Darren Till, a former UFC title challenger, embarked on a new chapter in his combat sports career with a resounding victory at Misfits Boxing 20. Originally slated to face Tommy Fury, Till instead squared off against Anthony Taylor in the main event at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. Till dominated the fight from the opening bell, showcasing superior size, hand speed, and relentless forward pressure. While Taylor initially adopted an aggressive stance, Till’s precise jab and surprising accuracy quickly neutralized the threat. As the rounds progressed, Till grew increasingly confident, finding his rhythm against a smaller and visibly outmatched opponent. Though a knockout seemed imminent earlier in the bout, Till ultimately secured the stoppage victory in the sixth round, sending a clear message of his intentions in the crossover boxing scene.
The fight’s aftermath saw a concerning moment as Anthony Taylor collapsed following post-fight interviews and required assistance to reach the locker room. However, reports quickly emerged confirming Taylor’s stable condition after receiving oxygen. He was subsequently cleared to leave the venue without requiring hospitalization, allaying fears of serious injury. This incident underscored the inherent risks associated with combat sports and emphasized the importance of prompt medical attention.
Till’s decisive win signifies a potentially successful transition to a second combat sports career. His UFC journey, while marked by initial promise and a title shot against Tyron Woodley, ultimately saw a decline following the loss to Woodley. Subsequent defeats to notable opponents like Jorge Masvidal, Robert Whittaker, Derek Brunson, and Dricus du Plessis culminated in his departure from the UFC. However, at 32 years old, Till possesses ample time to re-establish himself in the combat sports world. The burgeoning crossover boxing scene provides a platform for him to remain active, relevant, and potentially achieve new heights.
The victory against Taylor served as a springboard for Till to issue a series of callouts to prominent figures in the crossover boxing landscape. He boldly challenged the likes of Jorge Masvidal, a familiar foe from his UFC days, along with Mike Perry, KSI, and others. These challenges inject an element of intrigue into the crossover boxing scene, raising the prospect of exciting matchups and potentially reigniting old rivalries. Whether any of these called-out fighters accept Till’s challenge remains to be seen, but his presence undoubtedly adds another compelling dimension to the evolving crossover boxing narrative.
The Misfits Boxing 20 event provided a platform for several other fighters to showcase their skills and further their careers. Wade Plemons secured a unanimous decision victory over Masai Warrior, while Ty Mitchell delivered a third-round TKO against Tommy Hench. Melanie Shah and Carla Jade battled to a split draw in a closely contested match, while Little T forced a second-round TKO victory due to injury against Afghan Dan. Sami Hamed made quick work of Ziggy Johnson with a first-round TKO, and Adam Brooks followed suit with a second-round TKO against Gavinio. Finally, BBCC Gareth capped off the night with a first-round TKO victory over Kak Hatt.
The Misfits Boxing 20 event not only marked a successful debut for Darren Till in the crossover boxing world but also showcased a diverse array of talent and exciting matchups. Till’s dominant performance and subsequent callouts have positioned him as a force to be reckoned with in the crossover boxing scene, while the other fighters on the card demonstrated the depth and potential of this rapidly growing segment of combat sports. The event’s success underscores the growing popularity of crossover boxing and sets the stage for future events featuring both established names and rising stars. As the landscape of combat sports continues to evolve, events like Misfits Boxing 20 provide a platform for athletes to explore new opportunities and engage with a wider audience.
