Weighing In with Travis Hartman

Stitch Duran Explains Why He Stopped Nate Diaz vs Perry | Stories from Tyson, Klitschko & the UFC

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In this episode, legendary cutman Jacob 'Stitch' Duran sits down with Travis for one of the most honest and fascinating conversations in combat sports. Stitch breaks down the REAL reason he stopped Nate Diaz’s fight against Mike Perry, explaining the severity of the cuts, the dangerous blood loss, and why protecting fighters always comes first. From working world title fights with Jaime Munguia and the Klitschko brothers to spending 15 years inside the UFC with Dana White, Stitch shares unbelievable behind-the-scenes stories from boxing and MMA history. He explains the science of being a great cutman, reveals lessons learned from legends like Mike Tyson, Andre Ward, and Vladimir Klitschko, and opens up about why he walked away from the UFC during the Reebok era. The conversation also dives deep into fighter pay, the harsh realities retired fighters face, the business side of boxing, and Stitch’s powerful documentary projects exposing some of the darkest truths in combat sports. Topics include: 🥊 Why Stitch stopped Nate Diaz vs Mike Perry 🥊 UFC behind-the-scenes stories & Dana White fallout 🥊 Working with the Klitschko brothers, Andre Ward & boxing legends 🥊 The truth about fighter pay & retired fighters 🥊 Cutman techniques most fans don’t understand 🥊 Mike Tyson, Ronda Rousey & wild fight stories 🥊 Stitch’s “Boxer’s Nightmare” documentary plans If you love boxing, MMA, UFC, BKFC, or combat sports history, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 00:00 – Intro 00:45 – Stitch’s insane month: Munguia, BKFC, concerts & nonstop travel 02:00 – Working the Nate Diaz vs Mike Perry Netflix fight 03:10 – Why Stitch stopped the fight after Round 2 05:45 – Nate Diaz’s reaction after the stoppage 07:00 – “Fighters need someone to protect them from themselves” 08:20 – Toughest cuts Stitch has ever handled 09:45 – Vladimir Klitschko cut story & saving the fight 12:00 – Andre Dirrell and protecting fighters long-term 13:40 – How Stitch uses percentages & probabilities in fights 14:50 – Difference between a good and great cutman 16:10 – The adrenaline chloride lesson most cutmen get wrong 18:00 – Mike Tyson accidentally answering the question wrong 19:10 – Why Stitch believes in educating fighters 20:30 – “Boxers Nightmare” documentary & preserving boxing history 22:40 – Fighter pensions, healthcare & revenue sharing 24:40 – Adrian Broner, punch-drunk syndrome & boxing neglect 26:20 – Livingston Bramble heartbreak story 27:40 – Travis reflects on his father protecting him in fights 29:00 – John Scully stopping a locker room altercation 30:20 – Fighters chasing dreams while barely making money 31:30 – Mentally toughest fighters Stitch has worked with 32:45 – Frank Mir quote: “When Stitch walks in, it’s time to fight” 33:40 – How Dana White originally hired Stitch for the UFC 35:20 – Reebok controversy & why Stitch left the UFC 37:45 – Going viral after the UFC exit 38:40 – Dana White blocking Travis on Twitter 40:10 – Dana White entering boxing with Zuffa 41:30 – Why Stitch refused to work Shane Mosley Jr.’s Zuffa fight 42:30 – UFC fighter pay vs other major sports 43:50 – Fighters losing individuality in uniform promotions 45:00 – Champion that impressed Stitch most: Andre Ward 46:15 – Carl Froch memories & Travis fighting on the undercard 47:10 – Stitch’s upbringing, Air Force days & small-town roots 48:20 – “From the Fields to the Garden” documentary 49:15 – Craziest fight week story ever: Klitschko vs Joshua 50:20 – “You could call me son” emotional Klitschko moment 51:00 – Rapid fire questions 51:50 – Biggest lesson boxing taught Stitch 52:15 – Final thoughts on protecting Nate Diaz & closing remarks #Boxing #UFC #NateDiaz #MikePerry #StitchDuran #MMA #CombatSports #DanaWhite #BKFC #BoxingPodcast

THE #1 MIDDLEWEIGHT IN TEAM BOXING LEAGUE | Jeovanny Estela Interview

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ Jeovanny Estela returns to the podcast after another huge run in Team Boxing League — now ranked the #1 middleweight in the entire league. 🥊🔥 In this episode, Jeovanny breaks down:• His comeback to pro boxing and recent stoppage win• The controversial knockdown vs. Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis• What it’s like fighting elite-level talent in Team Boxing League• The mentality needed to survive in boxing at the highest level• His long-term goal of becoming a world champion at 154 lbs• Team Miami Assassins’ undefeated run• Why boxing is exploding worldwide right now We also dive into rapid-fire questions, favorite fighters, hardest punchers, Michael Jordan vs. LeBron, Terrence Crawford, Canelo, life sacrifices for boxing, and some hilarious off-the-rails moments at the end of the show 😂 Jeovanny talks openly about the pressure of competing every week, the importance of family, and why Team Boxing League is changing the future of boxing. If you love boxing, combat sports, mindset, grit, and behind-the-scenes fighter stories — this episode is for you. 🎙️ Featuring:🥊 Jeovanny “El Rayo” Estela🏆 #1 Middleweight in Team Boxing League📈 15-2 Professional Record Like, comment, and subscribe for more fighter interviews and combat sports conversations. #Boxing #TeamBoxingLeague #JeovannyEstela #TerrenceCrawford

Pro Tennis to Roland Garros | Irina Falconi Hartman on Mindset & Motherhood

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ Former professional tennis player, Pan American Games gold medalist, former World No. 62, Georgia Tech All-American, and now tennis commentator heading to Roland Garros — Irina Falconi Hartman joins the podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into her journey from starting tennis at just 4 years old to becoming the highest-ranked Ecuadorian-born female tennis player of all time. We talk about the grind of professional tennis, the financial realities behind the sport, life on tour, mental toughness, motherhood, and what it takes to compete at the highest level. Irina shares stories from the US Open on Arthur Ashe Stadium, winning gold at the Pan American Games, battling self-doubt, proving critics wrong, and transitioning into a successful broadcasting career with Tennis Channel and the US Open. We also compare the mental side of tennis and boxing, discuss raising strong kids, work ethic, and even get into sourdough bread and rapid-fire questions at the end. This one is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, elite athlete mindset, and plenty of husband-wife banter. 🔥 Topics Covered: * Pro tennis life behind the scenes * US Open + Arthur Ashe Stadium story * Winning Pan Am Games Gold * Roland Garros commentary opportunity * Mental toughness in tennis vs boxing * Parenting, discipline & hard work * Transition from athlete to broadcaster * Rapid fire tennis questions Subscribe for more conversations with athletes, entrepreneurs, and high performers. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro + “I’m not shaking your hand either” 00:42 Introducing Irina Falconi Hartman 02:10 Heading to Roland Garros as a commentator 04:12 Starting tennis at 4 years old 05:35 When she realized she was special in tennis 08:15 Georgia Tech, All-American & No. 1 in the country 10:05 Motivation: proving doubters wrong 13:10 Bogota title story + crazy traffic before semifinals 17:30 Life on pro tour: hardest part of tennis 19:45 Financial reality of professional tennis 24:20 Travel life vs loneliness on tour 27:10 Boxing advice: “At least you’re not getting punched in the face” 31:40 Biggest tennis match: Arthur Ashe Stadium at US Open 38:15 Pan American Games Gold Medal moment 40:10 Tennis vs boxing: the mental battle 45:30 Learning how to lose every week 49:20 Mental toughness & raising resilient kids 54:15 Parenting, discipline & hard work 58:30 Biggest boxing regrets + short-notice fights 1:06:15 Fighting Terence Crawford, Keith Thurman & chasing greatness 1:13:40 No regrets, faith, and becoming better every day 1:17:20 How commentating started 1:23:15 Getting the US Open commentary job 1:27:10 Why kindness and networking matter 1:31:40 WTA Board + serving with Serena Williams 1:35:00 Preparing for Roland Garros commentary 1:40:15 Breaking tennis down for casual fans 1:45:10 Sourdough bread debate 1:48:00 Rapid Fire Finish 1:51:20 Final thoughts + outro #Tennis #RolandGarros #MentalToughness #WTA #TennisChannel #AthleteMindset #Boxing

Alex Nicholson Predicts Yoel Romero Knockout | No Fear Before May 1 Fight

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Days before stepping into the ring with Yoel Romero in Miami, Alex Nicholson joins the podcast for one of his realest interviews yet. From manifesting the fight with Romero to overcoming major injuries, brutal setbacks, broken jaws, car crashes, and career-defining moments—Alex opens up about everything that shaped him into the fighter he is today. We talk about fear, faith, fighting legends, social media, speaking the truth, bare knuckle wars, and why he believes this fight ends with a knockout. Alex doesn’t hold back on anything—calling out overrated fighters, talking about his lowest moments mentally, and explaining why heart matters more than talent or discipline. This is one of the rawest combat sports conversations yet.
🔥 Topics Include:
-Fighting Yoel Romero on May 1
-Manifestation and mindset before big fights
-Recovering from devastating injuries
-Broken jaw fight story
-Surviving a major car crash
-Social media vs real life
-Boxer vs MMA fighter in a street fight
-Underrated and overrated fighters
-Why heart matters most
 
Subscribe for more real conversations with fighters, athletes, and champions. Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Alex Nicholson on fighting Yoel Romero0:35 – Why he said yes to Yoel Romero1:45 – The fight that fell apart in the Dominican Republic3:20 – “I knew instantly… I’m fighting Yoel Romero”4:15 – Manifestation, faith, and calling the fight before it happened5:20 – Why most fighters avoid Yoel Romero6:25 – Is Yoel still dangerous at 47?7:40 – What Alex does better than Romero: Speed8:35 – Prediction: How the fight ends9:45 – Fighting in Miami and embracing the underdog role10:30 – What fans misunderstand most about Alex12:00 – Social media, fake personas, and speaking your mind13:20 – Truth, honesty, and standing on conviction14:40 – Craziest fight story: Broken jaw and still got the knockout16:50 – Lowest mental point: Devastating knee injury18:45 – Recovery, rehab, and the comeback to face Yoel20:00 – What version of Alex shows up now21:40 – Fighting in front of your girl hits different23:10 – Hardest he’s ever been hit: Horrific car crash story25:30 – Family roots, being Sicilian, and grandma wisdom26:30 – Boxer vs MMA fighter in a real fight28:00 – Prime Mike Tyson vs Francis Ngannou street fight29:00 – Underrated fighter / Overrated fighter29:45 – Calling Yoel Romero overrated30:15 – Who’s next after Yoel? Francis Ngannou?31:10 – Rapid fire questions32:10 – Funeral question: What do you want to be remembered for?34:00 – Love, second chances, and almost dying35:15 – “You’re a fighter, how do you spread love?”36:20 – What matters most: Talent, discipline, or heart?37:10 – Final thoughts and May 1 fight in Miami#AlexNicholson #YoelRomero #MMA #BareKnuckle #CombatSports #Boxing #JorgeMasvidal #Podcast #FightNight #FighterMindset

How Jim Davis Built a Billion Dollar Company | Faith, Family & Success

👉 Subscribe for more interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@WeighingInWithTravisHartman?sub_confirmation=1 ___________________________________________________________ How do you build a billion dollar company from the ground up? In this powerful episode of Weighing In with Travis Hartman, Travis sits down with Jim Davis, founder of Jr. Davis Construction, to talk about faith, leadership, sacrifice, family, and what it really takes to build a massive business empire. From humble beginnings to creating one of the most successful construction companies in America, Jim shares the mindset, discipline, and lessons that helped him rise to the top. This conversation goes far beyond business — it’s about becoming the kind of person success can trust. If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, leader, or anyone chasing greatness… this episode is for you. **0:00 – Intro + Who is Jim Davis?** Host introduces guest, billion-dollar company story, personal connection **2:15 – First Hunting Story (Turkey + Deer at Ranch)** Fun storytelling, builds personality and chemistry **6:30 – Early Life & First Job After High School** Working for a developer, immediate work after graduation **9:45 – Starting the Company (1985 Leap of Faith)** Leaving a stable job, wife pregnant, going all in **13:30 – Why He Took the Risk** Confidence, faith, seeing others succeed, spiritual calling **17:30 – The VERY Beginning (Equipment + $40K Loan)** Old equipment, bank rejection, dad co-signs loan **22:00 – Grinding Years (Side Hustles + No Money)** Fixing cars at night, hauling garbage, doing anything to survive **28:00 – “White Knuckle” First 5 Years** Uncertainty, hustle, no vacations, constant pressure **33:30 – Did You Ever Think You’d Fail?** Faith mindset, never considering quitting **38:00 – The Cost of Success (Family Sacrifice)** Kids on job sites, long hours, family involvement **44:30 – Travis Shares His Boxing Journey** Parallel story: sacrifice, parents, grind, setbacks **52:00 – Leadership Philosophy (Leading from the Front)** Why he shows up early, culture, respect, presence **56:30 – Faith, Gratitude & Perspective** Prayer, humility, “turtle on a fence post” analogy **1:01:30 – Building a Billion-Dollar Company = People** Hiring smart people, team culture, employees as family **1:05:30 – Passing the Company to His Son (Legacy in Motion)** Son becoming president, generational transition **1:09:00 – What Do You Want to Be Remembered For?** Caring about people, relationships, impact **1:12:30 – Advice: Use Your Gifts & Go All In** Full throttle mindset, purpose, trial-and-error approach **1:15:30 – Final Question: What Keeps You Going?** “Quitting isn’t a solution” + battle mentality **1:17:30 – Outro + Wrap Up** 👍 Like the video 📲 Subscribe to Weighing In with Travis Hartman 🔔 Turn notifications on for future episodes #JimDavis #Entrepreneur #Success #Leadership #Motivation #BusinessPodcast #TravisHartman #Construction #Faith #Mindset

Omari Jones: From Olympic Bronze to Undefeated Pro – The Next Boxing Superstar?

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Omari Jones is officially on the rise.
After winning a Bronze medal at the Olympics, he’s now 6-0 as a professional with 4 knockouts—and he’s doing it the right way.
In this episode of Weighing In with Travis Hartman, Omari breaks down:
*The transition from amateur to pro boxing
*Why the Olympics might actually be harder than the pros
*What people don’t understand about boxing as a business *His growth through 8-round fights and tough veterans
*The mindset it takes to become a world champion
 
Plus, we dive into his partnership with Matchroom, lessons from Terence Crawford, and what’s next in his career.
If you’re a fight fan, this is one you don’t want to miss.
⏱️ Timestamps (41:26 total)
0:00 Intro – Amari Jones returns (6-0, 4 KOs)
1:15 One year as a pro & recent fight breakdown
3:30 When it finally “felt real” as a pro
5:10 Orlando support & building a fanbase
7:00 Olympics vs Pro Boxing – what’s harder?
10:10 Why amateur experience matters
12:30 How his style has evolved as a pro
15:00 Breaking down his latest 8-round performance
18:10 Why going the distance matters more than knockouts
20:00 The power of his jab & boxing fundamentals
21:30 Boxing = BUSINESS (biggest realization)
23:45 The dangers of one punch in the pros
25:10 First moment he felt real danger in a fight
27:00 When he finally felt “comfortable” as a pro
28:30 Biggest adjustment from amateurs → pros
30:10 What’s next? Fight timeline & future plans
31:30 The business side: money, deductions, and reality
33:00 Fighter vs Brand – what matters more?
34:30 Turning down deals that don’t align
35:30 Lessons from Terence Crawford
37:00 Goals for 2026–2027 & world title timeline
38:20 Rapid fire questions
39:40 Olympic moment that meant everything
40:40 Final message to fans
👇 Drop a comment: Do you think Omari Jones will be a world champion? #Boxing #OmariJones #Matchroom #Olympics #WeighingIn

Inside Matchroom Boxing: CEO Frank Smith Reveals What Fans Don't See

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🔥 One of the most powerful figures in boxing joins the show. In this episode, I sit down with Frank Smith, CEO of Matchroom Boxing, to pull back the curtain on what REALLY goes into making the biggest fights in the world. From working with Eddie Hearn to promoting global superstars like Anthony Joshua, Frank shares what life is actually like behind the scenes in boxing — the pressure, the negotiations, and the nonstop grind of running one of the biggest promotion companies in the sport. We get into everything:
* What a fight week REALLY looks like
* The business side of boxing nobody sees
* Why boxing isn’t “broken” (despite what people say)
* Dana White vs boxing and the future of the sport
* The biggest stars in boxing today
* Dream fights that STILL need to happen
* And the reality of dealing with fighters, egos, and high-stakes negotiations
We also talk about legends like Canelo Álvarez, Terence Crawford, and the rise of names like Jake Paul — and how the sport is evolving in the modern era. This is one of the most honest, behind-the-scenes conversations you’ll hear about boxing today. 🎙️ If you’re a fan of boxing, business, or what it takes to operate at the highest level — this episode is for you
👍 Like & Subscribe for more real conversations in boxing and beyond.
**0:00** Intro + Frank Smith joins the show
**0:45** Terence Crawford story + relationship
**2:00** Behind-the-scenes of boxing events
**3:15** What a promoter actually does (fight week)
**5:00** Running 40+ shows a year worldwide
**7:00** Most stressful part of boxing business
**8:30** Journey: 15 years old → CEO of Matchroom Boxing
**10:30** Boxing is an ego-driven sport
**12:00** Handling losses + tough moments
**13:30** Conor Benn situation (business vs personal)
**15:30** Do promoters actually care about fighters?
**17:30** Don Rico tequila + business mindset
**18:45** Is boxing “broken”?
**20:30** DAZN + global growth
**22:30** Dana White vs boxing
**24:30** UFC vs boxing business model
🔥 **26:30** Who is the BIGGEST star in boxing?
* Canelo Álvarez
* Anthony Joshua
* Jake Paul
**29:00** Social media impact on boxing
**31:00** Jake Paul’s real influence
**33:00** Most underrated fighter (Pat Brown)
🔥 **34:30** Dream fights (Joshua vs Fury, Boots vs Ortiz)
**36:30** Why big fights take so long
**38:00** Errol Spence Jr. vs Terence Crawford
**39:30** Toughest negotiations in boxing
**41:00** David Higgins story
**42:30** Legendary promoters
* Bob Arum
* Don King
**43:45** Best boxing cities + Phoenix
**44:30** Amari Jones future
**45:15** Final question from Terence Crawford
**46:00** Outro

Terence “Bud” Crawford Finally Clears Everything Up | Retirement, Canelo, Legacy & Boxing Politics

Terence “Bud” Crawford joins Weighing with Travis Hartman for a powerful, honest conversation about the mindset that made him one of the greatest fighters of this era. In this episode, Bud opens up about retired life after the biggest win of his career over Canelo Alvarez, why he knew it was time to walk away, the injuries and physical battles he dealt with behind the scenes, and where he believes his legacy stands in boxing history. He also addresses the sanctioning fee controversy, speaks on the WBC situation, gives credit to the team that helped build his career, talks about faith, family, smart investments, and why he never wanted boxing to use him. This is Bud Crawford reflective, direct, and unfiltered.
0:00 The Pound-for-Pound King Joins the Show0:27 Terence “Bud” Crawford is here1:15 Why this conversation is different2:05 Life after retiring undefeated3:20 Crawford remembers fighting Travis Hartman4:55 “I knew he was going to be special”6:40 How Bud became such a complete fighter8:00 The mentality that separates great fighters10:10 What elite fighters see that others don’t12:30 Why Bud never gets uncomfortable in the ring14:20 Loyalty to the team that built a champion17:00 The people who helped create Bud Crawford19:20 Crawford vs Canelo Alvarez21:10 Bud’s mindset walking into the Canelo fight22:55 “I knew I was about to make history”24:50 Crawford reveals he planned to retire27:00 The injuries fans never knew about29:30 Why Bud walked away at the top31:05 Where Crawford ranks in boxing history32:50 Bud clears up the belt controversy34:40 The truth about boxing sanctioning fees36:55 “This is modern-day extortion”38:00 Why boxing hasn’t changed yet39:40 Turki Alalshikh and the future of boxing41:15 The REAL reason Crawford stayed retired42:45 Faith, family, and life outside boxing44:15 Bud’s question for the next guest45:00 Final thoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations with fighters, champions, and top names in boxing.
#TerenceCrawford #Canelo #boxing

Jeovanny Estela on His Comeback, Toughest Losses & Why He’s More Dangerous Now

Jeovanny Estela is back on the show ahead of his March 13 fight, and this might be his most honest interview yet.
 
In this episode of Weighing In with Travis Hartman, Jeovanny talks about everything — from starting 14-0, suffering two straight losses, what those setbacks taught him, and why he believes he’s now a more complete and dangerous fighter than ever before.
 
We also get into:
 
-his fight camp and mindset heading into March 13
-what he learned from the Aaron McKenna fight
-the physical and mental toughness it takes to survive at a high level
-the father-son dynamic with his dad as coach
-his best punch, favorite knockouts, and rapid fire questions
-Team Combat League and why it’s becoming such a big deal in boxing
-why this next fight is such an important moment in his career
 
Jeovanny also shares what fans should expect when he steps into the ring next — and the statement he wants to make.
 
If you’re a boxing fan, especially a fan of real conversations about the grind, setbacks, and comeback mentality, this is one you’ll want to watch.
 
Subscribe, like, and share to support the show and local boxing!
 
#Boxing #JeovannyEstela #TravisHartman #FightWeek #TeamCombatLeague #ProBoxTV #BoxingPodcast #BoxingInterview #CombatSports #ComebackStory

From Fighter to Promoter: Anthony Arvelo Built Undisputed Promotions From the Ground Up

In this episode of Weighing In with Travis Hartman, I sit down with former professional boxer turned fight promoter Anthony Arvelo, founder of Undisputed Promotions, to break down the business behind boxing — and what it really takes to build fight cards from the ground up. Anthony shares his journey from stepping inside the ropes as a fighter to running the show outside of them. We talk about the sacrifices fighters make, the challenges promoters face, and the reality of what goes into putting on a successful boxing event. From matchmaking and ticket sales… to dealing with fighters, managers, and venues — this conversation gives you an inside look at the side of boxing most fans never see. If you’re a fighter, coach, promoter, or die-hard boxing fan — this episode is packed with game.