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Check out these photos highlighting the chaotic “Prime Card” press conference featuring KSI, Tommy Fury, Logan Paul, and Dillon Danis.
Check out these photos highlighting the wild and chaotic “Prime Card” press conference featuring [autotag]KSI[/autotag], [autotag]Tommy Fury[/autotag], [autotag]Logan Paul[/autotag], and [autotag]Dillon Danis[/autotag] at the OVO Arena Wembley in London. (Photos by Abbey Subhan, MMA Junkie)
KSI, Tommy Fury, Logan Paul, and Dillon Danis were insufferable, causing John Fury to meltdown and flip tables and chairs in London.
LONDON – It was to be expected.
The first press conference promoting The PRIME Card, which featured a mix of influencers and fighters in [autotag]KSI[/autotag], [autotag]Tommy Fury[/autotag], [autotag]Logan Paul[/autotag], and [autotag]Dillon Danis[/autotag] was complete chaos.
Endless cussing and shouting over each other, personal insults, and props, including a giant birthday cake of a knocked-out Danis with a camel toe, it all ended with the inevitable – a full-blown skirmish.
After about 10 minutes, Tommy Fury’s trainer and father, John Fury, had heard enough. He stood up and went on a tirade before flipping and kicking over press conference tables off the stage. From there, all hell broke loose, with KSI and Paul on one side, and Fury and Danis on the other separated by security. Bottles of PRIME, the cake and anything that was available was hurled by both sides in attempts to attack each other.\
“We knew it was explosive. We didn’t know it would come from John Fury in the end, but that’s one way to end a press conference,” promoter Kalle Sauerland said after things calmed down and everyone was removed from the stage.
You can watch the press conference melt down in the video above.
Logan Paul brought a special birthday cake for Dillon Danis' 30th to their first press conference. 😬 #PaulDanis pic.twitter.com/0cgVHFVkOV
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) August 22, 2023
KSI vs. Fury headlines Misfits Boxing’s “The PRIME Card,” which is set to take place Oct. 14 at AO Arena in Manchester, England, and streams on DAZN pay-per-view. Danis vs. Paul serves as the co-main event of the card.
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Watch KSI and Tommy Fury go at each other during their first faceoff at a news conference in London.
LONDON – As expected, [autotag]KSI[/autotag] and [autotag]Tommy Fury[/autotag] got into it during their first faceoff ahead of their boxing match.
The two stared each other down after Tuesday’s news conference at OVO Wembley Arena, and after coming nose to nose, KSI shoved Fury, which sparked a scuffle that was then broken up by security.
KSI and Fury headline Misfits Boxing’s “The PRIME Card,” which is set to take place Oct. 14 at AO Arena in Manchester, England, and streams on DAZN pay-per-view. They’re set to compete in a six-round fight at 183 pounds.
You can watch the faceoff and ensuing blow-up in the video above.
KSI last fought in May, when he stopped Joe Fournier in the second round of their contest. However, the win was overturned to a no contest due to an accidental elbow causing the finish. KSI is 3-0 as an amateur boxer and 1-0 as a professional, as he defeated Logan Paul in a split decision back in 2019.
Fury, on the other hand, picked up a split decision win over Jake Paul back in February. Fury, half brother of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, is 9-0 as a professional boxer.
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Fight Week: Jake Paul will return against former UFC star Nate Diaz on pay-per-view Saturday in Dallas.
Jake Paul is scheduled to return to the ring against former UFC star Nate Diaz on Saturday in Dallas, the social media star’s first fight since Tommy Fury handed him his first loss. Also, Amanda Serrano will face Hearth Hardy in a rematch.
ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK
FRIDAY
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Fight Week: Jake Paul will return against former UFC star Nate Diaz on pay-per-view Saturday in Dallas.
Jake Paul is scheduled to return to the ring against former UFC star Nate Diaz on Saturday in Dallas, the social media star’s first fight since Tommy Fury handed him his first loss. Also, Amanda Serrano will face Hearth Hardy in a rematch.
ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK
FRIDAY
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Free agent Mike Perry options on the table, from a return to BKFC to straight-up boxing – including a fight he wants with Tommy Fury.
Free agent [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag] has plenty of options on the table.
Perry’s star continued to grow under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship banner when he defeated former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold by TKO at BKFC 41. He ended the night in an in-ring faceoff with Irish superstar Conor McGregor, who was in attendance for the fight.
Conor McGregor got in the ring for a faceoff with Mike Perry after the #BKFC41 main event and said he would "be into this game." 😳
Full coverage: https://t.co/DTPOGNKJ7g pic.twitter.com/a2GD6jzDc1
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) April 30, 2023
“Platinum” has three straight wins, and he isn’t ruling out a future with BKFC. But Perry also sees some big fights for him in boxing – including [autotag]Tommy Fury[/autotag], who’s coming off a win over Jake Paul in February.
“Another couple weeks and I believe we should know where I’m going and what I’m doing,” Perry told MMA Junkie Radio. “They should get me locked down, and then sometime this year I’m looking for a boxing match. So if there’s any opponents out there, maybe (Jermell) Charlo – Charlo needs to box somebody 175, 180 (pounds). I can do that. Let me fight (Dmitry) Bivol at 180 … KSI – I could fight KSI.
“A big name in boxing would be super fire. The Tommy Fury fight, that’s a big fight. I think that’s very ideal, considering the success I’ve had in bare-knuckle boxing. I am a professional boxer, as well. He’s only 8-0 as a boxer, and you know they don’t fight huge fights like that until they’re like 20-0 and things like that. So I think that’s a big chance. I’m calling for some tough fights here.”
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Perry has found a perfect home at BKFC and has thrived under its rule set. He also sees himself having big success in boxing.
“I know I can box,” Perry said. “I can box. I can box so good, you could punch me and it don’t matter – (I’ll) head butt your hands and then punch you in the face and knock out your teeth. What the hell – I can’t lie: That’s where I’m at. I love to box, and no matter the sport, I’m going to box you up.”
Like boxing? Be sure to visit Boxing Junkie for all your coverage of the sweet science and follow @BoxingJunkie2 on Twitter.
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Vitor Belfort’s list of desired boxing matches includes Nate Diaz, Anthony Pettis, Anderson Silva, Logan Paul and more.
[autotag]Vitor Belfort[/autotag] doesn’t see more MMA in his future and rather focuses on boxing matches or hybrid-rules bouts that only involve striking.
The main goal for the 46-year-old former UFC champion Belfort at this stage is to “share the ring with someone who has made an impact.” That includes fellow MMA legends, upstart influencers-turned-boxers and some of the biggest free agents out there.
Fresh off his unanimous decision win over Ronaldo Souza in the Gamebred Boxing 4 co-main event this past weekend in Milwaukee, Wis., “The Phenom” revealed to MMA Junkie a number of matchups that he is interested in, as he looks to return to boxing action later this year.
The Jake Paul boxing experience hit its first speed bump after he lost to Tommy Fury on Sunday, so what now?
On Sunday, YouTube-star-turned-professional-boxer [autotag]Jake Paul[/autotag] lost for the first time after [autotag]Tommy Fury[/autotag] claimed a split decision in their pay-per-view headliner in Saudi Arabia.
Paul’s young boxing career has been quite the ride as up until Fury he’d only defeated a fellow YouTuber, a former NBA All-Star and a trio of past-their-prime former MMA champions in Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva. Fury represented Paul’s first “real” boxing test, and he lost.
Now that Paul’s first loss is out of the way, what are the biggest takeaways from the fight and moving forward? Does this sully a potential showdown with Nate Diaz?
That’s what we asked this week’s “Spinning Back Clique” panel of Danny Segura, Matthew Wells and Brian “Goze” Garcia, who weighed in on the topic with host “Gorgeous” George Garcia.
Check out their discussion in the video above and don’t miss this week’s full episode below.
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For more, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Paul vs. Fury.
Weekend Review: Tommy Fury got the last laugh against Jake Paul on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.
BIGGEST WINNER
Tommy Fury – Fury deserves credit for his split-decision victory over fellow boxing newbie Jake Paul on Sunday night in Saudi Arabia. The half-brother of heavyweight champ Tyson Fury showed signs of cracking under the pressure leading up to his first high profile event. He admitted as much afterward, saying, “I had the weight of the world on my shoulders tonight.” Yet he made it to the ring and did what he had been saying he’d do, beat his fellow entertainer-turned-professional boxer. He didn’t stop Paul as he predicted but he outboxed him, which impressed two judges enough for them to give him six of the eight rounds. He had a harrowing moment when he went down in the final round but he handled that well, too. He bounced up and took the fight to Paul until the final bell, looking a lot like a genuine boxer in the process. Was Fury’s victory a significant accomplishment? Of course not. It meant a lot to him, though. That’s why he was tearful afterward. And who knows where this might lead? He obviously has some ability and he’s young, only 23 years old. He might accomplish something more meaningful in the future if he sticks with it.
BIGGEST LOSER
Jake Paul – I wouldn’t say that Paul (6-1, 4 KOs) was exposed by Fury (9-0, 4 KOs). Anyone who knows anything about boxing knew exactly what he is, a diligent, physically strong but crude boxer. Fury isn’t much more advanced than he is but he was a step up from Paul’s previous opponents, aging MMA fighters and former basketball player Nate Robinson. So anyone who was shocked that he lost wasn’t paying attention. Paul did what a lot of fighters do in his post-fight interview, make excuses (illness and an arm injury, in his case) and then say he’s not making excuses. He’s a real fighter in that sense. At the same time he seemed to handle the loss well. He gave Fury credit and promised to bounce back, which could come in the form of a rematch with his rival. Paul undoubtedly learned from the experience and will be better as a result. For most fighters – even unusual ones like Paul – losing is part of the development process. Will the setback affect his popularity? I doubt it Paul is more of a personality than an athlete, which is why he’ll only go so far in the sport.
BIGGEST WINNER II
Subriel Matias – The Puerto Rican’s reaction after stopping Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win his first major title on Saturday was telling. He wasn’t overly animated or excited in spite of the breakthrough. Instead, he maintained a straight face and had a matter-of-fact attitude. “I came to win,” he said simply. That confidence undoubtedly is a key reason for his success. Matias got off to a slow start against the hard-charging Ponce (30-1, 20 KOs) but remained calm, weathered the storm and then shifted into another gear that led to Ponce’s demise. The 30-year-old from Fajardo proceeded to pound his Argentine opponent until he could fight no more after five rounds, further evidence of Matias’ destructive power. Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) has stopped everyone he has fought, including Petros Ananyan in a rematch of his only loss. He’s now eyeing what would be the toughest test of his career, a meeting with fellow beltholder Regis Prograis. Matias would be an underdog in that fight but it wouldn’t be wise to underestimate him. He has performed too well to be dismissed.
BIGGEST WINNER III
Badou Jack – The best fighter on the Fury-Paul card was Jack, a 39-year-old Swede who has had notable success in three divisions over the past 13-plus years. His 12th-round knockout of Ilunga Makabu to take Makabu’s WBC cruiserweight title was one of the highlights of his career, which also has been marked by several controversial setbacks in title fights. That includes tight draws with James DeGale (168 pounds) and Adonis Stevenson (175), as well as a close split-decision loss against Jean Pascal (175) in 2019. Jack then moved up in weight to make an unlikely run at a 200-pound title, as he was in his late 30s. Well, he didn’t look his age on Sunday. He was a step ahead of the 35-year-old Makabu (29-3, 25 KOs) from the outset. He was quick, athletic and much too good for the now-former champion in the end. And the late knockout was a beautiful touch, a punctuation mark that gave Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) a major belt in a second division as he is approaching his 40th birthday and reminded fans of how good he is as an all-around fighter.
MOST AGELESS
Another exhibition bout against an overmatched MMA fighter, another easy "win" for Floyd Mayweather. Floyd was just having fun out there. Congrats to Aaron Chalmers on showing up and getting a bag. #MayweatherChalmerspic.twitter.com/yxPvh9hbpG
— WG (@NvictusManeo) February 25, 2023
Floyd Mayweather – Mayweather is wise not to challenge himself at his age, 46. There’s no point in risking brain cells after his long, glorious career. The goal now is to enjoy life, which he evidently is doing. That said, one has to wonder how he might do if he decided to face a genuine threat in a sanctioned bout six years after he closed out his career against Conor McGregor. It’s difficult to gauge what this version of Mayweather is capable of based on his exhibition against television personality and former MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers on Saturday in London because of Chalmers’ limitations. Mayweather could outbox an amateur like that when he’s 60. That said, he sure looked sharp. His jab and power punches were quick, well-timed and accurate. He still has good reflexes. And moves well for an old guy. In other words, he looked a lot like the old Floyd Mayweather. He also looked reasonably fit for someone who isn’t a full-time athlete. And, of course, his ring acumen is intact. So how would he do against a top 147-pounder? I think he would lose to the top welterweights – Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr. and maybe a few others – but I’d bet he could beat the next-level contenders. It’s probably a good thing that we’ll never know.
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Weekend Review: Tommy Fury got the last laugh against Jake Paul on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.
BIGGEST WINNER
Tommy Fury – Fury deserves credit for his split-decision victory over fellow boxing newbie Jake Paul on Sunday night in Saudi Arabia. The half-brother of heavyweight champ Tyson Fury showed signs of cracking under the pressure leading up to his first high profile event. He admitted as much afterward, saying, “I had the weight of the world on my shoulders tonight.” Yet he made it to the ring and did what he had been saying he’d do, beat his fellow entertainer-turned-professional boxer. He didn’t stop Paul as he predicted but he outboxed him, which impressed two judges enough for them to give him six of the eight rounds. He had a harrowing moment when he went down in the final round but he handled that well, too. He bounced up and took the fight to Paul until the final bell, looking a lot like a genuine boxer in the process. Was Fury’s victory a significant accomplishment? Of course not. It meant a lot to him, though. That’s why he was tearful afterward. And who knows where this might lead? He obviously has some ability and he’s young, only 23 years old. He might accomplish something more meaningful in the future if he sticks with it.
BIGGEST LOSER
Jake Paul – I wouldn’t say that Paul (6-1, 4 KOs) was exposed by Fury (9-0, 4 KOs). Anyone who knows anything about boxing knew exactly what he is, a diligent, physically strong but crude boxer. Fury isn’t much more advanced than he is but he was a step up from Paul’s previous opponents, aging MMA fighters and former basketball player Nate Robinson. So anyone who was shocked that he lost wasn’t paying attention. Paul did what a lot of fighters do in his post-fight interview, make excuses (illness and an arm injury, in his case) and then say he’s not making excuses. He’s a real fighter in that sense. At the same time he seemed to handle the loss well. He gave Fury credit and promised to bounce back, which could come in the form of a rematch with his rival. Paul undoubtedly learned from the experience and will be better as a result. For most fighters – even unusual ones like Paul – losing is part of the development process. Will the setback affect his popularity? I doubt it Paul is more of a personality than an athlete, which is why he’ll only go so far in the sport.
BIGGEST WINNER II
Subriel Matias – The Puerto Rican’s reaction after stopping Jeremias Ponce after five rounds to win his first major title on Saturday was telling. He wasn’t overly animated or excited in spite of the breakthrough. Instead, he maintained a straight face and had a matter-of-fact attitude. “I came to win,” he said simply. That confidence undoubtedly is a key reason for his success. Matias got off to a slow start against the hard-charging Ponce (30-1, 20 KOs) but remained calm, weathered the storm and then shifted into another gear that led to Ponce’s demise. The 30-year-old from Fajardo proceeded to pound his Argentine opponent until he could fight no more after five rounds, further evidence of Matias’ destructive power. Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) has stopped everyone he has fought, including Petros Ananyan in a rematch of his only loss. He’s now eyeing what would be the toughest test of his career, a meeting with fellow beltholder Regis Prograis. Matias would be an underdog in that fight but it wouldn’t be wise to underestimate him. He has performed too well to be dismissed.
BIGGEST WINNER III
Badou Jack – The best fighter on the Fury-Paul card was Jack, a 39-year-old Swede who has had notable success in three divisions over the past 13-plus years. His 12th-round knockout of Ilunga Makabu to take Makabu’s WBC cruiserweight title was one of the highlights of his career, which also has been marked by several controversial setbacks in title fights. That includes tight draws with James DeGale (168 pounds) and Adonis Stevenson (175), as well as a close split-decision loss against Jean Pascal (175) in 2019. Jack then moved up in weight to make an unlikely run at a 200-pound title, as he was in his late 30s. Well, he didn’t look his age on Sunday. He was a step ahead of the 35-year-old Makabu (29-3, 25 KOs) from the outset. He was quick, athletic and much too good for the now-former champion in the end. And the late knockout was a beautiful touch, a punctuation mark that gave Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) a major belt in a second division as he is approaching his 40th birthday and reminded fans of how good he is as an all-around fighter.
MOST AGELESS
Another exhibition bout against an overmatched MMA fighter, another easy "win" for Floyd Mayweather. Floyd was just having fun out there. Congrats to Aaron Chalmers on showing up and getting a bag. #MayweatherChalmerspic.twitter.com/yxPvh9hbpG
— WG (@NvictusManeo) February 25, 2023
Floyd Mayweather – Mayweather is wise not to challenge himself at his age, 46. There’s no point in risking brain cells after his long, glorious career. The goal now is to enjoy life, which he evidently is doing. That said, one has to wonder how he might do if he decided to face a genuine threat in a sanctioned bout six years after he closed out his career against Conor McGregor. It’s difficult to gauge what this version of Mayweather is capable of based on his exhibition against television personality and former MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers on Saturday in London because of Chalmers’ limitations. Mayweather could outbox an amateur like that when he’s 60. That said, he sure looked sharp. His jab and power punches were quick, well-timed and accurate. He still has good reflexes. And moves well for an old guy. In other words, he looked a lot like the old Floyd Mayweather. He also looked reasonably fit for someone who isn’t a full-time athlete. And, of course, his ring acumen is intact. So how would he do against a top 147-pounder? I think he would lose to the top welterweights – Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr. and maybe a few others – but I’d bet he could beat the next-level contenders. It’s probably a good thing that we’ll never know.
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