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THE TALKING SPORTS MEDIA PODCAST

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Journalist. Broadcaster.Thinker. Questioner.

A BIT ABOUT THE SHOW


The Premier Destination for Sports Literature Enthusiasts

Celebrating 5th Year of In-depth Sports Conversations

Welcome to Talking Sports Books, the podcast series that has made its mark as the quintessential haven for sports literature aficionados. With a journey spanning half a decade, we've captivated listeners worldwide, ranking as the number one podcast on iTunes' sport and news listening charts in various global destinations.

Our Philosophy: Deep Dives into Sports Narratives

Our mission is straightforward yet profound: select the most compelling sports books of our time and offer our listeners an immersive dive into their narratives. Whether it's the athlete at the center of the story or the authors who bring these tales to life, we engage in extensive discussions to uncover the essence behind each work.

Rigorous Approach to Content

Every episode is built on authenticity and thoroughness. We pride ourselves on reading every book cover to cover — no shortcuts, no interviews based on press releases. Our conversations are deliberately long-form, designed to flesh out insights and perspectives seldom heard elsewhere.

A Kaleidoscope of Sports Genres

Diversity is key to our content. While many sports platforms might lean heavily into the mainstream, Talking Sports Books ventures far and wide across the sporting spectrum. From the thrill of surfing, the precision of motor racing, to the cultural impact of basketball and the culinary intersections with athleticism — our topics are boundless. Football certainly finds its voice among our episodes, but we venture beyond the predictable narratives.

Beyond Mainstream: A Voice for the Unheard

Our commitment extends to sidelining the typical footballer biographies and celebrity-focused narratives that crowd the media space. We instead shine a spotlight on remarkable authors and subjects deserving recognition but lacking the platform to reach wider audiences.

A Simplicity that Endures

In a world brimming with ever-evolving technology and complex media structures, Talking Sports Books stands as a testament to simplicity. It's a rare gem that embraces a single, unwavering concept: to celebrate sports books with meaningful, engaging, and expansive dialogue.

Join Us On This Journey

We invite you to be part of this extraordinary narrative journey through the world of sports as we continue to explore, discuss, and honor the books that leave a lasting imprint on the hearts and minds of sports fans around the globe.

Discover more episodes and become a part of our vibrant community by subscribing to Talking Sports Books. Your next favorite sports story is just a play button away!

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The Latest Featured Books

Full  Video  Editions + Clips and  Previews  from  the Podcast 

Steve Bunce "Around the World in 80 Fights" Video Edition https://amzn.to/4jlvdL3 #boxing
59:39

Steve Bunce "Around the World in 80 Fights" Video Edition https://amzn.to/4jlvdL3 #boxing

https://amzn.to/4jlvdL3 "Talking Sports Books" Goes Video: Interview with Boxing Legend Steve Bunce Welcome back to Talking Sports Books – and for the very first time, we’re bringing you a video edition of the show! Of course, if you prefer the audio-only version, that’s still available as well. This episode is particularly special, as I’m joined by a true legend in the world of boxing journalism: Steve Bunce. With nearly four decades of covering boxing, Steve has earned his place as one of the most influential voices in the sport. Whether it’s through his insightful commentary, extensive articles, books,or work as a broadcaster, Steve’s presence is felt not only across the UK but around the world. Today, we’re talking about Steve’s latest book, Around the World in 80 Fights, which chronicles his incredible journey through the world of boxing. From legendary fighters and historic matches to the colorful personalities and unforgettable moments he’s encountered, Steve shares his personal stories and behind-the-scenes insights that showcase the depth of his experience in the sport. Inside Around the World in 80 Fights Steve’s book takes readers on a journey that spans decades of boxing history. The title, Around the World in 80 Fights, doesn’t just highlight Steve’s travel across the globe, but it also paints a vivid picture of the iconic figures he’s met along the way: from fighters like Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali to the managers, promoters, and characters that make boxing such a fascinating world to cover. What makes this book stand out is Steve’s ability to blend rich storytelling with his vast knowledge of the sport. He’s not just recounting fights; he’s sharing the human stories behind them, the moments that changed the course of boxing history, and his personal reflections on what it’s like to witness these events up close. A Legacy of Boxing Journalism Steve Bunce isn’t just a journalist – he’s a historian of the sport, a voice of authority that boxing fans have relied on for decades. From his early days writing for boxing magazines to becoming a familiar face and voice in broadcasting, Steve has covered some of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history. His long-running show, Boxing Hour, and his work on Boxing Tonight have made him a trusted figure in the sport. In our interview, we talk about the book, of course, but also dive into Steve’s career and what it’s been like to be on the frontlines of the sport for so long. He offers incredible insights into how boxing has evolved over the years, and the challenges and rewards of covering one of the most dynamic sports in the world. Sneak Peek of the Interview During our conversation, Steve shares some incredible stories from his travels and his encounters with legendary fighters. From the electric atmosphere of major fights to the quieter moments when he learned the most about the sport and its personalities, there’s no shortage of anecdotes that will give boxing fans a deeper appreciation of the world Steve has navigated for nearly 40 years. One of the most memorable parts of the interview is when Steve talks about the fighters who have left the biggest impression on him, and the little-known details that made certain matches stand out above the rest. You won’t want to miss this. Tune In Now The full interview with Steve is available now in both video and audio formats, so whether you’re at home or on the go, you can enjoy it however you prefer. Be sure to check out the show, and don’t forget to grab a copy of Around the World in 80 Fights for an even deeper dive into Steve’s incredible journey through boxing. #boxing #books #stevebunce #sugarrayleonard #muhammadali #worldchampions

Talking Sports Books  "Bitesize" Clips

Carl Frampton Leo Santa Cruz
01:50

Carl Frampton Leo Santa Cruz

From "Talking Sports Books" Carl Frampton looks back on a memorable ight when he took on Leo Santa Cruz Frampton moved up a weight class to fight undefeated Mexican Léo Santa Cruz (32–0–1, 22 KO's) for the WBA (Super) featherweight title at the Barclays Centre in New York City on 30 July 2016.[62] In a potential fight of the year candidate, Frampton became the first two-division world champion in the history of Northern Ireland as he dethroned Santa Cruz via a 12-round majority decision win before a crowd of 9,062. One judge scored it a 114–114 draw but the others made Frampton the winner, 116-112 and 117–111. Frampton had a higher accuracy rate, despite both fighters landing equal numbers of punches. According to CompuBox stats, Frampton landed 242 of 668 punches (36 percent), whilst Santa Cruz connected on 255 of 1,002 blows (25 percent). In the post fight, Frampton said he wanted to defend the title in his home city and did not want to rule out a rematch. In the post-fight, Frampton said, "It's a dream come true. I had the dream of winning a world title, but I never thought I'd win in two divisions. It was a tough fight. I wanted a fight the people could remember. I respect Santa Cruz a lot. He was a true warrior." Frampton vowed to break records and become the first Irishman to win world titles at three different weights.[63][64][65] The fight averaged 480,000 and peaked at 549,000 viewers.[66] Carl 'The Jackal' Frampton became the first two division world champion in the history of Northern Ireland by winning a 12 round majority decision over 32-0-1 world champion Leo Santa Cruz. Although the punches landed were about the same, Frampton had a higher accuracy rate. When Frampton staggered De La Cruz backwards in the second round, Frampton seized the momentum of the bout at that point. Both fighters exchanged power shots while moving around the ring at times, turning the technical war into a candidate for fight of the year. Many of the rounds were too close to call. Over 6000 of the 9000 paid attendance were from Northern Ireland, and chanted Frampton's name, as well as Irish limericks all night. Clean bout, with no fouls. Barry McGuigan, manager of Frampton, was at ringside. Actress Rosie Perez, golfing champion Rory Mcllroy, and pro boxers Lee Selby, Gary Russell Jr., Julian Williams, Daniel Jacobs, Ricky Hatton and David Haye were in ringside attendance. The bout featured many close rounds, which promoter Lou DiBella noted were difficult to score. One judge had it 114-114 a draw. At the post fight press conference, Frampton's manager Barry McGuigan confirmed the fight contract had no mandatory rematch clause. Both McGuigan and Frampton nonetheless offered Santa Cruz a gentleman's rematch in Belfast, Northern Ireland for next year,or a rematch in the United States. Santa Cruz accepted ands tated he would have no issues fighting the Frampton rematch in Belfast. IBF World Featherweight champion Lee Selby came up to the press table to shake hands with McGuigan and Frampton, acknowledging he would be interested in a shot at Frampton's WBA title in Belfast too. Frampton also expressed an interest in fighting Gary Russell Jr., Jesus Cuellar, and Oscar Valdez in Belfast or wherever, the other 126 pound champions, but not Guillermo Rigondeaux, whose style he felt was insufficient to sell tickets in Belfast. #carlframpton #boxing #
Steve Bunce on The Tragic Rise and Fall of Kirkland Lang  A Boxing Legend https://amzn.to/4jlvdL3
05:35

Steve Bunce on The Tragic Rise and Fall of Kirkland Lang A Boxing Legend https://amzn.to/4jlvdL3

https://amzn.to/4jlvdL3 From the new edition of "Talking Sports Books" with Steve Bunce on the show this week. On the new edition of "Talking Sports Books" I’m joined by a true legend in the world of boxing journalism: Steve Bunce. With nearly four decades of covering boxing, Steve has earned his place as one of the most influential voices in the sport. Whether it’s through his insightful commentary, extensive articles, books, or work as a broadcaster, Steve’s presence is felt not only across the UK but around the world. Today, we’re talking about Steve’s latest book, Around the World in 80 Fights, which chronicles his incredible journey through the world of boxing. From legendary fighters and historic matches to the colourful personalities and unforgettable moments he’s encountered, Steve shares his personal stories and behind-the-scenes insights that showcase the depth of his experience in the sport. Steve Bunce isn’t just a journalist – he’s a historian of the sport, a voice of authority that boxing fans have relied on for decades. From his early days writing for boxing press, newspapers and magazines to becoming a familiar face and voice in broadcasting, Steve has covered some of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history. Steve shares some incredible stories from his travels and his encounters with legendary fighters. From the electric atmosphere of major fights to the quieter moments when he learned the most about the sport and its personalities, there’s no shortage of anecdotes that will give boxing fans a deeper appreciation of the world he has navigated for nearly 40 years. Many people have vast knowledge of their specialist subjects but few have the ability to turn it in to a story, Steve’s ability to blend rich storytelling with his vast knowledge of the sport is why he remains first call for editiors and producers. He’s not just recounting fights; he’s sharing the human stories behind them, the moments that changed the course of boxing history, and his personal reflections on what it’s like to witness these events up close. You can listen or watch the video via any streaming platform or the website. hashtag#boxing hashtag#sport hashtag#books hashtag#literature hashtag#podcast hashtag#pr hashtag#reviews hashtag#publishing
Steve Bunce on Mike Tyson Jake Paul on "Talking Sports Books" https://amzn.to/4jlvdL3 #boxing
02:48

Steve Bunce on Mike Tyson Jake Paul on "Talking Sports Books" https://amzn.to/4jlvdL3 #boxing

https://amzn.to/4jlvdL3 Clip from the latest edition of "Talking Sports Books" with guest Steve Bunce. and here Steve gives his opinion on the recent event that saw the return of Mike Tyson who met Jake Paul. Steve Bunce's book Around the World in 80 Fights, let ‘the Voice of Boxing’ take you on the ultimate sporting odyssey: to the rings of New York, to the makeshift rings of Bukom in Ghana, to the riches of Las Vegas, and to Riyadh, Atlantic City, Bethnal Green, Mexico City, Rome and Berlin. To the basement rooms in dingy pubs where old fighters chase the last round; a bullring in December under the stars; a small square on the outskirts of Naples with a ring obscured by a fountain; the abandoned centre of boxing excellence in a forest lost in East Germany; a railway arch in south London and a bin-bag packed with cash. Let ‘Buncey’ tell you about the conversations with Mr. T at ringside; a meeting with the Pope’s people; the thoughts of Donald Trump when he had plans to make boxing great again; Don King in exile in his nineties; an overheard conversation with Fidel Castro; and a very real diplomatic incident. The hard conversations with a dead boxer’s mother in the hour after a machine had been switched off. The bravery, stupidity, guts, desire and glory of the boxers in the world’s most famous and unknown rings. They fought for millions, for pride, for their country and for nothing. They bled, cried and died in those rings. Around the World in 80 Fights vividly reveals the simple, wonderful and truly awful business of boxing. It is Buncey’s business and this is his story. I caught up with Steve recently to talk about his career in Boxing as detailed in the book you can listen to the audio version of the show or watch the video version here on the website or on You Tube . #boxing #stevebunce #jakepaul #miketyson #heavyweightchampion

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