Darren Till vs. Anthony Taylor: Misfits Boxing Main Event Shake-Up
Misfits Boxing’s X Series 020 event, scheduled for January 18, 2025, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom, has taken a dramatic turn in the lead-up to fight night.
Initially billed as a showdown between MMA star Darren Till and crossover boxer Tommy Fury, the event’s main event now features Darren Till going head-to-head with Anthony Taylor, following a controversial withdrawal by Fury.
The Backstory: From Tommy Fury to Anthony Taylor
The anticipated clash between Till and Fury promised to be a spectacle, with fans eagerly awaiting the MMA vs. boxing dynamic in the squared circle. However, tensions flared during a pre-event press conference when Darren Till, known for his playful yet brash personality, jokingly stated he might kick Tommy Fury during the bout, despite it being a boxing match. This lighthearted comment, though made in jest, seemed to rattle Fury, sparking speculation about his confidence going into the fight.
Fury subsequently withdrew from the event, with sources close to the fighter citing concerns over Till’s unpredictability. Critics and fans, however, have not been shy about labeling the withdrawal as a case of nerves or even fear, fueling debates across social media. Fury’s decision left a void in the main event, prompting Misfits Boxing to enlist Anthony Taylor—a familiar face in crossover boxing—to step in as Till’s opponent.
Darren Till vs. Anthony Taylor: The New Main Event
The new matchup between Darren Till and Anthony Taylor adds a different layer of intrigue to the event. Taylor, a seasoned Misfits Boxing competitor and former MMA fighter himself, brings a wealth of experience and charisma to the fight. Till, on the other hand, will be leveraging his striking background from MMA to test his skills in a new arena.
While the shift in opponents may have dampened the initial buzz, the clash between Till and Taylor still promises fireworks. Both fighters are known for their aggressive styles and trash-talking abilities, ensuring an entertaining build-up and an action-packed contest.
The Event Lineup
Aside from the headliner, the card features a diverse mix of talent, blending influencer boxing with professional-level matchups. Notable bouts include Little T vs. Afghan Dan in a welterweight clash and Wade Plemons taking on Masai Warrior in the cruiserweight division. The event underscores Misfits Boxing’s unique approach to blending entertainment and combat sports.
Final Thoughts
Misfits Boxing X Series 020 is shaping up to be another memorable night for the promotion, albeit for reasons different than originally planned. With Darren Till now facing Anthony Taylor, the main event retains its high-stakes allure, offering fans a chance to witness two skilled combatants clash in the ring. While Tommy Fury’s absence casts a shadow over the event, the show must go on—and it promises to deliver.
You can watch the event via DAZN, with the action kicking off live from Manchester on January 18, 2025.
