Fight Talk Exclusive Interview

With

Boxing's "Matinee Idol" - Bobby "Chappie" Czyz!

(May 8th) Before the bell even rings, you can feel it—this isn’t just another sit-down. This is legacy, controversy, and straight talk all wrapped into one. On this episode of Fight Talk with Your Boy The What’s Next Kid, we tap in with former world champion Bobby Czyz, a fighter who lived through boxing’s gritty transition eras, shared the ring with killers, and saw the business from angles most fans never will.

But this isn’t a highlight reel interview. This is about the truths that don’t make it into the record books.

Travis and Bobby dig into the wins, the wars, and the moments that still spark debate. From championship highs to career-defining setbacks, nothing’s off-limits—and Bobby doesn’t duck questions.

Q: Bobby, when people talk about your career, they mention the titles—but they also bring up the inconsistency. Do you feel like you were misunderstood as a fighter, or was that just part of the game back then?

A: Look, people only see what’s on paper. They don’t see the injuries, the politics, the fights you take when you shouldn’t. I was in there with real fighters—no tune-ups. That comes with a price.

Q: You fought in an era where matchmaking wasn’t always in your favor. Were there moments you felt the business side worked against you?

A: Absolutely. Back then, if you weren’t “the guy,” you had to earn everything the hard way. Sometimes you’re fighting the opponent and the system at the same time.

Q: Looking back, is there one fight—or one decision—you’d change if you had the chance?

A: There’s always one. But every fighter’s got that fight. The question is, does it break you—or does it make the story better?

Q: Today’s fighters talk about branding and promotion as much as performance. Do you think you’d have thrived more in this era?

A: No question. Different time, different opportunities. But I wouldn’t trade my era—it made you tough, or it sent you home.

This is more than an interview—it’s a reality check from a man who lived the fight game at its rawest.

Tap in. You’re not getting this version of the story anywhere else.

Bobby Czyz: The Matinee Idol Who Defied Death

Polish-American

Two-Division World Champion  |  1980–1998

Robert Edward "Bobby" Czyz (born February 10, 1962, in Orange, New Jersey) is a Polish-American former professional boxer who competed from 1980 to 1998. He became a rare two-division world champion, holding the IBF Light Heavyweight title and the WBA Cruiserweight title, and later spent a decade as a boxing commentator for Showtime. His story is one of the most dramatic in the sport, a man who survived a catastrophic tragedy before his professional career even began.

Bobby got the nickname "Chappie" from his father, Robert Czyz Sr., who gave it to him in the tradition of the mentor-fighter dynamic between legendary trainer Jack Blackburn and heavyweight champ Joe Louis—where Blackburn affectionately called Louis "Chappie."

This moniker stuck with Czyz from his early pro days in 1980, appearing on his fight robes and becoming a key part of his identity alongside "Matinee Idol," reflecting his TV popularity on ESPN and NBC.

Czyz grew up in Wanaque, New Jersey, and excelled as an amateur boxer, compiling a record of 24 wins and 2 losses across 26 fights.

His talents attracted serious attention, he turned down a scholarship to West Point to pursue boxing professionally. He earned a place on the 1980 U.S. Olympic boxing team, but was denied his Olympic moment when the United States boycotted the Moscow Games.

The defining event of Czyz's life came before he threw a single professional punch. On March 14, 1980, LOT Polish Airlines Flight 007, an Ilyushin Il-62,  departed John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York bound for Warsaw, Poland. A disintegrating turbine disc caused catastrophic engine failure. The plane came down half a mile from the Okecie Airport runway. All 87 people aboard were killed: 14 U.S. boxers, 8 officials, and 65 crew members and other passengers. The U.S. boxers averaged just 20½ years of age, ranging from 16-year-old Byron Payton to 27-year-old Walter Harris.

Czyz was not on the plane. In early January 1980, while still 18 and in high school, he was involved in a car accident that broke his nose and prevented him from training for eight weeks. Unable to recover in time, he was forced to withdraw from the team trip a week before the flight. On March 14, his father called with the news: all 87 aboard were dead.

The Crash at a Glance

Czyz was one of only three U.S. boxing hopefuls who survived by not boarding the flight. Others who stayed home included Sal "Rocky" Cenicola, Marvis Frazier (son of heavyweight champion Joe Frazier) Tony Tucker (who later became IBF Heavyweight Champion).

The crash became a catalyst. Just six weeks after the disaster, in April 1980, Czyz made his professional debut, he was still 18 years old. He skipped his senior prom to fight his second professional bout. Starting as a middleweight, he won his first 20 professional fights before suffering his first loss to veteran Mustafa Hamsho on November 20, 1982, a unanimous decision over 10 rounds in which Czyz broke his hand. He earned $175,000 for that fight.

Professional Record & Titles

World Titles

Notable Fights

Following his retirement in 1998, Czyz spent a decade as a boxing commentator for Showtime Championship Boxing, working alongside Ferdie Pacheco and Steve Albert. He was in the broadcast booth on June 28, 1997, for Tyson–Holyfield II,  the infamous "Bite Fight" in which Mike Tyson bit off a portion of Evander Holyfield's ear, one of the most notorious moments in sports broadcasting history.

His announcing career ended after he received his fourth DUI in six years and was fired by Showtime. Despite having earned approximately $2 million during his boxing career, he subsequently worked as a grocery bagger. In June 2009, he was inducted into the Polish Sports Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.

In September 2024, a documentary titled "The Nine Lives of a Matinee Idol" was released, chronicling his survival of the plane crash and his subsequent career.

Bobby Czyz's career stands as one of the most compelling in boxing history. He survived a crash that claimed the lives of 14 of his teammates and went on to win world titles in two divisions. His nickname — "Matinee Idol" — reflected his charisma and good looks, but his real story was one of resilience in the face of survivor's guilt and tragedy.

His post-career struggles were severe: the loss of his broadcasting platform and a descent into financial hardship cast a shadow over his achievements. Yet his place in the sport — as a two-division champion who overcame extraordinary circumstances — remains secure, recognized by both the Polish Sports Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.

Fight Talk Exclusive Interview

With Richard “Popeye” Rivera!

(May 6th) Richard “Popeye” Rivera, also known as “Popeye The Sailor Man,” is an American professional boxer born on November 21, 1990, in Hartford, Connecticut, where he still resides. Fighting in the light heavyweight division at 6′0″ (183 cm) and 175 pounds, he carries an aggressive, orthodox style with a high knockout ratio hovering around 74 percent.

Rivera turned pro in 2017 at age 26 and has fought exclusively for Star Boxing, racking up an active schedule and a record of 27 wins (20 by KO) against 2 losses with no draws as of early 2025. His notable bouts include a dominant unanimous‑decision win over Joe Jones in 2019 and competitive outings against experienced opponents such as Badou Jack and cruiserweight Luis Antonio Tejeda.

Known for his work-rate and inside power, Rivera has built a reputation as a durable, crowd‑pleasing fighter who often dominates from the opening bell. His “Popeye” nickname reflects an energetic, blue‑collar persona that resonates with regional boxing fans in the Northeast, where he remains a fixture on the local scene.

Richard “Popeye” Rivera doesn’t just step into the ring with a crowd‑pleasing nickname—he brings the kind of raw, no‑filter honesty that makes his exclusive interviews feel like a front‑row seat to his next big fight June 27th when he challenges versus United Kingdom’s, 2020 Olympic Silver Medalist, Benjamin “The Surgeon” Whittaker, 11-0-1, 8Ko’s for his WBC Silver Light Heavyweight title.

Travis: Why do people call you “Popeye”?

Richard: Rivera jokes that it’s less about spinach and more about his ability to “eat punches and keep coming,” tying his fearless style and chin‑first approach to the cartoon sailor’s reputation for toughness.

Travis: After the Badou Jack fight, did you feel robbed or energized?

Richard: He admits there was frustration over how the card and build‑up unfolded, but says the fight “lit a fire” under him; instead of sulking, he doubled down on discipline and sharpened his game for the next step.

Travis: Who’s the one fighter you’d chase right now?

Richard: Rivera name‑drops a couple of established names in the light‑heavyweight scene, hinting that he wants a big‑stage, main‑event‑worthy matchup that forces networks and fans to take him seriously.

Travis: How do you handle being a hometown hero from Hartford?

Richard: He talks about the weight and pride of being one of the few Connecticut‑based fighters consistently bubbling near title contention, saying he trains extra hard because “everybody in Hartford is watching, judging, and rooting.”

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action, whether you’re in the house or in front of the screen. Head down to the Barclays Center and feel the energy live as Star Boxing's, Richard “Popeye” Rivera squares off with Ben Whitaker in what’s sure to be a clash of power, speed, and hunger, June 27th on the undecard of Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis.

If you can’t make it to Brooklyn, grab your crew, fire up DAZN and tune in to watch Rivera look to make a statement on the big stage. Whether you’re ringside or watching from home, this is one fight you won’t want to miss.

“The What’s Next Kid” Travis Smith

Gets A Word With Jack "The Gentleman" Bowen

Ahead of His vacant WBO Title Fight This Wednesday! 

(May 5th) Get ready for a deep dive into the ring and beyond on this episode of Fight Talk.

Join host Travis “The What’s Next Kid” Smith as he sits down for an unfiltered, ringside perspective with Brisbane, Australiaa super-middleweight contender Jack Bowen, exploring the evolution of fight psychology, the discipline behind elite performance, and the relentless drive required to stay at the top of the game.

Whether you're a hardcore fight fan or simply looking to understand the mentality behind the punches, this interview pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to prepare for the spotlight.

Jack Bowen, known as “The Gentleman,” is a polished Australian professional boxer from Brisbane who has emerged as one of the country’s most technically refined super-middleweight prospects. Fighting out of The Boxing Shop under trainer Gareth Williams, Bowen has built his reputation on composure, ring IQ, and a disciplined, efficient style that reflects his nickname.

He turned professional on February 22, 2020, after an extensive amateur career, and as of April 2026 holds a 12–1 record with 9 KOs, carrying a 75% knockout ratio that highlights the growing power behind his methodical approach. Following his lone defeat in late 2022, Bowen has responded with a five-fight winning streak, re-establishing momentum in the domestic rankings.

His standout professional performances include a statement stoppage of veteran Les Sherrington (2022) and a dominant display against Gi Sung Gwak (2024), where his jab, body work, and tempo control drew widespread praise. His most recent outing in August 2025 further reinforced his steady climb through the division.

Bowen’s foundation is rooted in a deep amateur pedigree spanning more than a decade and over 80 bouts. His breakout year came in 2019, winning the Australian National Championship at 81kg, securing gold at the Arafura Games, and representing Australia at the AIBA World Championships in Ekaterinburg. He also competed at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and recorded a notable victory at the 2015 Golden Gloves over Clay Waterman. Once considered an Olympic-level prospect, Bowen elected to turn professional in 2019, bringing elite international experience into the paid ranks.

Technically, Bowen is defined by discipline and control. An orthodox boxer, he operates behind a tight guard, educated jab, and patient counter-punching, often dictating rhythm from center ring. Known for being “cool, calm and collected,” he prioritizes structure over chaos and adjusts mid-fight without breaking form—an approach that has made him a consistent feature on major Australian cards.

Outside the ring, Bowen is deeply involved in mentorship and community work through initiatives like “Boxing Beyond Barriers,” where he helps guide young athletes through discipline and confidence-building programs. A former Australian Rules Football enthusiast and Western Bulldogs supporter, he originally took up boxing for fitness before fully committing to the sport. Recently becoming a father, Bowen cites family as a key driving force in his pursuit of a world title.

On the mental toll of competition, Bowen explains the importance of blocking out external pressure:

“You can’t worry about the noise outside the ropes; the only thing that matters is the work you put in when no one is watching.”

Looking ahead to the next generation of fighters, host Travis Smith asks what separates prospects from stars:

“What is the one trait a fighter needs to be the next big star?”

Bowen responds: “It’s consistency—talent gets you in the door, but the discipline to show up every single day is what keeps you there.”

Bowen’s next bout marks a major step in his career trajectory. He is scheduled to face Wollongong’s, Tonga “Mr. Antman” Tongotongo, 11–1, 11Ko's this Wednesday, May 6th,  at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, on the undercard of Nikita Tszyu vs. Oscar Diaz, promoted by No Limit Boxing.

Contested for the vacant WBO Oriental Super Middleweight Title, the matchup pits Bowen’s technical precision against Tongotongo’s equal knockout power. A victory would likely propel Bowen into the WBO top-15 rankings and place him on the doorstep of regional and international title contention, marking the most significant moment yet in a career defined by patience, structure, and steady ascent.

Interview – Waianae, Hawaii, Unbeaten

Bantamweight Shera Mae Patricio!

(April 25th) Fight Talk's Travis "The What's Next Kid"  hooks up for an explosive interview with undefeated bantamweight phenom Shera Mae Patricio! The 23-year-old Filipino-American star from Waianae, Hawaii, just clinched the WBA Female International Bantamweight title on April 25, 2026, edging Tania Walters via majority decision in an 8-round thriller in Baltimore, Maryland.

Patricio's hot streak continued from her February 27, 2026, NABF Super Flyweight title win over former world champ Maribel Ramirez by unanimous decision in Verona, New York. Now boasting a pristine 9-0 record, the 11-time national amateur champ and 2024 Olympic Trials winner is primed for a world title shot—possibly against Cherneka Johnson later this year or in 2027.

Eldest of eight boxing siblings—all national champs under dad Lyndon's guidance—she turned pro in late 2024 with Manny Pacquiao Promotions. From dental office to the ring, Patricio stays "locked in," building Hawaii's first female title legacy while eyeing undisputed glory. Don't miss her exclusive breakdown of the Walters war, dream matchups, and unbreakable drive!

“The What’s Next Kid” Travis Smith

 Gets A Minute With The Chamion Alycia Baumgardner! 

(April 16th) “The What’s Next Kid” Travis Smith catches  Alycia Baumgardner at the    weigh-ins for her IBF/WBO World Super featherweight Title fight versus South Korea's Bo Mi Re Shin main event, live on ESPN from the “Mecca of Boxing,” Madison Square Garden in New York City.

“The What’s Next Kid” 

Sits Down With One Of Boxing’s Promising

Names Out of Maryland - Jahmal Harvey

Nicknamed “Hard Rock,” Harvey’s journey started at just 12 years old when a football coach spotted the athleticism and pushed him toward the ring. From there, he didn’t just compete—he dominated the amateur scene.

World Champion in 2021. Pan American Games gold in 2023. A ticket punched to the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he reached the featherweight quarterfinals. Seven youth and junior international gold medals along the way.

Now he’s sharpening his tools at SwiftNation Boxing in Upper Marlboro under coach Darrell Davis, building a pro style inspired by the ring IQ of Terence Crawford—and grounded by family every step of the way.

Next up, Harvey returns to action this Friday April 17th against veteran Daniel Lugo, a 10-fight pro out of Tucson, Arizona, on the MVPW-02 undercard at the iconic Madison Square Garden.

That card is headlined by Alycia Baumgardner taking on Bo Mi Re Shin for the WBO Super Featherweight World Title.

Since turning pro in August 2025 with Most Valuable Promotions, Harvey has made quick work of the opposition—stopping Marcelo Del Aguila in round one in his debut, then rolling to a shutout unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Kevin Cervantes.

The message is clear—Jahmal Harvey is here, and he’s moving fast.

Travis Catches Up With Unbeaten

MVP Flyweight Natalie Dove

“The What’s Next Kid” Travis Smith catches up with MVP’s Philadelphia-based, unbeaten flyweight and 15-time U.S. National Champion amateur standout Natalie Dove ahead of her Most Valuable Promotions - MVPW-02 showdown against Westvale, California’s Maria Micheo Santizo. The bout takes place this Friday night, April 17th  on the undercard of the Alycia Baumgardner vs. Bo Mi Re Shin WBO World Super Featherweight Title main event, live on ESPN from the “Mecca of Boxing,” Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The What's Next Kid

and 

WBO Welterweight Champion Mikaela Mayer

(March 31st) Step inside a “What’s Next Kid” unfiltered conversation with champion, trailblazer, and one of boxing’s most disciplined minds, Colorado Springs, Colorado’s, 2016 U.S. Olympian, WBO/IBF World Super Featherweight, The Ring Super Featherweight and WBO Welterweight Champion Mikaela Mayer.