Pugilistic Classics: Episodes 1-5
Alfredo Esclaera and Alexis Arguello Embracing
(Original Caption) February 4, 1979-Rimini, Italy: Alfredo Esclaera of Puerto Rico (Right) embraces Alexis Arguello of Nicaragua after title match February 4th. Arguello retained his title defeating Escalera for Knock Out at 13th round.
Revisit the Pugilistic Classics with Dan Albert!
Pugilistic Classics is a podcast dedicated to commentating and discussing classic fights from all combat sports. Anything from the invention of film to early 2000s is fair game — if it’s a fight, if there’s footage of the fight, and if the fight is cool, Dan will watch it!
For now the focus has been on vintage boxing, but don’t worry; we will eventually get to golden age Muay Thai or PRIDE!
In every episode Dan provides historical background info, quality fight analysis, and witty, genuine commentary — only as a truly passionate fight fan really can.
Dan is frequently joined by his colleagues from the Fight Site, some of whom have never seen the fights in question, adding to the friendly, comfy atmosphere of the pod — kind of like when you invite your friends over to watch an awesome movie they’ve never seen but you did, just to see their reactions and hear their opinions.
Here are the first five episodes that have been recorded and published so far. Enjoy!
Episode 1: Carlos Zarate vs. Alfonso Zamora
The Fight Site's most meticulous fight analyst Dan Albert is joined by Iggy, the host of TENGRIDOME, for an impromptu commentary for a hyperviolent Bantamweight boxing classic: Carlos Zarate vs. Alfonso Zamora. Join Dan and Iggy as they narrate and commentate the explosive technical brawl that unraveled on April 23, 1977.
Pugilistic Classics, Episode 2: James Toney vs. Mike McCallum 1
Dan Albert is joined by HaXxorIzed and Iggy, the host of TENGRIDOME, to commentate and discuss the first clash between the defensive savant and counterpunching prodigy James Toney and the wily and experienced all-terrain slickster Mike McCallum that took place on December 13, 1991 at the Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. A bout that the Fight Site founder Kyle McLachlan would call "two-way technical", it is both a feast for the eyes and serves as excellent study material for those interested in learning more about the art of fighting.
Pugilistic Classics, Episode 3: The Eguchis and the Ramos
Two for the price of one this time! The first fight involves two genuine, honest-to-goodness blood-related brothers, and the second is just a totally bonkers firefight.
Join Dan as he watches the Eguchi brothers give new meaning to the term “sibling rivalry”, followed by the famous 10-round bloodbath between “Mando” and “Sugar” Ramos (no relation).
Pugilistic Classics, Episode 4: Tony Canzoneri vs Kid Chocolate I feat. Kyle McLachlan
Dan is joined by The Fight Site founder and boxing historian Kyle McLachlan to rave about the 1931 classic between two all-time greats: Tony Canzoneri and Kid Chocolate. A dazzling display of technique and grit occurs in one of the single greatest battles in combat sports of all time, full stop.
Pugilistic Classics, Episode 5: Sizzling on George Foreman's Grill
This episode Dan is once again joined by HaXxorIzed and Iggy to commentate and geek out as they watch young Big George Foreman SMASH other big huge guys with his MASSIVE FISTS in the FACE. Watch along as the boys go nuts over Foreman's demolition jobs, those being: Joe Frazier vs. George Foreman I, George Foreman vs. Ken Norton, and of course the classic back-and-forth insanity that was George Foreman vs. Ron Lyle, the man-fridge himself.
Dan, Iggy and Haxx do their best to emphasise Foreman's underrated craft and technical skill that have allowed him to become the wrecking machine he's remembered as, but also just sit back and enjoy the sight of the big man rattling people's skulls with gigantic blows until they fall over completely unconscious.