Tony Ferguson’s Transition to Boxing
Tony Ferguson is gearing up for a significant change in his combat sports career as he prepares to step into the boxing ring. Initially an icon in the MMA world, Ferguson transitioned away from the UFC following his bout against Michael Chiesa in August 2024. His plan for 2025 included a match against Dillon Danis in the newly formed Global Fight League (GFL). However, the promotion encountered challenges that have left its future uncertain.
Focus on Boxing
Undeterred, Ferguson has redirected his focus toward boxing, where he is set to face Nathaniel “Salt Papi” Bustamante at Misfits Boxing 22 on August 30. Commenting on the difficulties with GFL, Ferguson expressed his frustration:
“It was hit and miss. We would get a date and a location, then nothing would pan out. I told my agent, Lloyd [Pierson], ‘We need to stay active,’ so we started networking to make this boxing match happen.”
Ferguson, who has long harbored an ambition to box, reflected on the barriers he faced in his youth. His father pushed him towards sports that would provide scholarships, preventing him from pursuing boxing earlier. Now, he relishes the freedom to compete in boxing without the pressures of other commitments that came with his UFC career.
Challenges and Determination
At 41, Ferguson’s path has been rocky over recent years; he once enjoyed a historic unbeaten streak of 12 fights from 2013 to 2020 but has since recorded eight consecutive losses, setting a record for the longest losing streak in UFC history. Despite this rough patch, he draws upon his dynamic striking capabilities that made him a formidable force in MMA.
During a recent press conference for the Misfits event held in London, Ferguson confronted Bustamante, noting the absence of bravado from his opponent in their face-to-face encounter:
“He didn’t talk about knocking me out when we met. I wanted him to understand that I’m serious and I’m not here to play games. He might have eight fights, but my first will be against him, and I’m determined to win.”
Ferguson also shared insights about his current physical state, revealing he has maintained a weight of 175 pounds, deviating from heavier alternatives that typically defined his training. This strategic decision was prompted by his father’s advice during the lead-up to the perplexing circumstances of the GFL.
Resilience in the Face of Criticism
His confidence remains unshaken despite rampant speculation and criticism regarding his future in the sport. Ferguson remarked on the negativity surrounding his performances, asserting that the critics only fuel his determination to succeed:
“Ninety percent of the comments claim I’m washed up. The remaining twenty say Salt Papi will knock me out. That only intensifies my motivation to prove them wrong. I feel like I’m still moving with vigor, and I won’t stop competing—I’m still young at heart.”
Ferguson’s fortitude is indicative of his passion for competition, and he is ready to undertake this new chapter in boxing with enthusiasm and resolve.
