After exiting the UFC on an eight-fight losing streak, former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson made his squared circle debut on Saturday night in the Misfits Boxing 22 co-main event.
Meeting ‘El Cucuy’ in Manchester is Nathaniel Bustamante, better known to boxing fans as Salt Papi. A mainstay of Misfits Boxing, Papi enters his toughest test yet, riding a three-fight win streak and boasting a solid 6-1 record in exhibition bouts.
Round 1
Papi gets the offense going first, pumping his jab as Ferguson attempts to close in and crowd his opponent. Papi lands a nice straight left. Ferguson responds with a pair of solid body shots. Papi comes back with a straight right. Ferguson returns fire with a couple of jabs, but ‘El Cucuy’ eats a big left that buckles his legs. Papi remains patient and peppers Ferguson with a couple more shots before the end of the round.
Round 2
Ferguson comes out and immediately connects with a right hook, followed by a jab. Papi fires back with a straight left that pops Ferguson’s head back. Ferguson pumps the double jab, backing Papi into the corner. Ferguson lands with a counter left. Papi attempts to push forward and loads up on a couple of shots that miss the mark. Ferguson is starting to take over, landing a nice left near the ropes. Papi eats it and circles away. Ferguson and Papi throw heavy leather through the final seconds of the stanza.
Round 3
Ferguson comes out just as he did in the second and immediately goes on the attack. Ferguson appears to be smelling blood in the water, landing a big left. Ferguson fires multiple jabs, and Papi punches his way out. Ferguson is being relentless in his approach, throwing combinations in the corner. Papi strikes back with a left, but that doesn’t deter Ferguson from moving forward. Papi lands with a counter right hand, and Ferguson responds by unleashing a barrage of strikes against the ropes. Papi isn’t attempting to fire back or defend, prompting the referee to step in and call for the stoppage.
Official Result: Tony Ferguson def. Salt Papi via TKO (strikes) at 2:43 of Round 3 to win the pro interim middleweight world championship.
Check Out Highlights From Tony Ferguson vs. Salt Papi at Misfits Boxing 22:
EL CUCUY, TONY FERGUSON IS MAKING HIS DEBUT RING WALK!! 🙌
🎟️Buy #XSeries22 NOW at https://t.co/fmB3r5o4fv | Live Now | @MisfitsBoxing | Link in Bio For More pic.twitter.com/omVFhoOe5U
— MF & DAZN X Series (@MF_DAZNXSeries) August 30, 2025
TONY FERGUSON FINISHES SALT PAPI IN THE THIRD!!!
OH MY GODDDD #XSeries22pic.twitter.com/jFVjK7Ei6s
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 30, 2025
THE TITLE RUN HAS STARTED😭!!!!
Tony Ferguson is your NEW MFB Interim Middleweight Champion!! 🏆
🎟️Buy #XSeries22 NOW at https://t.co/fmB3r5oC53 | Live Now | @MisfitsBoxing | Link in Bio For More pic.twitter.com/yL9AFJ0oCA
— MF & DAZN X Series (@MF_DAZNXSeries) August 30, 2025
