The Champ & Contender Podcast

Joseph J Jones and Fabian Collymore
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

A GB runner (Fabian Collymore) and a Singer songwriter (Joseph J. Jones) host a podcast from a very local pub called ‘The Champ & Contender’ where they interview the true talents of this world. Naturally, musicians, athletes and entertainers will join Fabian and Joe for a drink and a chinwag down the local. Tune in to ‘The Champ and Contender Podcast’ to hear the real talk.

  1. 12/25/2025

    EP 45: Best Ever Manchester City XI Debate Pub Quiz Chaos & Hilarious Stories

    Welcome back to The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosted by Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore 🎙️ In this laugh-out-loud episode, the boys are joined by close friend Tom Goldsmith, calling in all the way from New Zealand. The trio dive into a wide mix of topics including football debates, music nostalgia, public quizzes, and some absolutely hilarious real-life stories. ⚽ Key Highlights Include: Debating the Best Ever Manchester City Starting XI A live Public Pub Quiz with audience questions School-day throwbacks and embarrassing public moments Start, Sell, Bench football edition Musical Mount Rushmore & songs that defined life before vs after parenthood Olympic cities quiz & ultimate men’s 100m sprint lineup Doppelganger stories, shouting at the TV & weird public behaviour Deep talk on athletics improvement and future podcast goals Whether you’re into football podcasts, sports debates, music nostalgia, or just enjoy genuine banter between friends, this episode has something for you. 👇 Drop a comment with your Manchester City XI or your pub quiz answers 👍 Like & subscribe for weekly podcast clips and full episodes ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to The Champ and Contender Podcast 00:12 Introducing Tom Goldsmith 01:35 Public Pub Quiz Questions 02:18 Best Ever Manchester City Starting XI 06:58 Posters on Your Wall Growing Up 09:41 Growing Social Media as a Photographer 11:36 Start, Sell, Bench – Football Edition 12:54 Musical Mount Rushmore 19:50 Songs Before vs After Parenthood 24:47 Strangest Places We’ve Ever Been 29:22 Podcast Goals & Dream Guests 33:12 The Hilarious Chicken Advert Story 33:32 Olympic Cities Quiz Challenge 36:41 Weirdest Public Moments 39:21 Designing for the Blind 43:14 Ultimate Men’s 100m Sprint Line-Up 46:09 Shouting at the TV 50:14 Doppelganger Stories 54:57 Most Likely to End Up in Prison 01:02:30 Improving Athletics 01:06:10 Heartfelt Farewell

    1h 9m
  2. EP 44: Maisey Rose Courtney Reveals the Truth About Female Boxing… No One Expected THIS

    12/09/2025

    EP 44: Maisey Rose Courtney Reveals the Truth About Female Boxing… No One Expected THIS

    In this episode of the Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with rising professional boxer Maisey Rose for an honest and inspiring deep dive into her journey. Maisey opens up about stepping into the boxing gym at just seven years old, the surreal month where she was scouted by Crystal Palace for football and Team England Boxing, and the pivotal moment she chose the ring over the pitch. She reflects on her time training at iconic clubs like Repton, the challenges of balancing school, training, and competition, and the sacrifices behind life as a young athlete. The conversation also explores her evolution from the amateur ranks into the professional scene under Matchroom, her recent fights, and how she handles pressure, setbacks, and the mental side of competing at the highest level. Maisey shares powerful insight into staying resilient, managing losses, and why mental health and strong support systems matter more than ever. To wrap things up, the trio dive into some fun boxing games, weigh in on dream matchups, and share valuable advice for young female fighters chasing their own dreams. Tune in for an inspiring look at Maisey’s journey, her training mindset, and what’s coming next in her promising career. Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast 00:23 – Introducing Maisey Rose Ney 01:13 – Maisey’s Journey Into Boxing 03:12 – Training & Challenges in Boxing 06:08 – Transitioning from Amateur to Professional 09:01 – Life as a Professional Boxer 17:59 – Upcoming Fights & Rivalries 24:57 – Dream Venues & the Rise of Female Boxing 28:44 – Fun & Games: Fantasy Matchups 31:54 – Sky Nicholson vs. Shana Whitwell: Breakdown 32:08 – Comparing Fighters: Sky Nicholson vs. Ramla Ali 32:31 – Meatball Molly: A Fighter’s Journey 33:30 – UFC Fighters Entering Boxing 38:44 – How Personal Struggles Affect Performance 42:50 – Mental Health & Support Systems 47:33 – The State of Female Boxing Worldwide 58:06 – Advice for Young Female Boxers 01:00:26 – Final Thoughts & Farewell

    1h 2m
  3. Ep43: Silky Breaks Down the Indie Grind The Music Industry Won’t Like This!

    11/25/2025

    Ep43: Silky Breaks Down the Indie Grind The Music Industry Won’t Like This!

    Kick back in the pub with hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore as they launch The Champion Contender Podcast. In this explosive debut episode, the lads sit down with Silky, the mind behind ska/reggae giants Death of Guitar Pop — and nothing is off limits. Silky dives deep into: 🎵 How the iconic DOCP name was born 🎤 His evolution through ska, reggae & the UK indie scene 💡 The REAL blueprint for independent artist success 📈 The DIY marketing strategies that actually move numbers 🔥 Why every creative needs to operate like an entrepreneur in 2025 Expect raw honesty, industry gems, laughs, and hard-earned truths every musician should hear. ⏱️ Timestamps (Refined & Professional) 00:00 – Episode intro 00:12 – Meet the hosts + introducing Silky 01:15 – Silky’s early music life 11:21 – The Essex music scene explained 26:13 – Independent music & real marketing strategies 45:19 – Building success without a record label 51:08 – Using social media the RIGHT way 55:06 – The truth about music in 2025 57:14 – Shot Stopper pub challenge 01:03:37 – Silky’s plans & upcoming events 01:06:58 – Final reflections & advice 01:20:38 – Closing words

    1h 24m
  4. E42: From Pro Boxing to BKB: The George “Hit Hard” Hillyard Story

    11/18/2025

    E42: From Pro Boxing to BKB: The George “Hit Hard” Hillyard Story

    In this explosive episode of the Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with one of British boxing’s rawest, realest voices — George “Hit Hard” Hillyard. A former England boxing team standout, seasoned professional boxer, and now a feared force in BKB (Bare Knuckle Boxing), George takes us on a no-filter, behind-the-scenes journey through the brutal realities of the fight game. From representing England in 2004 to navigating the cutthroat world of professional boxing, George opens up about career-changing decisions, boxing politics, financial traps fighters fall into, and the mental battles he faced on and off the canvas. He breaks down the truth behind being a “product” in boxing, shares hilarious and emotional memories with legends like Kevin Mitchell, and reveals the highs, lows, scandals, and sacrifices that shaped his career. George also talks about life in Bare Knuckle Boxing, upcoming fights, his incredible comeback mindset, and the exclusive documentary currently in production that exposes everything the boxing world never shows you. If you love UK boxing, combat sports, real fighter stories, or motivational interviews from athletes who’ve lived the struggle, this is a MUST-WATCH. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Intro to the Champion Contender Podcast 00:16 – Meet George “Hit Hard” Hillyard 00:47 – England Team Beginnings & Early Career 02:32 – Transition to Professional Boxing 04:14 – Controversies, Politics & Dark Sides of Boxing 19:43 – George’s BKB (Bare Knuckle Boxing) Journey 33:32 – Training, Mindset & Discipline 35:19 – Influencers in Boxing & Future Plans 38:40 – How Boxing Discipline Led to Music 39:10 – The Harsh Business Reality of Boxing 39:49 – Why Boxers Must Be a Product 40:27 – Love-Hate Relationship With the Sport 41:00 – Memories of Kevin Mitchell 42:32 – Celebrity Moments & Football Memories 44:55 – The Super Middleweights Era 57:20 – Behind the Scenes of His New Documentary 58:59 – Social Media’s Impact on Modern Boxers 01:00:55 – Lessons, Regrets & Career Reflections 01:03:13 – Random Questions & Mad Stories 01:10:35 – What’s Next for George Hillyard

    1h 14m
  5. EP41: Baking, Fame & Trainers?! Liam Charles Gets Real on Life After Bake Off!

    11/11/2025

    EP41: Baking, Fame & Trainers?! Liam Charles Gets Real on Life After Bake Off!

    🍰 The Champ and Contender Podcast: Liam Charles on Baking Fame, British Bake Off & More! 🎂 In this episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with special guest Liam Charles, best known for his time on The Great British Bake Off and as a presenter on Bake Off: The Professionals. 👨‍🍳 From a 16-year-old with a sweet tooth to becoming one of the UK’s most loved bakers, authors, and TV personalities, Liam shares his inspiring story filled with creativity, humour, and honesty. 💬 Expect plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes Bake Off stories, and real talk about balancing artistic passion with technical precision, the therapeutic side of baking, and his journey in the spotlight. Plus, don’t miss our fun “Shot Stopper” game where Liam reveals his favourite bakes and guilty pleasures! 🎧 Whether you’re a baking enthusiast, a Bake Off superfan, or simply love hearing genuine, inspiring conversations — this one’s for you! ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to The Champ and Contender Podcast 00:18 – Introducing Today’s Guest: Liam Charles 01:10 – Liam’s Journey into Baking 02:38 – School Days and Early Baking Ventures 06:59 – The Great British Bake Off Experience 10:32 – Life After Bake Off 22:15 – Hosting Bake Off: The Professionals 27:23 – Personal Reflections and Future Plans 37:25 – The Passion for Trainers and Baking 38:12 – Combining Passions: Trainers and Cakes 38:33 – Customizing Trainers and Monthly Baking Videos 39:09 – The Purpose Behind Baking 39:40 – Sharing Bakes and Social Media 40:26 – Shot Stopper Game: TV Shows and Bakes 47:21 – Favourite British Desserts 50:27 – Dealing with Allergies in Baking 53:38 – Staying Grounded and Favourite Hangouts 55:45 – Football Talk: United and Transfers 01:02:18 – Celebrity Interactions and Baking for Stars 01:04:36 – Final Quiz: Last Orders 01:09:26 – Advice for Aspiring Bakers 01:10:59 – Conclusion and Farewell ✨ Follow Us on Socials 📺 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast 📸 Instagram: @fabsfitnessuk | @josephjjones

    1h 12m
  6. EP 40: How Dean Franklin Went from Air Con Graft to The Apprentice Champion

    10/28/2025

    EP 40: How Dean Franklin Went from Air Con Graft to The Apprentice Champion

    🎙️ Interview with Dean Franklin — Winner of The Apprentice 2025 | Champ and Contender Podcast In this episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with Dean Franklin, the winner of The Apprentice 2025 🏆 From grafting in air conditioning to standing in the boardroom with Lord Alan Sugar, Dean breaks down his full journey — the grind, the mindset, and the madness behind winning one of the UK’s toughest business shows 💼🔥 He opens up about: 💨 Starting DL Air Conditioning from scratch during lockdown 💡 Lessons learned from The Apprentice boardroom 🤝 Working with Alan Sugar 🧠 Entrepreneur tips for anyone chasing success 🤣 Plus — the fan-favourite Shot Stopper game returns with a business twist: Steve Jobs vs Elon Musk, Walt Disney vs Bill Gates, and more! Real talk, pure banter, and serious insight into what it actually takes to win The Apprentice and build your own business empire 👊 ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Champ and Contender Podcast 00:27 – Introducing Dean Franklin: The Apprentice Winner 01:11 – Dean’s Journey into Air Conditioning 02:18 – Starting a Business During Lockdown 03:42 – The Apprentice Experience 05:33 – Challenges and Triumphs on The Apprentice 06:40 – Life After The Apprentice 16:14 – Dean’s Early Business Ventures 27:16 – The Essex Identity and Accents 32:03 – A Game of Shot Stopper 32:29 – Boxing and Entrepreneurs 32:54 – Steve Jobs vs Elon Musk 35:58 – Steve Jobs vs Jeff Bezos 36:25 – Alan Sugar vs Henry Ford 40:06 – Walt Disney vs Bill Gates 43:44 – Life After The Apprentice 57:46 – Final Thoughts and Advice ✨ Follow Us on Socials 📺 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast 📸 Instagram: @fabsfitnessuk | @josephjjones

    1h 1m
  7. EP 39: I Nearly Quit Boxing!” – Shona Whitwell Reveals the Truth About Going Pro

    10/21/2025

    EP 39: I Nearly Quit Boxing!” – Shona Whitwell Reveals the Truth About Going Pro

    🥊 The Champ and Contender Podcast: Journey to Pro Boxing Ft. Shona Whitwell | Women’s Boxing, Team GB, Mindset & Motivation In this powerful new episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Fabian Collymore (@fabsfitnessuk) and Joseph J. Jones (@josephjjonesmusic) welcome their first-ever female boxer guest — Shona Whitwell (@shonawhitwell). From starting boxing at just five years old to representing Team GB and now making waves as a professional female boxer, Shona shares the highs, lows, and lessons from her inspiring journey. 00:00 Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast 00:37 Introducing Shona Whitwell 01:04 Shona's Early Boxing Journey 02:36 Challenges and Triumphs in Amateur Boxing 03:38 Life on Team GB 05:53 Transition to Professional Boxing 18:19 Training and Coaching Dynamics 21:22 Navigating the Professional Boxing Scene 41:19 Role Models in Boxing 42:21 Staying True to Yourself 42:53 The Power of Social Media 43:46 Game Time: Shots Stopper 44:33 Female Boxers Face-Off 51:00 Meeting Katie Taylor 54:13 Professional Debut Experience 59:56 Mindset Coaching and Techniques 01:03:17 Promoting Women's Boxing 01:07:03 Fun and Personal Questions 01:08:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell 👉 Watch, subscribe & join the movement: 🎧 @TheChampAndContenderPodcast 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @thechampandcontenderpodcast @fabsfitnessuk @josephjjonesmusic @shonawhitwell

    1h 11m
  8. EP38: Darren Stewart Reflects on UFC Earnings, Dana White’s Influence, the Risks of Boxing with Injuries

    10/14/2025

    EP38: Darren Stewart Reflects on UFC Earnings, Dana White’s Influence, the Risks of Boxing with Injuries

    In this episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast 🎙️, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with former UFC fighter and current Misfits boxer Darren Stewart 🦁. Darren takes us through his 21-year fighting journey — starting with TaeKwonDo 🥋, moving into MMA 💥, and now focusing on boxing 🥊. He opens up about the physical and mental challenges, injuries, and his biggest fights — including his recent Misfits Boxing bout with Darren Till 🇬🇧. He also gets real about the behind-the-scenes struggles fighters face: management issues, financial pressure, sponsorship problems, and why having the right support team is everything 🙌. This is a raw and honest insight into the life of a true fighter 🔥. 👉 Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to The Champ and Contender Podcast 00:36 Introducing Darren Stewart: From MMA to Boxing 01:29 Darren’s Transition to Boxing 02:52 Challenges and Reflections on Fighting 11:02 The MMA vs. Boxing Debate 19:13 Darren’s UFC Journey 27:13 A Shocking Phone Call 28:13 The Tragic Incident 28:40 Fighting Through Grief 28:45 UFC Career Challenges 29:40 Financial Struggles 32:31 Seeking Help and Support 33:03 Sponsorship and Debt Issues 34:28 Reflecting on Career Choices 40:46 Mental and Physical Strain 51:13 Future Plans and Aspirations 52:07 Managerial Insights and Fighter’s Journey 52:38 Dana White and UFC Management 5 4:26 Drinking Game: Shots Stopper 🍻 54:56 Catching Up on Life and Career Reflections 55:27 Fighter Comparisons and Stories 01:04:00 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Fighters 👊 📌 Follow the podcast: 🎥 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast 📸 Instagram: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast 🐦 Twitter/X: @ChampContender 📌 Follow the hosts: @JosephJJones @FabsFitnessUK 📌 Follow Darren Stewart: IG: @DarrenStewartMMA Twitter/X: @Darren_MMA #DarrenStewart #DarrenTill #MisfitsBoxing #UFC #MMA #Boxing #FightTalk #TheChampAndContenderPodcast #CombatSports

    1h 14m
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About

A GB runner (Fabian Collymore) and a Singer songwriter (Joseph J. Jones) host a podcast from a very local pub called ‘The Champ & Contender’ where they interview the true talents of this world. Naturally, musicians, athletes and entertainers will join Fabian and Joe for a drink and a chinwag down the local. Tune in to ‘The Champ and Contender Podcast’ to hear the real talk.

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