Former UFC fighter Darren Till, set to make his professional boxing debut in January 2025 against Tommy Fury, has stirred interest by issuing a unique challenge to football legend Cristiano Ronaldo. Till, known for his sharp personality and fierce competitive streak, shared that he wouldn’t mind stepping into the octagon with the 39-year-old footballer. Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, is renowned not only as one of the greatest footballers of all time but also for his intense physical regimen and dedication to fitness. However, Till acknowledges that transitioning to a sport like MMA would be an entirely different challenge.
Darren Till’s Challenge to Ronaldo and Gary Neville
During an interview, Till mentioned he had a prior dispute on social media with former Manchester United player Gary Neville, which left him eager for a confrontation in the octagon. While expressing his thoughts, Till humorously proposed fighting either Neville or Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I’d like to fight Gary Neville because he and I have had some issues on Twitter,” Till remarked. “He doesn’t like me, and I’ve got a bit of a problem with Gary. But I don’t hate him.” He further added, “A fight with Cristiano would also be interesting. He looks like a big, strong guy, and I’d love to test his speed and explosiveness. He’s clearly very disciplined, and I respect that.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and Combat Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo has previously expressed an appreciation for combat sports like boxing and MMA. Reports have highlighted his discussions about fighters such as former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria. Ronaldo once commented that Topuria “talks too much,” which prompted the fighter to respond, accusing Ronaldo of failing to distinguish between confidence and arrogance.
Though Ronaldo’s admiration for combat sports is well-documented, it remains uncertain whether he or Neville would entertain the idea of stepping into a ring or octagon with Till. Both sports require a completely different skill set compared to soccer, making such a matchup unlikely.
Darren Till vs. Tommy Fury
Before entertaining any hypothetical fights with Ronaldo or Neville, Darren Till will face Tommy Fury in his debut boxing match. Scheduled for January 18, 2025, at Co-Op Live in Manchester, this bout marks Till’s transition into the world of professional boxing. Fury, known for his own high-profile bouts and fame beyond the boxing ring, will serve as a formidable first opponent for Till.
Till’s comments and his upcoming match have further fueled excitement, demonstrating the unique intersections between sports and personalities. Whether Ronaldo, a football icon, ever accepts such a challenge remains to be seen, but the possibility has already captured the imagination of fans worldwide.