Just over a month on from another celebrity-based exhibition in the form of KSI vs Tommy Fury, a fight which was touted as one of the biggest blockbuster matches of the year, Michael Bisping has branded the fight as “the worst sh*show we’ve ever seen”.
Speaking to The Manc in an exclusive interview earlier this month, we talked about everything from his podcast and upcoming tour with Paul Craig and newly crowned UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion, Tom Aspinall, to losing his eye, career highlights and much, much more.
Another topic Bisping had plenty of thoughts on was the ongoing trend of exhibition fights between celebs, influencers and non-traditional boxers, citing KSI and Tommy Fury’s widely watched bout in particular as one that says was categorically “a bad thing”.
Taking the mick out of YouTuber turned entrepreneur and musician, KSI, “doing jumping jacks in the ring”, the MMA legend described the whole event not only as a “robbery” but “the worst sh*show we’ve ever seen”.
Credit: The Manc Group/Tommy Fury (via Instagram)
Bisping went on to insist that “anyone who bought a ticket or paid to watch that absolute crap deserves their money back”.
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On the other hand, the 44-year-old from Clitheroe did concede that this current advent is exposing the “younger, so-called YouTube generation” to the sport and “could inspire them to start watching real boxing”, hit the gym or simply just start exercising more.
Nevertheless, he reiterated that the trend is a “spectacle” and “a bit of a show” first and foremost but that he still respects that those involved are continuing to get out there and make money.
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As for whether he’d ever consider coming out of retirement for an exhibition like that, despite stating that he’s had a genuine “contractual offer to fight Jake Paul” — another character he admits he finds annoying when he calls out not only himself but other respected pros like Canelo Álvarez — he assured it is definitely not on the cards.
With a date in London and here in Manchester at the O2 Apollo, the decorated fighter said that local fans can expect plenty more than just a bit of industry chat, teasing not only some fun games and daft surprises but even some special guests who he was wise to reveal any more details about.
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You can grab your tickets HERE and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the full interview coming very soon.
Tommy Fury announces huge fight against former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall
Daisy Jackson
Tommy Fury has announced his next major boxing match – against a rather unlikely opponent.
The Manc boxer and former Love Island star will face Eddie Hall, who once reigned as the World’s Strongest Man and was the first person on the planet to deadlift 500kg.
The match, billed as Beauty vs The Beast (we’ll let you decide who’s who…), will take place at the AO Arena this summer.
Tommy Fury and Eddie Hall will be facing off in Manchester as part of the Misfits Boxing series, a sports promotion company founded by YouTube sensation KSI.
26-year-old Fury – younger brother of heavyweight legend Tyson Fury – remains unbeaten, seeing off all-comers in the crossover boxing world.
As for 38-year-old Eddie Hall (nicknamed The Beast), he retired as a strongman competitor, where he’s previously been crowned the World’s Strongest Man, and has now pivoted into combat sports.
The pair have collaborated recently on several videos online, taking on challenges like a One Punch Knockout and a breakfast eating competition.
But this will be the first time they’ve publicly faced off in the ring.
Misfirst Boxing has once more delivered the biggest match-ups possible in the crossover boxing space, with Fury vs. Hall promising to be a titanic tussle that will captivate fans around the world.
Tommy Fury vs Eddie Hall, Beauty vs The Beast, will take place on Saturday 13 June at the AO Arena in Manchester – you can get tickets HERE.
Corey Blackett-Taylor ruled out injured for the rest of the season
Danny Jones
Bolton Wanderers winger Corey Blackett-Taylor has been ruled out for the rest of the season following injury.
With not that long left in this year’s campaign and the playoff scrap set to ramp up even further in the coming weeks, it’s an unfortunate twist of fate for the Trotters.
Despite still being only a relatively recent signing, having just joined Bolton in the most recent January transfer window, it didn’t take long for him to make a good impression.
Scoring on debut in a 1-0 away win against AFC Wimbledon, the 28-year-old is now set to miss the remainder of the 2025/26 term, letting supporters know the news on Friday, 27 March.
Blackett-Taylor was forced off in the game against Rotherham United after pulling up in the wake of taking a shot, ultimately being subbed in the first half.
It was quickly confirmed to be a thigh injury, and while the specific nature and severity of the damage haven’t been fully detailed, he has now informed fans that his season is over.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “Instantly from arriving at the club, I felt the passion and support from the fans, club, staff and players.
“I have no doubts [about] the club achieving their targets of promotion – I want to say a huge thank you for making me feel so welcomed and comfortable. Unfortunately, my season is concluded due to my injury, but I’ll be here supporting the team to the very end.”
He isn’t the only impactful League One player at a side eyeing up the Championship to have been hampered by setbacks on the physio bench, with rivals Stockport County also confirming an absence at this crucial point in the campaign.
Not ideal for either of the Greater Manchester hopefuls.
Once again, while the recovery period for both of these players has already begun, the exact timelines for their return remain to be seen.
That being said, chances are we’ll see the Derby County loanee back in action before Hills, though we’ll have to wait to find out whether it will be at the Toughsheet Stadium or back with his parent club.
Who do you think is going to clinch that third promotion place at Wembley come this May?
Danny Jones -
20th November 2023 
