Manc fighter Tommy Fury has announced his sudden return to boxing after dropping out of this year’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
The Wythenshawe-born boxer hasn’t been in the ring since his victory over YouTube star turned fighter, musician and jack of all trades, KSI, back in December 2023, but he has now booked his next bout.
Preparing to take on former UFC middleweight Darren Till in the New Year, he’s set a blockbuster date for the hometown fight as Fury vs Till will be held at none other than Manchester’s state-of-the-art entertainment venue, Co-op Live.
Not even Tyson has had a Co-op fight yet – at least not the arena one, anyway.
Sharing the official DAZN fight poster this past weekend, the 25-year-old will take on Till as part of the next Misfits event, an ever-growing boxing promotion co-founded by his former opponent KSI.
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This has all transpired very quickly as the 25-year-old looked set to feature on the 2024 I’m a Celeb lineup but ultimately pulled out in the 11th hour.
National treasures and long-serving hosts hosts, Ant and Dec, even made a dig about it on the first episode of this season which aired on Sunday night, expressing their disbelief at replacement Barry McGuigan doing the show before adding, “Well it was either do this or fight the YouTuber on Netflix.”
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Besides the fight against KSI (real name Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji), his Fury‘s most notable fight famously came against fellow influencer and celebrity boxer Jake Paul, in which he was declared the victor following a split decision.
Meanwhile, Paul has continued to dive deeper into his now-pro boxing career, which officially began in 2020, and just recently a shock win over 58-year-old sporting legend Mike Tyson on points – though the exclusive Netflix-produced fight has been accused of being ‘rigged’.
31-year-old Till, on the other hand, has long maintained his opinion of the younger Fury brother’s boxing ability and seems pretty confident he knows what the outcome will be.
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Tommy Fury vs. Darren Till just got announced for January 18th on Misfits Boxing 🤯 pic.twitter.com/gayFTXAmmA
Hailing from Walton, in Liverpool, not only will it be a homecoming night for ‘TNT’ but it will also be an all-North West affair with plenty of local rivalry fuelling both boxers and the crowd.
Tommy Fury vs Darren Till comes to Co-op Live in Manchester on 18 January and it will be just the second combat sports event ever held at the venue after UFC 304 earlier this year, where fellow Manc Tom Aspinall retained his interim heavyweight title.
Co-op Members can access pre-sale from 10am on Tuesday, 19 November, with general admission tickets going live at 6pm later that same day. You can get ready to grab yours HERE.
Featured Images — Ghazi Twaissi (via Wikimedia Commons)/The Manc Group
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Manchester United announce plans for first permanent fan zone at Old Trafford
Danny Jones
Manchester United have revealed the first glimpse at a brand-new fan zone at Old Trafford – the first permanent one of its kind at the ground.
Dubbed ‘The Paddock’ in a nod to the club’s history, the official Man United supporter park is due to open later this year.
Set to be fully unveiled just metres from the Stretford End, the aim is to make it “the closest place to the stadium to enjoy great local food, drink, and lively entertainment.”
The new addition comes after recent consultations with regular season ticket holders who want a dedicated and club-sanctioned space to enjoy themselves before, during and after fixtures.
As you can see from the brief look we’ve now gotten at the fan park, which will be able to hold approximately 1,300 Reds, The Paddock will revolve around food and drink – including some self-service bars – as well as space for live music and other entertainment.
We know the above image is only a little artist’s mock-up, but you can picture local grassroots musicians who support the team being given the opportunity to play the stage, etc.
Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement at United, said: “We’re delighted that in partnership with Levy, we have implemented a wide range of changes to enhance matchdays, bringing greater choice and better service for supporters across the stadium – something fans have told us they want.”
An official statement goes on to read that “the proposed fan zone is the latest example of our continued investment in the atmosphere, fan experience and facilities at Old Trafford, while progressing plans for a new world-class stadium.”
Speaking of which, we recently got more details on where exactly ‘New Trafford’ (not a confirmed title, just FYI) will sit in relation to the existing Theatre of Dreams.
Wharfside will look VERY different in the years to come.
Obviously, all of this news comes as somewhat temporary by default given that we now know the vision of Man United’s new stadium is finally starting to move forward.
However, it is nevertheless good news for matchgoers looking for places to spend extended periods near the venue when going to a game.
At present, this is all still subject to full planning permission, but with former Old Trafford Regeneration Taskforce Members and Greater Manchester Mayor turned Prime Minister Andy Burnham now at the helm, you’d expect something like this to pass through smoothly and quickly.
With an autumn opening date currently set for the opening of The Paddock, it will be interesting to see how well-attended it is given some of the recent sentiments and frustrations surrounding many of the most loyal and dedicated Man United fans.
In case you missed it, even a six-year-old kid and former mascot has seen his ticket restricted due to the attempted crackdown on touts. 😬
Featured Images — Publicity picture (via Manchester United FC)/The Manc Group
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A ‘power’ GB national team player has joined Manchester Basketball for the new season
Danny Jones
Manchester Basketball boast an exciting new addition for the upcoming Super League (SLB) season, as they have announced the signing of experienced Great Britain international Luke Nelson.
A forceful GB Basketball player who has represented his country on numerous occasions on the big stage, Luke Nelson links up with MCR ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The London-born guard last played in the domestic league for familiar foes, London Lions, having already enjoyed a pro career that’s taken him to France, Germany, Spain and most recently Hungary, after a successful four-year college career at UC Irvine in California.
Now heading up North for his domestic comeback, the 31-year-old will bring plenty of presence in the dressing room and on the court.
Speaking in an official statement, head coach Matthew Otten said: “Luke Nelson is a power signing for us and as a domestic. He’s a big guard that’s played at high levels including the senior national team, and having a guard with veteran experience is what the team needs.”
“His defence, ability to see the floor and toughness are what stood out, and I look forward to having him.”
Nelson, who plays regularly with the men’s senior national team, commented: “I’m excited for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do this season in Manchester!”
But he’s not the only noteworthy name recently brought into the club, including both new and returning stars, that will excite fans.
As for Nelson, this also means another British national joining the core roster of UK compatriots, including Kayne Henry, Ciaran Sandy, Jonathan Brown, and homegrown favourite Kaiyem Cleary.
Greater Manchester and UK basketball as a whole are in a really good moment at the minute.
For instance, we were buzzing to hear that MMU are not just continuing their commitment but extending their partnership for youth progression pathways with MCR Basketball.
Danny Jones -
18th November 2024 
