In this explosive episode of the Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with one of British boxing’s rawest, realest voices — George “Hit Hard” Hillyard.

A former England boxing team standout, seasoned professional boxer, and now a feared force in BKB (Bare Knuckle Boxing), George takes us on a no-filter, behind-the-scenes journey through the brutal realities of the fight game. From representing England in 2004 to navigating the cutthroat world of professional boxing,

George opens up about career-changing decisions, boxing politics, financial traps fighters fall into, and the mental battles he faced on and off the canvas. He breaks down the truth behind being a “product” in boxing, shares hilarious and emotional memories with legends like Kevin Mitchell, and reveals the highs, lows, scandals, and sacrifices that shaped his career.

George also talks about life in Bare Knuckle Boxing, upcoming fights, his incredible comeback mindset, and the exclusive documentary currently in production that exposes everything the boxing world never shows you. If you love UK boxing, combat sports, real fighter stories, or motivational interviews from athletes who’ve lived the struggle, this is a MUST-WATCH. ⏱️

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Intro to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:16 – Meet George “Hit Hard” Hillyard

00:47 – England Team Beginnings & Early Career

02:32 – Transition to Professional Boxing

04:14 – Controversies, Politics & Dark Sides of Boxing

19:43 – George’s BKB (Bare Knuckle Boxing) Journey

33:32 – Training, Mindset & Discipline

35:19 – Influencers in Boxing & Future Plans

38:40 – How Boxing Discipline Led to Music

39:10 – The Harsh Business Reality of Boxing

39:49 – Why Boxers Must Be a Product

40:27 – Love-Hate Relationship With the Sport

41:00 – Memories of Kevin Mitchell

42:32 – Celebrity Moments & Football Memories

44:55 – The Super Middleweights Era

57:20 – Behind the Scenes of His New Documentary

58:59 – Social Media’s Impact on Modern Boxers

01:00:55 – Lessons, Regrets & Career Reflections

01:03:13 – Random Questions & Mad Stories

01:10:35 – What’s Next for George Hillyard

🍰 The Champ and Contender Podcast: Liam Charles on Baking Fame, British Bake Off & More! 🎂 In this episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with special guest Liam Charles, best known for his time on The Great British Bake Off and as a presenter on Bake Off: The Professionals. 👨‍🍳 From a 16-year-old with a sweet tooth to becoming one of the UK’s most loved bakers, authors, and TV personalities, Liam shares his inspiring story filled with creativity, humour, and honesty. 💬 Expect plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes Bake Off stories, and real talk about balancing artistic passion with technical precision, the therapeutic side of baking, and his journey in the spotlight. Plus, don’t miss our fun “Shot Stopper” game where Liam reveals his favourite bakes and guilty pleasures! 🎧 Whether you’re a baking enthusiast, a Bake Off superfan, or simply love hearing genuine, inspiring conversations — this one’s for you!

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to The Champ and Contender Podcast

00:18 – Introducing Today’s Guest: Liam Charles

01:10 – Liam’s Journey into Baking

02:38 – School Days and Early Baking Ventures

06:59 – The Great British Bake Off Experience

10:32 – Life After Bake Off

22:15 – Hosting Bake Off: The Professionals

27:23 – Personal Reflections and Future Plans

37:25 – The Passion for Trainers and Baking

38:12 – Combining Passions: Trainers and Cakes

38:33 – Customizing Trainers and Monthly Baking Videos

39:09 – The Purpose Behind Baking

39:40 – Sharing Bakes and Social Media

40:26 – Shot Stopper Game: TV Shows and Bakes

47:21 – Favourite British Desserts

50:27 – Dealing with Allergies in Baking

53:38 – Staying Grounded and Favourite Hangouts

55:45 – Football Talk: United and Transfers

01:02:18 – Celebrity Interactions and Baking for Stars

01:04:36 – Final Quiz: Last Orders

01:09:26 – Advice for Aspiring Bakers

01:10:59 – Conclusion and Farewell

✨ Follow Us on Socials 📺 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast 📸 Instagram: @fabsfitnessuk | @josephjjones

🎙️ Interview with Dean Franklin — Winner of The Apprentice 2025 | Champ and Contender Podcast

In this episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with Dean Franklin, the winner of The Apprentice 2025 🏆 From grafting in air conditioning to standing in the boardroom with Lord Alan Sugar, Dean breaks down his full journey — the grind, the mindset, and the madness behind winning one of the UK’s toughest business shows 💼🔥 He opens up about: 💨 Starting DL Air Conditioning from scratch during lockdown 💡 Lessons learned from The Apprentice boardroom 🤝 Working with Alan Sugar 🧠 Entrepreneur tips for anyone chasing success 🤣 Plus — the fan-favourite Shot Stopper game returns with a business twist: Steve Jobs vs Elon Musk, Walt Disney vs Bill Gates, and more! Real talk, pure banter, and serious insight into what it actually takes to win The Apprentice and build your own business empire 👊

⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Champ and Contender Podcast

00:27 – Introducing Dean Franklin: The Apprentice Winner

01:11 – Dean’s Journey into Air Conditioning

02:18 – Starting a Business During Lockdown

03:42 – The Apprentice Experience

05:33 – Challenges and Triumphs on The Apprentice

06:40 – Life After The Apprentice

16:14 – Dean’s Early Business Ventures

27:16 – The Essex Identity and Accents

32:03 – A Game of Shot Stopper

32:29 – Boxing and Entrepreneurs

32:54 – Steve Jobs vs Elon Musk

35:58 – Steve Jobs vs Jeff Bezos

36:25 – Alan Sugar vs Henry Ford

40:06 – Walt Disney vs Bill Gates

43:44 – Life After The Apprentice

57:46 – Final Thoughts and Advice

✨ Follow Us on Socials

📺 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast

📸 Instagram: @fabsfitnessuk | @josephjjones