Darren Till admits getting over his years of 'trauma' and 'nightmares' of Yoel Romero eventually led to him performing a stunning U-turn. Till and Romero will meet in a bare-knuckle boxing showdown at BKFC 94 on September 26, scheduled to take place at the AO Arena in Manchester.
After parting ways with Misfits Boxing earlier this year, the former UFC welterweight title challenger made the decision to jump over to BKFC and try his hand at fighting without gloves. In May, he was made to show some real adversity on his promotional debut after being dropped in the opening round by Aaron Chalmers, but the Scouse scrapper would go on to secure a brutal knockout.
A long-awaited clash
In his second appearance, he faces a major step up in competition in the shape of 49-year-old Romero. At one point, the pair competed in the same division in the UFC. Just days after beating Kelvin Gastelum on his 185lb debut, Till sensationally called for a fight with Romero - but backtracked after admitting he was 'drunk' when he sent a warning to the Cuban behemoth.
Every time Till has been asked if he is serious about being afraid of Romero, the Liverpudlian suggested it's a tongue-in-cheek ploy. “Of course, mate, he’s a beast - I’m terrified,” he said in 2020. But six years on, he seems to have changed his mind and will now finally settle the score with the MMA veteran.
Explaining the U-turn
Explaining his U-turn, Till said: “I’ve finally got over my years of trauma & nightmares of Yoel Romero. So, let’s f***** do this!!” While Romero added: “He’s been running his mouth for too long, on September 26 I’m going to close it permanently in Manchester.”
The pair will meet in a catchweight of 190 pounds, and after the bout was confirmed, BKFC supremo David Feldman said: “This is the biggest event we’ve promoted in the United Kingdom between two international combat sport superstars. Both Darren and Yoel have been very successful in their BKFC fights and both are looking for the biggest challenge in the promotion.
“It’s a very heated rivalry and no question, this will be bombs away from the opening bell. It’s truly a can’t miss combat sporting event in the United Kingdom and I strongly encourage fans to purchase early for September 26. We’ll be announcing a tremendous undercard featuring the baddest bare-knuckle fighters in the United Kingdom shortly.”
Future plans
September's showdown with Romero will mark Till's second contest in his three-fight deal with BKFC, but Feldman confirms he is set to hold talks with the Scouser's management team in a bid to extend the fighter's current deal. There had been whispers of a potential clash between Till and rival Mike Perry, but the BKFC president stated that they're looking to stage the fight next February. Perry recently confirmed his return to action, and will take on Dillon Danis on August 29 inside the Octagon.
