The First Round with Darren Barker

First Round TV Ltd
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Step into the ring with former world champion Darren Barker as he sits down with boxing’s biggest names to uncover the stories behind their rise, their battles, and their glory. From career-defining moments to personal struggles, get raw, unfiltered insights into the lives of the sport’s elite. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting started, this is boxing at its realest—up close and personal. Follow us to make sure you never miss an Episode! https://www.youtube.com/@firstroundtv

  1. Ricky Hatton: The Final Interview | Forever The People’s Champion

    SEP 28

    Ricky Hatton: The Final Interview | Forever The People’s Champion

    This is Ricky Hatton’s final interview. Just four days before his passing, Ricky sat down with Darren Barker for what would become his last ever conversation on camera. With the blessing of Ricky’s family and team, we share this with the boxing world — not as an ending, but as a celebration of Ricky’s incredible life, his legacy, and his love for the fans who stood by him from day one. . Ricky speaks with the honesty, humour, and humility that made him the People’s Champion. He opens up about growing up on a council estate in Hattersley, discovering boxing as a way to deal with school bullies, and carrying a loyal fanbase from the pub coaches of Manchester all the way to Las Vegas. He relives the iconic night he beat Kostya Tszyu, the heartbreak of fighting Floyd Mayweather, the devastation of the Pacquiao knockout, and his proudest achievement — not belts, but the love of the people. . Ricky always said he didn’t want to be remembered as the best — just as one of the boys, one of the people. To millions, he will forever be remembered as exactly that. A world champion, a Manchester hero, and one of the most loved fighters British boxing has ever known. This is more than an interview. It is Ricky Hatton’s final message, in his own words. ❤️ Rest in peace, Ricky. The People’s Champion. Forever loved. If you’ve been impacted by any of the topics discussed in this interview, please don’t face it alone, speaking to someone is the best thing you can do! We’ve included links below to trusted charities and organisations that can offer support: Mind support line Call Mind's support line on 0300 102 1234. This is a safe space for you to talk about your mental health. Our advisors are trained to listen to you and help you find specialist support if you need it. . Samaritans You can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: Call 116 123 (free from any phone) . SANEline If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10pm every day). . Shout If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help. . 🙏 Thank You, Ricky You will forever be remembered as more than a world champion. You was the lad next door, the man of the people, and the fighter who brought Manchester to Las Vegas. your spirit, your humour, and your love for the fans will live on forever. 👉 Subscribe to First Round TV for more conversations celebrating the legends of boxing: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstRoundTV 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstroundtv #RickyHatton #ThePeoplesChampion #Boxing #BritishBoxing #WorldChampion #KostyaTszyu #FloydMayweather #MannyPacquiao #BoxingFamily #boxingpodcast

    1h 31m
  2. The Truth About Deontay Wilder, Boxing’s Dangers & Malik Scott’s Reinvention

    AUG 28

    The Truth About Deontay Wilder, Boxing’s Dangers & Malik Scott’s Reinvention

    “Deontay Wilder’s power is different — and Malik Scott knows why.” Former heavyweight contender turned trainer Malik Scott joins Darren Barker on First Round TV for one of the most honest and emotional conversations we’ve ever had. Growing up in Philadelphia, Malik was fighting to protect his younger brother before he even found boxing. Guided by legendary trainer Fred Jenkins, he rose through the amateur ranks, winning national titles and representing the U.S. at the highest level. At just 19, he made his professional debut on the Lennox Lewis vs David Tua undercard in Las Vegas. But success didn’t come easy. Malik opens up about the injuries, setbacks, and wasted years that derailed his career — from blowing up to 311 lbs after surgery, to the depression and self-doubt that haunted him. He reflects on his biggest fights, including his controversial loss to Dereck Chisora, stepping into the ring with Luis Ortiz, and of course, facing the most feared puncher of this generation: Deontay Wilder. Malik describes in detail what it feels like to be hit by Wilder’s right hand, why his power is unlike Lennox Lewis or the Klitschko brothers, and how he later became Wilder’s head trainer after the Fury rematch — a role that tested both loyalty and brotherhood. The conversation goes deeper than boxing. Malik shares his raw thoughts on the dangers of the sport — the concussions fighters suffer in sparring, the friends he’s seen damaged for life, and the responsibility trainers carry every time they send a fighter into the ring. He also speaks about fatherhood: watching his son win the Golden Gloves, worrying about what the sport takes from young men, and raising his youngest, who’s already drawn to the gloves at just four years old. From street fights in Philly to the world stage, from regrets to reinvention, Malik Scott lays everything bare. This is a must-listen for fight fans who want the truth about boxing — the glory, the danger, and the reality behind the headlines. - Malik Scott Deontay Wilder Dereck Chisora Luis Ortiz Lennox Lewis Wladimir Klitschko Vitali Klitschko Anthony Joshua Tyson Fury Meldrick Taylor Julio Cesar Chavez Darren Barker

    1h 18m
  3. Carl Frampton Reveals the Real Cost of Boxing Glory, The Pain Behind the Belts, Legacy & Retirement

    AUG 21

    Carl Frampton Reveals the Real Cost of Boxing Glory, The Pain Behind the Belts, Legacy & Retirement

    Two-weight world champion Carl Frampton joins Darren Barker on First Round TV for one of his most revealing interviews to date. From growing up in Belfast during The Troubles to winning world titles in front of his home crowd, Frampton shares the untold stories behind the belts — the pain, the politics, and the sacrifices that fans never saw. He opens up about: Turning pro out of desperation when he was brokeThe brutal nights with Kiko Martinez that left him with busted eardrums and pissing bloodThe bitter rivalry with Scott Quigg and breaking his jaw mid-fightBecoming a two-weight world champion against Leo Santa Cruz — and losing the rematchThe explosive split with the McGuigans and how it almost broke himWhy the Josh Warrington fight left him doubting everythingHis final night in the ring against Jamel Herring — and knowing it was over Honest, emotional, and at times heartbreaking — Carl Frampton reveals the real cost of boxing glory. Follow First Round TV on Instagram @firstroundtv for clips and updates.

    1h 9m
  4. "KO’ing Roy Jones Jr, Hopkins Controversy & Starring in Rocky Balboa - Antonio Tarver Reveals All!

    AUG 14

    "KO’ing Roy Jones Jr, Hopkins Controversy & Starring in Rocky Balboa - Antonio Tarver Reveals All!

    Five-time world champion Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver reveals the untold truth behind knocking out Roy Jones Jr, the controversial Bernard Hopkins fight, and his Hollywood role in Rocky Balboa with Sylvester Stallone. From street fights in Orlando to Olympic glory, from shocking the boxing world to starring on the big screen — this is Antonio Tarver’s full, unfiltered story. In this in-depth boxing interview, Tarver pulls no punches as he breaks down the night he shocked the boxing world by knocking out Roy Jones Jr, the infamous “Any excuses tonight, Roy?” moment, and why he believes he was robbed in their first fight. He opens up about his rise from the streets of Orlando, Florida, his historic amateur achievements (the only man to win the National, World, and Pan Am Championships in the same year), and the grit it took to prove himself in a sport where he was always the underdog. Tarver also lifts the lid on the Hopkins ‘Jedi mind trick’ fight, the politics of professional boxing, and how he battled through setbacks to become a five-time world champion across light heavyweight, cruiserweight, and heavyweight divisions. Plus, hear the behind-the-scenes story of how he landed the role of Mason “The Line” Dixon in Rocky Balboa, training for Hollywood and stepping onto the big screen with one of cinema’s greatest icons, Sylvester Stallone. Whether you’re a fan of boxing history, curious about the golden era of light heavyweight legends, or love hearing the untold stories behind the sport’s biggest fights, this episode is packed with insight, controversy, and unforgettable moments from one of boxing’s most charismatic champions.

    56 min
  5. The Greatest British Boxer Ever? Why He Never Returned! The Full Unfiltered Story of Joe Calzaghe

    JUL 31

    The Greatest British Boxer Ever? Why He Never Returned! The Full Unfiltered Story of Joe Calzaghe

    Joe Calzaghe sits down for a deeply personal, no-holds-barred conversation with former world champion and close friend Darren Barker — and it might be the most emotional and revealing interview of his legendary career. From going 46-0 and becoming a two-weight world champion, to walking away from £10 million comeback offers, and now embracing life beyond boxing — Joe opens up about retirement, regret, fatherhood, legacy, and sobriety in this raw and unfiltered episode of First Round TV. This is a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest British fighters of all time. 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The full story behind Calzaghe vs Jeff Lacy – and why Joe almost didn’t fight Why Joe says he “never truly enjoyed boxing” despite going undefeated The life-changing influence of his father and trainer Enzo Calzaghe Behind-the-scenes insight into the Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. fights Why Joe turned down all comeback offers – even with millions on the table His battle with sobriety, identity loss after boxing, and finding peace Thoughts on the next generation, fatherhood, and what legacy really means 💼 Sponsor: Get 4 extra months of NordVPN on a 2-year plan: https://nordvpn.com/firstround 🔥 Who Is Joe Calzaghe? Joe Calzaghe is widely regarded as one of the greatest British boxers of all time. A former WBO, WBA, WBC, IBF, The Ring, and lineal super-middleweight and light-heavyweight world champion, he retired in 2009 with a perfect 46-0 record, becoming one of the very few boxers to hang up the gloves undefeated. Born in London and raised in Wales, Joe was trained by his father Enzo Calzaghe, a man with no formal boxing background who helped build one of the most incredible legacies in British sporting history. His resume includes dominant wins over: Chris Eubank Jeff Lacy (in a performance often considered the greatest by a British fighter) Mikkel Kessler Bernard Hopkins Roy Jones Jr.

    1h 33m
  6. The Most Misunderstood Heavy weight, From Homeless to Champion of the world! Shannon Briggs

    JUL 24

    The Most Misunderstood Heavy weight, From Homeless to Champion of the world! Shannon Briggs

    This one wasn’t planned. In the middle of NYC traffic, a chance Uber ride turned into a once-in-a-lifetime conversation with **Shannon "The Cannon" Briggs** – and it's one of the most emotional episodes we’ve ever recorded. The former World Heavyweight Champion opens up like never before about: - Growing up homeless in Brownsville, Brooklyn - His first fight at 16, sparked by fear of crossing a bridge - George Foreman’s power & Lennox Lewis’ greatness - Regret, redemption, and the hunt for a perfect trainer - Life after boxing: cannabis, acting, family, legacy - Mental health, motivation, addiction, and survival - His Mount Rushmore of Boxing (surprising picks!) If you're a boxing fan, a fighter, or just someone chasing a dream — this episode is for you. LET'S GO CHAMP.

    1h 24m
  7. Liam Smith Reveals Untold Stories & Draws Back The Curtain On The Boxing Industry. Canelo, Eubank Jr

    JUL 17

    Liam Smith Reveals Untold Stories & Draws Back The Curtain On The Boxing Industry. Canelo, Eubank Jr

    Liam Smith joins Darren Barker on First Round TV to deliver one of the most honest and powerful interviews in British boxing. From the rough streets of Liverpool to world title glory, Liam tells the full story — no filters, no fluff. In this deeply personal conversation, Liam opens up about: 🧒 Growing up in a boxing-mad household with the legendary Smith brothers 🥊 Sparring in the living room as kids — with ornaments flying! 🏆 Becoming Liverpool’s first world champion in 22 years 💔 The pain of politics in amateur boxing — and why he turned pro early 💥 Fighting Canelo Alvarez in Texas and why he was convinced he’d win 🧠 The mental toll of boxing and watching his brothers fight 💸 Being short-changed for the Canelo fight — and his biggest regrets 🛑 The truth about the Chris Eubank Jr. rematch 🇬🇧 Why the British Title still eats away at him — and the belt they never got to keep ⚽️ And how football nearly stole him away from boxing… This is Liam Smith like you’ve never seen him before — reflective, open, and fiercely proud of his journey. 👊 Whether you're a hardcore fight fan or just love real human stories, this one hits hard.

    1h 46m
  8. Malik Scott's New Star You NEED to Know About! - Ezra Taylor Podcast

    JUL 3

    Malik Scott's New Star You NEED to Know About! - Ezra Taylor Podcast

    Undefeated British light-heavyweight Ezra Taylor is no longer a rising star — he’s a serious contender with elite ambitions. In this gripping conversation with former world champion Darren Barker, Ezra lays out his path to boxing’s summit. With 12 wins, 8 KOs, and a WBC International belt already under his name, Ezra doesn’t pull punches. He wants the best — Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, Callum Smith, and David Benavidez. And he’s not talking dream fights. He’s talking next fights. 🎙️ In This Episode: Callouts with conviction – Why Ezra believes he’s a threat to Bivol & Beterbiev right now.From amateur frustration to pro focus – The missed weigh-in that changed his life and set him on a world-title path.Malik Scott & LA training – How training in America transformed his discipline, stamina, and style.No plan B – Faith, purpose, and sacrifice: the mindset that drives Ezra through every setback.The Tommy Fury challenge – Why Ezra demanded to face Tommy’s past opponent — and made a statement.September showdown? – The personal grudge with Louis Edmondson that could explode in Nottingham. 🧠 Plus: His Mount Rushmore of boxing, thoughts on Beterbiev vs Bivol III, Dubois vs Usyk 2, and what it really takes to make it in modern boxing. Follow First Round TV for more raw, honest conversations with the sport’s future legends.

    52 min
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Step into the ring with former world champion Darren Barker as he sits down with boxing’s biggest names to uncover the stories behind their rise, their battles, and their glory. From career-defining moments to personal struggles, get raw, unfiltered insights into the lives of the sport’s elite. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting started, this is boxing at its realest—up close and personal. Follow us to make sure you never miss an Episode! https://www.youtube.com/@firstroundtv

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