also look ahead to some upcoming superfights like Gervona Davis v Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney v Vasyl Lomachenko and Katie Taylor v Chantelle Cameron…

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Jamie Morrissey – God’s Plan

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 10:00:38 GMT

Irish boxing has welcomed a host of new pros in the last few years and Limerick fighter Jamie Morrissey is among the most interesting of the crop. He’s clearly willing to fight anyone, going by his record across five bouts to date. He’s up for testing himself, already claiming two BUI Celtic titles against unbeaten opponents. And his pre- and post-fight interviews alert you to a thoughtful, intelligent man who seems to be on a mission from God. Here, Jamie discusses the time he ran in an election and the friend who inspired him to have a go at politics. He talks about his podcast and finding boxing as an adult and what it means to him. Limerick’s fighters are a rare breed and he gives an insight into the causes that drive them individually and as a group. Jamie has also been dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder for most of his life and he tells The Rocky Road about how it’s affected him up to this point, how he combats it, and God’s role in that fight – in and out of the ring. Morrissey will rematch Kerry’s Kevin Cronin for the Irish title in Galway on April 21 on a bill topped by Kieran Molloy in his homecoming, which will be screened on TG4. Their first bout earlier this year was a war and fans are in for a treat as they go again.

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Dennis Hogan - The Road Less Travelled

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 15:27:39 GMT

‘I’ll tell you a funny story…’ Dennis Hogan is coming home. After 36 fights all over the world – from his base in Australia to Mexico via Germany and the USA – the Kildare man is finally set to realise his dream. He’s been visualising a world title fight at The Point ever since his days sitting ringside at Bernard Dunne’s big nights there and now it’s all set to go down on the Katie Taylor v Chantelle Cameron bill at the 3Arena on May 20. Kildare man Hogan will defend his IBO world title against JJ Metcalf at the venue and he’s already fought the fight in his mind 100 times. Here ‘The Hurricane’ discusses his amateur career and kryptonite Kenneth Egan, starting out in Oz, giving up the gargle, adopting a world champion mindset long before he started fighting for titles, the Aussies’ ridiculous propensity for shortening every word and the time a German newspaper reported that he was related to Crocodile Dundee. He recalls the look of shame he got from Mexican boxing royalty when he was ‘ripped’ in Monterray and the fighter who told him ‘you’re going home in a bodybag’ in New York as well as the Croke Park ambition that’s still burning within and the inspiration he’s taken from joining fellow Lilywhite fighter Gary Cully at Matchroom. Hogan’s fought the best of the best and at 38 years old, reckons he’s still at the base of the mountain, getting ready to scale the beast.

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Katie Taylor - The Return of the Queen

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 14:58:06 GMT

Ace reporter Kev came down from the mountains for the Katie Taylor ‘Homecoming’ press conference at Dublin’s Mansion House (talkin’ bout a revolution?) as she gears up to challenge Chantelle Cameron for the undisputed world light-welterweight championship. It’s Ireland v England, unbeaten v unbeaten, undisputed v undisputed. It may not be Croke Park but it’s going to be a night of nights at the 3Arena. We didn’t cut any corners (or cornermen) out this week so we’re speaking to both fighters' trainers, Ross Enamait from Team Taylor and Jamie Moore from Team Cameron, on preparing their champions for the first undisputed world title fight on the island for a staggering 74 years. We also hear from Katie’s dad and former coach Pete about the pair’s 2011 meeting in the amateurs as well as top Irish trainers Tony Davitt, Paschal Collins and Andy Lee (who’ll be on the broadcast team for the event) about the upcoming slobberknocker.

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Steve Collins - St. Patrick's Day Special

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 18:01:55 GMT

We’re joined by Steve Collins, AKA The Celtic Warrior, for The Rocky Road St Paddy’s Day special 2023. Steve talks about his amateur days under legendary coaches Maxie McCullagh, Peter Glennon, Tony Davitt and John McCormack, the Collins/O’Rourke boxing dynasty and why he too had to fight, the shock of losing his father at an early age and the power of perseverance. Because, just as it took him three world title shots to win his first one, it also took him three Irish senior finals to be crowned king in the amateurs, too. But the pros were always the aim and, following a trip to the USA with Ireland in 1986, he caught the ‘Greyhound’ bus (more on that inside) to Boston to join the Petronelli Gym alongside Marvelous Marvin Hagler and never looked back. It’s 35 years this week since Collins fought old amateur foe Sammy Storey for the Irish middleweight title at the now torn-down Boston Garden (the only time the BUI belt was fought for in the USA). There’s no video footage online, though Steve and fellow TRR guest, Mike Culbert (who made his pro debut on the card) claim they’ve dusty old VHS copies – somewhere. Steve also tells a hilarious story about meeting the mayor of Boston during the St Patrick’s Day parade after the bout, and, er, Whitey Bulger, why he never gave Storey a rematch and why he admired Hulk Hogan so much, who took on Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania IV in that same month of March 1988. Finally, we discuss the Irish boxing GOAT and where he fits in the conversation, and we look ahead to the Katie Taylor v Chantelle Cameron undisputed title fight in Dublin on May 20 and wonder if Steve’s experiences v Chris Eubank in 1995 can offer an insight into what Katie’s going to be feeling in the lead-up to her homecoming. Every past guest seems to get a mention here: Sean Mannion, Gerry Creighton, Dave ‘Boy McAuley - it’s an episode, all right.

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David Irving - The Early Years

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 13:15:06 GMT

David Irving is the special guest for this week's episode. The Belfast man charts his rise through both the amateur and professional ranks from the early days of the Holy Trinity Boxing Club through to his decision to hang up the gloves and become a referee. (This is part one of a two-part interview).

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Tommy Hyde - Rebel Heart

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 09:25:45 GMT

Tommy Hyde is a 2-0 professional boxer and publican from Cork. As a kid he travelled the world with his fighter-managing father, Gary, posing for pics with boxing royalty such as Oscar De La Hoya, Gennady Golovkin, Amir Khan, Nonito Donaire, George Groves, Ricky Hatton, Andre Ward, Sergiy Kovalev, Freddie Roach, Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito and Ken Buchanan, to name just a few. He’s there with heavyweight champs Olexsandr Usyk, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis, and lined up for pics and entertainment icons like 50 Cent, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kendrick Lamar and Tom Jones. Along the way he was picking up tips – because Tommy could box, too. He was a three-time Irish underage champ and twice an Elite runner-up, also winning the Celtic Box Cup three times and fighting in Russia, South Africa, Portugal, USA, Ukraine, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, England. After following his dream to become a pro, his debut was planned for his hometown in April 2022… until disaster struck on fight week. Findings in his MRI scan meant that not only was his fight off, but his career was over too. “It was devastating news”, said Gary, but he was determined to seek a second opinion. Tommy kept training away in the background, minus contact, and endured six months of waiting until it was confirmed that he could embark upon his journey. It’s only the start, but it’s already been The Rocky Road to this point. Tommy fights again in Dorchester on St Patrick’s Day before a return to Ireland for an April date in Waterford. And unlike most fighters who get nervous before their bouts, he can’t wait to get out there and make up for lost time…

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Jason Quigley - The Return

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 19:46:09 GMT

Jason Quigley is about to begin The Rebuild – and who better than Andy Lee to guide him back towards the top? After all, Lee knows all about The Rocky Road from world title contender to forgotten fighter. He put every drop of blood, sweat and tears into his career to earn himself a crack at the WBC world middleweight title in 2012 but it all went wrong on a sweltering summer night in El Paso against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He then had to deal with the devastation of losing his beloved trainer and mentor, Emanuel Steward, and look for somewhere to start again from scratch. Lee found a new coach in Adam Booth and, two and a half years later, pulled off an unforgettable victory when he stopped Matt Korobov in Las Vegas to win the WBO world middleweight belt. Luckily for Quigley, he is not starting from scratch. Lee showed it can be done. In his last outing, Quigley was defeated by Demetrius Andrade for the WBO belt Lee previously held but it was another Irish boxing world title night where everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Lee had visa issues and couldn’t attend. And Quigley’s game-plan – to feel his way into the fight and figure out his man – went kerplunk when he suffered a broken jaw in the very first round. He’s been clipped since – first by an O’Neills Size 5 – and knows he’s good to go. The comeback date has been secured – April 1 at the National Stadium – and the opponent will be Kim Poulsen of Denmark. The Rebuild has begun, as both Quigley and Lee tell Kevin Byrne following a lively press conference at the National Stadium. Kev also catches up with Limerick boxing brothers Paddy and Edward Donovan, who fill him in on their sparring sessions at home and abroad, and Lanzarote-based former Irish pro Jonathan O’Brien, who’s now coaching fighters over there. He bemoans the recent state of Dublin boxing but, with a new partnership in Elite Sheer on the scene for the Quigley comeback (and pro debut in Ireland), as well as a Waterford card and a Katie Taylor homecoming on the horizon, there’s reason to be cheerful for fight fans in the starved south.

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Citizen O'Kane

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 17:29:47 GMT

Eamonn O’Kane took part in the toughest era of Irish middleweights, going up against the likes of John Duddy, Darren Sutherland, Andy Lee and Jason Quigley on the domestic front while battling fighters such as George Groves, James DeGale and Andre Dirrell while representing Ireland. He won European bronze in 2008, joining modern greats Oleksandr Usyk and Vasyl Lomachenko as a medal winner at the tournament in Liverpool. After winning Commonwealth Games gold in India in 2010, captaining a Northern Ireland side with up-and-coming stars Michael Conlan and Paddy Barnes in the ranks, he went professional – joining a rising tide of Irish boxing which was spearheaded by his friend and role model (and fellow Dungiven fighter) Paul McCloskey and ultimately taken over by Beflast favourite Carl Frampton. A horror jeep crash in 2011 stalled his progress but, after losing consciousness for 45 minutes and suffering a host of injuries, he was likely saved from further damage because of his superb conditioning as a boxer. ‘King Kane’, as he would become known, won an all-Irish Prizefighter event at the Kings Hall in 2012 with an effective marauding style built on solid fundamentals, brute strength and a willingness to do whatever it took to win. A defeat to John Ryder later that year was another setback but O’Kane stayed with it, bounced back, and began to accumulate belts, from the Irish crown to a host of ranking titles. His last outing saw him put on a staggering display of bravery in New York. Dropped twice in the first round by Tureano Johnson at Madison Square Garden, he bit down on the gumshield and finished the full 12 rounds. Afterwards, O’Kane had to visit the hospital after losing several kilos in body weight, having pushed himself to the very limits on the night. A comeback was arranged against Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan but Eamonn knew he had done enough in the toughest of sports and instead opted to hang up his gloves. During Covid times, he went from middleweight to midwife when he was called upon to deliver his daughter at home when the ambulance was unable to make it on time. Now working in the concrete business, O’Kane, with customary modest, asked ‘what would you want to interview me for?’ when approached by The Rocky Road, but his is an exceptional boxing and life story, which becomes obvious as soon as he begins to look back…

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Creating Champions - JP Kinsella and Damien McKenna

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 18:44:08 GMT

Damien McKenna and JP Kinsella were Ireland team-mates at the 2001 World Championships in Belfast who both came within a win of a medal. Multiple-times Irish champions, they are both now making waves as coaches of Holy Family Drogheda and Monkstown BC Dublin. The Louth club are celebrating four title wins at the 2023 National Elite Championships while the Dubs picked off two belts at the Olympic weights of flyweight and heavyweight. Here they tell The Rocky Road about the challenges facing Irish boxing clubs, why rashers don’t belong in a breakfast roll on fight day and why relationships trump rivalries any day of the week.

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Mickey Vann and the Fighting Irish

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 09:00:22 GMT

Legendary ref Mickey Vann wound up his career as the third man in the ring with a stint in Ireland, reffing bouts such as Spike O’Sullivan v Anthony Fitzgerald (yikes) and Jamie Conlan v Junior Granados (yikes x 2), after passing the retirement age of 65 in Britain. But he’s been working with Irish fighters throughout his whole career, as the man in the middle for Sean Mannion’s only UK bout, Barry McGuigan’s last fight and famous showdowns including Darren Corbett v Chris Okoh, Shea Neary v Mickey Ward and Ricky Hatton v Eamonn Magee. He’s also judged bouts featuring Irish world champions including Steve Collins, Wayne McCullough and Carl Frampton. Here, he looks back at nearly 50 years of working alongside Irish boxing’s finest but first, let's hear about the time he reffed 'Gypsy' John Fury against Neal Malpass for the British Boxing Board of Control Central Area heavyweight title at the Brodsworth Miners Welfare Club in Doncaster…

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Elites - Kenneth Egan and Jason Quigley

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 11:50:34 GMT

This week special guests Kenneth Egan and Jason Quigley join Kevin Byrne to discuss the greatest night of the year in Irish boxing – senior finals night (or, to give its official name, the IABA National Elite Championships). With 11 Elite titles between them, the lads remember the hurdles they had to jump before clinching their first one and consider the most shocking event they’ve seen at the tournament. They recall run-ins with their great rivals and give some friendly advice to new entrants this year who might be feeling a tad nervous about it all. One round at a time! Also, Jason gives us an update on his boxing future while Kenneth tells us if he’s OK with his ten-in-a-row record being broken one day…

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Ruth O'Sullivan - Ruthless

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 15:10:46 GMT

"Ruthless" Ruth O'Sullivan, originally from Dublin, has three New York Golden Gloves titles to her name - all won at the boxing Mecca of Madison Square Garden. After some time away from the sport, she recently reconnected with the fight game, as she tells Kevin Byrne in this week's episode of The Rocky Road. O'Sullivan also tells of training at the world-famous Gleasons Gym, sparring Hilary Swank just a little too hard during the making of Million Dollar Baby, finding her calm in the ring, supporting Taylor back at The Garden against Amanda Serrano and her work as clinical director of Brooklyn's mental health court.

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Paddy Donovan - The Real Deal

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 10:49:37 GMT

Paddy Donovan is the special guest for this week's show. He joins Kevin Byrne to discuss his pro career as he looks for his tenth successive victory this weekend. He also talks about the discrimination Travellers face on a daily basis and reflects on recent tragedies in his life. (If you have been affected by anything discussed on this podcast - please call The Samaritans on 116-123)

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Kieran Molloy - Aiming for the Top

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 13:33:15 GMT

Kieran Molloy joins Kevin Byrne for this week's show. The Galwayman talks about his amateur career and why he left for the paid ranks, his rivalry with Paddy Donovan and working with Top Rank and Michael Conlan in the pro game.

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John McCormack - A Life in Boxing

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 11:01:27 GMT

John McCormack grew up in Dublin’s inner city centre as the son of famous boxer Spike McCormack. From a large family, fighting was in his blood – but he only really discovered it when standing up to a bully at the Artane Industrial School, where he spent many of his teenage years. From there he moved to England and into the professional boxing scene, ultimately going on to fight for – and win – the British light-heavyweight title. His brother, Pat, did likewise. After hanging up his gloves, John moved into coaching and found his way to St Saviours, where he guided the likes of Steve Collins and Darren Sutherland through the ranks. He’s also been heavily involved with Ireland’s international teams over the years and was there for some of Katie Taylor’s biggest moments. Before that, John and Pat, who was by his side at the northside club, worked with Ireland’s first female boxer, Deirdre Gogarty, who went on to win the world featherweight title in 1997. John also tells us tales of meeting heavyweight champs from Jack Dempsey to Muhammad Ali to Lennox Lewis, who worked out in his club ahead of his Dublin fight nights in the 90s. Episode recorded at Drogheda Boxing Club for the launch of a campaign to erect a statue of Gogarty in the Co Louth town.

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Gerry Coyle - My Father's Fight

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 19:38:57 GMT

Gerry Coyle is best known in Irish boxing as the figurehead of Geesala BC, from the ‘Land of the Salty Breeze’, and father of former world-rated contender Henry Coyle. But his own father, Henry Coyle, has a notable story too. As Gerry says, ‘my son Henry fought for Ireland with gloves after my dad Henry fought for Ireland with guns’. Gerry’s spent over 20 years preparing a new book entitled ‘Henry Coyle – A Forgotten Freedom Fighter’ which unearths the untold story of his father’s escapades during the War of Independence and Civil War. Sentenced to penal servitude in Scotland after being caught with the largest quantity of explosives ever found in the UK, he carried Michael Collins’ coffin after his assassination and later served as a TD but that spell was short-lived. Gerry’s book tells his tale for the first time while in this episode of The Rocky Road with Kevin Byrne, the Mayo man also reminisces about the friends he’s met through boxing and why the sport matters so much, nights in New York alongside Emanuel Steward and Jake LaMotta and a trip to Cuba to reunite legendary boxing coach Nicholas Cruz with his mother. And, listen, lots more besides.

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Craig O'Brien - Bouncing Back

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 11:30:07 GMT

Craig O'Brien is the special guest for this week's show. He joins Kevin Byrne to discuss his rocky road in life to this point as he prepares to get back in the ring at the National Stadium next week.

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The Rise of Female Boxing in Ireland

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 17:49:34 GMT

Why does Ireland produce the world’s greatest female boxers? From having an undisputed world champ in the pros to reigning Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth champions in the amateurs, the country is dominating in rings across the globe. Liam Brereton, who heads up the Edenderry All Female International Sparring Camp, talks to Kevin Byrne about how we got this far - and what’s next #KatieTaylor #KellieHarrington #AmyBroadhurst #LisaORourke #AoifeORourke #MichaelaWalsh #IrishBoxing

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The Deirdre Gogarty Legacy Committee

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 12:52:05 GMT

Recorded in Drogheda Boxing Club, Kevin Byrne is joined by Ciaran McIvor, Annmarie Griffin and Christina McMahon at the launch of the campaign by The Deirdre Gogarty Legacy Committee to have a statue erected in the town to honour her achievements in the ring.

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100th Episode: Gerry Creighton - Fighting for Elephants

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 13:39:39 GMT

Legendary Dublin ZooKeeper and former Irish amateur boxing champion Gerry Creighton joins Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire to reflect on his extraordinary life. He chats about his early days in the ring and his life-long passion for protecting animals. Gerry is now the CEO of Global Elephant Care and his fight to protect the species continues.

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Tommy McCarthy: Stand Up and Fight

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 15:45:54 GMT

Tommy McCarthy joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The Belfast brawler talks about his new podcast, his journey into stand-up comedy and he looks ahead to his fight on the 24th September.

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Russ Anber - Inside Usyk's Camp

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 12:11:16 GMT

Russ Anber joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. Fresh from working Oleksandr Usyk's corner for his win over Anthony Joshua at the weekend - Anber talks us through his emotions as the fight went on and as the team waited for the scorecards to be read out. He also talks about working with Vasily Lomachenko and Michael Conlan.

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Michael Conlan - Exorcising Demons

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 13:12:00 GMT

Michael Conlan joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The Belfast brawler is fresh off his victory over Miguel Marriaga where he admits the win helped him exorcise some demons. He also looks ahead to some blockbuster fights coming up - including Joshua-Usyk 2 and Canelo-GGG 3.

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Damien Denny - From the Ring to the Big Screen

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 10:51:54 GMT

Damien Denny joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. He talks about his career inside the squared circle and how he ended up acting across from Daniel Day Lewis in the 1997 film, The Boxer.

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Barcelona Olympics - The Class of 92

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 10:41:58 GMT

30 years on from an unforgettable week in Irish sporting history - three members of Ireland's Olympic boxing team join Kevin Byrne to reflect on the glory days of Barcelona 92. Teammates Michael Carruth, Paul Griffin and Wayne McCullough look back at the ups and downs of their summer together in Spain.

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Callum Walsh - Explosive

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 11:11:08 GMT

Rising Irish light-middleweight Callum Walsh is the special guest for this week's episode. He joins Kevin Byrne to discuss his switch to the pro ranks, working with legendary trainer Freddie Roach, his relationship with UFC boss Dana White and training with Tony Ferguson.

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Feargal McCrory - Long Road Back to the Ring

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 11:11:08 GMT

Feargal McCrory is the special guest for this week's episode. The undefeated boxer joins Kevin Byrne to talk about his career to date and how he hopes to kick on after a few years of inactivity.

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Paddy last - Following Ali into the Ring at Croke Park

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:47:44 GMT

Paddy Doherty joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The Donegal boxer talks about his journey in the sport which culminated in fighting on the same card as Muhammad Ali at Croke Park 50 years ago.

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Mickey Vann - Ringmaster: From the Circus to the Boxing Ring

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 15:23:02 GMT

Legendary boxing referee Mickey Vann joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. He reflects on his early life and how he ended up moving from the circus to the squared circle.

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Gabriel Dossen - European Champion

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 13:38:08 GMT

Gabriel Dossen joins Kevin Byrne and Joe Ward for this week's episode. The newly crowned European champion reflects on his journey to the top and what the future holds.

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Muhammad Ali - Fifteen Rounds in the Wilderness

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 11:46:46 GMT

Author Dave Hannigan joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. He discusses his new book on Muhammad Ali - reflecting on the lesser known period of his life between 1982 and 1996.

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Eric Donovan - Another Crack at Glory

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 14:28:41 GMT

Eric Donovan joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode to announce he will get a shot at European glory. The finer details are still to be sorted out but 'Lilywhite Lightning' finally gets his shot at a European title.

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Keane McMahon - All roads lead to MSG

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 16:00:16 GMT

Keane McMahon is the special guest for this week's episode. He joins Kevin Byrne to talk about his journey in life as he prepares to fight at Madison Square Garden on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev vs Joe Smith Jr. If you have been affected by anything discussed on this episode - please contact the Samaritans on 116 123.

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Mike Mongan - Training Champions

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 13:19:21 GMT

Mike Mongan is the special guest for this week's episode. The Head Coach from the Olympic boxing club in Galway is celebrating a huge couple of weeks of success - following Lisa O'Rourke's gold medal win at the World Championships and Gabriel Dossen's gold medal at the European Championships.

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Regan Buckley - Bucking the Trend

Wed, 18 May 2022 15:33:31 GMT

Regan Buckley is the special guest for this week's episode. He joins Kevin Byrne to talk about his days in the Irish amateur ranks, his shock move professional and his hopes as he begins a new career as a bare knuckle fighter.

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Richard Maynard: Paper champ

Wed, 11 May 2022 09:29:48 GMT

Richard Maynard is the special guest for this week's episode. He previously worked for Hall Of Fame boxing promoter Frank Warren for 18 years - overseeing PR and media for a number of British world champions, including Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and Amir Khan. He’s also worked with a number of international boxing stars including Mike Tyson, Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, Bernard Hopkins, Kostya Tszyu and Johnny Tapia on both sides of the Atlantic. And, he’s also got some cracking stories from his time working with Irish fighters such as Eamonn Magee, Francie Barrett, Neil Sinclair, Michael Gomez, Martin Rogan and Brian Magee.

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History at Madison Square Garden

Wed, 04 May 2022 11:40:04 GMT

Former boxers Christy Martin and Patrick Hyland join Kevin Byrne to reflect on the epic lightweight title fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden at the weekend. A fight billed as the 'biggest fight in women's boxing' surpassed expectations as talks of a rematch in Ireland gather pace.

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History Makers - Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 15:34:32 GMT

Myles Casey joins Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire for this week's episode to look ahead to the historic main event fight at Madison Square Garden this weekend between lightweight champ Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. Casey helped the Irishwoman prepare for her bout this weekend and gives a valuable insight into her preparations and conditioning for her title defence.

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Packie Collins - Calling the shots

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 17:30:06 GMT

Packie Collins joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The head trainer at the Celtic Warrior Gym discusses the recent fights of Eric Donovan and Ray Moylette and his plans for the future with all his fighters.

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Taka Mhandu - Aiming for the Top

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 18:13:19 GMT

Taka Mhandu is the special guest for this week's episode. He joins Simon Maguire to talk about his introduction to MMA, his sporting idols and his future plans after signing a multi-fight deal with Cage Warriors.

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Eamon McAuley - Fighting to Find Peace

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 11:35:28 GMT

Eamon McAuley and Jim Rock are the special guests for this week's episode. The pair join Kevin Byrne to talk about McAuley's new book: 'Fighting to Find Peace - A Belfast Boxer's journey'.

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Ray Moylette - Back in the Game

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 12:04:48 GMT

Ray Moylette is the special guest for this week's episode. The Mayo brawler is back in the ring on March 26th in Leeds when he takes on Dalton Smith on the Kiko Martinez v Josh Warrington undercard. He talks about his journey to this point and what a win over the undefeated Smith could do for his career.

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Roger Lee - Working the pads

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 14:15:27 GMT

Roger Lee is the special guest for this week's episode. He joins Kevin Byrne to talk about his journey in the sport, working with Emanuel Steward in Detroit, helping his brother Andy become a world champion and his plans for the future.

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The Klitschko Brothers and the fight of their lives

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 13:26:28 GMT

Tom Loeffler joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The Managing Director of K2 Promotions has worked closely with the Klitschko brothers over the years and talks about their desire to stay and fight for their country against the Russian invasion. Loeffler also discusses Andy Lee, Katie Taylor and Callum Walsh.

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Michael Conlan - Time Is Now

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 15:40:26 GMT

Michael Conlan joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. He talks about his crazy teenage years, his move through the amateur ranks to the pro game, forming Conlan Boxing and his up-coming world title fight against Leigh Wood.

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Eric Donovan - This is Your Fight

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 14:56:45 GMT

Eric Donovan joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. 'Lilywhite Lightning' is facing a huge challenge when he takes on double-Olympic champion Robeisy Ramirez in a 10-round contest in Glasgow on Feb 26.

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Tommy Tolan - Fighting to Survive

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 17:13:49 GMT

Belfast boxer Tommy Tolan joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The Ballymurphy native has some story and has fought some of the best Irish and British talent over the last number of years, including: Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, Rocky Fielding, Liam Williams, Luke Keeler, Callum Johnson and Paul Smith to name but a few.

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Niall Kennedy - One Last Crack

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 11:03:16 GMT

Niall Kennedy joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The Irish star reflects on his career to date and discusses his plans for the future. He also advocates strongly to better people's mental health and urges anyone in trouble to seek help.

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Leo Santa Cruz' Belfast Connection

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 19:35:15 GMT

This week we look back at the rivalry between Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton. Kevin Byrne is joined by journalist, David Mohan, to reflect on two epic bouts between the pair and Santa Cruz also joins the show to talk about his plans for the future.

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Kevin Sheehy - A Life Remembered

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 16:07:50 GMT

Paddy Donovan and Ken Moore join Kevin Byrne to reflect on the life of Kevin Sheehy. The two were good friends of Sheehy prior to his death and reminisce about the goods they shared both inside and outside the ring.

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The Fighting Irish

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 16:58:40 GMT

Colin Hart joins Kevin Byrne to look back at the Irish fighters he covered during his legendary career. From Barry McGuigan to Katie Taylor, 'The Voice of Boxing' runs through his favourite fighters from the emerald isle.

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Donal Ward - From the GAA pitch to the ring

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Former Roscommon gaelic football star Donal Ward joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. Ward talks about his journey in sport and how he's looking to kick-off his professional boxing career in 2022.

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The Additional Needs High Five Boxing Academy

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Byrne is joined by Paddy Dingle, who came up with the idea for the initiative for the Additional Needs High Five Boxing Academy, Nuala O’Donovan from the Dublin City Sports and Wellbeing Partnership, Olympic champ Michael Carruth from Drimnagh Boxing Club - one of the coaches who is rolling up his sleeves to get involved - and the IABA’s new communications and inclusion officer, Ciara Plunkett.

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Colin Hart's Top Heavyweight Fights

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Colin Hart joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The legendary Sun boxing expert reveals his top heavyweight contests in the aftermath of the Fury-Wilder trilogy. He reflects on his own time covering the sport down through the years which earned him the nickname 'The Voice of Boxing'.

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Anthony Cacace - Chasing Glory

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Anthony Cacace joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The Belfast boxer talks about the highs and lows of the sport as he chases his world title dream. He also reflects on his British super-featherweight title reign.

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Emmet Brennan - Living the Olympic Dream

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Emmet Brennan joins Kevin Byrne and Eric Donovan for this week's episode. The Dubliner talks about his journey from the first time he put on a pair of gloves to boxing in the Tokyo Olympics for Ireland. He also talks about why he is doing Movember and the awareness he hopes to raise from doing so.

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Steve Collins v Nigel Benn 25th anniversary special

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Steve Collins joins Kevin Byrne to look back at his rivalry with Nigel Benn.'The Celtic Warrior' fought Benn twice in 1996 for the WBO super-middleweight title with the Irishman winning both times. He also reflects on his time training in the USA and fighting on the same card as Mickey Ward and Freddie Roach.

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Frank O'Sullivan - Solid Gold

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Cork native and Birmingham boxing legend, Frank O'Sullivan, is the special guest for this week's podcast. The Irishman is a boxing phenomenon in his adopted city of Birmingham - setting up his gym in 1956 and is beloved by many in the city for his tireless efforts to train the local kids. One of his students, Galal Yafai, won gold at the Tokyo Olympics. He was honoured by Queen Elizabeth in 2012.

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Angelo Dundee at 100 - The Rocky Ros Muc on his old friend and trainer

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Sean Mannion joins Kevin Byrne for this week's show. The Rocky Ros Muc joins the podcast to talk about his old friend and trainer, Angelo Dundee, who would have been 100 this year. The Galway man also reflects on his own career and his life now in America.

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Mickey Hawkins - Belfast Boxing Icon

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Head coach at Holy Trinity Boxing Club in Belfast, Mickey Hawkins, joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. He talks about his early days in the sport in Belfast and later, working with the Irish team.

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Leonard Gunning - Growing Irish boxing

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Leonard Gunning joins Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire for this week's episode. The Boxing Ireland promoter talks about his own interest in the sport and the difficulties he faces in trying to grow and support the domestic Irish boxing scene.

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Con Sheehan - Walking away with no regrets

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Con Sheehan is the guest for this week's podcast. The rising heavyweight packed in the pro game despite going 6-0 early in the paid ranks. He talks to Kevin Byrne about why walked away from the sport and having no regrets about doing so.

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Thomas Carty - Learning from the Best

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Rising Irish heavyweight Thomas Carty joined Kevin Byrne for this week's show. He talks about his move into professional boxing and working with Paschal Collins..Carty also discussed sparring Derek Chisora, Lawrence Okolie and Anthony Joshua.

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Sinead Kavanagh - Chasing Glory

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Boxer-turned-MMA star Sinead Kavanagh joined Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire for this week's episode. The Dubliner had a decorated amateur boxing career but is now a star for MMA promotion Bellator. She also talks about her good friend Kellie Harrington and how her gold medal success at the Tokyo Olympics has inspired her to keep chasing her dream of becoming a world champion.

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Katie Taylor - Global Superstar

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Barry Hearn joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The legendary promoter talks about the changing landscape in professional boxing and Katie Taylor's rise into a global icon. Brought to you in association with DAZN.

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Trailblazers - Kellie Harrington and Katie Taylor

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Irish featherweight champ Eric Donovan joins Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire for this week's episode to discuss trailblazing boxers Kellie Harrington and Katie Taylor. The lads also look ahead to Josh Warrington's rematch with Mauricio Lara. Brough to you in association with DAZN.

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Dean Byrne - Sparring Manny Pacquiao and Finding God

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Dean Byrne joins Kevin Byrne for this week's show ahead of Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring. The Dubliner befriended 'Pacman' when he sparred the Filipino legend at Wild Card Gym over a decade ago. The Crumlin native also talks about his own journey in life and his dedication to God these days.

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Olympic Boxing Review with Adam Nolan and Lynne O'Shea

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Adam Nolan and Lynne O'Shea join Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. They discuss Ireland's Olympic success in the ring after medals for Kellie Harrington and Aidan Walsh in Tokyo. They also discuss what the future may bring ahead of Paris 2024.

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Hugh Russell - Irish Derby Delights

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Hugh Russell joins Kevin Byrne to look back at his domestic clashes with Davy Larmour. 'Little Red' won and Olympic bronze for Ireland in 1980 before going pro shortly afterwards. They also look ahead to Michael Conlan's clash with TJ Doheny.

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50th Episode Bonanza

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire look back the first 49 episodes of the Rocky Road: Rewind. The lads discuss some of the best guests they've had on the show since it began with clips from Tommy McCarthy, Ray Moylette, Deirdre Nelson, Paddy Fitzpatrick and Paul Griffen to name but a few. The lads also go on to thank all the co-hosts and guests who gave up their time to get the show this far.

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Caoimhin Agyarko - No Regrets

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Caoimhin Agyarko is the guest for this week's episode. He joins Kevin Byrne to chat about his decision to turn pro, his thoughts on the Irish Olympic team and what can be done to combat racism in society.

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Niall O'Connor - For the love of the sport

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Rising Irish star Niall O'Connor joined Simon Maguire for this week's episode. The Dubliner talked about his career so far, how he has managed to keep active throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, sparring James Tennyson and his plans to fight for a title soon.

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Fighting Legends - David Diaz on facing Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Former lightweight champ David Diaz joins Simon Maguire for this week's episode. Diaz was a 1996 Olympian before turning pro and enjoying a stellar 15-year career - winning the WBC lightweight title along the way. His record includes bouts with boxing legends Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao and he joined the show this week to reflect on those two fights.

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Dave 'Boy' McAuley - Third time's a charm

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 10:14:00 GMT

Dave 'Boy' McAuley joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The Larne fighter won the IBF flyweight title in 1989 against Duke McKenzie but credits his world title success to his two losses against Fidel Bassa.

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Jonjo Finnegan and the fight of his life

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Jonjo Finnegan joins Kevin Byrne and Jim Rock on this week's episode. Finnegan and Rock look back on their Irish title fight in 2008. Finnegan goes on to talk about the toughest fight of his life after he lost consciousness in the ring and was rushed to hospital after a bout in 2012. Eamonn Magee, who was in Rock's corner when he fought Finnegan, also makes an impromptu appearance!

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Jason Quigley - Back on the road to the world title

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Jason Quigley joins Kevin Byrne and Eric Donovan to look back at his win over Shane Mosley Jr at the weekend. The Irish fighter now has his eyes firmly set on a world title clash with Demetrius 'Boo Boo' Andrade.

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Tony Davitt - A life in boxing

Wed, 26 May 2021 16:30:00 GMT

Tony Davitt - a legend of Irish boxing - joins Kevin Byrne and Kenneth Egan for this week's episode. They look back at Davitt's legendary career in the corner as tributes from across Irish boxing - including Barry McGuigan, Andy Lee, Eric Donovan and Jim Rock - to name but a few, roll in for Davitt.

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Willie 'Big Bang' Casey - The Southill southpaw who became European champion

Wed, 19 May 2021 14:25:00 GMT

Willlie Casey is the special guest for this week's episode. He talks to Kevin Byrne about his 'unreal' 2010 which saw him go from 3-0 to European champion after an all-Irish bout against Paul Hyland.

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Two Irishmen abroad - Eddie Bolger and Billy Walsh

Wed, 12 May 2021 12:07:00 GMT

Eddie Bolger and Billy Walsh join Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The two Wexford natives left Irish boxing to take up roles with Germany and the USA and talk about their progress so far and look ahead to the Tokyo Olympics.

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Joe Gallagher on: Fighting Katie Taylor

Wed, 05 May 2021 13:00:00 GMT

Boxing trainer Joe Gallagher is the guest for this week's episode. He speaks to Kevin Byrne about Natasha Jonas' razor-thin loss to Katie Taylor at the weekend and what it's like to prepare for the Irish icon.

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Francie Barrett: The forgotten pro years

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:01:00 GMT

Francie Barrett is the special guest for this week's show. The former Irish Olympian joins Kevin Byrne to reflect on his professional career after starring for Ireland in the amateurs.

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Martin Lindsay and the left hook from hell

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 14:18:00 GMT

Belfast boxing cult hero Martin Lindsay is the guest for this week's show. He talks to Kevin Byrne about his early days on the boxing scene in Belfast and some of his famous fights against Derry Mathews, Lee Selby and Josh Warrington.

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Dave 'Boy' McAuley on Irish boxing's GOAT

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 13:30:00 GMT

Dave 'Boy' McAuley joins Kevin Byrne for this week's show. The former flyweight world champion reflects on the greatest achievements in Irish boxing since the 1980s in the wake of Carl Frampton's retirement.

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Darren Corbett - KO King

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 13:30:00 GMT

Belfast brawler Darren Corbett is the guest for this week's episode. He talks to Kevin Byrne about growing up in Belfast, his stunning amateur KO record and turning pro.

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Lou DiBella - From Irish Bars to Irish Champions

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 14:00:00 GMT

Lou DiBella joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The American promoter has been a huge influence in Irish boxing down the years - working with the likes of Andy Lee, Mathew Macklin and now, Joe ward. The former executive at HBO is the man to contact if an Irish boxer is looking to make it on the east coast of the United States..

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Spike It Lucky - O'Sullivan's Rebel Treble

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 15:33:00 GMT

Spike O'Sullivan is the guest for this week's episode. In a pro career spanning 13 years, O’Sullivan has been around the block — and says he is only getting better with age. His 34 bouts to date have taken place across Ireland, the UK, USA and Canada, but he has been following the fight business since he was a kid growing up in Cork. We asked Spike to recall three big boxing events he was present for - Steve Collins, David Haye and Anthony Joshua all make the list.

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Paul Griffin - Shave the Date. Legendary Dubliner reflects on 30-year anniversary of European gold

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 10:45:00 GMT

Paul Griffin was the guest on this week's episode. It's 30 years since the Drimnagh legend won gold for Ireland at the European Championships. The prankster also spoke of how nobody would share a room with him because they might go home with less eyebrows than they arrived with - sit back and enjoy.

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Steve Collins' forgotten world title win

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 11:33:00 GMT

Packie Collins joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode to look back at brother, Steve's, first world title win. Whilst 'The Celtic Warrior' is best known for his super-middleweight title fights with Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn - the Irishman won the WBO middleweight title against Chris Pyatt in May 1994.

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Anna Moore and the rise of Katie Taylor

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 12:21:00 GMT

Anna Moore joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The Limerick native was ringside for most of Katie Taylor's amateur career from her time as team manager with the IABA. She looks back at Taylor's rise from boxing prodigy to global icon.

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Joe Smith Jr - Building up to the fight of his life

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 17:30:00 GMT

Irish-American fighter Joe Smith Jr joins Kevin Byrne and Gary 'Spike' O'Sullivan to talk about his career so far - as he builds up to his world title fight. Smith Jr, who retired Bernard Hopkins, will fight for the world title for the second time on February 13 against Maxim Vlasov.

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Carl Frampton - One win away from the Hall of Fame

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 13:16:00 GMT

Legendary American boxing promoter Lou DiBella joins Kevin Byrne for this week's show. First off, DiBella pays tribute to Joe Winters who tragically passed away recently. They go on to discuss Carl Frampton's duels with Leo Santa Cruz and look ahead to his bout with Jamal Herring in February.

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Tiernan Bradley - Behind the scenes at The Money Fight

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 16:40:00 GMT

Tiernan Bradley joins Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire to look back at his role preparing Conor McGregor for his huge fight against Floyd Mayweather in 2017. The fight would go on to be one of the best selling PPVs of all time on a night that will live long in the memory of combat sports fans. Tiernan also talks about his plans for the future.

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Henry Coyle - The Western Warrior

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 14:45:00 GMT

Henry Coyle joins Kevin Byrne and Eric Donovan for this week's episode to look back at his career and route to the world title. The lads also pay their respects to some legendary boxing coaches who are no longer with us.

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The stun Dunne - Bernard Dunne beats Ricardo Cordoba and shocks the world

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 14:06:00 GMT

Ray Moylette and Jim Rock join Kevin Byrne to look back at one of the greatest nights in Irish boxing history: Bernard Dunne's win over Ricardo Cordoba in 2009. Ireland hasn't seen a night like that in boxing since - and it was the same night the Irish rugby team won their first Grand Slam in 61 years - beating Wales in Cardiff.

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Nelson's Thriller

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 15:34:00 GMT

Deirdre Nelson joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. She was Ireland’s second female pro — after Deirdre Gogarty, the inspiration for Taylor and Britain’s Jane Couch, among others — and Northern Ireland’s first. And, in 1995, the Co Antrim star made her debut in a world title fight in Las Vegas.

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Paul McCloskey - Guts and Glory

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Paul McCloskey joins Kevin Byrne and Eric Donovan for this week's episode. McCloskey and Donovan crossed paths years back - in the early days of the High Performance Unit. The lads also discuss McCloskey's fights with Amir Khan and Breidis Prescott.

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Viva Las Fagan

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 17:28:00 GMT

Oisin Fagan joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. The Irishman started his boxing career late, built up a solid following in the United States and fought Julio Ceasar Chavez Jr in 2004. 'Gael Force' kept a diary throughout his career and has been working on a book which he hopes to publish in the near future.

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'Irish' Pat Lawlor still finding his way in life after hanging up the gloves

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 20:01:00 GMT

'Irish' Pat Lawlor joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode. Lawlor had 40 pro contests between 1987 and 2005, facing five opponents who finished up in the International Boxing Hall of Fame - but that's only half the story.

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Brian Magee - The Road Warrior

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 13:53:00 GMT

1996 Olympian Brian Magee joins Kevin Byrne for this week's episode to look back at his big away fights during his pro career. He fought 42 times in the paid ranks but only 12 times on Irish soil. A win-or-bust fight for the European title against Mads Larsen in Aarhus in 2010 changed his life.

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Ireland's boxers at the LA 84 Olympics - border patrol, mass shootings and Vidal Sassoon

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 15:54:00 GMT

Tommy Corr, Sam Story and Phil Sutcliffe join Kevin Byrne to look back at their Olympic adventure in LA in 1984. The lads discuss the old amateur days. missing a mass-shooting in McDonalds and Vidal Sassoon cutting their hair.

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Eric Donovan looking to the future with Packie Collins after Fight Camp experience on Sky Sports

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 10:54:00 GMT

Eric Donovan is the guest for this week's episode as he reflects on his loss to Zelfa Barrett at Fight Camp on Sky Sports. He discusses his move to Celtic Warrior Gym to train under Packie Collins and analyses Katie Taylor's win over Delfine Persoon.

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Remembering Darren Sutherland - Eric Donovan, Kenneth Egan, Jimmy Halpin and John Joe Nevin

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 11:09:00 GMT

On this week's episode, former teammates and friends remember the life of Darren Sutherland. Eric Donovan, Kenneth Egan, Jimmy Halpin and John Joe Nevin sit down with Kevin Byrne to laugh, cry and reflect on the life of a remarkable fighter and person.

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Paddy Fitzpatrick's journey - Relentlessly bullied, meeting Ali and George Groves' corner at Wembley

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 12:44:00 GMT

Boxing trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick is the guest on this week's episode. The celebrated trainer talks about the torment he received at the hands of bullies and his struggles in later life to working with Freddie Roach, meeting Muhammad Ali and cornering George Groves during his rivalry with Carl Froch.

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Christina McMahon and the fight of her life in Zambia

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 13:51:13 GMT

Christina McMahon and her husband/trainer Frick, are the special guests for this week's episode. The pair take us back to the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka in 2015 where the Irishwoman took on home favourite Catherine Phiri for the WBC interim world bantamweight title

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Patrick Hyland and the toughest fights of his life

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 10:44:00 GMT

Patrick Hyland is the guest for this week's show. The Dubliner joins Kevin Byrne to talk about his career in boxing, dealing with the loss of his father and his plans for the future with his brothers. If you have been affected by anything discussed on this podcast, please contact the Samaritans on 1850 609 090 or Pieta House on 01 6010000.

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Eamonn Loughran and Barry Hearn fought their way to the top of the boxing world together

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 11:41:00 GMT

Eamonn Loughran and Barry Hearn are re-united on this week's show. The pair forged a brilliant working relationship when Eamonn first moved across from Ballymena to Hearn's gym in Romford all the way to the WBO welterweight title in 1993.

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Neil Sinclair - Gotta Roll With It

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 14:23:00 GMT

Former Irish senior champion Neil Sinclair was the guest for this week's episode. He joined Kevin Byrne to talk about his struggles and triumphs inside and outside the ring.

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Ray Moylette and Joe Ward bring home European gold for Ireland

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 11:26:00 GMT

Ray Moylette and Joe Ward join Kevin Byrne to look back at their 2011 European gold medal wins in Turkey. Ireland hadn't won two gold medals at the championships since 1939.

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Taking on Mike Tyson

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 13:16:00 GMT

Former heavyweight contender Peter McNeeley joins Kevin Byrne and Eric Donovan to look back at his fight against 'the baddest man on the planet' in 1995.

It was Tyson's first fight after being released from prison and lasted one minute and 29 seconds.

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Irish boxing's hardest punchers with Eric Donovan, Packie Collins and John Breen

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 11:17:00 GMT

Eric Donovan, Packie Collins and John Breen join Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire for this week's episode to discuss the biggest punchers in Irish boxing history.

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Nate Jones: From the Projects to the Podium

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:37:00 GMT

Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire are joined by US Olympic medalist-turned-trainer Nate Jones to look back at his remarkable life so far.

He talks about his early days growing up in Chicago under the watchful eye of the legendary Tom O'Shea, making the podium at the Olympics, the personal tragedies in his life and his close relationship with Floyd Mayweather.

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Beijing Boxing 2008 - Billy Walsh, Kenneth Egan and John Joe Joyce

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 11:00:00 GMT

Billy Walsh, Kenneth Egan and John Joe Joyce join Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire to look back at Ireland's success at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

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Michael Carruth's last stand

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 09:04:00 GMT

Jim Rock joins Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire to look back at Irish Olympic gold medalist Michael Carruth's last professional fight.

The guys also discuss his career in the pro game and ask if it lived up to expectations after the glory days of the Barcelona Olympics.

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'Irish' Jack O'Halloran: A Jack of all trades

Tue, 26 May 2020 23:00:00 GMT

'Irish' Jack O'Halloran joins Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire for this week's show.

The former boxer-turned-actor has a storied career from fighting George Foreman to starring in Superman.

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Fighting Roberto Duran

Tue, 19 May 2020 23:00:00 GMT

Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire are joined by former Irish-American boxer Mike Culbert as he looks back at his most famous fight against his idol, Roberto Duran.

Culbert also talks about his early days on the New England boxing circuit where he took on 'Irish' Micky Ward three times as an amateur.

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Bangs of London

Tue, 12 May 2020 23:00:00 GMT

Olympic bronze medalist Michael Conlan and Irish featherweight champion Eric Donovan join Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire to look back at Ireland's success at the London Olympics in 2012.

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Wayne's World is rocked

Wed, 06 May 2020 09:45:00 GMT

Olympic silver medalist and former WBC Bantamweight world champion Wayne McCullough joined Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire on Rocky Road: Rewind to look back at his epic 12-round war with Mexican legend Erik Morales in 1999.

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The Irishman who finished Mike Tyson

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 09:00:00 GMT

Packie Collins joins Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire to look back at Kevin McBride's stunning stoppage win over Mike Tyson.

The loss sent 'The baddest man on the planet' into retirement in 2005.

Collins, who helped train McBride for the biggest fight of his career, takes us through the lead-up to one of the biggest nights in Irish boxing.

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Kiko Martinez demolishes The Point

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMT

Jim Rock joins Kevin Byrne and Simon Maguire to review Bernard Dunne's stunning loss to Kiko Martinez in 2007.

Jim also shares a story about Matthew McConaughey sparring in Mountjoy prison in Dublin.

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