Darren Till's Thrilling Return to the Ring

Darren Till stepped back into the boxing ring for his second bout of the year, facing off against fellow UFC veteran Darren Stewart at Misfits 21. After a sensational debut where he secured a late knockout against Anthony Taylor, fight fans were eager to see what Till would bring this time around.

Originally expected to co-headline a highly anticipated event featuring KSI and Dillon Danis, Till's plans were dashed when the event was abruptly canceled. However, he quickly found himself elevated to the main event in Derby, taking on the experienced Stewart, known for his striking and grappling prowess.

The Battle Unfolds at Valiant Live Arena

In front of a relatively intimate crowd of around 1,600 at the Valiant Live Arena, the atmosphere kicked into high gear during the co-main event as Ty Mitchell delivered a stunning performance, demolishing Idris Virgo. Till, meanwhile, made a swift entrance towards the ring, ready to settle the score.

From the start, Till allowed Stewart to press him toward the ropes, strategically landing counter-punches. Just over a minute into the fight, a powerful left hand sent Stewart to the canvas, showcasing Till's striking ability.

Stewart, often recognized for his grappling skills, struggled to find his footing early on. Although he attempted to close the distance, he frequently fell victim to Till's relentless counter left hook.

Stewart’s Resilience and a Close Finish

Despite the early knockdown, Stewart displayed remarkable resilience, rebounding in the third round with a more effective strategy, landing solid right hands. He appeared to be slowing Till down, but whether this was enough to sway the judges remained uncertain.

As the fight progressed into the sixth round, Stewart began to find his rhythm, landing punches and applying pressure. Just as it seemed he might edge closer to closing the scorecards, the climax arrived.

In a dramatic turn of events, Till delivered a crushing blow right as the bell rang, flooring Stewart and clinching the victory.

What’s Next for Darren Till?

With two successful tune-up fights under his belt, Till is keen to move on to bigger challenges. He has set his sights on high-profile bouts against the likes of KSI, Jake Paul, and Mike Perry, while also holding a grudge against Tommy Fury.

Not only is Till a sought-after name in boxing, but the MMA world remembers his notable clashes, including a tough matchup against current champion Dricus Du Plessis in 2022. He’s hinted at exploring opportunities with the PFL, and a UFC return seems likely once he completes his boxing ventures.

Initially, Till was supposed to face Fury earlier this year, but the matchup fell through when Fury withdrew, citing concerns over Till's brash pre-fight comments. With his recent performance, Till is poised for exciting future battles in the combat sports arena.