
God. I've been waiting for this card since March when the original date got scrapped. Two months of extra anticipation has me buzzing like I've had four espressos at 11pm.
DARREN TILL is stepping back between teh ropes tonight as the headline act for Misfits 21, and I'm genuinely pumped to see what he brings against fellow Darren. The rescheduled card is finally happening in Derby after what felt like an eternity of waiting. Remember when KSI pulled out and everything went to hell? My mate lost £50 on non-refundable train tickets to the original event. Poor bloke.
Till's been on a roll since leaving UFC. 2-0 in his boxing career so far, taking down Mohammad Mutie on that Mo Vlogs undercard (which I stayed up till 3am to watch, terrible life choice) and then handling Anthony Taylor pretty convincingly back in January.
Tonight's the night... finally!
The delay must've been frustrating for both fighters. Till was ready to go in March before KSI canceled his Dillon Danis fight and the whole card collapsed like my motivation during lockdown 2020.

Stewart's story actually hits me in the feels. Had to walk away from MMA because he couldn't make ends meet financially. Ended up working on railway lines to pay bills before boxing gave him what he calls a "second chance." I interviewed a few ex-MMA guys last year who told me similar stories - the fight game can be brutally unforgiving with the bills.
What time should I be glued to my screen?
If you're planning your Friday night around this (like I am, much to my girlfriend's annoyance), here's the timeline:
Doors at the Vaillant Live arena in Derby swing open at 5pm. TONIGHT - Friday, May 16th.
DAZN broadcast kicks off at 7pm BST with all the prelim action.

For the main event - Till vs Stewart - expect ring walks around 10:30pm BST. Though between us, these cards always run behind schedule. Last Misfits event I covered, the main event was nearly an hour late. Just saying.
Watching without breaking the bank
Look, I'm not gonna pretend DAZN is cheap. But there are options.
Annual subscription runs £119.99 upfront (works out at about £10 a month if you do the math) or monthly payments of £14.99.
If you're commitment-phobic like me, there's the flexible pass at £24.99 monthly that you can cancel whenever you want. I signed up for the Anthony Joshua fight last month and forgot to cancel... £24.99 lesson learned.
You can watch on DAZN TV, their website, or the app. I'll be using the app because my smart TV is about as reliable as British weather.
Or just follow SunSport's live blog if you're skint. We'll cover every punch, every knockdown, every bit of between-round drama.
The whole shebang - full fight card breakdown
This card is stacked beyond just the main event. We've got:
Darren Till vs Darren Stewart in the cruiserweight division as our main course.
Idris Virgo (yes, the Love Island guy who's actually a decent boxer) facing Tyson Fury's former sparring partner Ty Mitchell for the MF pro light heavyweight title.
Chase DeMoor vs Tank Tolman for heavyweight honors.
Walid Sharks taking on FoxTheG in what should be a fast-paced lightweight scrap.
Jordan Banjo (from Diversity - saw him at a coffee shop in London last week looking absolutely massive) fighting Wil Anderson in a heavyweight clash.
Amir Anderson vs TBA (opponent still not confirmed as of my deadline, which is driving my editor insane).
Joey Knight vs Andy Howson at lightweight.
The social media clash everyone's talking about - Wakey Wines vs MoDeen. This one's gonna be wild.
Dylan Price vs another yet-to-be-named opponent.
And that bizarre Survivor Tag match with Tempo Art, Big Tobz, Godson Umeh and Curtis Pritchard. I watched them explain the rules yesterday and I'm still confused.
I've got my money on Till by TKO in round 4... but then again, I've lost £200 betting on fights this year alone. Maybe don't listen to me.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should one look for when hiring a boxing or training coach?
When looking for a trainer or boxing coach, it is important to look at their coaching style compatibility and experience. They should also have a good understanding of the technical and strategy aspects of boxing. A good coach will also stress safety, conditioning and personal growth. To reach your boxing potential, you need a coach who is able to motivate and communicate well.
Anyone can learn how to box professionally.
While boxing is accessible to many, not everyone will have what it takes to compete at a professional level. Professional boxing demands a unique combination of talent as well as physical abilities, mental strength and dedication. Prospective boxers should also be willing accept the inherent risk of the sport. A thorough evaluation by a trainer will help determine the potential of a person to have a successful career in boxing.
How important does physical conditioning play in professional Boxing?
Professional boxing requires a high level of physical conditioning. The sport demands a high level of strength, speed and endurance. Professional boxers have to adhere to a specific fitness program which includes aerobic, anaerobic, strength, resistance, and flexibility exercises. A boxer's performance in the ring and ability to train is severely compromised without superior physical conditioning.
What are the key components of a boxer's training routine?
A boxer’s training program is typically composed of a few key components. Technical skill development, strength and conditioning exercises, sparring and mental preparation are all part of a boxer's training routine. Technique-focused workouts improve punch accuracy and defensive maneuvers, while tactical drills develop fight strategies. Sparring and conditioning exercises provide practical combat experience. Mental training builds confidence, focus and resilience.
What role does a manager or promoter play in the career of a professional boxer?
Managers and promoters play pivotal roles in a boxer's professional career. Managers are in charge of guiding a boxer's professional career, negotiating contracts and managing the boxer’s business affairs. Also, they help select the right fights while looking out for the interests of the boxer. Promoters are more focused on marketing, event organization and attracting sponsorship attention. They also focus on enhancing a boxer’s profile.
What equipment do you need to get started in professional Boxing?
Equipment essential for those who want to get into professional boxing include boxing gloves, mouthguards, headgears (for sparring) and the right footwear. A heavy bag, speed bag, double-end bag, and other training aids are important for technical workouts. You should use durable, high-quality equipment to protect yourself from injury.
What kind of diet should a novice boxer follow?
A beginner boxer should eat a nutritiously balanced diet to fuel intense workouts and encourage recovery. A mix of carbohydrates is best for energy, lean protein to repair and build muscle, and healthy fats to improve overall health. Also, vitamins and minerals, as well as hydration, are important. Consulting a sports nutritionist to develop a diet plan that is tailored for the boxer's weight class and training schedule can be beneficial.
Statistics
- Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
- Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.
- Statistical data indicates that there has been a 15% increase in the number of professional boxing gyms over the last decade.
- On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
- Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
- An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
- As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
External Links
How To
How to Develop Strong Boxing Footwork
Strong boxing footwork is an essential skill for professional boxers. Begin by strengthening your balance with stability exercises. You can use agility ladder drills to enhance your foot speed. You can refine your movements by shadowboxing before a mirror. Use jump ropes to improve rhythm and endurance. Regular sparring sessions can also help you gain practical experience on how to move effectively around the ring when under pressure.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/dave-allens-brutal-honesty-stings-johnny-fisher-you-cant-be-any-good-ahead-of-tense-copper-box-rematch