God. I've been tracking these Misfits events since they first started, and lemme tell you - the Derby card this weekend has me weirdly excited. Maybe it's because I've had three coffees already today. Maybe it's the matchmaking. Either way, I'm here for it.
Idris Virgo squares off against hometown hero Ty Mitchell in what's shaping up to be a proper scrap for the Misfits light heavyweight strap. Remember when boxing purists laughed at this whole influencer boxing thing? Now look at us - fully invested in a Love Island contestant fighting for a title. Life comes at you fast.
The Love Islander with an almost perfect record
Virgo (that's the Love Island guy for those who haven't been paying attention) brings a pristine 12-0-1 record into teh ring. The man hasn't tasted defeat yet, though that one draw back in 2019 against Molik has an asterisk next to it - doctor stopped it after Molik's eye got sliced open. Hardly counts as a blemish.
I actually bumped into Virgo at a media event last year. Dude is INTENSE in person. Like, scary focused. He barely acknowledged my attempt at small talk, just nodded and continued shadow boxing in the corner. My photographer whispered, "I think he actually believes he's the next Canelo." Maybe he's onto something.
At 31, Virgo's not exactly a spring chicken in boxing terms, but he's fresh off dominating Benson Henderson back in September. That unanimous decision win wasn't even close.
Mitchell's hometown advantage (could it matter?)
On the other side, we've got Ty Mitchell sporting a decent but not spectacular 3-2 record. But don't sleep on him.
His KO of Thomas Harnett in the third round at Misfits 20 was VICIOUS. I was ringside for that one and nearly spilled my £7 arena beer when that right hand landed. The crowd went absolutely mental.
Mitchell's fighting in Derby - his backyard. Never underestimate home advantage. I've seen fighters transform when they've got friends and family screaming their name. Back in 2018, I watched an undercard fighter nobody gave a chance to absolutely demolish a 10-0 prospect because half the arena seemed to be his cousins.
Wait, wasn't this supposed to happen months ago?
This whole card was originally slated for March 29th, but then KSI had to pull out of his fight with Dillon Danis because he couldn't breathe properly. Some illness thing. Honestly, the rescheduling might've worked out better - the card feels more balanced now.
The main event features Darren Till vs Darren Stewart, which is just... bizarre. Two UFC guys with the same first name headlining a Misfits card? Boxing in 2025 is wild.
How to watch without breaking the bank
Look, I know DAZN subscriptions aren't cheap. £119.99 for the year? In this economy? You can do the monthly thing for £14.99, or that flexible £24.99 deal where you can cancel whenever.
Between us, my brother-in-law shares his login with me. Don't tell anyone. Poor guy probably doesn't even realize I've been using it for the last 8 months.
The main card kicks off around 5pm BST, but DAZN's coverage starts at 7pm. Make of that what you will. The main event with the two Darrens should be around 10:30pm, but you know how these cards go - someone always takes too long walking out or there's a medical timeout that throws everything off schedule.
That stacked undercard though...
Chase DeMoor vs Tank Tolman for the heavyweight strap? Yes please.
And I can't believe they got Jordan Banjo on this card. My wife nearly lost her mind when I told her - apparently he was her childhood crush from Diversity or something. She's coming with me to the arena now, which means I've spent £230 on tickets instead of watching on my brother-in-law's DAZN account. Marriage is expensive.
The Survivor Tag bout with Tempo Art, Big Tobz, Godson Umeh and... Curtis Pritchard? From Love Island? What is happening? This is either going to be the greatest train wreck or most entertaining spectacle of 2025.
I've got £50 on Virgo by decision, but something tells me Mitchell might shock everyone. Home advantage and all that.
See you on the other side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I focus on as a beginner in boxing?
Beginners should focus on proper technique and form. This includes mastering the basic punches, establishing a strong defense, developing footwork, and improving your conditioning. Prioritize technique over power and get guidance from a coach who knows what they are doing.
What equipment will I need to begin boxing?
You need essential equipment to begin boxing. This is for your safety and training. You will need a pair boxing gloves to protect your hands and wrists, a mouthguard and headgear for sparring. Also, comfortable athletic clothes and boxing footwear are recommended for improved movement and support.
Can boxing improve mental well-being?
Boxing improves mental health in many ways. It reduces stress, boosts mood, increases self-esteem, promotes discipline, and provides a sense accomplishment. Training can serve as a type of meditation to help clear the mind.
What are the common mistakes new boxers make?
The most common mistakes are: overextending your punches; dropping your hands; ignoring defense; holding your breath. To prevent these mistakes from becoming habitual, a qualified coach can identify them and correct them early.
How important are recovery sessions in boxing?
Recovery is paramount in boxing as it allows your body to heal and grow stronger. Recovery is aided by proper rest, stretching exercises, sufficient sleep, hydration as well as a nutritious and balanced diet. Ignoring your recovery can lead you to overtraining injuries and decreased performance.
What should you look for when selecting your boxing gym?
When choosing a boxing studio, you should consider a welcoming atmosphere, experienced and approachable trainers, a variety classes suitable for various skill levels, quality gear, and positive testimonials or recommendations by current members. A trial session is a great way to get an idea of the gym's training style and atmosphere.
Statistics
- Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
- Around 90% of boxers suffer a minor injury over the course of a year, with only 10-15% experiencing a moderate to severe injury.
- Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
- Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
- Boxing has one of the lowest rates of injury compared to other contact sports, with approximately 1.1 injuries per 1,000 minutes of athletics.
- Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
- Studies show that proper hand wrapping can reduce the chance of hand and wrist injuries by as much as 40%.
- Women are joining boxing in increasing numbers, rising by about 15% in the past decade, indicating growing gender diversity in the sport.
- Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
- Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
External Links
How To
Cross Punches: A Boxing Technique to Master
Next, you need to deliver a cross. Your rear foot should be pivoting in your boxing position to propel your hip and shoulder forward. Throw your rear hand directly towards the target. Rotate your fist until the palm is facing the ground. Keep your front hand on your face. The cross should be a powerful punch, but balance and speed are vital to avoid leaving yourself exposed.
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