Advertise on podcast: Ring Champs with Ak & Barak

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

Teofimo Lopez pulls no punches in this explosive interview just days before his showdown with Shakur Stevenson at Madison Square Garden. The multi-division champion opens up about why Devin Haney “didn’t have motion” for their potential fight, calls Tank Davis the modern-day Mike Tyson, and reveals the deep-rooted beef from his amateur days when Shakur’s crew treated him like “the geek” and “a loser.” Teofimo gets brutally honest financial debt, and the reality that there are no friends in boxing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Hall of Fame referee Kenny Bayless sits down with Ak & Roy Jones Jr. to share untold stories from inside the ring. From breaking down Tank Davis’ controversial knee against Roach to revealing the exact rule that should have been called, Bayless doesn’t hold back. He recalls the atmosphere of Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, the payday that changed refereeing forever, and the unforgettable chaos of Ricky Hatton’s knockout. Along the way, Bayless opens up about getting punched by heavyweights, balancing life as a teacher, and why he’s considered one of boxing’s most trusted officials. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Claressa Shields joins Ak & Barak on the newest episode of RING CHAMPS to talk her groundbreaking , $8 million dollar deal, what’s next in her historic career, and how she got here. The GWOAT also reveals that she’s re‑signed with longtime promoter Salita Promotions, and is incorporating Wynn Records, continuing the partnership that’s helped shape her rise as one of boxing’s biggest stars. Don’t miss this candid conversation about legacy, business moves, and the future of women’s boxing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christy Martin shattered expectations and redefined what was possible for women in the ring. In this powerful episode of RING CHAMPS, she joins Ak Reyes and Roy Jones Jr to reflect on her trailblazing career, and the upcoming biopic starring Sydney Sweeney that brings her story to Hollywood. 0:00: Intro – Christy Martin joins AK & Roy at Hall of Fame weekend 0:36: Christy’s early gym story & breaking barriers 1:46: Meeting Don King 6:01: Women’s boxing then vs. now 7:41: Knockouts, 2-minute rounds & Tyson undercards 9:53: Christy’s first experience with Mike Tyson 10:53: Ad Break 12:09: Regrets, survival, and leaving a dark chapter behind 17:35: Christy’s Hall of Fame induction 19:27: Taylor vs Serrano – Christy’s take 21:40: Jake Paul’s impact on women’s boxing 23:02: Claressa Shields 27:29: Christy Martin biopic – Sydney Sweeney & behind the scenes 31:04: Wrap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

O’Shaquie Foster steps into the spotlight with a chip on his shoulder and fire in his voice. From the tension with Stephen Fulton to the lingering beef with Shakur Stevenson, Foster opens up about the battles outside the ring and the ones that shaped him long before the cameras rolled. This episode dives deep into grit, pride, and the fight for respect. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lamont Roach Jr. joins Ak & Barak on the newest edition of RING CHAMPS to break down why the Tank Davis rematch fell apart, and how Davis choosing Jake Paul over him speaks volumes. Roach also previews his upcoming war with Pitbull Cruz and what fans should expect in December. Plus, is a Shakur Stevenson fight on the horizon? 00:00 - Intro 00:42 - Roach on Tank Fight & Proving Doubters Wrong 01:38 - Why Did Tank Take a Knee? 02:51 - Did Tank Hurt Roach? 03:56 - Hardest Puncher Roach Has Faced 04:10 - Were Tank & Roach Ever Friends? 05:55 - Have Roach & Tank Spoken Since the Fight? 07:48 - Roach Ranks Fashion: Himself, Tank, Ryan Garcia 10:20 - Roach on Money Habits 11:14 - Was Roach Paid to Skip the Rematch? 12:20 - Tank vs Jake: Roach Reacts 14:33 - Shakur Fight Plans & Teofimo Prediction 17:29 - Ad Break 18:47 - Roach on Al Haymon & PBC Deal 19:33 - Matias vs Gary A. Russell: Who’s Tougher? 20:40 - Roach’s Purple Brand Fashion Story 22:08 - Valenzuela vs Russell: Roach’s Breakdown 23:48 - Boots Ennis at 154 & Roach’s Thoughts 28:20 - Will Roach Return to 130 lbs? 29:16 - Danny Garcia’s Farewell Fight 31:11 - Cruz’s Best Performance: Tank or Rolly? 32:09 - Dumbest & Most Gratifying Purchase 36:20 - Roach on Family & Distance 36:39 - Haney vs Norman Prediction 38:13 - Roach’s Favorite Video Games 39:44 - Why Roach Is Called “The Reaper” 40:45 - Fighting in DC: Is It Happening? 41:37 - Roach’s Dream Opponent Trio After Cruz 42:38 - The Standing 8 45:10 - Wrap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dream matchup between David Benavidez and Canelo is dead, and it’s not just about timing. Benavidez tells all on why he’s done at 168, his thoughts on Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis, when he expects to retire from the game and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shakur Stevenson opens up on the Zepeda war, legacy over clout, and the truth behind Tank, Teofimo, and Ryan. Caleb Plant talks family first, smart money plays, and why fashion never comes before parenting. Real fight talk, real life talk — names, emotions, and bold takes all the way through.   00:00:00 Intro 00:00:30 Shakur on Zepeda, proving a point, and the “dog” mindset 00:04:00 Why Shakur fought different + did Zepeda have pop? 00:06:00 Advice to Edgar Berlanga and bouncing back right 00:06:47 Teofimo talks, how the fight happens 00:07:10 Tank vs Jake debate and Shakur’s take 00:09:11 Devin Haney vs Brian Norman prediction 00:09:40 Integrity after Ryan Garcia and speaking honestly 00:10:45 If Ryan fight happens, drug testing must be A1 00:11:04 Will Tank ever happen? Legacy vs business 00:12:31 Money talk with Ak & Barak 00:13:45 Is Canelo underrated? Shakur’s all-time view 00:14:19 Switching stances and fighting right-handed 00:15:08 Will Tank vs Jake be a real fight? 00:15:42 Dream fight to watch: Bam vs Nakatani 00:16:09 If not Teo, Shakur wants Lamont Roach next 00:16:40 Shakur wrap and ad break 00:17:50 Caleb Plant intro and warmup 00:18:10 Sneaker talk: Satoshi Vans and collecting heat 00:20:12 Biggest sneaker splurges and the 1985 grails 00:21:22 Parenting without pressure and keeping it real 00:22:05 Does his daughter get what he does? 00:23:10 Would he want his son to box? 00:23:46 Why boxing needs a union, healthcare, and literacy 00:27:07 Best investments so far: NFL and real estate 00:28:22 Lessons from dad: It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep 00:29:42 Wrap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danny Garcia gets personal about his wild $150K spending sprees and the hard lessons that came with them. He opens up about the lowest points in his boxing career and his relationship with Al Haymon. A raw conversation about money, mistakes, and maturity in the fight game. 0:00 – Intro & Interview Start2:03 – Boxing Money & Swift Promotions3:13 – Real Estate & Smart Investments7:31 – Danny’s Businesses & Bad Investments9:36 – Mixing Business with Friends12:05 – Worth Big Bucks: Morales, Khan & Payouts16:14 – Philly Respect & Allen Iverson Comparison18:08 – Loyalty to Al Haymon & Career Guidance23:41 – Golden Boy Split & Oscar De La Hoya27:14 – Adrien Broner & Danny’s Spending Habits31:26 – Finances, Never Being Broke & Fighter Money Talk39:21 – New Philly Fighters & Boots vs. Vergil Ortiz41:14 – Mental Health, Alopecia & Boxing Pressure46:00 – Career Lows, Spirituality & Passion for Boxing50:39 – Family, Kids & Comeback Talk55:45 – Wrap Up See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Devin Haney opens up about the biggest moments in his career, from Ryan Garcia drama to future superfights. The undefeated champion reveals exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and what’s really next for his boxing legacy. This episode dives deep into Haney’s mindset, his relationship with his father Bill Haney, and the business decisions that shaped his path to becoming undisputed champion. From weight cut struggles to the Canelo vs Crawford superfight, Devin Haney shares the unfiltered truth about modern boxing’s biggest storylines. 00:00:00 - Intro & Relationship with Ak & Barak00:00:59 - Moving Up to 147 & Weight Cut Struggles00:02:40 - Fan Reception After Ryan Garcia Loss00:05:10 - Bill Haney Criticism & Father-Son Dynamic00:07:15 - Who Turned Their Back After Garcia Fight00:09:13 - Ryan Garcia “Laughing” Image & Bag Getting Messed Up00:11:07 - Fighters Devin Watches & Roach Fight Thoughts00:13:30 - Defensive Style vs Ramirez & Fight Commentary00:15:26 - Turki’s Reaction After Garcia Loss00:16:27 - Ryan Garcia Rematch Possibility & Teofimo Fight00:18:32 - Bill’s Thoughts on Ramirez Performance00:19:51 - “Shellshocked” Comments & Brian Norman Fight00:23:01 - Next Fight Plans & Undisputed at 14700:24:22 - Smartest Money Moves & Investment Strategy00:27:23 - Canelo vs Crawford Predictions00:28:59 - Future Plans If Big Fights Don’t Happen00:29:46 - Retirement Goals & Promoting Fighters00:34:41 - Life After Boxing & Training Others00:37:23 - Bringing New People Into Camp (Dre)00:39:26 - Will the Shakur Fight Ever Happen?00:40:26 - Thoughts on Turki & Dana White’s Boxing Entry00:41:08 - What People Get Wrong About Him Online00:42:20 - Moving to New York & Taxes00:43:22 - After Recording with Bill Haney** See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vergil Ortiz opens up on sparring Canelo Alvarez, chasing a Terence Crawford showdown, and calling out everyone who ducked him, delivering raw stories and elite insight from a career on the rise. Dive into can’t-miss moments: sparring Canelo, Crawford vs Canelo and dream fights, Boots Ennis and the P4P debate, fighters who turned him down, and who he wants next and why.   connorMessagesAdd canvasFilesCanvasListFolderconnor  11:56 AMfor audioooooStephen A. Smith: Laid Off, Rehired & Now Running The Show, Canelo vs. Crawford & His #1 InterviewStephen A. Smith gets candid about the ups and downs of his career – from being laid off by ESPN to coming back stronger than ever and running the show. He breaks down why he’s picking Crawford over Canelo and shares the story behind the best interview of his life. Packed with raw insight and untold stories, this one shows a side of Stephen A. you’ve never seen.11:56cant sched just yet tho cuz dre hahaLovi  11:59 AMlol tyLovi  1:23 PMWe’re clear to drop audio?connor  1:24 PMyessir! sorry many was tryna burn thru socials for release hahaLovi  1:24 PMYou good!connor  1:24 PMthanks for poppin back inLovi  1:24 PMYeeesirconnor  9:17 AMlovsterrrrr have title/descript for today’s rc ep with vergil ortiz:Vergil Ortiz on Sparring Canelo, Chasing Crawford and Everyone Who Ducked Fighting Me... BOOTS Vergil Ortiz opens up on sparring Canelo Alvarez, chasing a Terence Crawford showdown, and calling out everyone who ducked him, delivering raw stories and elite insight from a career on the rise.Dive into can’t-miss moments: 00:41:53 sparring Canelo, 00:31:44 Crawford vs Canelo and dream fights, 00:35:00 Boots Ennis and the P4P debate, 00:42:51 fighters who turned him down, and 00:46:25 who he wants next and why.(do you want to include timecoded ish? if so theres that second graph above and also have full ep timecodes below — i usually strip off when i send to you but realizing now… are they useful for audio too?)00:00:00 - Intro and DAZN connection with Ak and Barak00:00:52 - Early start in boxing and path to turning pro00:02:32 - Hand injury perspective and approach to the Madrimov fight00:06:09 - Toughest fight so far: Mean Machine00:07:20 - AD BREAK00:08:34 - Comparisons to Bud Crawford and whether the fight was ever close00:09:54 - Opponents who were tougher or easier than expected00:12:09 - Rhabdo, media reactions, and diagnosis history00:15:54 - Comeback mindset, Bohachuk fight, and weight concerns00:17:59 - Hidden talents, love for metal, guitar, and band plans00:23:51 - Rated vs underrated and overall career satisfaction00:24:45 - Meeting Oscar De La Hoya after high school00:25:25 - When he plans to retire from boxing00:26:19 - Money requests, wild stories, and a PS5 scam00:30:12 - Money habits and a rare purchase regret00:31:44 - Dream opponents and thoughts on Crawford vs Canelo00:35:00 - Boots Ennis in P4P, offers, and Stanionis00:41:53 - Sparring with Canelo00:42:51 - Fighters who turned down Vergil00:43:32 - How money factors into making fights00:46:25 - Ideal next three opponents and who’s toughest00:48:06 - Thoughts on Turki’s impact on boxing00:49:10 - Wrap up and glove talk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Golden Boy himself breaks down the biggest moments, biggest fights, and biggest business moves that shaped modern boxing. From his legendary battles with Mayweather and Pacquiao to building Golden Boy Promotions into a powerhouse, Oscar De La Hoya reveals the untold stories behind his rise, fall, and comeback. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.