Advertise on podcast: Weighing In with Travis Hartman

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ Corey Marksman is officially entering a different stage of his boxing career. Fresh off a championship-level 10-round victory, Corey sits down with Travis Hartman to talk about winning two belts, becoming a world-ranked contender, and why the accomplishment still hasn’t completely sunk in. Corey breaks down the fight round-by-round, the surprisingly close scorecards, the moment his father told him they might be behind, and how he found another gear late in the fight. He also opens up about the unique relationship he shares with his father and coach, the pressure of having people look up to him, and why becoming famous has never been the goal. The conversation also turns toward what comes next. Corey explains why he believes he’s ready for anyone, discusses potential world-title opportunities, and reveals where he hopes to be one year from now. From fighting on the Jake Paul undercard to becoming a top-ranked contender with two belts sitting in front of him, Corey’s journey is only getting started. In this episode: • Winning two belts and entering the world rankings • Corey’s honest assessment of his latest performance • The controversial-looking 96-94 scorecards • Finding another gear in rounds 9 and 10 • Being coached by his father • Sparring with elite fighters and getting praise from Andre Ward • Potential future opponents and world-title opportunities • Why Corey doesn’t want to be famous • His biggest fear outside the ring • His goal of becoming world champion 0:01 Corey Marksman Is Top 10 in the World 1:32 Winning Two Belts & Breaking Into the Rankings 3:48 When Boxing Finally Started Feeling Real 5:42 What Corey Did After Winning the Fight 6:38 How a Draw Changed His Career 8:34 Why Corey Thought He Had a Bad Performance 10:33 Breaking Down the Controversial Scorecards 13:02 The Strange Feeling Corey Had Before the Fight 16:25 Hurting Barreto in the First Round 18:08 Why Corey Stopped Chasing the Knockout 19:15 His Dad Tells Him: “We’re Down” 21:27 Finding Another Gear Late in the Fight 22:37 Hearing the Final Scorecards 24:27 From Prospect to World-Title Contender 25:47 Corey’s Dad as His Coach 29:38 Why the Father-Son Coaching Relationship Works 30:04 Separating “Dad” From “Coach” 32:49 What This Journey With His Father Means 39:48 Getting Recognized Outside the Ring 41:11 What Winning the Belts Actually Felt Like 43:22 Will Corey & His Dad Cry After Winning a World Title? 45:22 Which Belt Means More to Corey? 48:46 Boxing’s Problem With Retirement & Fighter Benefits 51:09 Corey: “I’m Technically a World Title Contender” 52:21 Sparring With Shakur & Getting Praise From Andre Ward 54:19 “I’m Ready for Anybody” 56:07 The World-Title Fight Corey Would Take 59:07 Who Does Corey Want Next? 1:00:18 Rehydration Clauses & Dangerous Weight Cuts 1:03:18 Corey Is Starting to Get Recognized Everywhere 1:05:08 The One Thing Corey Never Wants to Change 1:06:11 “I Don’t Want to Be Famous” 1:07:13 Who Was There Before Anybody Cared? 1:10:13 Corey’s Biggest Fear in Life 1:11:12 The Pressure of Not Letting People Down 1:13:11 Rapid-Fire Questions 1:14:19 Corey’s Dream Car & What He’d Buy With $10 Million 1:16:12 Corey’s Biggest Pet Peeve 1:17:14 A Surprising Fact About Corey 1:18:41 When Will Corey Fight for a World Title? 1:19:42 A Message to His Dad 1:20:49 “Corey Marksman Will Become World Champion Because…” 1:21:40 Corey’s Question for the Next Guest 1:23:41 Final Thoughts

Legendary boxing broadcaster Al Bernstein joins Travis Hartman on Weighing In With Travis Hartman ahead of his induction into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame. Al has spent decades calling some of the biggest fights in boxing history, and in this conversation, he breaks down the incredible evolution of women’s boxing — from the pioneers who struggled just to get on fight cards to today’s generation of champions headlining major events. Al and Travis discuss the impact of fighters like **Christy Martin, Laila Ali, Amanda Serrano, Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor, Savannah Marshall** and more, while examining why the depth and quality of women’s boxing has exploded in recent years. They also get into one of the biggest debates surrounding the sport: Does boxing need knockouts to be entertaining? Plus, Al explains why the best women continue to fight the best, why broadcasters need to be more informed before giving opinions, and where he believes women’s boxing could be 10 years from now. Toward the end of the conversation, Al takes Travis back to one of the wildest rounds he ever called — **Caveman Lee vs. John LoCicero** — and reveals the mission that has guided his legendary broadcasting career. 🥊 **IN THIS EPISODE:** • Al Bernstein’s International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame induction • How difficult it once was for women to get fights and promoters • The promoters who helped change women’s boxing • Why women’s boxing has become so technically strong • Knockouts vs. great 10-round fights • Christy Martin and the pioneers of women’s boxing • Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano • Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall • The future of women’s boxing • Why informed broadcasting matters • Al Bernstein’s favorite round and favorite fight • The mission behind Al’s broadcasting career 00:00 – Intro: Al Bernstein Joins the Show 00:26 – Al’s Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame Induction 01:03 – Why This Hall of Fame Honor Is Different 03:14 – Al’s New Show: Women’s Boxing Weekly 03:45 – What Women’s Boxing Used to Be Like 06:05 – The Promoters Who Helped Change Women’s Boxing 07:15 – Why More Women Began Seeing Boxing as a Career 08:03 – Why the Best Women Actually Fight the Best 09:00 – Fundamentals: What Women’s Boxing Does So Well 11:17 – How Much the Opportunities and Pay Have Changed 12:32 – Does Women’s Boxing Need More Knockouts? 13:50 – Why Al Would Take a Great 10-Round Fight Over a KO 15:47 – What Really Fueled the Rise of Women’s Boxing? 16:53 – The “One for All” Mentality in Women’s Boxing 18:35 – Christy Martin, Laila Ali & the Pioneers 20:41 – Was Christy Martin’s Breakthrough a Turning Point? 21:56 – Why Women’s Boxing Took So Long to Gain Traction 23:03 – How Far Down the Pecking Order Women’s Boxing Once Was 24:32 – Why More Broadcasters Need to Understand Women’s Boxing 26:58 – The Problem With Uninformed Boxing Opinions 28:29 – Opinion vs. Real Broadcasting Insight 30:45 – Laila Ali’s Knockout Power & the Evolution of Competition 33:29 – Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano & Great Women’s Fights 35:23 – How Often Women’s Boxing Delivers on the Hype 36:14 – Where Will Women’s Boxing Be in 10 Years? 38:07 – Could Women’s Boxing Keep Growing Even if Men’s Boxing Doesn’t? 39:55 – Why Regional Promoters Are So Important 41:00 – Women Headlining Over Top Male Fighters 42:46 – The Claressa Shields vs. Male Fighters Debate 44:42 – Why Men vs. Women in Boxing Doesn’t Make Sense 48:44 – Al Bernstein’s Favorite Round Ever 49:42 – The Insane Caveman Lee vs. John LoCicero Round 51:24 – The Greatest Fight Al Bernstein Ever Called 52:17 – “What Is Your Mission?” 53:58 – Al’s Question for the Next Podcast Guest 55:00 – Women’s Boxing Weekly & Al’s Las Vegas Show 56:19 – Al Wants to Call Fights in Orlando 57:09 – Why Al Still Loves Grassroots Boxing 58:50 – Closing

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ Boxing is changing — but is it actually getting better? Travis Hartman and Dave break down the biggest stories in boxing right now, starting with Ryan Garcia’s statement win over Conor Benn and what could be next for him. Teofimo Lopez? Devin Haney? And has Garcia quietly become one of the biggest stars in boxing? The conversation turns to Terence Crawford and the mystery opponent that could potentially bring him back, including some wild possibilities involving Conor McGregor and Canelo Alvarez. Then we get into Dana White and Zuffa Boxing. Is Zuffa actually fixing some of boxing’s biggest problems — or simply rebuilding the UFC model inside boxing? The guys discuss the money being spent, the fighters being signed, whether Zuffa can actually develop its own stars, and what the future could look like if one organization eventually becomes dominant. 0:00 Boxing State of the Union 0:53 What’s next for Ryan Garcia? 2:17 How good is Ryan Garcia’s résumé? 3:42 Did Garcia expose Conor Benn? 4:26 Was the Conor Benn stoppage too early? 6:16 Why boxing stoppages have changed 7:55 Conor Benn, power & PED discussion 9:30 How weight cutting affects punching power 13:45 Garcia vs. Haney at 147 14:49 Could GLP-1s become an issue in combat sports? 18:09 Will Terence Crawford come out of retirement? 19:02 Crawford vs. Conor McGregor?! 21:15 Could Crawford fight Canelo again? 24:18 Knowing when it’s time to retire 26:13 Is Zuffa Boxing actually fixing boxing? 27:35 Can Dana White build boxing stars from scratch? 29:09 Zuffa’s model & boxing’s sanctioning bodies 30:58 Why boxing suddenly feels alive again 34:09 Does boxing have too many weight classes? 35:56 Can Zuffa’s spending actually last? 37:54 Fighters leaving promoters for huge Zuffa money 40:28 Does boxing need ONE true world champion? 41:01 Could the Zuffa belt eventually matter? 43:21 The heavyweight division & Moses Itauma 45:54 Should Itauma take the immediate rematch? 47:20 The alternative path for Itauma 51:22 Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua — five years too late? 53:05 Why Fury-Joshua belongs in the UK 56:43 How would we FIX boxing? 57:19 PEDs, promoters, belts & weight classes 59:49 The problem with adding another championship belt 1:02:03 Does Fury vs. Joshua even matter anymore? 1:04:10 Final thoughts Plus: 🥊 Ryan Garcia’s next move 🥊 Was Conor Benn stopped too early? 🥊 Weight cutting and GLP-1s in combat sports 🥊 Could Terence Crawford actually return? 🥊 Crawford vs. McGregor?! 🥊 Canelo’s future and when fighters should retire 🥊 Dana White and the Zuffa Boxing experiment 🥊 The problem with too many belts and weight classes 🥊 The heavyweight division 🥊 Moses Itauma’s future 🥊 Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua 🥊 What boxing needs to fix It’s a full boxing State of the Union — the fights, the business, the politics, and where the sport could be headed next. Subscribe for more boxing conversations, interviews and breakdowns.

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ What does the US Open look like when you've experienced it as both a professional tennis player AND a commentator? Former WTA pro Irina Falconi Hartman joins Travis to break down what she saw during two weeks inside the US Open — from the atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium to the pressure the world's best players face away from the court. Irina opens up about what it was like commentating a match involving one of her closest friends, Madison Keys, while trying to remain completely neutral in the booth. She also discusses the mental and emotional toll of professional tennis, her own experience with burnout, and why there's so much more happening behind the scenes than fans ever see. Plus, Irina talks about knowing Ben Shelton since he was a kid, playing for his father Bryan Shelton at Georgia Tech, the resurgence of American tennis, and which players she believes could define the next generation of the sport. 00:00 Coming Up 00:38 What Fans Don’t See at the US Open 01:49 Playing vs. Commentating Inside Arthur Ashe 03:20 Two Weeks Behind the Scenes at the US Open 03:59 Commentating One of My Best Friends, Madison Keys 06:23 The Heartbreak Behind Madison Keys’ US Open 09:19 Watching a Friend Struggle With the Pressure 10:58 The Mental Toll of Professional Tennis 12:24 Hot Sauce Sponsor 13:22 “Pressure Is a Privilege” 14:42 Why Athletes Have to Protect Their Mental Health 16:53 Why Former Athletes Belong in Broadcasting 18:17 Ben Shelton’s Incredible US Open Run 20:10 Why Ben Shelton Impressed Me Beyond Tennis 22:06 Playing for Ben Shelton’s Dad, Brian Shelton 23:49 What Makes Brian Shelton a Great Coach 25:49 The State of American Men’s Tennis 28:10 Who’s Next in American Women’s Tennis? 29:46 Who Will Dominate the Next Era of Tennis? 31:10 The Future of Women’s Tennis 32:19 Why Tennis Is So Wide Open Right Now 33:58 What Makes This Era of Tennis Exciting 34:49 Final Thoughts In this episode: 🎾 What fans don't see or feel at the US Open 🎙️ Going from professional player to commentator ❤️ Commentating Madison Keys while secretly rooting for her 🧠 The pressure and mental toll of professional tennis 💰 How dramatically US Open prize money has changed 🇺🇸 The state of American men's and women's tennis 🔥 Ben Shelton's rise and the influence of Brian Shelton 🏆 Sinner, Alcaraz, Sabalenka, Gauff and the future of tennis 📚 Omari Jones: Olympic Bronze Medalist book https://a.co/d/02KkGvci 📚 Danny O'Connor: Former Fighter fought for his life https://a.co/d/0geRpED3 🍹 Best Tequila in the world: Don Rico https://www.ayquerico.com/ 🏈 Best Hot Sauce in the business! Bucking Knockout https://www.buckingknockout.com/

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ Coach JT returns to the podcast to talk boxing, business, building Technique Boxing, training the next generation of fighters — and what it’s really like coaching one of the most relentless fighters in combat sports: Mike Perry. JT opens up about going from 30+ jobs to finding his purpose in boxing, building multiple successful gyms, developing amateur and professional fighters, and why he believes boxing can teach lessons that go far beyond fighting. Then we get into Mike Perry. Coach JT breaks down what makes Mike different, shares wild behind-the-scenes Mike Perry stories, explains how they’re preparing for Dillon Danis, and gives his official prediction for their August 29 fight in Orlando. We also talk UFC striking, the mentality that separates great fighters, Jordan vs. LeBron, the future of Technique Boxing, and the legacy JT wants to leave in his community. Subscribe for more conversations with fighters, trainers, and some of the biggest names in combat sports. 00:00 Coach JT Returns 01:27 Running Multiple Boxing Gyms 05:07 Why JT Still Coaches Fighters Himself 08:47 Who Was JT Before Technique Boxing? 11:17 How JT Became a Boxing Coach 12:09 The Beginning of Technique Boxing 20:17 What People Don't Understand About Owning a Gym 28:10 Can You Actually Make Money Owning a Boxing Gym? 32:13 The Future of Technique Boxing 33:40 Jordan vs. Kobe vs. LeBron 42:56 How JT Started Training UFC Fighters 48:10 Mike Perry 49:16 What Makes Mike Perry Different 50:20 Mike Perry Demanded Another Round 51:04 "You Have to Kill Him to Get Him Out" 54:15 Mike Perry vs. Dillon Danis 56:09 JT's Concern About Dillon Danis 58:09 Wild Mike Perry Parking Lot Story 59:25 Another Crazy Mike Perry Story 62:10 Travis Sparred Mike Perry in Flip-Flops 64:03 How They're Training for Dillon Danis 66:00 Coach JT Predicts Perry vs. Danis 68:39 "Dillon Danis Better Show Up" 72:53 Rapid Fire With Coach JT 74:15 Hardest Puncher JT Has Ever Trained 74:23 Craziest Fighter He's Ever Trained 74:35 Describe Mike Perry in 3 Words 76:24 The Legacy Coach JT Wants to Leave 80:17 An Emotional Question About JT's Father 84:25 Finding Your Purpose 87:06 Final Thoughts #MikePerry #DillonDanis #Boxing #MMA #CoachJT #TechniqueBoxing

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ Coach Joey from El Rancho Boxing joins Weighing In with Travis Hartman* to talk about one of the most exciting young fighters in his gym — Brandon “Bam Bam” Ortiz — and what makes him different. At just 19 years old, Bam is preparing to turn professional on August 28th, but Coach Joey says the thing that separates him isn't simply talent — "it's his work ethic, toughness, discipline, and willingness to be pushed." Coach Joey breaks down the moment he realized Bam had something special, including pushing him through 8- and 10-round sessions, watching him handle adversity, and seeing the switch flip when he began working with professional fighters. The conversation goes much deeper than boxing, touching on: 🥊 Why you can't teach a fighter's heart and work ethic 🥊 The difference between a trainer, a coach, and a teacher 🥊 Building confidence in young athletes 🥊 Why great coaches develop people, not just fighters 🥊 “Hard work beats talent when talent won't work” 🥊 The importance of teaching young athletes how to problem-solve 🥊 How AI and ChatGPT are changing the way young people learn 🥊 Why Coach Joey would choose a fighter with an elite work ethic over raw talent 🥊 Bam's transition from amateur boxing to the professional ranks 🥊 What success really looks like on August 28 🥊 Why Coach Joey wants Bam to enjoy the moment and embrace his professional debut And perhaps the biggest message of the episode: "you can teach technique, but you can't teach someone to want it." Bam's professional debut is August 28th. The work has already been done. Now it's time to see what happens when the lights come on. 00:00 – Intro 00:28 – Coach Joey on Brandon “Bam Bam” Ortiz 01:00 – The work ethic that makes Bam different 01:27 – “You can’t teach that”: Testing a young fighter’s heart 03:04 – Pushing Bam through 10 rounds 04:05 – What coaches look for in a fighter 04:33 – The truth behind Bam’s Instagram persona 05:48 – Why Bam lives and breathes boxing 06:06 – Seeing the difference when Bam works with professionals 07:13 – Building a blueprint for Bam’s career 07:36 – The confidence Bam was missing 07:51 – The power of having someone believe in you 08:23 – Three types of coaches: Cheerleaders, coaches & teachers 09:00 – Teaching young fighters to become quality people 10:07 – Knowing when it's time for the next chapter 10:48 – Why Bam is getting the best version of Coach Joey 11:15 – “Hard work beats talent when talent won’t work” 12:00 – Leadership and setting an example for young athletes 13:00 – Why boxing needs more teachers, not just trainers 13:38 – Teaching fighters to think for themselves 14:30 – ChatGPT, young athletes & the loss of problem-solving 15:13 – Why hard work matters in life, not just boxing 15:30 – Why Coach Joey would choose work ethic over talent 16:24 – “I’m a mirror”: Giving back the effort you receive 16:59 – What does success look like for Bam’s pro debut? 17:22 – Success isn't necessarily winning 17:41 – “Receipts”: Turning doubt into motivation 18:06 – Coach Joey’s message for Bam on August 28 18:30 – Why rounds are more important than a quick knockout 18:56 – The moment Bam has dreamed about 19:24 – “We succeeded as a team” 19:29 – Coach Joey from El Rancho Boxing 20:15 – Final thoughts #Boxing #BrandonOrtiz #BamBamOrtiz #CoachJoey #proboxing

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ At only 19 years old, Brandon “Bam Bam” Ortiz is preparing to take the first major step of his professional boxing journey. The Puerto Rican prospect joins Travis Hartman inside Stadium Club at Caribe Royale Orlando to discuss his upcoming professional debut on August 28, live on DAZN. Brandon opens up about putting on boxing gloves for the first time in the streets with his friends, winning amateur tournaments, nearly choosing the military instead of boxing, and the moment he decided to go all-in on becoming a professional fighter. He also discusses his Puerto Rican heritage, the influence of fighters such as Héctor “Macho” Camacho and Miguel Cotto, the sacrifices his parents have made, his relationship with God, and his dream of one day bringing a major boxing event to Orlando’s Kia Center. Brandon may be at the beginning of his professional career, but his mission is already clear: “I’m just a kid that has a dream, and I’m gonna chase it.” Subscribe for more conversations with professional fighters, champions, prospects, coaches, and influential personalities from across the boxing world. #BrandonOrtiz #BamBamOrtiz #TravisHartman #WeighingInWithTravisHartman #BoxingPodcast 00:00 Intro 00:26 Meet Brandon Ortiz 01:12 How Brandon Started Boxing 04:35 Growing Up in New York & Basketball 07:05 Brandon's Amateur Career 08:40 Training with Coach Joey at El Rancho Boxing 12:20 Advice for Turning Pro 17:05 Puerto Rican Heritage & Boxing Legends 22:10 Favorite Fighters Today 25:45 From Street Boxing to the Gym 31:20 Brandon's Biggest Supporters 34:10 Doubters & Dream Killers 39:30 Making His Professional Debut 43:40 Errol Spence vs. Tim Tszyu Discussion 51:45 When Boxing Became Serious 54:45 Almost Joining the Military 56:05 Biggest Lesson Boxing Has Taught Him 58:15 Faith in God 1:03:30 No Pressure Before His Pro Debut 1:06:15 Dream of Fighting at the Kia Center 1:09:45 Where Brandon Sees Himself in 5 Years 1:11:45 Rapid Fire Questions 1:14:50 Travis' Favorite Boxers 1:19:45 Life at Age 25 1:21:20 Ryan Main's Question 1:23:20 Final Thoughts & August 28 Pro Debut

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ 🥊 Ryan Mayne Opens Up About Signing With Dana White's Zuffa Boxing, Emergency Surgery & What's Next Undefeated professional boxer Ryan Mayne (9-0) joins the podcast to discuss the moment he got the call from Dana White's Zuffa Boxing, why he bet on Dana over every other promoter, and how everything changed when a sudden appendix emergency nearly derailed his dream. Ryan shares the painful night that sent him to the ER, the fear of losing his Zuffa contract, recovery from surgery, sparring with former world champion Tim Tszyu, and his plans to return to the ring. We also dive into: 🥊 Signing with Dana White and Zuffa Boxing 🥊 The future of boxing and whether Dana can change the sport 🥊 Ryan's emergency appendix surgery and canceled fight 🥊 Recovery and the road back to competition 🥊 Sparring Tim Tszyu in Miami 🥊 UFC vs. boxing and the differences between the sports 🥊 Floyd Mayweather, Terence Crawford, and boxing longevity 🥊 Why Ryan says boxing is "playing" and why he loves the sport 🥊 Rapid-fire questions, dream opponents, and favorite fighters Ryan's passion for boxing, his faith, and his perseverance shine throughout this conversation. **0:00** Intro & Ryan Maine joins the show **1:00** Signing with Dana White and Zuffa Boxing changed everything **2:29** The phone call that changed Ryan's career **3:37** Dana White, UFC, and why he bet on Zuffa Boxing **8:29** Why Ryan chose Zuffa over other promotions **10:13** What Ryan thinks Dana White saw in him **11:35** Destiny vs. luck and trusting God's plan **12:47** Can Dana White change boxing? **15:15** Ryan's weight class adjustment under Zuffa **16:16** The night his appendix attack started **17:50** Excruciating pain and emergency hospital visit **18:37** Fear of losing his Zuffa contract **20:37** Preparing for emergency surgery **21:52** Funny anesthesia stories after surgery **23:13** Pain vs. losing momentum — which hurt more? **24:17** Sparring with Tim Tszyu in Miami **25:08** Tim Tszyu's character and training stories **27:27** The pressure of being a Hall of Famer's son **29:35** Why boxing is unlike any other sport **33:03** Recovery after appendix surgery **35:19** Ryan's projected return to the ring **36:04** Why boxing feels like "playing" to him **38:21** Life without boxing & his love for the sport **40:11** "Don't let boxing use you—use boxing" **43:15** Boxing vs. MMA: career longevity and damage **44:11** Rapid Fire Questions with Ryan Maine **45:00** Favorite boxer, hardest puncher & dream opponent **46:03** Life outside boxing and describing Dana White **47:00** Danny O'Connor's question for Ryan **51:25** Would Ryan change anything from his past? **52:18** Reflecting on Ryan's journey and future **56:10** UFC White House event reactions **56:55** Why Poirier vs. Gaethje was incredible **59:16** Why boxing skills dominate MMA **1:00:00** Dana White blocked the host on Twitter 😂 **1:00:25** Giving Dana White credit for building an empire **1:01:16** Final thoughts on Ryan Maine's future with Zuffa Boxing * **Reacting to UFC's White House Event** * **The Day Dana White Blocked Me on Twitter** #RyanMaine #ZuffaBoxing #DanaWhite #BoxingPodcast #Boxing

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ Former Olympian and world title challenger Danny O'Connor joins the show for one of the most powerful conversations we've ever had. Danny opens up about the eating disorder that nearly cost him everything—his boxing career, his health, and ultimately his life. From extreme weight cuts and 60,000-calorie binge episodes to waking up in the ICU before the biggest fight of his career, this is a raw, honest look at the dark side of combat sports that few athletes have ever discussed publicly. We talk about wrestling, boxing, Olympic dreams, addiction, mental health, the culture of weight cutting, and how Danny turned unimaginable struggles into a mission to help others through his book, Weight Class: A Fighter's Life-or-Death Battle with an Eating Disorder. Whether you're a fighter, coach, athlete, parent, or simply someone interested in mental health and resilience, this conversation is one you won't forget. 00:00 – I Ate Until I Passed Out for Two Straight Days (Hook) 00:30 – Introduction 00:39 – The Night We Fought Each Other in 2009 02:27 – Danny's Secret Battle With an Eating Disorder 06:03 – Cutting Weight vs. Having an Eating Disorder 11:00 – How Wrestling Started the Problem 18:15 – Dangerous Weight-Cutting Tactics as a Teenager 25:30 – Ricky Hatton, Food Addiction & Losing Control 31:45 – 60,000-Calorie Binges and the Breaking Point 39:30 – Losing Wrestling and Spiraling Into Drugs & Crime 47:00 – How Boxing Saved My Life 54:15 – Olympic Dreams and Heartbreak 59:30 – The Eating Disorder Takes Over My Career 1:04:00 – The Jose Ramirez World Title Opportunity 1:08:30 – Dying on the Hotel Room Floor Before Weigh-Ins 1:11:30 – Waking Up in the ICU and Losing Everything 1:15:00 – Can Boxing Fix the Weight-Cutting Problem? 1:20:00 – What Coaches Should Look For in Their Fighters #DannyOConnor #Boxing #EatingDisorder #WeightCutting #Olympics

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________   Boxing Hall of Famer Christy Martin returns to Weighing In with Travis Hartman for one of her most candid interviews yet.   As she prepares to promote fights during International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, Christy pulls back the curtain on life as a promoter, the state of boxing today, and why she believes too many fighters are focused on social media instead of their craft.   We also dive into:   🥊 The biggest mistake young fighters make today 🥊 Why fighters must “stay ready” at all times 🥊 Stories about Marvin Hagler, Mike Tyson, Aaron Pryor, Arturo Gatti and more 🥊 The reality of boxing contracts and promoter-fighter relationships 🥊 Women’s boxing Mount Rushmore 🥊 Hall of Fame memories that fans never get to see 🥊 Christy’s thoughts on some of boxing’s biggest names   Plus, Christy opens up about her future, her nonprofit Christy’s Champs, and the impact she hopes her story will have on future generations.   If you love boxing history, honest conversations, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the sport’s true pioneers, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.   Time Stamps:   0:00 The Most Overrated Fighter in Boxing   0:44 Intro   1:15 The Reality of Being a Fight Promoter   2:20 Why Today's Fighters Aren't Ready   3:30 Social Media Is Changing Boxing   6:00 Fame vs. Championships   7:15 Marvin Hagler's Compliment   10:00 Tyson, Archie Moore & Boxing Legends   11:15 Aaron Pryor Stories   12:00 Hall of Fame Weekend Memories   15:00 What Makes a Future Star?   18:00 The Friday Night Fights Era   23:00 Why Boxing Can't Create Superstars   27:00 How Don King Changed My Career   35:00 The Highs and Lows of Boxing   42:00 When Fighters Waste Their Talent   45:00 Women's Boxing Mount Rushmore   50:00 The Claressa Shields Debate   54:00 My Legacy Beyond Boxing   1:00:00 Advice for Every Young Fighter   1:04:00 What I'd Earn in Today's Boxing   1:10:00 What's Next for Me   1:16:00 Final Thoughts   🎙️ Weighing In with Travis Hartman   #ChristyMartin #Boxing #donking  #MikeTyson #clarissashields

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ In this episode, legendary cutman Jacob 'Stitch' Duran sits down with Travis for one of the most honest and fascinating conversations in combat sports. Stitch breaks down the REAL reason he stopped Nate Diaz’s fight against Mike Perry, explaining the severity of the cuts, the dangerous blood loss, and why protecting fighters always comes first. From working world title fights with Jaime Munguia and the Klitschko brothers to spending 15 years inside the UFC with Dana White, Stitch shares unbelievable behind-the-scenes stories from boxing and MMA history. He explains the science of being a great cutman, reveals lessons learned from legends like Mike Tyson, Andre Ward, and Vladimir Klitschko, and opens up about why he walked away from the UFC during the Reebok era. The conversation also dives deep into fighter pay, the harsh realities retired fighters face, the business side of boxing, and Stitch’s powerful documentary projects exposing some of the darkest truths in combat sports. Topics include: 🥊 Why Stitch stopped Nate Diaz vs Mike Perry 🥊 UFC behind-the-scenes stories & Dana White fallout 🥊 Working with the Klitschko brothers, Andre Ward & boxing legends 🥊 The truth about fighter pay & retired fighters 🥊 Cutman techniques most fans don’t understand 🥊 Mike Tyson, Ronda Rousey & wild fight stories 🥊 Stitch’s “Boxer’s Nightmare” documentary plans If you love boxing, MMA, UFC, BKFC, or combat sports history, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 00:00 – Intro 00:45 – Stitch’s insane month: Munguia, BKFC, concerts & nonstop travel 02:00 – Working the Nate Diaz vs Mike Perry Netflix fight 03:10 – Why Stitch stopped the fight after Round 2 05:45 – Nate Diaz’s reaction after the stoppage 07:00 – “Fighters need someone to protect them from themselves” 08:20 – Toughest cuts Stitch has ever handled 09:45 – Vladimir Klitschko cut story & saving the fight 12:00 – Andre Dirrell and protecting fighters long-term 13:40 – How Stitch uses percentages & probabilities in fights 14:50 – Difference between a good and great cutman 16:10 – The adrenaline chloride lesson most cutmen get wrong 18:00 – Mike Tyson accidentally answering the question wrong 19:10 – Why Stitch believes in educating fighters 20:30 – “Boxers Nightmare” documentary & preserving boxing history 22:40 – Fighter pensions, healthcare & revenue sharing 24:40 – Adrian Broner, punch-drunk syndrome & boxing neglect 26:20 – Livingston Bramble heartbreak story 27:40 – Travis reflects on his father protecting him in fights 29:00 – John Scully stopping a locker room altercation 30:20 – Fighters chasing dreams while barely making money 31:30 – Mentally toughest fighters Stitch has worked with 32:45 – Frank Mir quote: “When Stitch walks in, it’s time to fight” 33:40 – How Dana White originally hired Stitch for the UFC 35:20 – Reebok controversy & why Stitch left the UFC 37:45 – Going viral after the UFC exit 38:40 – Dana White blocking Travis on Twitter 40:10 – Dana White entering boxing with Zuffa 41:30 – Why Stitch refused to work Shane Mosley Jr.’s Zuffa fight 42:30 – UFC fighter pay vs other major sports 43:50 – Fighters losing individuality in uniform promotions 45:00 – Champion that impressed Stitch most: Andre Ward 46:15 – Carl Froch memories & Travis fighting on the undercard 47:10 – Stitch’s upbringing, Air Force days & small-town roots 48:20 – “From the Fields to the Garden” documentary 49:15 – Craziest fight week story ever: Klitschko vs Joshua 50:20 – “You could call me son” emotional Klitschko moment 51:00 – Rapid fire questions 51:50 – Biggest lesson boxing taught Stitch 52:15 – Final thoughts on protecting Nate Diaz & closing remarks #Boxing #UFC #NateDiaz #MikePerry #StitchDuran #MMA #CombatSports #DanaWhite #BKFC #BoxingPodcast

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ Jeovanny Estela returns to the podcast after another huge run in Team Boxing League — now ranked the #1 middleweight in the entire league. 🥊🔥 In this episode, Jeovanny breaks down:• His comeback to pro boxing and recent stoppage win• The controversial knockdown vs. Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis• What it’s like fighting elite-level talent in Team Boxing League• The mentality needed to survive in boxing at the highest level• His long-term goal of becoming a world champion at 154 lbs• Team Miami Assassins’ undefeated run• Why boxing is exploding worldwide right now We also dive into rapid-fire questions, favorite fighters, hardest punchers, Michael Jordan vs. LeBron, Terrence Crawford, Canelo, life sacrifices for boxing, and some hilarious off-the-rails moments at the end of the show 😂 Jeovanny talks openly about the pressure of competing every week, the importance of family, and why Team Boxing League is changing the future of boxing. If you love boxing, combat sports, mindset, grit, and behind-the-scenes fighter stories — this episode is for you. 🎙️ Featuring:🥊 Jeovanny “El Rayo” Estela🏆 #1 Middleweight in Team Boxing League📈 15-2 Professional Record Like, comment, and subscribe for more fighter interviews and combat sports conversations. #Boxing #TeamBoxingLeague #JeovannyEstela #TerrenceCrawford

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ Former professional tennis player, Pan American Games gold medalist, former World No. 62, Georgia Tech All-American, and now tennis commentator heading to Roland Garros — Irina Falconi Hartman joins the podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into her journey from starting tennis at just 4 years old to becoming the highest-ranked Ecuadorian-born female tennis player of all time. We talk about the grind of professional tennis, the financial realities behind the sport, life on tour, mental toughness, motherhood, and what it takes to compete at the highest level. Irina shares stories from the US Open on Arthur Ashe Stadium, winning gold at the Pan American Games, battling self-doubt, proving critics wrong, and transitioning into a successful broadcasting career with Tennis Channel and the US Open. We also compare the mental side of tennis and boxing, discuss raising strong kids, work ethic, and even get into sourdough bread and rapid-fire questions at the end. This one is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, elite athlete mindset, and plenty of husband-wife banter. 🔥 Topics Covered: * Pro tennis life behind the scenes * US Open + Arthur Ashe Stadium story * Winning Pan Am Games Gold * Roland Garros commentary opportunity * Mental toughness in tennis vs boxing * Parenting, discipline & hard work * Transition from athlete to broadcaster * Rapid fire tennis questions Subscribe for more conversations with athletes, entrepreneurs, and high performers. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro + “I’m not shaking your hand either” 00:42 Introducing Irina Falconi Hartman 02:10 Heading to Roland Garros as a commentator 04:12 Starting tennis at 4 years old 05:35 When she realized she was special in tennis 08:15 Georgia Tech, All-American & No. 1 in the country 10:05 Motivation: proving doubters wrong 13:10 Bogota title story + crazy traffic before semifinals 17:30 Life on pro tour: hardest part of tennis 19:45 Financial reality of professional tennis 24:20 Travel life vs loneliness on tour 27:10 Boxing advice: “At least you’re not getting punched in the face” 31:40 Biggest tennis match: Arthur Ashe Stadium at US Open 38:15 Pan American Games Gold Medal moment 40:10 Tennis vs boxing: the mental battle 45:30 Learning how to lose every week 49:20 Mental toughness & raising resilient kids 54:15 Parenting, discipline & hard work 58:30 Biggest boxing regrets + short-notice fights 1:06:15 Fighting Terence Crawford, Keith Thurman & chasing greatness 1:13:40 No regrets, faith, and becoming better every day 1:17:20 How commentating started 1:23:15 Getting the US Open commentary job 1:27:10 Why kindness and networking matter 1:31:40 WTA Board + serving with Serena Williams 1:35:00 Preparing for Roland Garros commentary 1:40:15 Breaking tennis down for casual fans 1:45:10 Sourdough bread debate 1:48:00 Rapid Fire Finish 1:51:20 Final thoughts + outro #Tennis #RolandGarros #MentalToughness #WTA #TennisChannel #AthleteMindset #Boxing

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ Days before stepping into the ring with Yoel Romero in Miami, Alex Nicholson joins the podcast for one of his realest interviews yet. From manifesting the fight with Romero to overcoming major injuries, brutal setbacks, broken jaws, car crashes, and career-defining moments—Alex opens up about everything that shaped him into the fighter he is today. We talk about fear, faith, fighting legends, social media, speaking the truth, bare knuckle wars, and why he believes this fight ends with a knockout. Alex doesn’t hold back on anything—calling out overrated fighters, talking about his lowest moments mentally, and explaining why heart matters more than talent or discipline. This is one of the rawest combat sports conversations yet. 🔥 Topics Include: -Fighting Yoel Romero on May 1 -Manifestation and mindset before big fights -Recovering from devastating injuries -Broken jaw fight story -Surviving a major car crash -Social media vs real life -Boxer vs MMA fighter in a street fight -Underrated and overrated fighters -Why heart matters most   Subscribe for more real conversations with fighters, athletes, and champions. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: Alex Nicholson on fighting Yoel Romero 0:35 – Why he said yes to Yoel Romero 1:45 – The fight that fell apart in the Dominican Republic 3:20 – “I knew instantly… I’m fighting Yoel Romero” 4:15 – Manifestation, faith, and calling the fight before it happened 5:20 – Why most fighters avoid Yoel Romero 6:25 – Is Yoel still dangerous at 47? 7:40 – What Alex does better than Romero: Speed 8:35 – Prediction: How the fight ends 9:45 – Fighting in Miami and embracing the underdog role 10:30 – What fans misunderstand most about Alex 12:00 – Social media, fake personas, and speaking your mind 13:20 – Truth, honesty, and standing on conviction 14:40 – Craziest fight story: Broken jaw and still got the knockout 16:50 – Lowest mental point: Devastating knee injury 18:45 – Recovery, rehab, and the comeback to face Yoel 20:00 – What version of Alex shows up now 21:40 – Fighting in front of your girl hits different 23:10 – Hardest he’s ever been hit: Horrific car crash story 25:30 – Family roots, being Sicilian, and grandma wisdom 26:30 – Boxer vs MMA fighter in a real fight 28:00 – Prime Mike Tyson vs Francis Ngannou street fight 29:00 – Underrated fighter / Overrated fighter 29:45 – Calling Yoel Romero overrated 30:15 – Who’s next after Yoel? Francis Ngannou? 31:10 – Rapid fire questions 32:10 – Funeral question: What do you want to be remembered for? 34:00 – Love, second chances, and almost dying 35:15 – “You’re a fighter, how do you spread love?” 36:20 – What matters most: Talent, discipline, or heart? 37:10 – Final thoughts and May 1 fight in Miami #AlexNicholson #YoelRomero #MMA #BareKnuckle #CombatSports #Boxing #JorgeMasvidal #Podcast #FightNight #FighterMindset

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ How do you build a billion dollar company from the ground up? In this powerful episode of Weighing In with Travis Hartman, Travis sits down with Jim Davis, founder of Jr. Davis Construction, to talk about faith, leadership, sacrifice, family, and what it really takes to build a massive business empire. From humble beginnings to creating one of the most successful construction companies in America, Jim shares the mindset, discipline, and lessons that helped him rise to the top. This conversation goes far beyond business — it’s about becoming the kind of person success can trust. If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, leader, or anyone chasing greatness… this episode is for you. **0:00 – Intro + Who is Jim Davis?** Host introduces guest, billion-dollar company story, personal connection **2:15 – First Hunting Story (Turkey + Deer at Ranch)** Fun storytelling, builds personality and chemistry **6:30 – Early Life & First Job After High School** Working for a developer, immediate work after graduation **9:45 – Starting the Company (1985 Leap of Faith)** Leaving a stable job, wife pregnant, going all in **13:30 – Why He Took the Risk** Confidence, faith, seeing others succeed, spiritual calling **17:30 – The VERY Beginning (Equipment + $40K Loan)** Old equipment, bank rejection, dad co-signs loan **22:00 – Grinding Years (Side Hustles + No Money)** Fixing cars at night, hauling garbage, doing anything to survive **28:00 – “White Knuckle” First 5 Years** Uncertainty, hustle, no vacations, constant pressure **33:30 – Did You Ever Think You’d Fail?** Faith mindset, never considering quitting **38:00 – The Cost of Success (Family Sacrifice)** Kids on job sites, long hours, family involvement **44:30 – Travis Shares His Boxing Journey** Parallel story: sacrifice, parents, grind, setbacks **52:00 – Leadership Philosophy (Leading from the Front)** Why he shows up early, culture, respect, presence **56:30 – Faith, Gratitude & Perspective** Prayer, humility, “turtle on a fence post” analogy **1:01:30 – Building a Billion-Dollar Company = People** Hiring smart people, team culture, employees as family **1:05:30 – Passing the Company to His Son (Legacy in Motion)** Son becoming president, generational transition **1:09:00 – What Do You Want to Be Remembered For?** Caring about people, relationships, impact **1:12:30 – Advice: Use Your Gifts & Go All In** Full throttle mindset, purpose, trial-and-error approach **1:15:30 – Final Question: What Keeps You Going?** “Quitting isn’t a solution” + battle mentality **1:17:30 – Outro + Wrap Up** 👍 Like the video 📲 Subscribe to Weighing In with Travis Hartman 🔔 Turn notifications on for future episodes #JimDavis #Entrepreneur #Success #Leadership #Motivation #BusinessPodcast #TravisHartman #Construction #Faith #Mindset