One of Canelo Alvarez’s former opponents wants a shot at former UFC star Darren Till following Tommy Fury’s pull-out.
Former UFC title challenger Darren Till was set to make his professional boxing debut against Tommy Fury next month. But, those plans changed on Friday as Fury announced his withdrawal from the fight, citing concerns over Till’s potential rule-breaking in the ring.
Till, who won his exhibition boxing debut earlier this year, is without an opponent for the January 18th Misfits Boxing card. Following Fury’s withdrawal, the event is in limbo, and it’s uncertain if Till will still compete as scheduled.
If Till still wants to fight on January 18th, former WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders is happy to oblige.
Billy Joe Saunders offers to fill for Tommy Fury against Darren Till
Saunders offered to face Till almost immediately after the Fury news broke.
“Make a offer I’ll step in,” Saunders posted on his Instagram story. “Old fat gipsy boy will take this over from here.”
As of this writing, Till hasn’t responded to Saunders’ pitch. Saunders hasn’t fought in the ring since losing to Canelo Alvarez in May 2021.
Till’s post-UFC ventures have been a roller coaster since he parted ways with the promotion last year. He’s been booked for several boxing matches that have fallen through the cracks, including an initial booking on the original Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card in July.
Till was supposed to make his professional debut against Julio César Chávez Jr. before the event was postponed, and the matchup wasn’t rescheduled for a later date.
Billy Joe Saunders open to boxing return after nearly four-year hiatus
If Saunders steps up to face Till and the Misfits Boxing card gets a new main event, it’ll be the former WBO titleholder’s first showing since the Alvarez fight. His last win came against Martin Murray in Dec. 2020, which extended his then-lengthy win streak to 30 victories.
Before a UFC welterweight title loss to Tyron Woodley, Till was seen as one of the UFC’s top young stars after wins over Donald Cerrone and Stephen Thompson. He suffered losses in five of his final six fights with the promotion, including his finale against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 282.
As of this writing, Fury still wants to compete in the first half of 2025 and seems insistent on moving past the Till matchup. Fury won his most recent fight against KSI by unanimous decision last year.
Fury could potentially look towards a rematch with Jake Paul after pulling out of the Till fight. Paul mocked Fury’s withdrawal on social media not long after the news broke of the fight’s cancelation.
Misfits Boxing may have a solution in Saunders filling in for Fury against Till. As of this writing, it remains to be seen if Till will compete next month, but Saunders is a potential adversary for his pro boxing debut.