Former UFC fighter Darren Till is set to make his return to the boxing ring this weekend, headlining the rescheduled Misfits Boxing 21 event against fellow `Darren`, Darren Stewart. This bout follows Till`s victory over Anthony Taylor earlier this year.
The main event featuring Till and Stewart will take place at Vaillaint Live in Derby. Till transitioned to boxing after leaving the UFC in 2023 and has expressed no plans to return to MMA. His original Misfits debut was scheduled against Tommy Fury in January, but Fury withdrew from the fight.
Darren Stewart, known as an MMA specialist, previously announced his retirement from mixed martial arts in August 2024 due to financial difficulties, even taking a job on a train line. His upcoming boxing match against Till is seen by him as a “second chance” in combat sports.
The bout is set at the cruiserweight limit. Reflecting on his most recent win, Till described it simply as “just another day at the office.” In comments made to The Independent, he embraced his position within the Misfits platform, stating he`s “probably the only real misfit” there, suggesting he`s one of the few with actual fighting pedigree.
Till also revealed that he had predicted Tommy Fury would pull out of their scheduled fight shortly after their press conference. He claimed his presence “terrorized” Fury into withdrawing and suggested other boxers should be thankful as they were “sick of” the Fury family presence. Despite these remarks about the fight, Till maintained he has no personal issues with Tommy Fury, as he doesn`t know him personally.
When is Misfits 21: Till vs Stewart?
- The Misfits Boxing 21 card, headlined by Darren Till vs Darren Stewart, was rescheduled after KSI`s original main event was cancelled.
- The event is scheduled for Friday, May 16, held at the Vaillant Live arena in Derby.
- Doors open at 5pm BST, with the broadcast coverage anticipated to begin at 7pm BST.
- The main event ring walks for Till vs Stewart are estimated for 10:30pm BST, although this timing is subject to change based on the preceding fights.
How to Watch and Live Stream
- Misfits 21 will be broadcast live by DAZN.
- In the UK, viewers can watch the event on the DAZN TV channel (requires an additional subscription).
- A live stream is also available globally via the DAZN website or through their downloadable app.
- DAZN subscription options in the UK include an annual pass for £119.99 (equivalent to £9.99/month), a one-year commitment plan billed monthly at £14.99, or a flexible monthly pass for £24.99 which can be cancelled anytime.
Full Fight Card
- Darren Till vs Darren Stewart, cruiserweight (Main Event)
- Idris Virgo vs Ty Mitchell, light heavyweight – For the MF Pro Title
- Chase DeMoor vs Tank Tolman, heavyweight – For the MFB Title
- Walid Sharks vs FoxTheG, lightweight
- Jordan Banjo vs Wil Anderson, heavyweight
- Amir Anderson vs TBA, middleweight
- Joey Knight vs Andy Howson, lightweight
- Wakey Wines vs MoDeen, heavyweight
- Dylan Price vs TBA, super bantamweight
- Tempo Art vs Big Tobz vs Godson Umeh vs Curtis Pritchard, heavyweight – Survivor Tag Bout
What They`ve Said
“There`s a lot of respect between me and Darren [Stewart],” Till commented at the pre-fight press conference. “We`ve fought on two shows together. Darren`s a good lad. He`s a solid competitor. I know he can fight, I know he`s got a big pair of bollocks on him. I haven`t really got a lot to say. I`m coming Friday.”
He continued, “I think a lot of people get confused between respect and disrespect. I think a lot of people expect me to go mad [since the Tommy fight] but that`s not the case. You`ve all known me for years now. I am one of the best strikers in the world and I`m coming for violence on Friday as always. It`s going to be a hell of a show.”
Stewart added his thoughts: “I know he`s going to bring it. I`m going to bring it. This is the place to show it and I`m thankful to be on. I`m here to entertain, and that`s what I do.”
