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”.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can grab your tickets HERE and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the full interview coming very soon.
Details released of Andy Burnham’s meetings with Manchester City owners while Mayor
Emily Sergeant
Details of Andy Burnham’s meetings with Manchester City owners during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester have been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed on the situation a little first, Manchester City was found guilty back in September all of its charges related to the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-season period, and on top of that, was also found guilty of the majority of charges in relation to its failure to co-operate with the League’s investigation.
According to the Premier League, the independent Commission found that Manchester City had arranged so-called ‘sham’ commercial deals with a number of its sponsors.
These were part of a disguised funding scheme – with those sponsors only required to pay a portion of the relevant sponsorship fees.
The remainder was then funded by Abu Dhabi United Group Investment & Development Ltd (ADUG), which owned the club.
The Commission also concluded, as quoted by the Premier League, that the club had ‘made concerted efforts to stop and frustrate the Premier League investigation’.
Within the past week or so, it has since come to light that now-Prime Minister Andy Burnham had dealings with Manchester City during his tenure as Greater Manchester Mayor, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has now issued a public statement, giving details on the matter and what these ‘dealings’ entailed.
A spokesperson for GMCA confirmed that Burnham had a ‘formal meeting’ with Man City Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, back in October 2021.
The statement reads in full: “In October 2021, Andy Burnham, in his role as Mayor of Greater Manchester, had a formal meeting with Khaldoon Al Mubarak at the UK Government’s Global Investment Summit arranged by the Department for International Trade.
“In his capacity as Mayor, he was a guest of Manchester City FC at home matches on a small number of occasions, including attending Vincent Kompany’s testimonial match in September 2019, where he met the Chairman informally in the stands. These have been declared in the usual way.
“Also during his time as Mayor, representatives of Greater Manchester sporting clubs would routinely join business delegations as part of Mayoral international visits.
“This included representatives from Manchester United travelling to Austin and Dublin, Lancashire Cricket Club joining a delegation to India, and Manchester City FC staff supporting visits to China and Japan.”
Featured Image – Lauren Hurley / Number 10 Downing Street (Press Image via Flickr)
Sport
Multiple arrests made for ‘tragedy chanting’ and police officer assault as Man City defeated Liverpool
Emily Sergeant
Multiple people were arrested over the weekend as Manchester City defeated Liverpool in a Premier League clash.
Merseyside Police have confirmed that a total of 10 people were arrested during the policing operation at Liverpool’s home ground of Anfield as they hosted Manchester City on Sunday 11 October.
One man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police constable, five were on suspicion of tragedy chanting, one on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, two for affray, and one on suspicion of throwing items onto the pitch.
Police are now appealing to the public, and are particularly looking to speak to witnesses of the assault of the officer.
At around 6:35pm, as fans left the stadium, a police officer sustained a ‘serious facial injury’ during the arrest of a man on Anfield Road, and was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment but is now recovering at home.
Investigating officers are now conducting enquiries, speaking to witnesses, and analysing CCTV and camera phone footage.
Chief Inspector Leanne Hobin said it’s ‘extremely disappointing’ that an officer has sustained a serious injury while carrying out their duty.
“I hope the arrests send a clear message and act as a deterrent to others,” Chief Inspector Hobin continued. “Anyone who engages in this abhorrent behaviour risks ending up in custody and getting a criminal record.
“Despite the actions of a few, the overwhelming majority of the 60,000 fans in attendance behaved well and I want to thank them for their co-operation.”
Manchester City ended up defeated Liverpool 3-0 during the Premier League clash at Anfield.
Danny Jones -
20th November 2023 
