Tony Ferguson's Boxing Gamble: Why "El Cucuy" vs Salt Papi Could Be Pure Chaos

By Lewis Barnett 29 August, 2025 5 mins read 249 Views

Look, I've seen some wild career pivots in my time covering combat sports, but Tony Ferguson jumping into Misfits Boxing after eight straight UFC losses? That's either brilliant or completely insane.

Maybe both.

This Saturday at Manchester's AO Arena, "El Cucuy" steps into a completely different world when he faces Salt Papi for the MFB Interim Middleweight title. And honestly? I'm here for every second of this beautiful mess.

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The TikTok Star Who Actually Throws Hands

Salt Papi isn't just some random influencer looking for a payday. Nathaniel Bustamante (yeah, that's his real name) has been grinding in Misfits for three years now, racking up four wins in six fights. His last victory over King Kenny in November was actually pretty solid - no joke.

The Filipino content creator brings 5+ million TikTok followers and legitimate boxing skills. Ferguson's walking into a buzz saw if he thinks this is gonna be easy money.

But here's the thing about Tony Ferguson - easy was never his style anyway.

From 12-Fight Win Streak to... This

God, remember when Ferguson was unstoppable? That 12-fight UFC winning streak from 2013-2019 was pure artistry. The guy was doing backflips off cages and ankle picking elite fighters like it was nothing.

Then everything fell apart. Eight straight losses. EIGHT. In a sport where your brain is literally your most valuable asset, that's terrifying math.

My buddy who trains at Jackson Wink told me last month: "Tony's still got that dog in him, but his chin..." He just shook his head. Fair point, but boxing gloves hit different than 4-ounce MMA gloves. Maybe that works in Ferguson's favor?

Manchester's About to Get Weird

The AO Arena on August 30th is going to be absolutely electric. Stream starts at 7pm BST, but the real action - Ferguson vs Salt Papi - kicks off around 10pm.

This whole card is stacked with chaos:

Darren Till vs Luke Rockhold headlines (two former UFC stars trying to reinvent themselves), Dillon Danis is somehow still getting fights, and Joey Essex is boxing because apparently 2024 wasn't weird enough already.

How to Watch This Trainwreck

DAZN's got exclusive rights, which means you're looking at either £24.99 monthly or £119.99 for the full year. Honestly, if you're into combat sports at all, teh annual deal isn't terrible - they stream 185+ fights yearly across boxing, MMA, and bare knuckle.

Or just follow SunSport's live blog like the rest of us degenerates who can't look away from this beautiful disaster.

Why I'm Actually Excited

Listen, I know this sounds like celebrity boxing nonsense. But Ferguson's desperation combined with Salt Papi's genuine skill? That's a recipe for something special.

Tony's got nothing left to lose. He's 40, his MMA career is over, and he needs to prove he can still compete at something. Meanwhile, Salt Papi's trying to legitimize himself beyond social media fame.

Sometimes the best fights come from the most unexpected places. This Saturday might just remind us why we fell in love with combat sports in the first place.

Or it could be a complete disaster. Either way, I'm watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can boxing help improve mental health?

Boxing has the ability to significantly improve mental well-being by reducing stress and improving mood. It also boosts self-esteem while promoting discipline. Training can serve as a type of meditation to help clear the mind.

When can I start boxing?

Boxing is a great sport for anyone of any age, provided they are healthy and their doctor has given them clearance. Boxing adapts to all fitness levels and age groups.

What diet should a beginning boxer follow to get the best results?

Beginner boxers should eat a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle growth and repair, healthy fats to increase endurance, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. Drinking plenty of water is important before, during and after your workouts.

What is the correct stance for boxing?

Classic boxing stance is standing with the feet shoulder-widths apart, leading foot forward and rear foot at 45-degree angles. Your weight should be balanced on your ball of the feet. Your knees need to be slightly bent. Keep your hands up to protect your face, with elbows tucked in to guard your torso.

What equipment am I required to start boxing?

You need essential equipment to begin boxing. This is for your safety and training. Boxing gloves are essential, as well as hand wraps for protecting your wrists and fingers, a protective mouthguard and a headgear when sparring. Boxing shoes and athletic clothing that is comfortable are also recommended to improve movement and support.

How long will it take me to be proficient at boxing?

The time taken to become proficient in Boxing can vary widely between individuals. It depends on factors like natural ability and consistency in training. On average, with regular training, you could see significant improvement in your basic skills within a few months.

Statistics

Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
Studies suggest that about 30% of beginner boxers tend to neglect the importance of footwork in their initial training phase.
Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
Women are joining boxing in increasing numbers, rising by about 15% in the past decade, indicating growing gender diversity in the sport.
Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.

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How To

Wrapping your hands for boxing training

Hand wrapping is a vital step in preventing injuries. Start by wrapping the wrap around your thumb and rolling it over your back three times. Wrap three times around your knuckles, then crisscross your fingers. Continue to create a tight knot at the wrist. Finish the wrap with some more crisscrosses. Secure the Velcro. The wrap should feel snug but still allow flexibility to make a good fist.