Former UFC welterweight title challenger Darren Till is gearing up for his first fight of 2025, as he takes on Anthony Taylor in the main event of Misfits X Series 20. The highly anticipated bout is scheduled for January 18 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, marking Till’s return to the boxing ring after his debut earlier this year.
New main event CONFIRMED ✅
Anthony Taylor steps in to face Darren Till in Manchester, January 18th while Wade takes on Masai Warrior 🔥@MF_DAZNXSeries | @KickStreaming | @PrimeHydrate pic.twitter.com/REaqCvvQiS
— Misfits Boxing (@MisfitsBoxing) December 29, 2024
The announcement comes as a surprise to many fans who were expecting Till to face Tommy Fury. However, Fury withdrew from the matchup due to Till’s controversial threats of kicking during their boxing match, which would have been illegal in the sport. This last-minute change has added an extra layer of intrigue to the event, with Taylor stepping in as a worthy opponent.
Tommy Fury said he’s NOT fighting Darren Till over his threat to use MMA in the ring 😅 pic.twitter.com/BUXuDVTqvH
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) December 6, 2024
Darren Till’s Journey From UFC to Boxing Stardom
Darren Till’s transition from MMA to boxing has been nothing short of dramatic. After his release from the UFC in late 2022, Till made his boxing debut in July 2024 with an exhibition bout that ended in a TKO victory in the second round. However, the win was not without controversy, as a brawl erupted in the ring following a questionable shot to the back of his opponent’s head.
that time darren till’s boxing match turned into a brawl, and he got taken down ☠️ pic.twitter.com/Vskqc83lZo
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) November 22, 2024
This upcoming fight against Anthony Taylor represents a crucial moment in Till’s career. It’s not just his first professional boxing match, but also an opportunity to prove himself in a new arena and potentially kickstart a successful boxing career. The eight-round heavyweight bout will test Till’s striking skills and his ability to adapt to the nuances of boxing after years of competing in MMA.
Misfits Boxing Blends Entertainment and Sport
The Misfits X Series has quickly become a popular platform for crossover fights, blending the worlds of traditional boxing, MMA, and social media influencers. This event is no exception, featuring a co-main event between Wade Plemons and Masai Warrior in a four-round heavyweight clash.
👹🗡️ pic.twitter.com/8RTvgk73Yr
— DT (@darrentill2) December 29, 2024
The promotion’s ability to attract former UFC stars like Till demonstrates its growing influence in the combat sports world. Misfits Boxing has created a unique entertainment product that appeals to a broad audience by mixing established fighters with up-and-coming talents and social media personalities.
The choice of Manchester’s Co-op Live as the venue adds another layer of excitement to the event. As one of the UK’s premier boxing cities, Manchester provides the perfect backdrop for Till’s homecoming fight. The local crowd is expected to be firmly behind the Liverpool native, creating an electric atmosphere for the main event.
As the fight night approaches, all eyes will be on Darren Till. Can he translate his MMA striking prowess into boxing success? Will Anthony Taylor prove to be a spoiler in Till’s boxing aspirations? These questions and more will be answered on January 18, as Misfits X Series 20 promises to deliver an unforgettable night of action.
