Tasked with snapping a lengthy losing skid in his pro boxing debut, Tony Ferguson insists he is a whole different challenge to Salt Papi ahead of their clash.
Making his first venture to the ring this weekend, former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson will feature in the co-headliner of MisFits Boxing 22, taking on influencer Salt Papi.
And sharing the main card with fellow Octagon veterans Darren Till and fellow former titleholder, Luke Rockhold, Oxnard veteran Ferguson faces an uphill battle.
Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images
But make no reservations, The Ultimate Fighter winner has no qualms about issuing a rather stark warning to incoming foe Salt Papi.
Tony Ferguson reminds Salt Papi that he is no influencer fighter
Once the proud holder of the longest unbeaten streak during his prime in the UFC, former interim lightweight gold holder Ferguson had turned in a spectacular 12 straight victories up until his first of eight straight losses back in 2020.
And seemingly rejuvenated since his departure from the Dana White-led promotion, Ferguson claimed “tenacity” is the name of the game for him against Salt Papi, whom he reminded that he is a three-sport athlete.
“I’m not an influencer,” Ferguson told DAZN. “This is what I do. …I’m gonna hit him (Salt Papi), he’s not gonna hit me.
“You know, I have shoes on now. This is a completely different game,” Ferguson continued. “And I p—– a lot of people off when I sparred in boxing, and sometimes they would do some dirty s—. That’s what lights my fire.”
Tony Ferguson’s stark admission on boxing skills
Making his first venture to the squared circle this weekend, Ferguson has exclusively competed in mixed martial arts during his combat sports career.
And now tasked with limiting his skills to just his hands, the Californian star made a worrying admission about his skills when it comes to throwing gloves.
“I’m still learning this s—, you know?” Ferguson told Inside Fighting. “I’m so sloppy and everything else. … I’m still learning the game. I’m like a blue ribbon here.
“I can’t bulls—, I can’t lie” Ferguson added. “Boxing’s always been in my blood, it’s something I always wanted to do.”