Minnesota Fight Night

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, Minnesota heavyweight Colton Warner (6-2) talks about his upcoming fight at Treasure Island Casino in Welch, Minnesota. The event is April 13. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., fights start at 7:00. In addition, Warner shares his thoughts on other big fights coming up, including Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk, Dimitrii Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev and Deontay Wilder vs. Zhilei Zhang. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635 www.ticasino.com/events/wfc-168-live-boxing

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, Minnesota boxer Tony Woods (12-0, 10 KOs), talks about his upcoming fight with Deshawn Prather (17-1, 2 KOs) of Kansas City. The fight is Friday, April 12, in Springfield, Missouri. On the line is the vacant Universal Boxing Organization Continental Middleweight title. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode, we catch up with Minnesota boxer Tim Bender. A native of Florida now living and training in Minnesota, Bender won his pro boxing debut in impressive fashion last December. He returns to the boxing ring Saturday, April 13, as part of a live boxing, MMA and Muay Thai card at Treasure Island Casino. Bender faces a tough test in the person of Roman Cruz (1-1), who defeated Ryan Dew in his most recent fight. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635
worldfightingchampionships.com/events/23712/

In this episode, highly ranked Minnesota boxer Ve Shawn Owens (14-4, 12 KOs) discusses his strange experience on a Dec. 2, 2023, boxing card in Mexico. Owens went into the ring thinking he was fighting an exhibition. But that’s not how it played out. In the 8th round, the referee stopped the “fight” after Owens was hit on the back of the head, giving his opponent the “win.” Roughly six weeks later, boxrec.com posted the fight as a TKO loss for Owens — a highly questionable blemish on the Minnesota boxer’s record. Owens hasn’t said much publicly about the bizarre events of Dec. 3 — until now. In addition, Owens breaks the news about his relocation plans, and talks about his recent eye surgery. Hear all about it in this wide-ranging interview, which kicks off the 5th season of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast. Bonus content: Owens and the guys talk a little hoops, with a focus on the NBA Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves! Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

Minneapolis fan favorite David Morrell Jr. is “the Carlos Monzon of our time.” So says Luis DeCubas Sr. in the press conference at the Armory shortly after Morrell’s second-round TKO win over a game Sena Agbeko. Now, Morrell says he wants to fight the “Mexican Monster,” David Benavidez, to cement his claim as the king of the 168-pound division. Hear all about it in the high-energy, multi-lingual post-fight press conference, presented in its entirety by the Minnesota Fight Night podcast. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

The W Foshay Hotel in downtown Minneapolis hosted a press conference Thursday in advance of Saturday’s PBC Showtime-televised card at The Armory in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Fight Night podcast was there, and we caught up with WBA “regular” super middleweight champion David Morrell Jr., who faces Sena Agbeko in the main event. We also chatted with former world champions Robert Guerrero and Andre Berto, who meet in a compelling special attraction. The welterweight legends first squared off in 2012, with Guerrero coming out on top. Berto is out for revenge, but The Ghost promises to make it two in a row against his longtime rival. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, popular Minnesota boxer Marlin “So Icey” Sims previews his fight on the Showtime Boxing finale show at The Armory in Minneapolis. Sims (8-2 with 4 KOs) will take on Charles “Lo Lo” Harris (7-1) of Rialto, California on the undercard of the December 16 PBC event. Headlining the card is a super middleweight showdown between Armory fan favorite David Morrell Jr. and Sena Agbeko. For his part, Sims has myriad interests. In addition to being a prizefighter, he’s a reality show competitor, a certified scuba diver, an avid outdoorsman and a long-haul truck driver. He touches on all of those interests and vocations in this wide-ranging interview. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, we’re on location at the CMB Boxing Gym in Burnsville, where we chat with Minnesota boxers Leo Medel and Michael Demps. Both fighters will be in action this Saturday night, December 9, on the Big Q Promotions card at Element Gym in St. Paul. Medel (8-0 as a pro) will take on Andre Byrd (10-14-1) of Jacksonville, Florida. Demps, making his pro debut, faces fellow Minnesota boxer Andree Reid (1-0-1). It’s sure to be a great night of boxing, so we hope to see you there. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, Coach Quincy Caldwell of Big Q Promotions and fellow boxing coach Shane Chanslor preview the Dec. 9 Big Q Promotions pro boxing card at Element Gym in St. Paul. Fresh off his win over Nico Ali Walsh, Minnesota boxer Slink Proper takes on Tray Martin in the main event. Big Q Promotions always puts on a great show while showcasing local talent. Tickets are selling quickly, so fans are advised to get their tickets in advance. It’s shaping up to be a big night of boxing and we hope to see you there. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, we catch up with Minnesota boxer Tim Bender. A native of Florida now living in Minneapolis, Bender will make his long-awaited pro boxing debut this Saturday, December 9, as part of a Big Q Promotions card at Element Gym in St. Paul. Bender, who has an MMA background, takes on Terrance Lee (2-1) of El Paso, Texas. It’s shaping up to be a great night of boxing on the 9th, so we hope to see you there. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, we take a road trip to Element Gym in St. Paul, where we catch up with rising local super welterweight star Slink Proper (8-1, 4 KOs). Slink previews his Dec. 9 fight at Element Gym in St. Paul. In the main event, Slink takes on Tray Martin (3-6, 2 KOs) of Missouri. A fan favorite at Element, Slink — a.k.a. Sona Akale — is coming off the biggest win of his career, an upset victory over Nico Ali Walsh, Muhammad Ali’s grandson. Slink talks about his big win, the upcoming Element card, and much more. We also visit with St. Paul boxer Andree Reid, who takes on Michael Demps on the Element card. The Big Q Promotions event is sure to be highly entertaining, and we can’t wait to be there. And I hope you enjoy the interviews. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, super middleweight contender Sena Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs) previews his Dec. 16 fight against WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. at The Armory in Minneapolis. A native of Ghana now fighting out of Nashville, Agbeko is riding a five-fight winning streak, including an upset victory over previously unbeaten contender Isaiah Steen. He hopes to beat the odds again versus Morrell, a Minnesota fan favorite and one of the most avoided fighters in the 168-pound division. The two were scheduled to meet up in April, but the boxing commission scrapped the fight after an irregularity showed up on Agbeko’s MRI. Now, the “African Nightmare” is medically cleared to go. In this interview, Agbeko gives his take on the MRI issue, talks about his rise to contender status, and more. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

Minnesota cruiserweight boxer Marty “The Wolfman” Lindquist shows no signs of slowing down. On the undercard of a 15th Round Promotions event in Sioux City, Iowa, Lindquist (16-12, 12 KOs) returned to the ring in style Saturday with an impressive stoppage win over a game Maurice “The Beast” Elk (1-5, 1 KO). An ageless wonder, the 54-year-old Lindquist dropped “The Beast” twice in the first round and stopped him in the second stanza with a devastating body shot. The Minnesota Fight Night podcast was there, and we caught up with Lindquist after the fight. We also chatted with Minnesota boxer Alex Citrowske, who was in Lindquist’s corner. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

After a summer hiatus, the Minnesota Fight Night podcast returns with a new episode. Sean Strauss and Brian Johnson catch up on the latest boxing news, preview upcoming amateur cards, and talk about Sean’s new gig as president of the Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode, Minnesota boxer and Strike Fitness owner Josh Clark (7-1 pro record) talks about his upset win on the undercard of the recent Adrien Broner-Bill Hutchinson card in Miami. Clark also previews the big Declaration of War 2 event happening this Saturday, July 1, in Rogers, Minnesota. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode, WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. (9-0) dishes on David Benavidez (27-0) and Warriors Boxing President Leon Margules shares the latest on a potential Morrell-Benavidez fight. A native of Cuba now based in Minneapolis, and an Armory boxing fan favorite, Morrell is ready to take on the Mexican Monster. But is Benavidez up for it? Here’s hoping the fight happens as soon as this fall. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

Showtime and Premier Boxing Champions returned to Minneapolis Thursday to hold a press conference for the June 24 PBC card at The Armory — and the Minnesota Fight Night Podcast was there. This episode features interviews with fighters on the televised portion of the card, including headliners Carlos Adames and Julian “J Rock” Williams. Hard-hitting Adames (22-1) will defend his interim 154-pound title against Williams (28-3-1), a former unified world champion. Showtime’s Brian Custer moderates the presser. We kick things off with an exclusive one-on-one interview with Luis Arias (20-3-1), who will face Erickson Lubin (24-2) in a clash of 154-pound contenders. Originally from Milwaukee, Aris talks about his strong connections to Minnesota boxing and more. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

Element Gym hosted a media event Wednesday for Minnesota boxers Caleb Truax and Slink Proper, who have been sparring with each other to prepare for separate upcoming fights. Truax is a former world champion, Slink is an emerging, unbeaten prospect. Both are working hard to be at their best when they step into the ring for their next fights. Truax will be on the June 24 Showtime-televised card at The Armory in Minneapolis. For his part, Slink will headline a June 17 Big Q Promotions event at Element. The Minnesota Fight Night podcast caught up with both fighters Wednesday. This episode also features interviews with Minnesota boxers Tony Woods, Andree Reid Jr., and Jimmy Vang. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

Former world super middleweight champion Caleb Truax, one of Minnesota’s most popular and recognizable boxers, will make his long-awaited return to the ring on Saturday, June 24, as part of the PBC show at The Armory in Minneapolis. Truax (31-5-1, 19 KOs) will face Burley Brooks (6-2-1, 5 KOs) of Dallas on the undercard of the Showtime-televised event headlined by Carlos Adames and Julian “J-Rock” Williams. Truax will have to shake off some ring rust. The Minnesota boxer hasn’t fought since January 2021, when he challenged Caleb Plant for the IBF super middleweight title. In the following interview, Truax talks about the upcoming fight, the long layoff and more. He also analyzes the upcoming Terence Crawford-Errol Spence Jr. fight for all the marbles in the welterweight division. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

Quincy Caldwell talks about his journey to becoming a local boxing promoter and previews his big June 17 card at Element Gym in St. Paul. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode, the Minnesota Fight Night podcast recaps the Jack O'Brien Boxing Invitational at The Garden in Canal Park by Jungle Boy Boxing. Fans packed The Garden for what turned out to be an entertaining night of boxing. Tyler Nystrom and Jesse Wannemacher set the bar high with a bruising exhibition match. Also on the card, Danny Huffman pleased the hometown crowd and improved to 8-2-1 with a TKO win over veteran Brandon Baue. Rondale “Give ‘Em Hell” Hubbert got a stoppage win over a game Tony “2Sharp” Lee. After the fights, we caught up with Hubbert, Wannemacher and Nystrom to get their thoughts on the night’s festivities. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

Minnesota boxer Tony Lee joins the podcast to talk about his upcoming fight against Rondale Hubbert at The Garden in Duluth. Lee (11-2-1 as a pro) returns to the ring after a nearly 6-year layoff. But this episode is about more than boxing. In a wide-ranging interview, Lee talks about trials and tribulations, family, and his deep and abiding faith in God. His opponent’s nickname is Give ‘em Hell, but Lee says that doesn’t faze him in the least. “I’ve already been there,” he explains. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode, the Minnesota Fight Night podcast is pleased to welcome Minnesota boxer Rondale “Give ‘em Hell” Hubbert. Fighting out of Duluth, Hubbert has more than 40 pro fights under his belt. Speaking of belts, he’s also a two-time state champion. Hubbert returns to the ring on March 10 at The Garden in Duluth. His opponent, fellow Minnesota boxer Tony Lee, is back in action after nearly six years away from the squared circle. In the following interview, Hubbert talks about his upcoming fight with Lee, his food truck venture, his life as a boxing road warrior and more. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode, the Minnesota Fight Night podcast catches up with Jesse Wannemacher, a pro boxer and mixed martial artist fighting out of the Port City of Duluth. On March 10, Wannemacher will step through the ropes for the second time as a pro boxer. His fight is part of a big card at The Garden in Duluth. In the following interview, Wannemacher talks about the upcoming fight, his combat sports background, and more. He even walks us through one of his favorite hobbies: surfing on Lake Superior. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode, the Minnesota Fight Night podcast recaps the February 25 Showtime-televised card at The Armory in Minneapolis. It was a big night for the hometown boxers, as Minneapolis welterweights Jamal “Shango” James and Ve Shawn Owens — fighting in front of a sellout crowd— won their respective fights in impressive fashion. In the main event, Subriel Matias stopped Jeremías Ponce for a vacant super lightweight title belt. The card also featured one of the most jaw-dropping knockouts of the year as Willie Jones, an underdog, stopped previously unbeaten Derrick Jackson with a well-placed left hook to the chin. The end came at 1:22 of the first round. This episode features post-fight interviews with Owens, James, trainer Sankara Frazier and Matias. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

This episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast features interviews with fighters participating in the February 25 Showtime-televised boxing card at the Armory in Minneapolis. Headlining the card are Subriel Matias and Jeremías Ponce, who square off for a vacant super lightweight title. This promises to be a highly entertaining matchup of two explosive fighters. In the co-feature, Minneapolis boxer and former world champion Jamal “Shango” James returns to the ring after a 16-month layoff. He takes on tough Alberto Palmetta, an accomplished pro and 2016 Olympian from Argentina. Also returning to action is Minneapolis boxer Ve Shawn Owens, who faces Kudratillo Abdukakhorav of Uzbekistan. With help from Showtime’s Brian Custer, we will hear from both fighters in the main event, as well as James and Palmetta. Custer also chats with Joseph Adorno and Elvis Rodríguez, who square off in a compelling junior welterweight fight. At Friday’s weigh-in, the Minnesota Fight Night Podcast also caught up with Owens and special guest David Morrell Jr., the reigning WBA Super Middleweight champion, who is in town to show his support for the local fighters. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode, the Minnesota Fight Night podcast previews the February 25 USA vs CANADA show in Wadena. Special guests are coach and former boxer Jeremy Umland and his sons, Matt and Adam. The younger Umlands are accomplished amateur boxers with a combined 160-plus fights. The Umlands talk about their boxing journey, upcoming events and more. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode, the Minnesota Fight Night podcast visits with local boxer and musical artist Slink Proper. Slink, of St. Paul, boasts a perfect 7-0 record and is the reigning Mid American Super Welterweight champion. On March 10, at The Garden in Duluth, he will face off against hard-hitting Noah Kidd, who most recently boxed former world champion Sergio Martinez. Slink has been sparring with another former champion, Jamal “Shango” James of Minneapolis. James returns to the ring this Saturday, February 25, at The Armory in Minneapolis. In the following Interview, Slink talks about his experience working with James, the upcoming Armory card, and his own big fight in Duluth. Making a cameo appearance is Slink’s 6-year-old son, an emerging boxer in his own right. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode, we catch up with Tyler Nystrom and Alex Citrowske, who will face off in a 168-pound clash on the March 10 card at The Garden in Duluth. Nystrom, a military veteran who was stationed in Afghanistan, is making his pro debut. Citrowske is back in the ring after successful knee surgery. Most recently, Citrowske took on John Gotti III at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut (yes, he’s a grandson of THAT John Gotti). The guys also chat about video games, Will Farrell movies and more. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, we catch up with Eddy Valenzuela, an outstanding local amateur boxer and engineering student at the University of St. Thomas. Valenzuela, who has won the lion’s share of his 60-plus amateur fights, boxes out of the Minnesota Top Team gym in Eagan. In the following interview, Valenzuela talks about how he got started in boxing, his decorated amateur career and more. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode, local amateur boxers Kevin Greenlee and Jeff Bassett talk about how they got into boxing and what it’s like to compete in the masters’ division, amateur boxing’s answer to the senior golf circuit. Specifically, they discuss their upcoming rematch. The friendly rivals run it back this Saturday, Feb. 4, as part of a big amateur show at the Element Gym in St. Paul. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

The Minnesota Fight Night podcast debuted in 2020 with special guest Jamal “Shango” James. Fittingly, as we kick off our fourth season, Minneapolis boxer James (27-2, 12 KOs) is back to talk about his Feb. 25 Showtime-televised fight at The Armory in Minneapolis. James, a former WBA welterweight champion, returns to the ring after a 16-month layoff. His opponent, a 2016 Olympic boxer, is Alberto Palmetta of Argentina. This episode features audio from a Jan. 25 media event at the Circle of Discipline, James’ home gym, and a one-on-two interview with James and his sparring partner, Slink Proper, an up-and-coming pro boxer in his own right. Trainer Sankara Frazier also joins the conversation. Armory boxing publicist Robb Leer does the honors with the opening round of questions. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, we re-live the exciting Dec. 3 IGNITE Boxing card at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis. The episode features post-fight interviews with the following boxers on the card: heavyweight Colton Warner (6-1), middleweight Gavin Hendrickson (2-0-1), middleweight Brandon Jenkins (1-0-1) and light heavyweight Corey Thompson (4-2). Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

Gavin Hendrickson and Brandon Jenkins join the podcast to preview their fight on the Dec. 3 IGNITE BOXING I card at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis. Fans won’t want to miss this compelling middleweight matchup. Richfield resident Hendrickson (2-0, 2 KOs) boasts a strong amateur boxing background and an unbeaten record in the pro ranks. Jenkins (1-0, 1 KO), a former Minnesotan now residing in Las Vegas, has extensive mixed martial arts experience and is working on his boxing skills with Shane Mosley Jr. Both fighters appear confident heading into the matchup. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

Super Lightweights Roman Cruz and Ryan Dew join the podcast to preview their fight on the Dec. 3 IGNITE BOXING I card at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis. Cruz (0-1), of Grand Forks, North Dakota, returns to the Twin Cities for his second pro fight. Most recently, in April, he went toe-to-toe with Josh Clark, dropping a four-round majority decision. Dew, a U.S. military veteran who served in Afghanistan, makes his pro debut. Dew hails from Osakis, Minnesota. This promises to be an entertaining bout. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

Heavyweights Dennys Reyes and Terrence Walker join the podcast to preview their fight on the Dec. 3 IGNITE boxing card at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis. Expect fireworks, as both fighters are heavy-handed and are determined to put on a good show for the local fans. Reyes, a native of Cuba now fighting out of Minneapolis, will enter the ring with a 3-3 record as a pro. Walker (1-2) returns home to Minneapolis after going on the road for his first three fights. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

Light heavyweights Corey Thompson and Robert Calvin preview their Dec. 3 fight on the IGNITE Boxing card at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis. Minnesota boxer Thompson boasts a 4-1 record with 3 KOs. He faces a tough challenge in the person of Calvin, who is 2-0 as a pro with both wins coming by knockout. A native of Chicago, Calvin now makes his home in Davenport, Iowa. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

Super middleweights Ashkan Morvari and Jeremy Castro preview their Dec. 3 fight on the IGNITE Boxing card at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis. Both fighters have boxing and MMA experience. Morvari, of Eagan, will try improve to 2-0 in the pro boxing ranks. Standing in his way is Castro, who will step through the ropes with a 3-3-1 record. Castro hails from Clinton, Iowa. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In separate interviews for this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night Podcast, Minnesota heavyweights Colton Warner (5-1, 3 KOs) and Tommy Matlon (3-1, 1 KO) preview their Dec. 3 fight in Minneapolis. The big guys headline an IGNITE Boxing card at the Hyatt Regency. The conversation with Warner also touches on what fight fans want to see (Crawford vs. Spence) and what they could do without (Fury vs. Chisora), among other topics. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, Sean Strauss and Brian Johnson discuss the Nov. 5 Showtime-televised card at The Armory. In the main event, Minneapolis boxer David Morrell Jr. stayed unbeaten and successfully defended his WBA “regular” super middleweight title with a 12th-round knockout of Aidos Yerbossynuly of Kazakhstan. Sadly, Yerbossynuly was hospitalized and placed in a medically induced coma as a result of injuries he suffered in the fight. Brian and Sean update listeners on Aidos’ condition. The hosts also discuss the ring action in a recording made the day after the Nov. 5 card. The episode features interviews with Morrell, trainer Ronnie Shields, Showtime’s Brian Custer, and Brian Mendoza, who scored a big knockout win on the card against former world champion Jeison Rosario. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

A virtual press event featuring David Morrell Jr. and Aidos Yerbossynuly, who square off in the main event of the Nov. 5 Showtime PBC Boxing card at The Armory in Minneapolis. Showtime’s Brian Custer moderates the discussion. More episodes to come with interviews, insights and previews of future events. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, we recap the exciting Top Rank/Rapacz Boxing ESPN+ card in Hinckley. We’ll hear from a few of the fighters who boxed on that big card, including Cayman Audie, Jimmy “the Bull” Barnes, Antonio Mireles and Colton Warner. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

Minnesota boxer Dennys Reyes returns to the podcast to talk about his fight on the July 23 Top Rank/Rapacz Boxing ESPN+ show in Hinckley. A native of Cuba, Reyes (3-2) faces highly regarded Top Rank prospect Antonio Mireles. It’s a tall order, as Mireles stands 6-9 and weighs 270. But Reyes has been training hard and he’s determined to pull off the upset. James Clark joins the conversation as Reyes’ interpreter. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, Minnesota boxer Corey Thompson stops by to talk about his fight on the July 23 Top Rank/Rapacz Boxing ESPN+ card in Hinckley. He faces a tough challenge in the person of Dante Benjamin, a decorated amateur and highly touted Top Rank prospect. But as you will hear in this interview, Corey doesn’t lack confidence and he’s determined to pull off the upset. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, Cory Rapacz of Rapacz Boxing stops by to discuss the July 23 Top Rank/Rapacz Boxing ESPN+ card in Hinckley. In a wide-ranging interview, Rapacz talks about how he got into the boxing business, his love of Minnesota boxing in particular, and what it’s like to work with Top Rank, among other topics. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode, Anthony Garrett joins the Minnesota Fight Night podcast to talk about his fight on the July 23 Top Rank/Rapacz Boxing ESPN+ card in Hinckley. Garrett, who hails from Kansas, takes on hard-hitting prospect Cayman Audie of Hinckley. This promises to be a fan-friendly heavyweight encounter. Garrett is no stranger to Minnesota. In April, he faced off against Colton Warner at Canterbury Park. Though Garrett lost that fight, he tells the podcast that he enjoyed his time in Minnesota. Garrett has stayed busy since that fight. Most recently, he won a kickboxing tournament and has even taken part in a reality show. He gives us the lowdown in this special edition of the podcast. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635

In this episode of the Minnesota Fight Night podcast, Minnesota heavyweight Jimmy “The Bull” Barnes stops by to preview his fight on the July 23 Top Rank/Rapacz Boxing ESPN+ card in Hinckley. Barnes, 1-2 as a pro, takes on his friend and fellow Pine City native Colton Warner, 4-1, in a compelling battle of the big guys. A father of three, Barnes talks about his upcoming fight, his hectic work and training schedule and more. Intro music: “Ali Shuffle,” by the Toler/Townsend Band. Special thanks to Deb Toler. The full instrumental is available for purchase: music.apple.com/us/album/ali-shuffle/334927560?i=334927635