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No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman

No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman

By Eddie Goldman

No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman, who is known as the "conscience of combat sports", covers the combat sports and the martial arts, and the fight against corruption in sports.
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No Holds Barred: Christy Martin on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred with Eddie GoldmanJul 11, 2022

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No Holds Barred: Shields vs. Marshall and the Rise of Women's Boxing, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Shields vs. Marshall and the Rise of Women's Boxing, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room (https://waarsports.com) and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing (https://girlboxing.org) on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW16qQlnyWR-xyd2jZF1IA).

We spoke with them by Zoom Tuesday, October 18.

What a fight! Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall gave it all they had in a fight of the year candidate on October 15 at a packed O2 Arena in London. We had an in-depth discussion about this fight and the entire all-women's card which it headlined, and what this all means for women's boxing and boxing in general. But both pro and amateur boxing have plenty of problems and scandals dragging them down, and we discussed those, too

(Photo of Shields vs. Marshall courtesy of Top Rank.)

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content, at https://www.patreon.com/join/eddiegoldman/checkout.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow (http://liveone.tv).

Thanks, Eddie Goldman http://eddiegoldman.com



Oct 20, 202247:00
No Holds Barred: Shields-Marshall and Mayer-Baumgardner Preview, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Shields-Marshall and Mayer-Baumgardner Preview, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room (https://waarsports.com) and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing (https://girlboxing.org) on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW16qQlnyWR-xyd2jZF1IA).

We spoke with them by Zoom Tuesday, October 11.

This Saturday, October 15, history will be made at London's O2 Arena when an all-women's boxing card, headlined by two major title unification fights, takes place. The main event will see two unbeaten fighters, WBC-WBA-IBF-Ring Magazine middleweight champ Claressa Shields and WBO champ Savannah Marshall, fight to crown an undisputed champion. The co-feature will have WBO-IBF-Ring Magazine champ Mikaela Mayer face WBC champ Alycia Baumgardner in a junior lightweight title unification fight. This card will be shown on Sky Sports in the U.K. and ESPN+ in the U.S.

We discussed this card including the two headline title fights. We also discussed the latest developments in Olympic boxing, as the IBA continues to defy the IOC and most sports bodies by allowing fighters from Russia and Belarus to compete under their own flags.

(Photo of fighters on Shields-Marshall full card from Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images.)

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content, at https://www.patreon.com/join/eddiegoldman/checkout.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow (http://liveone.tv).

Thanks, Eddie Goldman http://eddiegoldman.com


Oct 14, 202245:29
No Holds Barred: The Olympic Boxing Debacle, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: The Olympic Boxing Debacle, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room (https://waarsports.com) and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing (https://girlboxing.org) on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW16qQlnyWR-xyd2jZF1IA).

We spoke with them by Zoom Monday, October 3.

We had an in-depth discussion of the "extraordinary congress" of the IBA, which was held September 25 in Armenia. This congress was a complete debacle and only set the stage for IBA's suspension from the IOC being turned into expulsion, and boxing being completely dropped from the Olympic program starting in 2028.

Since we recorded this show, there has been another development which will likely only hasten Olympic boxing's demise. Going against the recommendations of the IOC and what virtually every other international Olympic federation has done following Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, IBA will now allow boxers from Russia and Belarus to compete under their own national flags and identities, playing their national anthems for tournament winners. We also discussed the implications of this for both professional and amateur boxing.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content, at https://www.patreon.com/join/eddiegoldman/checkout.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow (http://liveone.tv).

Thanks, Eddie Goldman http://eddiegoldman.com


Oct 06, 202237:11
No Holds Barred: All Women's Boxing Card October 15, Olympic Boxing Near Death, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: All Women's Boxing Card October 15, Olympic Boxing Near Death, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room (https://waarsports.com) and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing (https://girlboxing.org) on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW16qQlnyWR-xyd2jZF1IA).

We spoke with them by Zoom Tuesday, September 20.

On October 15, an historic all-women's boxing card will take place at the O2 Arena in London. It is headlined by the Claressa Shields-Savannah Marshall undisputed middleweight title fight and the Mikaela Mayer-Alycia Baumgardner junior lightweight unification title bout. This will be shown on Sky Sports in the U.K. and ESPN+ in the U.S. We discussed this card as well as what else is going on in women's boxing.

On September 25, the beleaguered IBA will have their second presidential election this year. The IBA has been stripped of the right to organize the boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while boxing has been excluded from the initial program for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. We discussed the growing influence of Russia in IBA, how this is contributing to the death of Olympic boxing, and more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content, at https://www.patreon.com/join/eddiegoldman/checkout.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow (http://liveone.tv).

Thanks, Eddie Goldman http://eddiegoldman.com

Sep 23, 202238:38
No Holds Barred: Disgrace On The Red Sea, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Disgrace On The Red Sea, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room (https://waarsports.com) and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing (https://girlboxing.org) on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW16qQlnyWR-xyd2jZF1IA).

We spoke with them by Zoom Thursday, August 25.

We discussed the August 20 Usyk-Joshua  rematch in Saudi Arabia, Joshua's post-fight in-ring tantrum, how the governance for this entire card from top to bottom was disgraceful, Saudi Arabia's plans in boxing and the sports world in general, the continuing abysmal human rights record of Saudi Arabia and the failure of most people in boxing to speak out against it, and much more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content, at https://www.patreon.com/join/eddiegoldman/checkout.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow (http://liveone.tv).

Thanks, Eddie Goldman http://eddiegoldman.com

Aug 28, 202233:04
No Holds Barred: Is Olympic Boxing Doomed? on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Is Olympic Boxing Doomed? on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room (https://waarsports.com) and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing (https://girlboxing.org) on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW16qQlnyWR-xyd2jZF1IA).

We spoke with them by Zoom Friday, August 12.

Allegations of corruption continue to be made against the International Boxing Association (IBA), which is still under suspension by the International Olympic Committee. IBA will not be allowed to organize the boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will be done by the IOC themselves, and boxing remains excluded entirely from the program of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Rising in opposition to the current IBA leadership is the Common Cause Alliance. On July 25, they sent an open, public letter to the IBA board explaining why the upcoming IBA congress in September should not be held in Armenia. The main reasons were major problems, including security, at the EUBC Elite Men’s Championships held in May in Armenia, and Armenia's political and military ties to Putin's Russia during Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The letter was signed by leaders of 15 national boxing federations, including some of the most successful countries in Olympic boxing: the U.S., the Philippines, Finland, Australia, Iceland, Czechia, Switzerland, New Zealand, France, Canada, Denmark, England, Sweden, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

We discussed the ongoing crisis in Olympic boxing and how this affects both professional and amateur boxing. We also discussed some of the latest boxing news, including updates on the Oleksandr Usyk-Anthony Joshua rematch August 20 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the Claressa Shields-Savannah Marshall fight September 10 in London, and much more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content, at https://www.patreon.com/join/eddiegoldman/checkout.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow (http://liveone.tv).

Thanks, Eddie Goldman http://eddiegoldman.com


Aug 15, 202237:54
No Holds Barred: Why We Need A World Sport Anti-Corruption Agency, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Why We Need A World Sport Anti-Corruption Agency, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room (https://waarsports.com) and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing (https://girlboxing.org) on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMW16qQlnyWR-xyd2jZF1IA).

We spoke with them by Zoom Thursday, July 21.

The countless and growing number of scandals in boxing and other combat sports once more prove, to all those who haven't already realized it, that these sports cannot properly govern themselves, and that whatever outside regulation exists is at best inadequate and at worst just as corrupt as these sports themselves.

This problem, however, is not unique to the combat sports. Lack of good governance plagues sport worldwide. Boxing and the combat sports are international sports, so any solution must be both international and part of an anti-corruption effort in sport in general. Narrow, localized solutions will fail, and myopic thinking must be replaced by approaching these issues from a global perspective.

The theme of the Play the Game 2022 conference of sports reformers, held in Odense, Denmark, June 27-30, 2022, was "is there a cure for sport?" Many of the participants advocated the formation of a world sports anti-corruption agency. This idea has been around for many years, but now many people at this conference were coalescing around it, and proposing that Play the Game may be the correct forum to develop this sports anti-corruption agency.

We discussed this in light of the latest, unending series of scandals involving boxing's sanctioning bodies, the role of organized crime, and much more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content, at https://www.patreon.com/join/eddiegoldman/checkout.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow (http://liveone.tv).

Thanks, Eddie Goldman http://eddiegoldman.com

Jul 24, 202239:50
No Holds Barred: Christy Martin on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Christy Martin on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them by Zoom Thursday, July 7.

Boxing legend and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Christy Martin joined us as a guest to discuss her newly published autobiography "Fighting For Survival: My Journey Through Boxing Fame, Abuse, Murder, and Resurrection". Her incredible story was also produced as a documentary titled "Untold: Deal with the Devil" on Netflix.

Christy shared with us the important work her foundation is doing to raise awareness about domestic violence and mental abuse. Christy's Champs provides a network and resources to support those who have suffered emotional and physical abuse at the hands of an intimate partner or family member.

We also discussed her own boxing career, her coming out as a lesbian and how the boxing world treats LGBTQ people, the development of women's boxing, her current work as a boxing promoter, her dealings with Don King, and much more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

Jul 11, 202236:04
No Holds Barred: IOC Tells IBA Enough Is Enough, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: IOC Tells IBA Enough Is Enough, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them by Zoom Monday, June 27.

The scandal-drenched International Boxing Association (IBA) made headlines again last week, and not for anything positive. At their Executive Board meeting, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) not only confirmed that their suspension of IBA stands, but also that IBA would not be allowed to organize the boxing competition and qualification events for the 2024 Paris Olympics. They cited numerous failures of IBA, especially in the area of governance.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had ruled that, in their recent presidential election, IBA's exclusion of Dutch Boxing Federation President Boris van der Vorst, who was running against incumbent IBA President Umar Kremlev of Russia, was unwarranted, as well as the exclusion of four reformers who were running for the IBA's Board of Directors. So far, IBA claims that they will consider holding a new presidential election in a few months, but has said nothing about holding a new election for their Board of Directors.

The IOC has also raised the issue about IBA's failure to properly prepare for the 2024 Olympic qualifying events including no host city contracts being signed, the lack of a sufficient number of qualified referees and judges, and IBA's continued financial dependence on the Russian state-controlled Gazprom energy giant.

"Enough was enough," said IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell at the press conference. Thus, for the second Olympics in a row, IBA has been stripped of the right to organize the boxing competition, with the IOC set to devise a plan to do so themselves.

Boxing also remains excluded from the program for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with the possibility that boxing will no longer be an Olympic sport looking likelier as time goes on.

Also, Malissa Smith discussed the latest women's boxing news, including Jessica McCaskill's successful defense of her undisputed welterweight ttile, and Christy Martin's new book.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com


Jul 01, 202233:11
No Holds Barred: Usyk-Joshua 2, Sportswashing, and the Growth of Saudi Boxing, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Usyk-Joshua 2, Sportswashing, and the Growth of Saudi Boxing, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them by Zoom Tuesday, June 21.

The kickoff press conference for the rematch between WBA-IBF-WBO heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk and the fighter he defeated to win those belts last September, Anthony Joshua, took place Tuesday, June 21, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. That fight is scheduled to take place there August 20.

Locating this fight in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a monarchy and theocracy with a well-known abysmal human right record, has prompted many to accuse the Saudis of "sportswashing", a term which means "attempting to detract attention from the country's human rights record".

Amnesty International UK had requested that Anthony Joshua speak out against these human rights violations. But asked about this after the press conference, Joshua brushed off these concerns and told reporters, "I don't know what that is. I'm here to win the heavyweight champion of the world. I like Saudi. I think Saudi's good. I'm having a good time here. I'm treated really well. All that allegation stuff, for me, I'm not caught up in any of that stuff. I'm here to have a good time, mix with the local people, bring entertainment to Saudi."

Yet to understand why the Saudis are reportedly paying tens of millions of dollars to host this fight, and have attracted many other high profile sporting events, it should be understood that their motivation is not only to detract attention from their human rights record. Saudi Arabia is using their hundreds of billions of petrodollars accumulated over many decades to try to diversify the economy, reduce their financial dependance on petroleum revenue, and further develop their sports, entertainment, and tourism sectors.

Saudi Arabia's modernization plans also include the enhancing of sports training, facilities, and competition for Saudi youth. In particular, they have been developing a growing amateur boxing program for both young men and women, and are actively engaged in the international Olympic boxing movement. Bringing major fights like this one to their country is in part aimed at encouraging more youth to participate and train in boxing.

We discussed all sides of this, how most of the Western media has a one-sided view of the social and economic significance of this fight taking place in Saudi Arabia, and much more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

Jun 23, 202238:38
No Holds Barred: Heavyweights Everywhere, First Women Boxers in Hall of Fame, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Heavyweights Everywhere, First Women Boxers in Hall of Fame, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them by Zoom Monday, June 13.

Between this weekend's wild Daniel Dubois versus Trevor Bryan fight, with a 90-year-old Don King reminding us he's still in the game, to Anthony Joshua's landmark deal with DAZN, there's a lot of action in the heavyweight division. We talked about it all, plus the possibility of an announcement coming real soon for UsykJoshua2. And yes, everything is very, very fluid.

We also talked about the once-in-a-lifetime "Trilogy" at the International Boxing Hall of Fame this past weekend combining a celebration of the 2020, 2021, and 2022 inductions due to the COVID pandemic. Most notable, however, was the first ever inclusion of women boxers in the Modern and Trailblazer groupings to include:

Women Modern Boxers: Christy Martin (2020), Lucia Rijker (2020), Laila Ali (2021), Ann Wolfe (2021), Holly Holm (2022), and Regina Halmich (2022).

Women Trailblazer Boxers: Barbara Buttrick (2020) and Marian "Lady Tyger" Trimiar (2021).

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com


Jun 15, 202234:50
No Holds Barred: Kali Reis on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Kali Reis on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

Our guest was boxer, actor, and activist Kali Reis, who holds the WBA and WBO 140-pound belts.

We spoke with them by Zoom Monday, June 6.

Besides discussing her boxing career, we discussed her film "Catch the Fair One", for which she was nominated for the prestigious International Spirit Award for best actor. In it she portrayed a Native American boxer who risked her own life to enter the world of sex trafficking to find her missing sister. 

Every year, thousands of Native Americans go missing or are murdered. To this date, there is still no database keeping track of these statistics. 

The film was co-written by Kali Reis and Josef Wladyka and stars Kali and former women's pro boxer Shelley Vincent.

See this movie on Amazon Prime. Support independent film.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com


Jun 10, 202247:39
No Holds Barred: Bye Bye, Olympic Boxing? on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Bye Bye, Olympic Boxing? on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them by Zoom Monday, May 23.

The beleaguered International Boxing Association (IBA), at their recent congress, only allowed sitting president Umar Kremlev of Russia to run for that office after disqualifying his only opponent a day before the election, and also disqualified four candidates from running for their board who had raised some criticisms of the direction IBA has taken. This stunt did not sit well with the IOC, which had already suspended IBA, and said it was closely monitoring what was supposed to be a governance reform process for IBA.

At the same time, relations between the IOC and Putin's Russia have been at a low point since Russia began its war of aggression against Ukraine right after the conclusion of the Tokyo Olympics, which was supposed to be a period of peace called the Olympic Truce. For years the IOC has appeased Russia, following their violation twice before of the Olympic Truce, with the attack on Georgia in 2008 and annexation of Crimea in 2014, and their recalcitrant and defiant actions involving their state-sponsored doping program. All these resulted essentially in slaps on the wrist. But IOC president Bach last week said that Russia was responsible for "personal threats to individuals from the IOC and Olympic Movement." Only this might have been the breaking point for Bach.

We discussed why it is not surprising that a Mafia regime like Putin's tried to threaten and bully the IOC, how IBA's reliance on Russia for funding through the state-run Gazprom energy giant may have doomed their chances of being reinstated by the IOC, how all this further jeopardizes Olympic boxing which already has been excluded from the program of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, how the demise of Olympic boxing will damage and possibly destroy both amateur and professional boxing, who might potentially replace Russia as a benefactor of Olympic boxing, and much more.

In addition, Malissa Smith kept us up-to-date with some important news about women's boxing.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com


May 27, 202230:21
No Holds Barred: Avril Mathie and Terri Moss, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Avril Mathie and Terri Moss, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

Our guests were fighter and model Avril Mathie and promoter and former fighter Terri Moss, a 2015 inductee in the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame and CEO of the Buckhead Fight Club.

We spoke with them by Zoom Tuesday, May 17.

On June 11, the unbeaten Avril Mathie (7-0-1, 3 KOs) continues her quest to get a title fight as she fights on the Summer Time Brawl show at the Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, Georgia. We spoke with her about her journey into boxing, and with Terri Moss about her role as a promoter.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

May 23, 202229:06
No Holds Barred: Bivol Beat Canelo But Should Have Been Banned, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Bivol Beat Canelo But Should Have Been Banned, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them by Zoom Monday, May 9.

On Saturday, May 7, pound-for-pound king and super middleweight champ Saul "Canelo" Alvarez lost by a clearcut decision in Las Vegas to unbeaten Russian fighter Dmitry Bivol, who holds the WBA light heavyweight belt. We discussed this fight, but also why, when the U.S. is sanctioning Russia for its criminal war of aggression in Ukraine, Russian boxers should not be permitted to fight on U.S. soil. Tune in now to hear our breakdown on the fight and why sanctions are so important in the war against Putin's propaganda machine.

(Photo by Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.) 

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

 

May 13, 202228:56
No Holds Barred: Taylor and Serrano Make History, and Kinahan Cornered, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Taylor and Serrano Make History, and Kinahan Cornered, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them by Zoom Monday, May 2. 

What a fight! The bout between Ireland's undisputed lightweight champion fighter, Katie Taylor, and Amanda Serrano, the Brooklyn-based seven-division champion who hails from Puerto Rico, was one for the ages. Taylor and Serrano made history as the first women headliners in the main arena at the mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden. Fighting on a packed card, the two pound-for-pound greats fought an instant classic in front of a sold-out crowd of excited fans with a decibel level that was so loud, the referee couldn't hear the bell at the end of a few of the rounds. Taylor came out on top with a split-decision and a lot of talk of a rematch. Time will tell.

The second half of the show looked at the impact of the U.S. government's decision to freeze the assets of the top echelon of the Kinahan Organized Crime Group, along with putting a five million dollar bounty leading to the arrest and conviction of the gang's leadership.  We discussed the impact of this decision on boxing, including the shuttering of MTK Global's boxing empire. Bob Arum of Top Rank promised to cooperate with U.S. authorities but did admit he'd paid Daniel Kinahan four million dollars in fees for the Tyson Fury fights. The WBC also had to walk back their very recent public embrace of Daniel Kinahan. A lot of uncertainty remains on what the fallout will be. We shall continue to discuss it on future WAAR Room shows as more information becomes available.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

May 05, 202245:05
No Holds Barred: Kristen Worley on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Kristen Worley on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them by Zoom Monday, April 11. 

Our guest was author and former elite waterskier and cyclist, Kristen Worley, to discuss and dispel the myths about transgender participation in sports. 

Worley explained the complexities of the hormones that interplay in the human body, and how policies have been made, and continue to be made, across the spectrum of athletics without scientific study or evidence. In Worley's case, it led to her being the first athlete to be "gender tested" under the aegis of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Stockholm Consensus of 2003. The requirements of the "consensus" led to physical harm to her and other transgender athletes who were required to restrict their intake of necessary hormones or face expulsion from the very sports they love. In 2016, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal recognized that IOC policies specifically requiring her to reduce her testosterone levels in order compete in female sport, not only made her ill, but infringed on her human rights.

Subsequent to this ground-breaking court case, Worley has worked with the IOC to develop a new framework for transgender athletes, which was released in November 2021. Much more work needs to be done, however, to overcome the deep prejudices, fears, and highly politicized atmosphere surrounding transgender rights.

We are grateful to Kristen Worley for providing us with a basic education on the issues transgender athletes face.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

Apr 19, 202201:06:38
No Holds Barred: Martin Stark on the World Gay Boxing Championships, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Martin Stark on the World Gay Boxing Championships, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page

We spoke with them by Zoom Friday, April 1 (Saturday, April 2 in Australia).

Our guest was Martin Stark, founder and CEO of the World Gay Boxing Championships.

Here is the information he sent us about the event, on recruiting boxers for the championships, and for their fundraising campaign:

Recruiting Boxers for the Championships

The championships are taking place from 18-22 February 2023 in Sydney coinciding with Mardi Gras and World Pride! The event is for the LGBTQIA+ community and our fantastic allies.

We are now inviting boxers to select the category they want to compete in by completing the form in the link  https://linktr.ee/wgbc.org.au. The competition age groups are Youth (17-18 years), Elite (19-40 years) and Masters (41 and above). For Masters, the age groups are 41-50, 51-60, or 61-70 years. ​Boxers will be matched in one of two experience categories:

Novice (0-9 previous bouts), or

Experienced (10 or more bouts)

We are offering the following weight divisions:

​Female: 48-50kg, 54-57kg, 57-60kg, 66-70kg, 75-81kg and 81kg+

Male: 54-57kg, 60-63.5kg, 71-75kg, 75-80kg, 86-92kg and 92kg+

The competition will be conducted under Boxing Australia rules and WGBC policies including the WGBC transgender and gender diverse policy which is currently being developed. We may offer further categories upon completion of the trans and gender diverse policy.  The sanctioning body is Boxing NSW who are providing the referees and judges.

Boxers from 12 countries have selected their categories and we would love to more international boxers compete.  Everyone will receive a warm Aussie welcome 😊

WGBC Fundraising Campaign

It would be awesome to get people involved in our interactive fundraising campaign WGBC 2023 Jabs For Equality Challenge! It’s 14 days of shadow boxing doing at least 2023 non-combative punches recording their efforts and posting on social media. Participants receive their own personalised page and link for people to donate to. We want people to enjoy the benefits of being active and have lots of fun!

To join  https://asf.org.au/projects/world-gay-boxing-championships/wgbc-2023-jabs-for-equality-challenge and jab where it says “Click Here To Sign Up!”.  You will get your own personalised page and link for people to donate to.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

Apr 07, 202231:23
No Holds Barred: The Lesbian Fight Club, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: The Lesbian Fight Club, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them by Zoom Monday, March 21.

Our guest was Marna Deitch. We discussed both the Lesbian Fight Club and boxing.

The Lesbian Fight Club, which is not just open to lesbians, and which trains people in self-defense techniques. As the LGBTQI community remains under attack, it is critically important to learn self-defense.

Marna Deitch is the founder of the Motorcycle Contingent for Equality, an award-winning activist, a board member of the Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board of West Hollywood, and an executive board member of The L-Project, an art and tech 501(c)(3) organization promoting emerging LGBTQI women and non-binary creatives. 

We also discussed the award-winning film, "Catch The Fair One", written by and starring boxer Kali Reis. And we discussed recent news about the Russian energy company, Gazprom, its sponsorship relationship with the IBA, and why amateur boxing may be dropped as an Olympic sport in the near future.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com


Mar 27, 202240:39
No Holds Barred: Russia, Ukraine, the Olympics, Kinahan, and Corruption, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Russia, Ukraine, the Olympics, Kinahan, and Corruption, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them by Zoom Monday, March 14.

Our wide-ranging discussion first focused on the continuing role of Russia in world sport, including in professional and Olympic boxing, even as Russia's war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine intensify. We discussed revelations that Umar Kremlev, president of the Olympic boxing federation IBA, has a history of ties with the Russian motorcycle club Night Wolves. Since 2014, the Night Wolves have been been under sanction by the the U.S. Treasury Department: "The Night Wolves have been closely connected to the Russian special services, have helped to recruit separatist fighters for Donetsk and Luhansk, Ukraine, and were deployed to the cities of Luhansk and Kharkiv." The IBA also has kept Gazprom, the Russian state-owned energy company, as a "general partner". And in professional boxing, Russian fighters like Dmitry Bivol still get major fights, despite worldwide boycotts against Russian sports organizations and athletes because of Putin's criminal war of aggression against Ukraine.

We also discussed the increasingly prominent role of Daniel Kinahan, the alleged Irish head of an international drug cartel, in boxing. While the Irish media has been exemplary in exposing Kinahan, most of the world boxing media either remains silent about him or tries to cover up his real role. Kinahan is holed up in Dubai, which has not yet extradited him to Ireland. But Dubai is now hosting more and more major fights.

Also, we discussed how all this corruption means that there is no longer a basis for fair, all-inclusive world sport, and that the Olympic movement, which is collapsing, needs to be replaced. We discussed the role of gambling in boxing, sportswashing, how boxing is becoming so expensive to watch that it has become a luxury sport, and much more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

Mar 18, 202244:13
No Holds Barred: We Stand With Ukraine, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: We Stand With Ukraine, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them by Zoom Sunday, February 27.

We discussed the need for a ban on Russia from world sports after Putin violated the Olympic Truce agreement and attacked Ukraine.

This is the third time since 2008 that Russia has violated the Olympic Truce and launched military attacks. Russia and its proxies attacked the country of Georgia in 2008 at the start of the Beijing Summer Olympics. Russia attacked Ukraine and annexed Crimea during the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Now mere hours after the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics had concluded, Russia launched its vicious and illegal land, sea, and air assault on Ukraine.

A ban on Russia may mark the end of the era of all-inclusive world sporting events. But the price for continuing to include Russia and its gang of cheats, dopers, and murderers in world sport is the complete abandonment of any principles associated with real sport. And such inherently corrupt sports organizations do not deserve to exist. The sustainability of an Olympic movement including both democratic and authoritarian countries, where human rights do not exist, has long been questioned as well.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

Mar 04, 202229:35
No Holds Barred: A Bit of Women's Boxing History, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: A Bit of Women's Boxing History, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them by Zoom Sunday, February 13.

In every generation, there are big super fights, to be made for men and women in the sport. There was the fight between Laila Ali and Jacqui Frazier-Lyde as the main event on a pay-per-view card on June 8, 2001, in a big tent erected at the Turning Stone Casino outside of Canastota, New York.

While Bob Arum, yes, that Bob Arum, did not have a particular hand in that fight, he did try to promote the "Million Dollar Lady" super-fight between Christy Martin and Lucia Rijker in 2005. This wad meant to capitalize on Clint Eastwood's Oscar winning film, "Million Dollar Baby" starring Hilary Swank. Martin and Rijker were to have been guaranteed a $250,000 purse a piece. They were also both past the prime of their careers, but there'd been a rivalry that began to brew in the late-1990s, and it was the fight fans wanted to see, perhaps only eclipsed by the dream of pairing Laila Ali and Ann Wolfe.

In the end, Rijker had to pull out of the fight due to a torn achilles tendon, which turned out to be career ending. Ever the "champion" for women's boxing -- not -- Bob Arum was less than stellar about Rijker's injury, having done a lousy job of promoting the fight in the first place and seeming to blame the women for what was reported to be anemic ticket sales.

Arum's early forays in women's boxing extend all the way back to the late 1970s. He felt very burned by the experience, and in 1987 went on record to state that women's boxing is "ridiculous," and how he'd sworn that he'd never promote another women's bout.

He did go on to promote women's boxing champion Lucia Rijker in the late 1990s, and a few years later, Mia St. John. A martial artist, St. John's trademark was "hot pink" to distinguish herself from Christy Martin's baby pink. She gained popularity fighting on Oscar De La Hoya fight cards on pay-per-view in the early 2000s.

And of course, fast forward to 2022, and Bob Arum is still at it denigrating female prize fighters while promoting yet another champion female boxer.

The Taylor-Serrano main event super fight on April 30, 2022, in the main room at Madison Square Garden, demonstrates just how far the sport has come in terms of popularity and respect. It is, however, only the beginning. Bob Arum's open disdain for female achievements in the sport may be treated as being anachronistic, but the truth is he is not alone in his thinking. One need only look at the fight cards on mainstream boxing media in the United States, to see how much further there is to go.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

Mar 03, 202233:49
No Holds Barred: Kieran Cunningham on Bloody Sunday, the Mob and Irish Boxing, and Sports-Washing, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Kieran Cunningham on Bloody Sunday, the Mob and Irish Boxing, and Sports-Washing, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

Our guest was Kieran Cunningham, the Chief Sports Writer and Current Affairs Columnist at the Irish Daily Star.

We spoke with him by Zoom Sunday, January 30, the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday -- a bloody massacre when British soldiers opened fire killing 13 unarmed peaceful protesters in Derry, Northern Ireland.  

Cunningham explained the significance of Bloody Sunday and its impact on the Irish boxing community, including retired boxer John Duddy, whose uncle, Jackie Duddy, a promising young amateur fighter, was the first person murdered.  

As a sports writer, Cunningham is perhaps best known for his in-depth reporting on the impact of criminal gangs on boxing in the Republic of Ireland, including alleged drug kingpin Daniel Kinahan. Cunningham provided an in-depth analysis on the tentacles from MTK Global that have encroached on the integrity of the sport. He also discussed the impact of "sports-washing" in the Middle East including Saudi Arabia and Dubai, and how the absence of an international professional boxing governance organization continues to undermine the sport.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

Feb 04, 202244:18
No Holds Barred: Heather Hardy, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Heather Hardy, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

Our guest was Heather "The Heat" Hardy.

We spoke with her by Zoom Sunday, January 23.

Heather "The Heat" Hardy, 22-2, returns to the ring on March 12th as the opponent against British fighter, Terri Harper, 11-1-1. Both are coming into the ring at lightweight after tough losses. Hardy concedes her last outing was less than stellar, but she feels a renewed sense of love for the sport of boxing and an excitement at the prospect of her first overseas adventure. She’s also looking forward to fight week and all the attendant media attention, something she has missed in the era of the pandemic. As she turns 40, Hardy reflects on the arc of her career, one that she started at the age of 28, but is neither ready to hang up her gloves, nor her place as an advocate for equity in the sport she loves. She may well be taking things one fight at a time, but it also mean she can be in love with boxing again.

The place of women's boxing also remains problematic, especially in the United States, where companies such as Al Haymon's Premier Boxing Champions seemingly refuse to put women's bouts on fight cards. This weekend was a case in point -- it came and went without women's boxing battle on a major outlet.

The PBC/Showtime Boxing broadcast did, otherwise, provide an excellent card headlined by Gary Russell, Jr., who lost his long time WBC featherweight title to Philippine fighter, Mark Magsayo. Russell, who had a torn ligament in his shoulder, fought one-handed for much of the fight, but still tried every pro trick in the book to keep his opponent at bay.   

WAAR Room's Eddie Goldman also talked about latest No Holds Barred Patreon Page story, "Don King, Trevor Bryan, and A Return to Yesterday," and what that might mean for the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions going forward.

Support independent journalism by subscribing, liking, and sharing this channel!! 

The WAAR Room is committed to amplifying voices speaking out against racism, corruption, misogyny, and misogynoir in boxing, and the failures of sports' governing bodies to their protect athletes from corrupt practices.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

Jan 26, 202252:37
No Holds Barred: Claressa Shields, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Claressa Shields, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

Our guest was one of the top boxers in the world, multi-divisional champion Claressa Shields (11-0, 2 KOs). She is the first boxer in the four-belt era to be an undisputed world champion in two weight classes.

We spoke with her by Zoom Thursday, January 13.

On February 5, Claressa Shields is scheduled to defend her three middleweight belts against challenger Ema Kozin (21-0-1, 11 KOs). This fight will take place in Cardiff, Wales, in the U.K., and is the co-main event to the long-awaited middleweight fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Liam Williams. In the U.K., it will be shown on Sky Sports. In the U.S. and Canada, it will be on pay-per-view on FITE.TV and PPV.com, and also on cable, satellite, and telco providers.

We discussed with her what she knows about Kozin and how she will approach this fight; how she hopes to fight in a few months against her nemesis, WBO champ Savannah Marshall; how she feels about this being her first pro fight outside the U.S. and in the U.K.; her reaction to several major American TV and streaming networks not featuring her championship fights; and more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

Jan 16, 202229:50
No Holds Barred: The First Annual You Don't Know Shit About Boxing Awards 2021, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: The First Annual You Don't Know Shit About Boxing Awards 2021, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them Monday, December 27.

It's been a long, hard, interesting year for boxing. We wrap some of it up with our First Annual You Don't Know Shit About Boxing Awards 2021, to find out the winner of the Worst Promoter, Worst Boxing Commission, Worst Corner Advice, Worst Promotion of an Elite Fighter, Epic Ali Genealogy Fail, and more!

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com


Dec 31, 202154:40
No Holds Barred: Estrada, Parker, Zurdo, Morrell, Esparza, and Serrano Highlight Busy Weekend, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Estrada, Parker, Zurdo, Morrell, Esparza, and Serrano Highlight Busy Weekend, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them Monday, December 20.

It was a busy boxing weekend, from Artur Beterbiev's knockout win over Marcus Browne in Montreal, Quebec, on December 17, to the clown show on Showtime's pay-per-view on December 18. It did not go unnoticed that in the U.S., the only boxing non-streaming or pay-per-view broadcast of the many fights on December 18 was the PBC card on Fox in Minneapolis, Minnesota, featuring the David Morrell Jr. vs. Alantez Fox super middleweight, curious towel-throwing finish, fight, for Morrell's TKO win.

Governance was also called into question during Marie-Eve Dicaire's IBF super welterweight title fight, also in Montreal, against a clearly unskilled opponent who had no business in a championship fight. On the positive side, the Golden Boy-DAZN collaboration in San Antonio, Texas, brought an outstanding card to include two female title defenses. WBC flyweight champion Marlen Esparza has truly elevated her game and set herself up for possible unification battles, after her excellent display against veteran and former champion Anabel Ortiz.

The fight of the weekend, however, belonged to Seniesa Estrada, who showed flash and aggressiveness as she scored a knockout win over Maria Santizo on that San Antonio card that will certainly be on everyone's 2021 highlight reel, to retain her WBA minimumweight title. She, too, has set herself up for possible unification battles, with a long-term possibility of meeting her Golden Boy teammate, Marlen Esparza.

Amanda Serrano also popped up to lightweight to fight Miriam Gutierrez in Tampa, Florida, taking the bout by unanimous decision and setting herself up for her a potential showdown with the undisputed lightweight champion, Katie Taylor, in the spring of 2022 at Madison Square Garden.

Other fights of note were the rematch between Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora, a heavyweight slugfest of epic proportions from DAZN's Manchester, U.K., card, which Parker won by unanimous decision, and the Gilberto (Zurdo) Ramirez-Yunieski Gonzalez light heavyweight fight, which was the main event on the Golden Boy-DAZN card from San Antonio, and another heart-in-your-mouth epic battle.

Plus, we discussed the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and how boxing and the sports world in general are dealing, and not dealing, with it.

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

Dec 24, 202159:34
No Holds Barred: Probellum Problems, Olympic Boxing Reform, Katie Taylor's Close Win, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Probellum Problems, Olympic Boxing Reform, Katie Taylor's Close Win, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them Sunday, December 12.

This past week saw major developments in the attempt by the Olympic boxing federation -- formerly AIBA and now renamed as the International Boxing Association (IBA) -- to regain its place on the Olympic program.

On December 9, IOC president Thomas Bach said in a press conference that AIBA, along with the International Weightlifting Federation, were the IOC's "problem children". AIBA would remain suspended from the IOC until at least 2023, and needs to correct ongoing problems in governance, financial transparency and sustainability, and the integrity of their refereeing and judging processes. Boxing also was not included on the list of sports set for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, although it was not ruled out that it could be added back if AIBA demonstrated that it had corrected these problems to the IOC's satisfaction.

On December 10, another report was released about corruption in AIBA by the team led by Professor Richard McLaren. This report, issued at AIBA's behest, concluded that the corruption in the officiating at AIBA events did not end with the 2016 Rio Olympics, but has continued through this year. The report noted that "the people are the problem, even when the rules and regulations are of the highest quality. The sport will need to ensure that it cultivates individuals with integrity to run the organisation." It did also praise the efforts of current AIBA president Umar Kremlev and his associates to end this corruption, stating, "a genuine attempt at reform and progress has been made under Kremlev's leadership." McLaren then discussed this report on an international online press conference. 

On December 12, before we were able to discuss it, AIBA held its "Extraordinary Congress" and adopted all the extensive reforms which had been proposed by the Governance Reform Group, which was led by Professor Ulrich Haas. These reforms included the establishment of an independent Boxing Integrity Unit. AIBA also officially changed its name to IBA at this congress. And on December 13, IBA president Umar Kremlev also held an international online press conference. We will discuss these developments on our upcoming shows.

Besides the crisis in Olympic boxing, we discussed the debut show of the new Probellum promotion, which took place December 11 in Dubai in the UAE. This show was plagued by numerous major governance problems, and we discussed the significance of these and the lack of proper regulation.

Also on December 11, there were several major boxing cards around the world. We mainly focused on the Matchroom/DAZN card in Liverpool in the U.K., and in particular on the successful defense of her lightweight belts by Katie Taylor against Firuza Sharipova. Taylor clearly won a decision, but this fight was closer than many had anticipated. We discussed what this means, what is next for Taylor, and the latest news in women's boxing.

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.

(Photo of Prof. McLaren from screenshot of press conference. Probellum logo. Photo of Katie Taylor vs. Firuza Sharipova from WBC.)

Dec 14, 202101:10:55
No Holds Barred: Fulton-Figueroa and Kambosos-Lopez Controversies, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Fulton-Figueroa and Kambosos-Lopez Controversies, on The WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them Sunday, November 28.

Our main focus was on two major title unification fights this past weekend, and the accompanying controversies in each of them. 

In a major upset, George Kambosos Jr. captured the WBA, IBF, and WBO lightweight belts from previously unbeaten Teofimo Lopez by split decision. Almost all observers had Kambosos clearly winning this fight.

In a fight to unify the WBC and WBO 122-pound belts, Stephen Fulton Jr. defeated Brandon Figueroa by majority decision. Even though this was a close fight, many people thought that Figueroa had done enough to win, or at least it should have been scored a draw.

Besides discussing the rest of these cards, we raised the issue of judging and officiating in boxing, as there are highly controversial and even bizarre scores just about every week. Unlike most other professional sports, boxing's purposely fragmented governance means that there is nothing remotely like an independent Boxing Integrity Unit. We see the results of the absence of even a semblance of proper governance on almost every boxing card.

Malissa Smith also once more kept us up-to-date with the latest news in women's boxing.

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.

(Photo of Figueroa vs Fulton from Esther Lin/Showtime. Photo of Kambosos vs. Lopez from Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.)

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

Dec 03, 202147:14
No Holds Barred: Brilliant Bud, Resilient Reis, Triller-less Teofimo, on Thee WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Brilliant Bud, Resilient Reis, Triller-less Teofimo, on Thee WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them Sunday, November 21.

We discussed Terence Crawford's tenth round stoppage of Shawn Porter to establish himself as the top welterweight in the world, and what may be next for him now that he is a free agent and no longer under contract to Top Rank. We discussed Kali Reis's split decision win over Jessica Camara to set up a fight with Chantelle Cameron to unify the major belts at 140 pounds. We discussed unified lightweight champ Teofimo Lopez's upcoming fight with George Kambosos Jr. and heard comments from Lopez on this fight. And we discussed how and why the ongoing failure of boxing to have the best fight the best, plus the pay-per-view model, only continue to marginalize the sport.

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.

(Photo of Terence Crawford vs. Shawn Porter by Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images. Photo of Kali Reis vs. Jessica Camara by Ed Mulholland/ Matchroom Boxing.)

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

No Holds Barred is sponsored by:

LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.

Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.

Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com 

Nov 24, 202156:02
No Holds Barred: What's Next for Baumgardner and Benavidez, on Thee WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: What's Next for Baumgardner and Benavidez, on Thee WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them Monday, November 15.

Our discussion focused on two major, exciting fights which took place Saturday, November 13. In Sheffield in the U.K., Alycia Baumgardner dominated Terri Harper and stopped her in the fourth round to unify the WBC and IBF super featherweight belts. In Phoenix, Arizona, unbeaten super middleweight David Benavidez scored a seventh-round stoppage over Kyrone Davis to advance his claim to have a shot at undisputed super middleweight champ Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.

We discussed these fights, what's next for Baumgardner and Benavidez, this coming weekend's Terence Crawford-Shawn Porter fight, and much more.

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.

(Photo of Alycia Baumgardner by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing. Photo of David Benavidez vs. Kyrone by Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions.)

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

No Holds Barred is sponsored by:

LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.

Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.

Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

Nov 18, 202140:53
No Holds Barred: The Canelo Era, Mayer-Hamadouche War, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: The Canelo Era, Mayer-Hamadouche War, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them Sunday, November 7.

This past Saturday, November 6, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez cemented his status as the best boxer in the world with an 11th-round KO of previously unbeaten Caleb Plant in Las Vegas. In doing so, he not only unified all the four major belts in the super middleweight division, but finished this year with three straight stoppage victories. He has now won belts in four weight classes, has a record of 57-1-2 with 39 KOs, and has not lost since 2013 when, as a 23-year-old, he was decisioned by then-top pound-for-pound fighter Floyd Mayweather.

We discussed Canelo's fight with Plant, why in boxing this is the Canelo Era, what may be next for him, how boxing's absurd and corrupt governance affects all of this, how most in the media have missed the true significance of this fight, and more.

In addition, on Friday, November 5, Mikaela Mayer and Maiva Hamadouche had a fantastic battle, also in Las Vegas. Mayer won by decision, in the process unifying two of the junior lightweight belts. We also discussed what is happening in women's boxing.

We discussed these fights and more on this edition of the show.

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.



Nov 09, 202152:43
No Holds Barred: Nava-Juarez, Cameron-McGee, Shields in MMA, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Nava-Juarez, Cameron-McGee, Shields in MMA, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them Sunday, October 31.

We had a busy weekend of boxing with two fantastic championship women's bouts including the first of two Super Lightweight unification bouts. This weekend the WBC/IBF unification battle was fought between between the WBC British fighter Chantelle Cameron (15-0, 8 KOs) and the IBF American champion Mary McGee (27-4, 15 KOs). The pair battled wall-to-wall for ten rounds with Cameron showing the superior boxing skills, getting the undisputed win and the first Ring Magazine Championship belt to boot. 

The second amazing women's boxing battle was between two veteran Mexican fighters: Jackie Nava (39-4-4, 16 KOs) and Mariana Juarez (55-11-4, 19 KOs) in a Super Bantamweight WBC Diamond Belt match.  Much as other rivalries in boxing, the Nava/Jaurez fight took many, many years to get on the books—but was truly worth the wait.  Both fighters are 41 years of age, but one could easily have assumed they were at least ten years younger.  Both brought top-notch skills and ring savvy into the bout, but it was Nava who showed levels of boxing prowess that proved her to be the better fighter.

Multi-divisional boxing champion Claressa Shields also had her second MMA fight this past week, and it did not go her way, as she lost a split decision to Abigail Montes. Shields is scheduled to return to the boxing ring December 11, and we shall see how her foray into the MMA cage has affected her boxing skills, if at all.

Also this past week, there were a pair of first-round knockouts, as Jaron "Boots" Ennis stopped veteran Thomas Dulorme in Las Vegas, as did Jose Zepeda to Josue Vargas in New York. There was also a main event upset, as favorite Jamal James was stopped by Radzhab Butaev in the ninth round, also in Las Vegas.

We discussed these fights and more on this edition of the show.

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

Nov 02, 202154:01
No Holds Barred: Women's Boxing's Brilliant Fall, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Women's Boxing's Brilliant Fall, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

We spoke with them Monday, October 25.

Women's boxing is well past the time when it should be thought of as an afterthought, a side show, or a joke.  With this generation's crop of brilliant fighters of the likes of Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor, and Amanda Serrano -- not to mention the women who will be competing over the next few weeks to include two unification title bouts at super lightweight and the super fight at super bantamweight for the WBC Diamond belt between two of Mexico's greatest fighters,  Mariana Juarez, known as "La Barbie", and Jackie "La Princesa Azteca" Nava, this Saturday -- we'd say women's boxing is alive and very well indeed, thank you.

But what will it take to push the sport into the 21st century where it belongs?  Sure, Showtime's Stephen Espinoza assured our own LA Fight Goddess, Chris Baldwin, that we could look forward to seeing female bouts on upcoming cards in 2022, but the truth is we've heard it all before.  On this show, we talked about women's boxing's brilliant Fall, options and opportunities for the future, and the recent move of MTK Global -- yes, that MTK Global -- into the realm of women's boxing.

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.



Oct 27, 202155:46
No Holds Barred: Nicola Tallant on Kinahan, the Mob, and Boxing, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Nicola Tallant on Kinahan, the Mob, and Boxing, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of the WAAR Room and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the WAAR Sports YouTube page.

While many are still discussing Tyson Fury's defense of his WBC heavyweight belt, less attention is being paid, especially in the boxing media, to the man whom he said is his advisor, Daniel Kinahan. According to promoter Bob Arum, Kinahan is also an advisor to the unbeaten WBO welterweight champ Terence Crawford, the unbeaten and undisputed 140-pound champ Josh Taylor, and WBO super featherweight champ Jamel Herring. Kinahan was co-founder of what is now the management company MTK Global, although officially it is claimed that he is no longer formally a part of it. Among MTK Global's many dozens of fighters is the unbeaten WBO middleweight champ Savannah Marshall, who appears headed to a showdown next year with two-division unbeaten champion Claressa Shields. 

So who is this boxing powerbroker, Daniel Kinahan? According to the High Court of Ireland, he is a senior figure in organized crime on a global scale and head of the Kinahan organized crime group. Kinahan is now based in Dubai.

To find out more about Kinahan, including his role in boxing, we spoke with one of the world's leading authorities on the crime world and especially Irish organized crime, Nicola Tallant. She is the Investigations Editor for the Sunday World of Ireland, hosts and produces the Crime World podcast, and is author of the wonderful new book, "Clash of the Clans: The Rise of the Irish Narcos and Boxing's Dirty Secret".

We spoke with her Sunday, October 17.

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.


Oct 19, 202101:10:03
No Holds Barred: One-Night Stand in Vegas, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: One-Night Stand in Vegas, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of Angry Afro Radio and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the Angry Afro Radio YouTube page.

Our discussion took place Sunday, October 10.

We discussed Saturday's third fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, held in Las Vegas. Fury retained his WBC heavyweight belt with an 11th-round KO. 

While the fight was certainly entertaining with many dramatic twists and turns, we explained why this was not the "instant classic" some have labeled it, and was instead plagued by numerous technical and tactical blunders by both fighters. Our reactions to it are similar to that of discussing a one-night stand the day right after it happened, when sober thinking has finally returned. We also began a discussion of the ties between Fury and alleged organized crime kingpin Daniel Kinahan. 

Malissa Smith also discussed Saturday's victory by Jamie Mitchell over Shannon Courtenay to capture the WBA women's bantamweight belt, and more of the latest women's boxing news.

(Photo by Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions.) 

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

No Holds Barred is sponsored by:

LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.

Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.

Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.

Oct 11, 202152:46
No Holds Barred: The Fight Against Fixed Fights In Olympic Boxing, Women's Boxing News, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: The Fight Against Fixed Fights In Olympic Boxing, Women's Boxing News, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of Angry Afro Radio and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the Angry Afro Radio YouTube page.

Our discussion took place Sunday, October 3.

We finally have proof of what many already knew or suspected: Much of Olympic boxing has been fixed.

On September 30, an independent report, mainly focusing on boxing at the 2016 Rio Olympics, was released by an investigative team led by Professor Richard McLaren. His team also had helped document the Russian state-sponsored doping program in the Olympics.

This report documented how officials in AIBA, the Olympic boxing federation, fixed the selection of referees and judges at the fights in the 2016 Olympics, how they manipulated results, the culture of corruption and bribery in Olympic boxing, and how these corrupt practices were carried out and enabled by the top leadership in AIBA at the time.

As the report stated, in AIBA,"The people are the problem." It should also be added that what corrupt governments have done in the Olympic movement has been a key reason why Olympic boxing has been so corrupt. 

The full report can be read here.

While this investigation was undertaken at the behest of the current, new leadership of AIBA, many questions remain as to whether or not corruption has been sufficiently rooted out in this organization. The International Olympic Committee suspended AIBA as boxing's Olympic governing body in June 2019, and thus far has not indicated if or when it will be reinstated. The IOC organized the boxing competition at the recently completed Tokyo Olympics without AIBA.

We discussed what we know about how the Olympic boxing bouts were manipulated, some of the fights that may have been fixed, the obvious and not-so-obvious motives for this rampant corruption, the implications of this crisis in amateur and Olympic boxing for professional boxing, how this type of corruption in the overall Olympic movement is far from unique, and much more.

Malissa Smith also brought us the latest news from women's boxing, including multi-divisional champ Amanda Serrano signing with Jake Paul's newly-formed promotional company. We discussed what this might mean for a potential showdown between Serrano and undisputed lightweight champion Katie Taylor, what is next for unbeaten middleweight and super welterweight champion Claressa Shields who has been fighting in MMA as of late, and much more.

Plus, we discussed the postponement of the 2022 Gay Games in Hong Kong to 2023, the latest Triller Trash news and why they are the frontrunner for the 2021 Roger Mayweather "You Don't Know Shit About Boxing" Award, and more.

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Oct 04, 202101:05:47
No Holds Barred: Why Usyk Beat Joshua, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Why Usyk Beat Joshua, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of Angry Afro Radio and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the Angry Afro Radio YouTube page.

Our discussion took place Sunday, September 26.

This past Saturday, former cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk upset unified heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua by a clearcut unanimous decision to capture all of his heavyweight belts. We discussed why and how this upset happened, if the gun-shy Joshua needs a new trainer, if Joshua was just burnt out, how Usyk has been underappreciated, how Joshua has regressed as a fighter, what's next for both fighters and the heavyweight division, and much more. And we also discussed some of the latest news in women's boxing.

(Photo by Ian Walton/Matchroom Boxing.)

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

No Holds Barred is sponsored by:

LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.

Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.

Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

Sep 27, 202151:34
No Holds Barred: Dr. Lisa Kihl on Corruption, Gambling, Doping, and Rape in Sports, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Dr. Lisa Kihl on Corruption, Gambling, Doping, and Rape in Sports, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of Angry Afro Radio and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the Angry Afro Radio YouTube page.

Our special guest was Dr. Lisa Kihl, Institute Director of the University of Minnesota's Global Institute for Responsible Sport Organizations.

This discussion took place Friday, September 17.

Corruption, doping, and rape in sports are widespread. The growth of sports gambling, both legal and illegal, also has posed another danger to the integrity of sports.

To start to address this, Dr. Kihl is advocating the formation of a "national sport integrity system". Her work at the Global Institute for Responsible Sport Organizations has a focus on "Introducing a framework conceptualizing a national sport integrity system that aims to promote and safeguard integrity within national sport organizations."

We spoke with her about the steps needed to be taken to accomplish this, how to fight the scourge of sports corruption, the role of the media, and much more.

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.


Sep 19, 202101:07:44
No Holds Barred: Triller Trash and Boxing's Devolution to Sadistic Spectacle, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Triller Trash and Boxing's Devolution to Sadistic Spectacle, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of Angry Afro Radio and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the Angry Afro Radio YouTube page.

Our discussion took place Sunday, September 12.

Our main topic was the Triller trash boxing show of September 11, and particularly the utter disgrace of putting 58-year-old Evander Holyfield in the main event fight. Holyfield was quickly TKO'd in the first round. We discussed boxing's devolution from the sweet science into being a sadistic spectacle like this, how these circus fights have become the dominant trend in boxing, how this is related to boxing's purposely corrupt and fragmented governance, why there must be new legislation to regulate boxing, and much more.

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.


Sep 14, 202156:38
No Holds Barred: Death of Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, Oscar Valdez PED Positive, Serrano Sisters Controversy, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

No Holds Barred: Death of Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, Oscar Valdez PED Positive, Serrano Sisters Controversy, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of Angry Afro Radio and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the Angry Afro Radio YouTube page.

Our discussion took place Sunday, September 5.

We discussed the death of 18-year-old Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, who passed this week from injuries sustained in a bout in Montreal. We also discussed how WBC super featherweight champ Oscar Valdez, who failed a doping test for the WBC's Clean Boxing Program conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, will still be allowed to fight and defend his WBC belt on September 10. And we addressed the startling controversy involving Amanda and Cindy Serrano and their trainer/manager Jordan Maldonado.

All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

Sep 06, 202144:50
No Holds Barred: Antonio Graceffo on Mongolian Wrestling

No Holds Barred: Antonio Graceffo on Mongolian Wrestling

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with the writer, author, professor, and wrestler, Antonio Graceffo.

We spoke with him by phone Saturday, August 21.

Antonio Graceffo was born in Brooklyn, raised in Tennessee, and has been living for many years in Asia -- hence his moniker, the "Brooklyn Monk". He is currently located in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, where he teaches, writes, and wrestles.

In Mongolia, wrestling is a major sport in which many boys train and compete from a young age. The main style of Mongolian wrestling is known as Bokh. It is one of the main sports at the annual Nadaam festival. Since the 13th century and the days of Genghis Khan, the Nadaam festival has featured wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Although the coronavirus pandemic forced the festival to be cancelled this year, it is normally held each year in mid-July.

"The first official Nadaam was inaugurated by Genghis Khan himself," said Antonio Graceffo. "Each year when they celebrate Nadaam, it is not only the first anniversary of the first Nadaam, but it's also the anniversary of the foundation of the Mongolian empire."

While the main festivities are held in Ulaanbaatar, there are many local Nadaam festivals.

"Simultaneously, there are Nadaams happening in every province and every district of the country," he said. 

"So arguably, Nadaam is the largest wrestling competition in the world, if we were to take all the Nadaams together across the whole country of Mongolia."

We discussed the long history of Mongolian wrestling, the rules of Bokh, why many Mongolians like Asashoryu and Hakuho have dominated Japanese sumo for many years, how urbanization and globalization are affecting Bokh with its rural roots, the growing challenges faced by Mongolian and many other indigenous styles of wrestling in today's sports and media environment, and much, much more. (Photo courtesy of Antonio Graceffo.)

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.


Aug 22, 202101:44:50
No Holds Barred: Superspreader Olympics End, Karate KO Controversy, Franco-Moloney 3 Preview, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin
Aug 12, 202143:19
No Holds Barred: Joe Joyce vs. Carlos Takam Breakdown, and the Fucking Olympics, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin

No Holds Barred: Joe Joyce vs. Carlos Takam Breakdown, and the Fucking Olympics, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleague Chris Baldwin on the WAAR Room on Angry Afro Radio. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the Angry Afro Radio YouTube page.

We spoke with her Monday, July 26.

On July 24, unbeaten heavyweight contender Joe Joyce fought journeyman gatekeeper Carlos Takam at London's Wembley Arena in a quest to get a shot at one of boxing's many sanctioning body belts. Joyce was awarded a sixth-round TKO stoppage, but many questions were raised by his lackluster performance, including if the referee stoppage was premature. Takam landed hard overhand rights in the early rounds, although by the fifth round the momentum had shifted to Joyce.

We discussed what Joyce's performance signifies, what we perceive to be his strengths and weaknesses, where he stands compared to other heavyweights, what may be next for him, and much more, including what is happening in the heavyweight title picture.

With the Olympics proceeding as Tokyo's coronavirus pandemic worsens, we also discussed the article on the No Holds Barred Patreon page entitled I'm Sick and Tired of the Fucking Olympics.

We discussed why the use of the word "fucking" was appropriate to describe this disgraceful and dangerous event, what alternatives can be developed to the increasingly unpopular and corrupt Olympic movement, and much more. (Note that our discussion was recorded Monday, July 26, before the news came out Tuesday, July 27, that star gymnast Simone Biles had withdrawn from her Olympic gymnastics competition, citing her mental health struggles.)

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

Jul 28, 202147:27
No Holds Barred: Charlo-Castaño, Bad Governance, and the Decline of Boxing, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin

No Holds Barred: Charlo-Castaño, Bad Governance, and the Decline of Boxing, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleague Chris Baldwin on the WAAR Room on Angry Afro Radio. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the Angry Afro Radio YouTube page.

We spoke with her Sunday, July 18.

There was an attempt on Saturday, July 17, to unify the four major belts in boxing's 154-pound division, as unbeaten fighters and belt holders Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño fought in the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, headlining a card shown on Showtime in the U.S. 

After 12 rounds, the consensus seemed to be among boxing observers online that it was a good, close fight, but that Castaño had done enough to win.

The verdict, however, was a split draw. While many people accepted this decision since there were many close rounds and no fighter blew out the other, the score of one of the judges of 117-111 for Charlo was so ludicrous that Charlo himself even said it was too wide. 

Both Charlo and Castaño said after the fight that they would welcome a rematch, but boxing's absurd system of multiple sanctioning bodies which each have their own mandatory challengers might prevent or delay that from happening any time soon, if ever.

The result was that there was an entertaining main event on an entertaining card, where the entertainment was ruined by the judging and overall lack of good governance in boxing.

We thus discussed this fight in this context of examining boxing's governance, how the general issue of governance is rarely discussed in boxing, how bad governance has been a major factor in boxing's decline, and what good governance constitutes. We also discussed new alternative forms of organizations for pro sports that are emerging, why sports organizations must work outside existing structures like the disgraceful International Olympic Committee, and much, much more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

Jul 21, 202101:00:36
No Holds Barred: Waiting for the Heavyweights, July 2021 Edition, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin

No Holds Barred: Waiting for the Heavyweights, July 2021 Edition, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleague Chris Baldwin on the WAAR Room on Angry Afro Radio. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the Angry Afro Radio YouTube page.

We spoke with her Monday, July 12.

It was yet another fiasco for boxing and its heavyweight division last week, as the postponement of a fight few wanted to see, the third meeting between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, was announced. There were, however, few details initially released about just why this fight had to be postponed from its July 24 date, although media reports indicated that it was because Fury and several members of his camp has tested positive for Covid-19. This was later publicly confirmed by Fury's co-promoter, Bob Arum, after we recorded this show.

We discussed the incredible stupidity and short-sightedness of these fighters not getting fully vaccinated and their promoters allowing this, what this means for this fight and the ever-shrinking possibility of a heavyweight title unification fight between Fury and Anthony Joshua, the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic and the vaccine rollouts, the possible need for booster shots, and much more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.

No Holds Barred is sponsored by:

LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.

Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.

Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman EddieGoldman.com

Jul 14, 202136:52
No Holds Barred: LGBTQ Rights in Olympics, Tokyo's Covid Surge, Fury-Wilder 3, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin

No Holds Barred: LGBTQ Rights in Olympics, Tokyo's Covid Surge, Fury-Wilder 3, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleague Chris Baldwin on the WAAR Room on Angry Afro Radio. Videos of this discussion have also been posted on the Angry Afro Radio YouTube page.

We spoke with her Thursday, July 1.

We discussed defending the rights of all LGBTQ athletes, including Caster Semenya, the South African runner and two-time Olympic gold medalist, who was kept out of the Tokyo Olympics by the discriminatory policies of World Athletics against intersex athletes, and weightlifter Laurel Hubbard from New Zealand, who is set to become the first openly transgender woman to compete in an Olympics. We strongly defended their human rights, and those of all other athletes, to play, fight, train, and compete.

The Tokyo Olympics are still set to start July 23, despite a new surge of Covid-19 cases in Tokyo and the rest of Japan, and even worse surges and lockdowns in many countries. We discussed how all these organizations which are involved in running what could very well be a major international superspreader event have betrayed the athletes and the public at large. We also discussed the weak slap on the wrist Russia received for its state-sponsored doping program, and how numerous Russian athletes are still slated to compete at the Tokyo Olympics. Plus, we slammed the theocratic and authoritarian Iranian regime for its ongoing attacks, threats, murder, and torture of Iranian athletes, and the forcing of Iranian athletes to throw contests to avoid facing Israeli athletes.

Moving over to the lovely world of professional boxing, we discussed the upcoming trilogy fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder on July 24, which few people want to see. We discussed its most likely outcome, and how it seems that Wilder has become unhinged leading up to this fight and what that may mean when they do fight. In addition, we discussed the potential fight between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk, which has still not been officially announced, and what this means for the heavyweight division and a title unification fight between Fury and Joshua.

And we talked about racism and white supremacy in baseball, social audio apps including Cubhouse and Spotify's Greenroom, and more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.

Jul 03, 202157:25
No Holds Barred: Ed Suczewski on 2021 U.S. Sumo Nationals

No Holds Barred: Ed Suczewski on 2021 U.S. Sumo Nationals

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with Ed Suczewski, a U.S. sumo champion and president of the U.S. Sumo Federation.

We spoke with him by phone Monday, June 7.

Our main topic was the 2021 U.S. National Sumo Championships

This event will be held Saturday, June 19, at Dreamland at 2770 W Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620, which is located about 23 miles west of Austin. This is an outdoor venue. Tickets are sold out online, and there will be a live stream.

The 2021 U.S. National Sumo Championships will be held at a time when sumo in the U.S. is in the midst of a revival. 

"Anytime people are going through something, they look for something else they can turn to. And I think for a lot of people, sumo is that thing," he said. 

"Life sometimes can just be full of all kinds of b.s. You put on a fake face at work. You put on a fake face in various relationships. But sumo is the realest, realest thing you can possibly be. 

"You step in that ring. It's win or lose. It's ancient, primitive kind of battle. It connects us back to something that's ancient and inside all of us. And I think people turn to that.

"So you're dealing with all this stuff with the pandemic. I think it's got people looking for something, looking for an outlet, looking for an escape. And I think more and more people have been turning to sumo for that, to connect with something a little bit deeper.

"And I think especially now, with the Covid situation sort of improving and more people getting vaccinated, a lot of people have been thinking about coming out of the woodwork and maybe planning on it for the last year or two, now they're finally taking those steps.

"So we've seen more and more clubs popping up. More and more girls in the sport. More athletes coming out to try it."

The U.S. Sumo Nationals will determine seeding for the 2021 North American Sumo Championships, which will be held December 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In turn, the North American Sumo Championships will be a qualifier for the World Games, which will be held in July 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama. The top three finishers in their weight classes at the North American Sumo Championships will qualify for the World Games. So the 2021 U.S. National Sumo Championships begins a process which will likely see many U.S. sumo wrestlers competing on the world stage. This is especially important, since the 2021 World Championships had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

We also discussed some of the top athletes who will be competing at the 2021 U.S. Sumo Nationals, the format including weight classes and men's and women's divisions, how sumo is attracting athletes from many martial arts and combat sports and also American football, why we should remember and honor the late sumo world champion Manny Yarbrough, and much more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Jun 13, 202154:28
No Holds Barred: Mariah Holmes on Women in Sumo, U.S. Sumo Nationals, and Why Sumo is Special

No Holds Barred: Mariah Holmes on Women in Sumo, U.S. Sumo Nationals, and Why Sumo is Special

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman spoke with Mariah Holmes, a sumo wrestler, a member of the 2020 U.S. National Team, and a vice president and trustee of the U.S. Sumo Federation.

We spoke with her by phone Saturday, May 29.

Before starting to train in sumo in 2018, Mariah Holmes was a rugby player. While she no longer competes in that sport, she found that sumo was unlike rugby or any other sport in which she had been involved before.

"To me, sumo is not like every other sport. There's something really special about sumo," she said.  

"With rugby, I've done sports before, and so I've always been an athlete. But I think even for people who aren't athletes, they come into sumo and you realize right away, so it's not just physical. Yes, there is a huge physical aspect. So if you're hardcore, you want to have sweating, and you really work your body. Yes, there's a physical aspect, and you hit hard those tachiais [note: the initial charge of the wrestlers which starts a sumo match]. 

"They're no joke. But there's also this mental aspect that I think a lot of sports are missing. And it's almost like I've heard it described as playing a physical game of chess.

"So you have to be always thinking about your opponent's move and what's going to happen next, and if I do this, what kind of position does it put me in. And so it's a very mental game."

Unlike professional sumo in Japan, women are both permitted and encouraged to participate in amateur sumo at all levels. But, she noted, there are still not enough women training and competing in sumo. Some sumo clubs and training sessions will just have one woman, meaning they must wrestle with men.

"We want to have hundreds of women," she said, and is involved with a women's commission for the U.S. Sumo Federation.

We also discussed the next major event for sumo in the U.S., the 2021 U.S. National Sumo Championships. This will be held Saturday, June 19, at Dreamland at 2770 W Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620, which is located about 23 miles west of Austin. 

The next major events scheduled are the North American Championships in December, and the World Games in July 2022, in Birmingham, Alabama.

In addition, we discussed why sumo is such an artful sport, how it can grow its fan base in the U.S., how the sumo culture of respect and calmness sets it apart from most other sports, and much more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.

Jun 02, 202101:02:18
No Holds Barred: Canelo Stops Saunders, Stop the Tokyo Olympics, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin

No Holds Barred: Canelo Stops Saunders, Stop the Tokyo Olympics, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleague Chris Baldwin. This discussion will also be posted on the WAAR Room.

We spoke with her by phone Sunday, May 9.

On Saturday, May 8, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez stopped Billy Joe Saunders with an eighth-round TKO in front of a reported 73,000+ fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Canelo displayed devastating power to defeat the previously unbeaten Saunders and cause multiple fractures to his orbital bone, necessitating surgery. With this win, the immensely popular Canelo, who already held two of the four major super middleweight belts, captured his third and cemented his status as the consensus top pound-for-pound fighter.

We discussed controversies emerging from this fight, including how the fight was progressing at the time of the stoppage, why it was correct for Saunders's corner to stop the fight when they did, why Saunders did not quit, how the view of some in boxing that fighters must "go out on their shields" is barbaric and antiquated, what might be next for Canelo in his quest to capture all four major super middleweight belts, and much more.

This past week also saw major developments in the fight to cancel the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to begin July 23. A highlight was the posting of a petition in both Japanese and English, started by Japanese lawyer Kenji Utsunomiya, entitled "Cancel the Tokyo Olympics to protect our lives".

With much of Japan, including Tokyo, under its third state of emergency since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, as of Sunday, May 9, this petition has gotten well over 300,000 signatures, a record pace.

The petition notes that "as numbers show, the widespread outbreak of COVID19 has not at all been under control. While vaccination started at the end of last year, its distribution is limited to economically developed countries and thus the pandemic is far from over."

Japan is currently in its fourth wave of the pandemic. Coronavirus infections have been rising of late, including a record number of severely ill patients with severe symptoms due to the spread of more contagious variants. There has also been a very slow rollout of the vaccine in Japan. Dr. Kentaro Iwata, a physician, professor, and infectious diseases expert at Kobe University, was quoted as saying that "even thinking about the Olympics is just ridiculous" while health workers in Japan's over-burdened medical system "are really fighting a life-and-death situation."

We discussed the growing international opposition to the Tokyo Olympics, how this is a defining moment for sports activism, how the IOC oligarchs' plans endanger the health of both the people of Japan and the Olympic athletes, how the athletes will be screwed by the IOC's machinations whether the Tokyo Olympics go on or not, how plans to vaccinate Olympic athletes ahead of the elderly and ill in countries with limited or no access to vaccines is unjust and unfair, why athletes should plan their careers outside the failing and corrupt Olympic movement, and much more.

Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more No Holds Barred content.

(Photo of Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders by Matchroom Boxing.)

May 10, 202101:02:07