Xander Zayas Goes For World Title, Claressa Shields Defends + Fight News And More! | BFW Preview Podcast

We're back for a final time in the month of July, as one of the top prospects turned contenders at junior middleweight goes for a world title and we have lots of fight news, as well, on the newest "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast!"

Host T.J. Rives and insider Dan Rafael are back to preview all the bouts of importance. They being with:

Saturday's Top Rank ESPN card – and for now, the final Top Rank/ESPN event – at the MSG Theater in NYC
Unbeaten Xander Zayas battles Mexican veteran Jorge Garcia, for the vacant WBO junior middleweight title. Is it Zayas time to become a world champ or will Garcia pull a second straight large upset? In the co-feature, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington meets Mateus Heita, for the vacant WBC interim featherweight title. Carrington is from Brooklyn and is rising fast, but will he be challenged here? Also, DAn has more on the prelims with prospect Emiliano Vargas at junior welterweight, plus Rohan Polanco at welterweight and massive heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov back in action.

The guys also spend a few mintues discussing what's potentially next for a broadcast partner for Top Rank, if there is one? This, as their ESPN deal of the past decade is ending. Will they have to go to streaming only?

Next, a brief preview of Saturday’s Salita Promotions card on DAZN in Detroit
One of the women's top champions, Claressa Shields takes on little known Lani Daniels, for Shields’ women’s undisputed heavyweight title and also, veteran middleweight Tony Harrison is in the co-feature.

Next, some News:
Tim Tszyu made a video after getting wrecked and quitting against Sebastian Fundors on Saturday night in Vegas and is saying he will be continuing with his career. What are the realistic chances for him, though?
Next, former undisputed junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor has announced retirement on Monday, citing an eye injury. We look back on his recent run of success before his two latest losses.

Bad news for unified cruiserweight titlist Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, who underwent shoulder surgery and will be out 4-6 months, meaning virtually no chance for the Jai Opetaia unification fight this year. And, will it ever happen, as Opetiaia might only fight once more at cruiserweight and look to move up to heavyweight?

And, former two-time junior welterweight titlist Regis Prograis, who has lost two in a row to Devin Haney and Jack Catterall (and looked terrible in both fights) returns to face Joseph "JoJo" Diaz Jr. August 2nd on the Oscar Duarte-Kenneth Sims Jr., Golden Boy card on DAZN.

It's all part of the "Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast" and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple/Spreaker/Spotify, etc.!