Sport

Michael Bisping brands KSI vs Tommy Fury ‘the worst sh*show we’ve ever seen’

'I don't think anyone watching thought that was a good thing'.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 20th November 2023

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”.

Michael Bisping on KSI
Mike Bisping on Tommy Fury
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.

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As mentioned, Mike ‘The Count’ Bisping is heading back out on tour this December with his ‘Tales From The Octagon 2’ conversation series.

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.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — The Manc Group

Sport

2024 Manchester Marathon raises £29 million for local economy and over £3.7m for charity

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Marathon raises millions for city economy and local charity

Just under a fortnight on from the 2024 Manchester Marathon and the numbers are finally, with the annual race generating nearly £30 million for the local economy and raising over £3.7m for charity.

This year’s Adidas Manchester Marathon saw record numbers of runners and spectators as over 30,000 took part in the popular race, up by roughly 6,000 from 2023, and more than 125k turned up to line the streets of Greater Manchester.

As a result, these huge crowds spent upwards of £29.2 million at business around the city centre and around the 10 boroughs last weekend, serving as one of the most significant contributions to the local economy on the annual calendar.

Not only was this an approximately £8m increase on last year’s tally but, most importantly, a sizeable chunk of that went straight into both regional and national charities.

The 2024 adidas Manchester Marathon was a spectacular day for the city and its economy.

Beyond the boost to local vendors, the hospitality sector and retail businesses, over £3.7 million were allocated to charities such as Alzheimer’s Charity, Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation and The Christie. 

Over £32,000 was also raised for the Trafford Active Fund, with £1 from every paid entry to the Adidas Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half donated directly to the initiative that benefits local sports clubs and organisations through Trafford Council.

Better still, with City of Trees selected as the chosen ‘Green Runner’ charity, the eco-friendly drive saw roughly 7% of participants opt out of receiving either a finisher t-shirt, medal or both.

The money saved in production goes towards maintaining woodlands and wildlife across Greater Manchester.

Fundraising from the Manchester Marathon is one of it’s biggest upshots.

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This year’s Manchester Marathon also helped produce some of the highest number of passengers on public transport in the city’s history, with a over 175,000 journeys made on Metrolink alone – the highest number of journeys ever recorded on a single day.

This was a 20% increase on 2023’s race day (145k), spotlighting how the event continues to be more environmentally conscious as years go by.

With the 2025 adidas Manchester Marathon confirmed to be taking place on Sunday, 27 April next year – and over 12,000 places already sold – the city can already look forward to reaping the economic and social benefits of hosting one of Europe’s largest, flattest, friendliest and most-loved marathons. 

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Adidas Manchester Marathon/The Manc Group

Sport

‘Enough is enough’: Marcus Rashford calls out fans for ‘months’ of abuse

Danny Jones Danny Jones Marcus Rashford responds to fan abuse: 'enough is enough'

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has put his foot down in a social media post, calling for an end to ‘months of abuse’ from both his own supporters and beyond.

It’s fair to say that the 26-year-old hasn’t been enjoying his best season in a United shirt and while he has had his moments this year – his goal against Arsenal and stunning opener in the Manchester derby, just to name a couple – he’s come under a lot of pressure from supporters.

Rashford previously came out to address the situation in a Players Tribune interview back in February, stating, “I can’t have people questioning my commitment to Man United”, but now the England international has reiterated the point after someone came to his defence on X.

Quoting a fan who wrote that “the way Marcus Rashford is being treated is absolutely disgusting”, calling the behaviour online and on matchdays in some cases as “cruel” and downright abuse”, he responded by declaring: “Enough is enough”.

Rashford breaks his silence on the recent abuse.

The Wythenshawe winger has already labelled doubts over his effort levels, love and loyalty to the club “ridiculous”, reiterating time and time again that he’s a boyhood Red, but that hasn’t stopped people continuing to criticise him online.

Sadly, while he’s also insisted that he “can take criticism” and headlines when his performances aren’t quite up to scratch, the negativity hasn’t just been limited to social media and has been spilling out into the matchday stands.

Reports of Rashford being booed off the pitch by his own supporters at Wembley during United’s admittedly chaotic performance against Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final were confirmed by multiple sources at the time.

Although he didn’t comment on the response from the travelling Reds at the time, it’s now clear he was abundantly aware of the frosty reception as he was substituted, with many within the fan base and beyond calling the decision to boo your own players “classless” and “shameful”.

Many have drawn parallels to Harry Maguire’s treatment in recent years.

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With seven goals and five assists to his name across all competitions this season, it’s fair to say Marcus Rashford has been a far cry away from the heights he has managed to hit in recent years.

It was only last season that he hit a career-high record of 40 goal contributions, sitting as one of the most prolific players in all of Europe during another difficult season for the club, even managing to surpass club legend Andy Cole’s record.

Just goes to show how short people’s memories can really be – especially when it comes to football – and Erik ten Hag has already urged patience from his fans when it comes to his players, and not just his number ten.

‘The Beautiful Game’ is and always will be a fickle sport but it’s worth reminding of just how much the academy product has already delivered during his time at Man United. Anyone can have a tough season.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Manchester United (via Instagram)

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