Darren Till vs Tommy Fury confirmed as Liverpool UFC star prepares for boxing debut
Liverpool UFC star-turned-boxer Darren Till and boxer Tommy Fury are set to go head-to-head in a blockbuster fight at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on January 18.
Till left the UFC scene after winning 18 and drawing one of his mixed martial arts fights in February 2023 to pursue other interests. The 31-year-old was scheduled to make his professional boxing debut against Mexican former WBC middleweight boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr on the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson undercard in July in a six round cruiserweight bout. However, due to a health issue with Tyson, the event was postponed.
Instead, Till fought Palestinian mixed martial artist Mohammad Mutie on 6 July 2024, in an exhibition bout at Social Knockout 3 in Dubai. Till was awarded victory by technical knockout despite a punch landing on the back of Mutie's head - something that angered him and caused a brawl to spark out.
READ MORE: Molly McCann lifts lid on her relationship with UFC star Paddy Pimblett from day one
READ MORE: Paddy Pimblett has Liverpool plan to convince Dana White to sanction Anfield UFC fight
And now, Till is finally set to make his professional boxing debut when he faces Fury, the half-brother of former heavyweight champion in January. The fight is set to be promoted by Misfits boxing and will be streamed live on DAZN pay-per-view.
Speaking after the announcement, Till said: "January 18 is my time, my night."
Meanwhile, Fury said: "It feels great to, finally, say that I am back! I have been out of the ring far too long, I’ve been getting itchy knuckles, and so I am thrilled to be able to announce my return.
"This is extra special as I am the A-side and headlining a massive event in my hometown and in front of my fans, at Co-op Live. Till had a good UFC career but he’s stepping into the boxing ring now, against a proper pro, and he will quickly realise that he is out of his depth, and this is not the game for him. I plan on dealing with Till in conclusive fashion and then chasing even bigger fights in 2025."
Mams Taylor, Co-President of Misfits Boxing, said: "We are starting 2025 with a serious statement of intent! Fury vs. Till is an absolute banger, one of the biggest crossover fights that can be made, and it will set up the X Series for a record-breaking year.
"The build-up to this is going to be compelling, it could get personal, and the fight will be one of the most brutal we have ever seen on Misfits. Get your tickets now!”
Kalle Sauerland, Co-President of Misfits Boxing, said: "Fury vs. Till is an absolute Misfits Boxing blockbuster. On January 18, at the brilliant new Co-op Live, it is Manchester vs. Liverpool - and it’s going to be electric.
"Fury knows victory sets himself up for a giant year but Till steps into the Misfits Boxing ring for the very first time, straining at the leash and ready to take a giant scalp. We expect an incredibly red-hot atmosphere in the arena with a big undercard to be announced shortly."