Sunday, September 19, 2021
No Holds Barred: Dr. Lisa Kihl on Corruption, Gambling, Doping, and Rape in Sports, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of Angry Afro Radio and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the Angry Afro Radio YouTube page.
Our special guest was Dr. Lisa Kihl, Institute Director of the University of Minnesota's Global Institute for Responsible Sport Organizations.
This discussion took place Friday, September 17.
Corruption, doping, and rape in sports are widespread. The growth of sports gambling, both legal and illegal, also has posed another danger to the integrity of sports.
To start to address this, Dr. Kihl is advocating the formation of a "national sport integrity system". Her work at the Global Institute for Responsible Sport Organizations has a focus on "Introducing a framework conceptualizing a national sport integrity system that aims to promote and safeguard integrity within national sport organizations."
We spoke with her about the steps needed to be taken to accomplish this, how to fight the scourge of sports corruption, the role of the media, and much more.
All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.
Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.
Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.
You can play or download No Holds Barred on Anchor, Podomatic, and the Internet Archive. If one link does not work, please try another.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.
Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.
Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.
Monday, September 13, 2021
No Holds Barred: Triller Trash and Boxing's Devolution to Sadistic Spectacle, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith
Our discussion took place Sunday, September 12.
Our main topic was the Triller trash boxing show of September 11, and particularly the utter disgrace of putting 58-year-old Evander Holyfield in the main event fight. Holyfield was quickly TKO'd in the first round. We discussed boxing's devolution from the sweet science into being a sadistic spectacle like this, how these circus fights have become the dominant trend in boxing, how this is related to boxing's purposely corrupt and fragmented governance, why there must be new legislation to regulate boxing, and much more.
All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.
Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.
Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.
You can play or download No Holds Barred on Podomatic and the Internet Archive. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on these sites and apps:
The Podomatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.
Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.
Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.
Labels: Angry Afro Radio, boxing, Chris Baldwin, Eddie Goldman, Evander Holyfield, Girlboxing, Malissa Smith, No Holds Barred, Triller, WAAR Room
Saturday, September 11, 2021
"The Heavyweight Champs Emerge from Hibernation" on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
A subscription is required to read it, so subscribe today to support independent journalism.
The article is at https://www.patreon.com/posts/heavyweight-from-56026801.
Labels: Anthony Joshua, boxing, Eddie Goldman, heavyweight, No Holds Barred, Tyson Fury
Monday, September 06, 2021
No Holds Barred: Death of Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, Oscar Valdez PED Positive, Serrano Sisters Controversy, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin and Malissa Smith
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleagues Chris Baldwin of Angry Afro Radio and Malissa Smith of Girlboxing on the WAAR Room. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the Angry Afro Radio YouTube page.
Our discussion took place Sunday, September 5.
We discussed the death of 18-year-old Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, who passed this week from injuries sustained in a bout in Montreal. We also discussed how WBC super featherweight champ Oscar Valdez, who failed a doping test for the WBC's Clean Boxing Program conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, will still be allowed to fight and defend his WBC belt on September 10. And we addressed the startling controversy involving Amanda and Cindy Serrano and their trainer/manager Jordan Maldonado.
All this is part of our in-depth coverage of the corrupt world of boxing and sports governance in general.
Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.
Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.
You can play or download No Holds Barred on Podomatic and the Internet Archive. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on these sites and apps:
The Podomatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.
Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.
Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.
Labels: Angry Afro Radio, boxing, Chris Baldwin, doping, Eddie Goldman, Girlboxing, Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, Malissa Smith, No Holds Barred, Oscar Valdez, Serrano Sisters, WAAR Room
Thursday, September 02, 2021
"Waiting for the Heavyweights, September 2021 Edition" on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
My latest piece, "Waiting for the Heavyweights, September 2021 Edition", is up on the No Holds Barred Patreon page.
A subscription is required to read it, so subscribe today to support independent journalism.
The article is at https://www.patreon.com/posts/waiting-for-2021-55663837.
Labels: Anthony Joshua, boxing, Deontay Wilder, Eddie Goldman, heavyweights, No Holds Barred, Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury
Sunday, August 29, 2021
WAAR Room w/Chris, Eddie & Malissa: Serrano vs. Mercado Showtime PPV Edition
Chris Baldwin, Malissa Smith, and I recorded this edition of the WAAR Room the afternoon of August 29, before the Showtime pay-per-view began later that night. Our main topic was the featherweight title fight between unified champion Amanda Serrano and Yamileth Mercado, along with the rest of this show.
You can also watch this directly on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMMIHAYLFNs.Labels: Amanda Serrano, Angry Afro Radio, boxing, Chris Baldwin, Eddie Goldman, Girlboxing, Malissa Smith, No Holds Barred, WAAR Room, Yamileth Mercado
"What I'll Be Watching Sunday Night" on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
My latest piece, "What I'll Be Watching Sunday Night", is up on the No Holds Barred Patreon page.
A subscription is required to read it, so subscribe today to support independent journalism.
The article is at https://www.patreon.com/posts/what-ill-be-55474209.
Labels: Amanda Serrano, boxing, Eddie Goldman, No Holds Barred, Yamileth Mercado
Sunday, August 22, 2021
No Holds Barred: Antonio Graceffo on Mongolian Wrestling
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with the writer, author, professor, and wrestler, Antonio Graceffo.
We spoke with him by phone Saturday, August 21.
Antonio Graceffo was born in Brooklyn, raised in Tennessee, and has been living for many years in Asia -- hence his moniker, the "Brooklyn Monk". He is currently located in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, where he teaches, writes, and wrestles.
In Mongolia, wrestling is a major sport in which many boys train and compete from a young age. The main style of Mongolian wrestling is known as Bokh. It is one of the main sports at the annual Nadaam festival. Since the 13th century and the days of Genghis Khan, the Nadaam festival has featured wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Although the coronavirus pandemic forced the festival to be cancelled this year, it is normally held each year in mid-July.
"The first official Nadaam was inaugurated by Genghis Khan himself," said Antonio Graceffo. "Each year when they celebrate Nadaam, it is not only the first anniversary of the first Nadaam, but it's also the anniversary of the foundation of the Mongolian empire."
While the main festivities are held in Ulaanbaatar, there are many local Nadaam festivals.
"Simultaneously, there are Nadaams happening in every province and every district of the country," he said.
"So arguably, Nadaam is the largest wrestling competition in the world, if we were to take all the Nadaams together across the whole country of Mongolia."
We discussed the long history of Mongolian wrestling, the rules of Bokh, why many Mongolians like Asashoryu and Hakuho have dominated Japanese sumo for many years, how urbanization and globalization are affecting Bokh with its rural roots, the growing challenges faced by Mongolian and many other indigenous styles of wrestling in today's sports and media environment, and much, much more. (Photo courtesy of Antonio Graceffo.)
Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.
Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.
You can play or download No Holds Barred on Podomatic and the Internet Archive. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on these sites and apps:
The Podomatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.
Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.
Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.
Labels: Antonio Graceffo, Bokh, China, Eddie Goldman, Mongolia, Mongolian Wrestling, Nadaam, No Holds Barred, sumo, wrestling
Thursday, August 19, 2021
"The Combat Sports Always Hurt The Ones Who Love Them" on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
A subscription is required to read it, so subscribe today to support independent journalism.
The article is at https://www.patreon.com/posts/combat-sports-55080386.
Thursday, August 12, 2021
No Holds Barred: Superspreader Olympics End, Karate KO Controversy, Franco-Moloney 3 Preview, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin
On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman once again spoke with our colleague Chris Baldwin on the WAAR Room on Angry Afro Radio. A video of this discussion has also been posted on the Angry Afro Radio YouTube page.
We spoke with her Tuesday, August 10.
The Tokyo Superspreader Olympics ended Sunday, August 8, but the surge in cases of Covid-19 in Japan is continuing. We discussed how the Olympics were a key factor is worsening this pandemic, where now only patients with severe symptoms can be hospitalized to prevent a hospital bed shortage.
The competition in Tokyo also saw the disgraceful action of a coach punching a horse who refused to perform in a modern pentathlon event when ordered by the rider. In wrestling, while accolades poured in for American heavyweight wrestler Gable Steveson's last second takedown to win his men's freestyle wrestling gold medal match, it appears that real wrestling will benefit little from the notoriety. Media reports indicate that he is likely soon headed to the fake wrestling world of the WWE. The much-touted 97 kg men's freestyle wrestling gold medal showdown between Russian Abdulrashid Sadulaev and American Kyle Snyder was won by Sadulaev, who scored no takedowns, 6-3, and showcased the absurd rules of the Olympic wrestling federation, UWW. In boxing, Cuba dominated the men's division with four gold medals. But we will only see these talented Cuban fighters as pros if they take the dangerous step of defecting from Cuba, since their government prohibits it.
Karate made its debut at the Tokyo Olympics, and instead of the sport building its worldwide reputation, the ludicrous rules of the Olympic karate federation, WKF, drew the most attention. The men's 75 kg gold medal kumite match was won by Sajad Ganjzadeh of Iran. But in that final, he was knocked out by a head kick from Tareg Hamedi of Saudi Arabia. Hamedi was disqualified and had to settle for a silver medal because he followed through on his kick, rather than stopping or pulling it back before it landed at full force.
This issue in karate had been examined on No Holds Barred back in 2018 with karateka and coach Elhadji Gaye Ndour, who also had been disqualified in amateur karate events because, he said, he hit or kicked his opponents "too hard" or even scored knockouts. He had gone on to fight in the professional Karate Combat organization. You can play or download that show here.
We thus discussed a recent episode of the Karate Combat TV show, this group's rules, how it is being presented and positioned on TV, and more.
In pro boxing, of course, controversy and corruption are unending. We discussed the dreadful August 7 PBC on Fox show, which saw a robbery even more egregious that is usual for boxing. In a fight for one of the WBA's billions and billions of belts, Mychal Fox completely dominated Gabriel Maestre, but it was Maestre who got a unanimous decision win.
We also previewed this coming Saturday's trilogy fight between WBA super flyweight champ Joshua Franco of Texas and former champ Andrew Moloney of Australia. In a thrilling upset, Franco won their first fight in June 2020 by unanimous decision. Their November 2020 rematch, however, ended in chaos and controversy. Moloney had appeared to get a second-round TKO win because of major swelling under Franco's right eye, but controversial referee Russell Mora ruled that the damage was caused by an accidental headbutt. A befuddled Nevada commission then had a video review lasting almost a half hour, and also seemed to botch the verdict by upholding Mora's ruling. It was thus declared a no decision since the fight was halted by an accidental foul and had lasted fewer than four rounds.
Now their third fight takes place Saturday, August 14, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Catoosa, Oklahoma, near Tulsa. It will be shown live in the U.S. on both ESPN and ESPN+.
We got comments from Andrew Moloney from a recent Zoom call where he explained how he has improved since his previous fights with Franco.
And we discussed more about the corrupt Olympic movement, Errol Spence Jr. pulling out of his fight with Manny Pacquiao because of a torn retina, and much more.
Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.
Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.
You can play or download No Holds Barred on Podomatic and the Internet Archive. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on these sites and apps:
The Podomatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.
Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.
Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.
Labels: Andrew Moloney, Angry Afro Radio, boxing, Chris Baldwin, Eddie Goldman, Joshua Franco, karate, No Holds Barred, superspreader, Tokyo Olympics, WAAR Room, wrestling
Monday, August 09, 2021
"Goodbye to the Tokyo Superspreader Olympics" on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
A subscription is required to read it, so subscribe today to support independent journalism.
The article is at https://www.patreon.com/posts/goodbye-to-tokyo-54692483.
Labels: coronavirus, COVID-19, Eddie Goldman, No Holds Barred, superspreader, Tokyo Olympics
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
No Holds Barred: Joe Joyce vs. Carlos Takam Breakdown, and the Fucking Olympics, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin
We spoke with her Monday, July 26.
On July 24, unbeaten heavyweight contender Joe Joyce fought journeyman gatekeeper Carlos Takam at London's Wembley Arena in a quest to get a shot at one of boxing's many sanctioning body belts. Joyce was awarded a sixth-round TKO stoppage, but many questions were raised by his lackluster performance, including if the referee stoppage was premature. Takam landed hard overhand rights in the early rounds, although by the fifth round the momentum had shifted to Joyce.
We discussed what Joyce's performance signifies, what we perceive to be his strengths and weaknesses, where he stands compared to other heavyweights, what may be next for him, and much more, including what is happening in the heavyweight title picture.
With the Olympics proceeding as Tokyo's coronavirus pandemic worsens, we also discussed the article on the No Holds Barred Patreon page entitled I'm Sick and Tired of the Fucking Olympics.
We discussed why the use of the word "fucking" was appropriate to describe this disgraceful and dangerous event, what alternatives can be developed to the increasingly unpopular and corrupt Olympic movement, and much more. (Note that our discussion was recorded Monday, July 26, before the news came out Tuesday, July 27, that star gymnast Simone Biles had withdrawn from her Olympic gymnastics competition, citing her mental health struggles.)
Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.
Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.
You can play or download No Holds Barred on Podomatic and the Internet Archive. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on these sites and apps:
The Podomatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.
Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.
Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.
Sunday, July 25, 2021
"I'm Sick and Tired of the Fucking Olympics" on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
A subscription is required to read it, so subscribe today to support independent journalism.
The article is at https://www.patreon.com/posts/im-sick-and-of-54083557.
Labels: coronavirus, COVID-19, Eddie Goldman, IOC, No Holds Barred, pandemic, Tokyo Olympics
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
No Holds Barred: Charlo-Castaño, Bad Governance, and the Decline of Boxing, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin
We spoke with her Sunday, July 18.
There was an attempt on Saturday, July 17, to unify the four major belts in boxing's 154-pound division, as unbeaten fighters and belt holders Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño fought in the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, headlining a card shown on Showtime in the U.S.
After 12 rounds, the consensus seemed to be among boxing observers online that it was a good, close fight, but that Castaño had done enough to win.
The verdict, however, was a split draw. While many people accepted this decision since there were many close rounds and no fighter blew out the other, the score of one of the judges of 117-111 for Charlo was so ludicrous that Charlo himself even said it was too wide.
Both Charlo and Castaño said after the fight that they would welcome a rematch, but boxing's absurd system of multiple sanctioning bodies which each have their own mandatory challengers might prevent or delay that from happening any time soon, if ever.
The result was that there was an entertaining main event on an entertaining card, where the entertainment was ruined by the judging and overall lack of good governance in boxing.
We thus discussed this fight in this context of examining boxing's governance, how the general issue of governance is rarely discussed in boxing, how bad governance has been a major factor in boxing's decline, and what good governance constitutes. We also discussed new alternative forms of organizations for pro sports that are emerging, why sports organizations must work outside existing structures like the disgraceful International Olympic Committee, and much, much more.
Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.
Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.
You can play or download No Holds Barred on Podomatic and the Internet Archive. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on these sites and apps:
The Podomatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.
Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.
Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.
Labels: Angry Afro Radio, boxing, Brian Castaño, Chris Baldwin, Eddie Goldman, governance, Jermell Charlo, No Holds Barred, WAAR Room
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
No Holds Barred: Waiting for the Heavyweights, July 2021 Edition, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin
We spoke with her Monday, July 12.
It was yet another fiasco for boxing and its heavyweight division last week, as the postponement of a fight few wanted to see, the third meeting between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, was announced. There were, however, few details initially released about just why this fight had to be postponed from its July 24 date, although media reports indicated that it was because Fury and several members of his camp has tested positive for Covid-19. This was later publicly confirmed by Fury's co-promoter, Bob Arum, after we recorded this show.
We discussed the incredible stupidity and short-sightedness of these fighters not getting fully vaccinated and their promoters allowing this, what this means for this fight and the ever-shrinking possibility of a heavyweight title unification fight between Fury and Anthony Joshua, the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic and the vaccine rollouts, the possible need for booster shots, and much more.
Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.
Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.
You can play or download No Holds Barred on Podomatic and the Internet Archive. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on these sites and apps:
The Podomatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.
Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.
Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.
Labels: Angry Afro Radio, Anthony Joshua, boxing, Chris Baldwin, coronavirus, COVID-19, Deontay Wilder, Eddie Goldman, No Holds Barred, Tyson Fury, WAAR Room
Sunday, July 11, 2021
"No Vaxing, No Vucking, No Vury vs. Vilder" on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
My latest piece, "No Vaxing, No Vucking, No Vury vs. Vilder", is up on the No Holds Barred Patreon page.
A subscription is required to read it, so subscribe today to support independent journalism.
The article is at https://www.patreon.com/posts/no-vaxing-no-no-53554727.
Labels: Anthony Joshua, Bob Arum, boxing, coronavirus, COVID-19, Deontay Wilder, Eddie Hearn, No Holds Barred, Teofimo Lopez, Tyson Fury, vaccine, vaxing, vucking
Saturday, July 03, 2021
No Holds Barred: LGBTQ Rights in Olympics, Tokyo's Covid Surge, Fury-Wilder 3, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin
We spoke with her Thursday, July 1.
We discussed defending the rights of all LGBTQ athletes, including Caster Semenya, the South African runner and two-time Olympic gold medalist, who was kept out of the Tokyo Olympics by the discriminatory policies of World Athletics against intersex athletes, and weightlifter Laurel Hubbard from New Zealand, who is set to become the first openly transgender woman to compete in an Olympics. We strongly defended their human rights, and those of all other athletes, to play, fight, train, and compete.
The Tokyo Olympics are still set to start July 23, despite a new surge of Covid-19 cases in Tokyo and the rest of Japan, and even worse surges and lockdowns in many countries. We discussed how all these organizations which are involved in running what could very well be a major international superspreader event have betrayed the athletes and the public at large. We also discussed the weak slap on the wrist Russia received for its state-sponsored doping program, and how numerous Russian athletes are still slated to compete at the Tokyo Olympics. Plus, we slammed the theocratic and authoritarian Iranian regime for its ongoing attacks, threats, murder, and torture of Iranian athletes, and the forcing of Iranian athletes to throw contests to avoid facing Israeli athletes.
Moving over to the lovely world of professional boxing, we discussed the upcoming trilogy fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder on July 24, which few people want to see. We discussed its most likely outcome, and how it seems that Wilder has become unhinged leading up to this fight and what that may mean when they do fight. In addition, we discussed the potential fight between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk, which has still not been officially announced, and what this means for the heavyweight division and a title unification fight between Fury and Joshua.
And we talked about racism and white supremacy in baseball, social audio apps including Cubhouse and Spotify's Greenroom, and more.
Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.
Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.
You can play or download No Holds Barred on Podomatic and the Internet Archive. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on these sites and apps:
The Podomatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.
Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.
Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
"George Orwell, Muhammad Ali, and The Sporting Spirit" on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
My latest piece, "George Orwell, Muhammad Ali, and The Sporting Spirit", is up on the No Holds Barred Patreon page.
A subscription is required to read it, so subscribe today to support independent journalism.
The article is at https://www.patreon.com/posts/george-orwell-53077019.
Labels: boxing, Eddie Goldman, George Orwell, Muhammad Ali, No Holds Barred, sports, The Sporting Spirit
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
"NAFES, NEOM, And Saudi Arabia's Drive To Become A World Sports Capital" on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
A subscription is required to read it, so subscribe today to support independent journalism.
The article is at https://www.patreon.com/posts/nafes-neom-and-52824592.
Thursday, June 17, 2021
How To Watch The 2021 U.S. National Sumo Championships
As has been discussed on No Holds Barred, the sport of sumo in America will take another step forward this Saturday, June 19, when the 2021 U.S. National Sumo Championships take place. The location for this event is Dreamland in Dripping Springs, Texas, about 23 miles west of Austin. This is an outdoor venue, but all seats have been sold out.
To watch it, there will be a live stream. It will start about 9:45 AM CDT/10:45 EDT on Saturday.
The stream will be on the YouTube page of Dark Circle Sumo, one of the hosts of this event.
You can also watch the live stream on the U.S. Sumo Federation.
The YouTube page for this live stream has also been embedded at the start of this article.
The commentators on the live stream with be Leslie and Laurie Collins, the hosts of the Sumo Kaboom podcast, and veteran sumo wrestler Americus Abesamis.
Here also is the schedule, subject to change, of the competition in each weight class. All times CDT:
10:00 AM Lightweight Divisions
11:00 AM Middleweight Divisions
12:00 PM Light Heavyweight Divisions
1:00 PM Heavyweight Divisions
2:00 PM Openweight Divisions
3:00 PM Awards Ceremony
The U.S. Sumo Nationals will determine seeding for the 2021 North American Sumo Championships, which will be held December 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In turn, the North American Sumo Championships will be a qualifier for the World Games, which will be held in July 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama. The top three finishers in their weight classes at the North American Sumo Championships will qualify for the World Games. So the 2021 U.S. National Sumo Championships begins a process which will likely see many U.S. sumo wrestlers competing on the world stage. This is especially important, since the 2021 World Championships had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Labels: Eddie Goldman, No Holds Barred, U.S. Sumo Federation, U.S. Sumo Nationals
Sunday, June 13, 2021
No Holds Barred: Ed Suczewski on 2021 U.S. Sumo Nationals
We spoke with him by phone Monday, June 7.
Our main topic was the 2021 U.S. National Sumo Championships.
This event will be held Saturday, June 19, at Dreamland at 2770 W Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620, which is located about 23 miles west of Austin. This is an outdoor venue. Tickets are sold out online, and there will be a live stream.
The 2021 U.S. National Sumo Championships will be held at a time when sumo in the U.S. is in the midst of a revival.
"Anytime people are going through something, they look for something else they can turn to. And I think for a lot of people, sumo is that thing," he said.
"Life sometimes can just be full of all kinds of b.s. You put on a fake face at work. You put on a fake face in various relationships. But sumo is the realest, realest thing you can possibly be.
"You step in that ring. It's win or lose. It's ancient, primitive kind of battle. It connects us back to something that's ancient and inside all of us. And I think people turn to that.
"So you're dealing with all this stuff with the pandemic. I think it's got people looking for something, looking for an outlet, looking for an escape. And I think more and more people have been turning to sumo for that, to connect with something a little bit deeper.
"And I think especially now, with the Covid situation sort of improving and more people getting vaccinated, a lot of people have been thinking about coming out of the woodwork and maybe planning on it for the last year or two, now they're finally taking those steps.
"So we've seen more and more clubs popping up. More and more girls in the sport. More athletes coming out to try it."
The U.S. Sumo Nationals will determine seeding for the 2021 North American Sumo Championships, which will be held December 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In turn, the North American Sumo Championships will be a qualifier for the World Games, which will be held in July 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama. The top three finishers in their weight classes at the North American Sumo Championships will qualify for the World Games. So the 2021 U.S. National Sumo Championships begins a process which will likely see many U.S. sumo wrestlers competing on the world stage. This is especially important, since the 2021 World Championships had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
We also discussed some of the top athletes who will be competing at the 2021 U.S. Sumo Nationals, the format including weight classes and men's and women's divisions, how sumo is attracting athletes from many martial arts and combat sports and also American football, why we should remember and honor the late sumo world champion Manny Yarbrough, and much more.
Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.
Now you can also support our independent, No Holds Barred journalism by purchasing items such as T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs, pillows, masks, and even mini-skirts at the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble. (It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small.) You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.
You can play or download No Holds Barred on Podomatic and the Internet Archive. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on these sites and apps:
The Podomatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.
Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.
Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.
Friday, June 11, 2021
"Claressa Shields Pulls It Out in MMA Debut" on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
A subscription is required to read it, so subscribe today to support independent journalism.
The article is at https://www.patreon.com/posts/claressa-shields-52369503.
Labels: boxing, Claressa Shields, Eddie Goldman, MMA, No Holds Barred, PFL, women
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Order from the No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman Shop, Now on Redbubble
T-shirts! Hoodies! Tank tops! Mugs! Pillows! Even masks and mini-skirts! Yes, these items and more are now available for purchase on the new No Holds Barred with Eddie Goldman shop on Redbubble.
While it was never my intention to become a shmata saleman, I am doing this to supplement the small income I am earning from my media work. Independent, no holds barred journalism, which is not beholden to promoters, networks, sports oligarchs, and the like, is hardly a way to get rich. Hence, this Redbubble project, which also gives my media a bit of publicity.
You can browse all the items for sale and then place an order here.
It has also been recommended to me that people choose sizes on the large side, as some items may run small. Please let me know how the ordering process goes, and when you receive the items you bought, the quality of them.
Labels: Eddie Goldman, No Holds Barred, Redbubble
Wednesday, June 09, 2021
"Claressa Shields's Big Gamble" on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
A subscription is required to read it, so subscribe today to support independent journalism.
The article is at https://www.patreon.com/posts/claressa-big-52284620.
Monday, June 07, 2021
"Waiting for the Heavyweights, June 2021 Edition" on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
A subscription is required to read it, so subscribe today to support independent journalism.
The article is at https://www.patreon.com/posts/waiting-for-june-52201460.
Labels: Anthony Joshua, boxing, Daniel Dubois, Deontay Wilder, Eddie Goldman, Floyd Mayweather, heavyweight, Logan Paul, No Holds Barred, Tyson Fury
Friday, June 04, 2021
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Wednesday, June 02, 2021
No Holds Barred: Mariah Holmes on Women in Sumo, U.S. Sumo Nationals, and Why Sumo is Special
We spoke with her by phone Saturday, May 29.
Before starting to train in sumo in 2018, Mariah Holmes was a rugby player. While she no longer competes in that sport, she found that sumo was unlike rugby or any other sport in which she had been involved before.
"To me, sumo is not like every other sport. There's something really special about sumo," she said.
"With rugby, I've done sports before, and so I've always been an athlete. But I think even for people who aren't athletes, they come into sumo and you realize right away, so it's not just physical. Yes, there is a huge physical aspect. So if you're hardcore, you want to have sweating, and you really work your body. Yes, there's a physical aspect, and you hit hard those tachiais [note: the initial charge of the wrestlers which starts a sumo match].
"They're no joke. But there's also this mental aspect that I think a lot of sports are missing. And it's almost like I've heard it described as playing a physical game of chess.
"So you have to be always thinking about your opponent's move and what's going to happen next, and if I do this, what kind of position does it put me in. And so it's a very mental game."
Unlike professional sumo in Japan, women are both permitted and encouraged to participate in amateur sumo at all levels. But, she noted, there are still not enough women training and competing in sumo. Some sumo clubs and training sessions will just have one woman, meaning they must wrestle with men.
"We want to have hundreds of women," she said, and is involved with a women's commission for the U.S. Sumo Federation.
We also discussed the next major event for sumo in the U.S., the 2021 U.S. National Sumo Championships. This will be held Saturday, June 19, at Dreamland at 2770 W Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620, which is located about 23 miles west of Austin.
The next major events scheduled are the North American Championships in December, and the World Games in July 2022, in Birmingham, Alabama.
In addition, we discussed why sumo is such an artful sport, how it can grow its fan base in the U.S., how the sumo culture of respect and calmness sets it apart from most other sports, and much more.
Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more exclusive premium No Holds Barred content.
You can play or download No Holds Barred on Podomatic and the Internet Archive. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on these sites and apps:
The Podomatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.
Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.
Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.
Labels: Eddie Goldman, Mariah Holmes, No Holds Barred, U.S. Sumo Nationals, women
Saturday, May 29, 2021
"The Sad Lessons of the Saga of the World Combat Games" on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
A subscription is required to read it, so subscribe today to support independent journalism.
The article is at https://www.patreon.com/posts/sad-lessons-of-51832733.
Labels: combat sports, Eddie Goldman, GAISF, International Olympic Committee, IOC, Marius Vizer, No Holds Barred, Saudi Arabia, SportAccord, Thomas Bach, World Combat Games
Thursday, May 20, 2021
WAAR Room with DJ Tribal and Eddie Goldman: Fury-Joshua-Wilder Heavyweight Chaos, on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
Just a day after Fury posted a video confirming that he had agreed to fight Joshua for the undisputed world heavyweight championship on August 14 in Saudi Arabia, news broke that appeared to prevent that fight from occurring, at least for now. An arbitrator ruled that a clause in the contract for Fury's last fight against Wilder, won by Fury in February 2020, mandating yet another match between these two, was indeed still valid. Fury and Wilder had also fought to a controversial split draw in December 2018 in a fight most observers felt Fury had won. Wilder had demanded the arbitration after a deal for a third fight between Fury and him had not been reached. Fury's co-promoter, Bob Arum, had told Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, that he was certain that his side would win in the arbitration hearing since they claimed that the rematch clause had expired, but the arbitrator ruled otherwise. As this was binding arbitration agreed upon by both sides, the only choices for Fury's side were to immediately arrange a third fight with Wilder, or to try to get him to accept step-aside money to allow the Fury-Joshua fight to proceed, something both Fury's and Wilder's camps said would not happen.
We discussed what this now means for the heavyweight division, what are the likeliest next fights for each fighter, how Hearn's apparent acceptance of Arum's assurances of what the arbitrator would rule sank the plans for the Fury-Joshua fight for this summer, and much more. We spoke on Thursday afternoon, May 20, 2021.
A subscription is required to listen this show, so subscribe today to support independent journalism on the No Holds Barred Patreon page.
The video of our discussion will also be posted on Angry Afro Radio.
Labels: Angry Afro Radio, Anthony Joshua, Bob Arum, boxing, Chris Baldwin, Deontay Wilder, DJ Tribal, Eddie Goldman, Eddie Hearn, heavyweight, No Holds Barred, Tyson Fury, WAAR Room
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Fury-Joshua Update, the Super Bantams are Super, on the WAAR Room with DJ Tribal and Eddie Goldman on No Holds Barred Patreon Page
On May 16, Tyson Fury posted a short video confirming that he has agreed to fight Anthony Joshua for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world on August 14 in Saudi Arabia. While some details remain to be finalized, it now appears that it is very likely that this fight will proceed and be officially announced shortly.
We discussed what this means for the heavyweight division, what could possibly go wrong with this fight, why undisputed world championships usually don't last long in boxing, some of the problems that may have been holding up the completion of these negotiations, political problems that may occur including opposition to this fight taking place in a country with such an abysmal human rights record, and much more.
In addition, we discussed the major fights that took place this weekend, including the significance of Brandon Figueroa's seventh-round knockout of Luis Nery in their super bantamweight title unification fight, the bizarre circumstances around the heavyweight "title" fight between Mahmoud "Manuel" Charr and Christopher Lovejoy, and much more.
A subscription is required to listen to the complete episode of this show, so subscribe today to support independent journalism on the No Holds Barred Patreon page.
The video of our discussion will also be posted on Angry Afro Radio.
(Photo of Nery vs. Figueroa by Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions. Screenshot of Tyson Fury from his social media video.)
Labels: Angry Afro Radio, Anthony Joshua, boxing, Brandon Figueroa, Chris Baldwin, DJ Tribal, Eddie Goldman, Luis Nery, No Holds Barred, Tyson Fury, WAAR Room
Monday, May 10, 2021
No Holds Barred: Canelo Stops Saunders, Stop the Tokyo Olympics, on the WAAR Room with Chris Baldwin
We spoke with her by phone Sunday, May 9.
On Saturday, May 8, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez stopped Billy Joe Saunders with an eighth-round TKO in front of a reported 73,000+ fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Canelo displayed devastating power to defeat the previously unbeaten Saunders and cause multiple fractures to his orbital bone, necessitating surgery. With this win, the immensely popular Canelo, who already held two of the four major super middleweight belts, captured his third and cemented his status as the consensus top pound-for-pound fighter.
We discussed controversies emerging from this fight, including how the fight was progressing at the time of the stoppage, why it was correct for Saunders's corner to stop the fight when they did, why Saunders did not quit, how the view of some in boxing that fighters must "go out on their shields" is barbaric and antiquated, what might be next for Canelo in his quest to capture all four major super middleweight belts, and much more.
This past week also saw major developments in the fight to cancel the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to begin July 23. A highlight was the posting of a petition in both Japanese and English, started by Japanese lawyer Kenji Utsunomiya, entitled "Cancel the Tokyo Olympics to protect our lives".
With much of Japan, including Tokyo, under its third state of emergency since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, as of Sunday, May 9, this petition has gotten well over 300,000 signatures, a record pace.
The petition notes that "as numbers show, the widespread outbreak of COVID19 has not at all been under control. While vaccination started at the end of last year, its distribution is limited to economically developed countries and thus the pandemic is far from over."
Japan is currently in its fourth wave of the pandemic. Coronavirus infections have been rising of late, including a record number of severely ill patients with severe symptoms due to the spread of more contagious variants. There has also been a very slow rollout of the vaccine in Japan. Dr. Kentaro Iwata, a physician, professor, and infectious diseases expert at Kobe University, was quoted as saying that "even thinking about the Olympics is just ridiculous" while he
lth workers in Japan's over-burdened medical system "are really fighting a life-and-death situation."
We discussed the growing international opposition to the Tokyo Olympics, how this is a defining moment for sports activism, how the IOC oligarchs' plans endanger the health of both the people of Japan and the Olympic athletes, how the athletes will be screwed by the IOC's machinations whether the Tokyo Olympics go on or not, how plans to vaccinate Olympic athletes ahead of the elderly and ill in countries with limited or no access to vaccines is unjust and unfair, why athletes should plan their careers outside the failing and corrupt Olympic movement, and much more.
Please also subscribe to the No Holds Barred page on Patreon for much more No Holds Barred content.
(Photo of Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders by Matchroom Boxing.)
You can play or download No Holds Barred on Podomatic and the Internet Archive. If one link does not work, please try another.
No Holds Barred is also available on these sites and apps:
The Podomatic Podcast Player app is available for free, both for Android at Google Play, and for iOS on the App Store.
The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", which is also available on iTunes by composer Ian Snow.
No Holds Barred is sponsored by:
LenneHardt.com, the home of Lenne Hardt, the legendary MMA and sports announcer, voice actor, singer, actress, and comedienne. Lenne is also known for her jazz vocals with her Lenne Hardt Jazz Cabaret Band. For more information, to book her, or to order a custom message from her, go to LenneHardt.com.
Skullz Fight Shop, home of the Skullz Double-End Bag, the perfect punching bag for your combat sports training. Skullz Double-End Bags provide a realistic striking target, and help improve speed, distance, and timing skills. Hang it and hit it right out of the box! No pump required. Skullz Fight Shop - Advancing combat sports equipment for the next generation of fighters. For more information, go to https://skullzfightshop.com.
Adolphina Studios. Original art prints and handcrafted fine jewelry. For more information, go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdolphinaStudios.
