Controversial internet personality Andrew Tate is set to make his highly anticipated Misfits Boxing debut this Saturday night under extraordinary circumstances. His opponent, reigning heavyweight champion Chase DeMoor, has been forced to undergo a drastic weight cut after Tate insisted on a never-before-seen clause for a championship bout at this level.
An Unprecedented Demand for a Title Fight
The fight, scheduled for Dubai on Saturday, will see DeMoor defend his Misfits heavyweight title. However, in a highly unusual move, the champion must weigh in at no more than 200 pounds (approximately 90.7 kg) for what is officially a heavyweight contest. This clause was allegedly inserted into the fight contracts at Tate's behest, a demand that has left many in the combat sports world baffled.
DeMoor, a former Too Hot to Handle star who has fought six times already this year, won the coveted gold strap in November 2024 by defeating KELZ on points. The 29-year-old American has since successfully defended his title against Tank Tolman and, most recently, Natan Marcon. This clash with Tate, however, presents a unique challenge before the first bell even rings.
War of Words at the Press Conference
The weight stipulation sparked a fiery exchange at the pre-fight press conference. When Tate offered DeMoor a tangerine, the champion refused, citing the contractual obligation. "I unfortunately cannot eat tangerines because Mr Tate is so scared of me that he put a 40lb weight clause in there, so I have to be drinking water," DeMoor stated.
Tate, who still faces criminal charges including rape in the UK – charges he vehemently denies – appeared confused by the remark. "Wait, wait, wait... sorry. Is there a weight limit... at a boxing match?! Woah, is there a weight limit at a boxing match?" he replied.
The confrontation escalated quickly. "For a heavyweight title fight, there should not be," DeMoor blasted back. Tate retorted, "Did you not sign the contract?" leading DeMoor to fire back, "You signed the contracts." Tate then claimed, "I did not sign anything. It was 'Andrew insists this, Andrew wants that.' I wanted 10 rounds in an open weight limit. You wanted a weight limit and six rounds buddy... we ain't the same."
DeMoor Embraces the Challenge
Despite the brutal weight cut required, Chase DeMoor has seemingly welcomed the added difficulty. Speaking at an open workout on Wednesday, the champion projected confidence. "I feel amazing," DeMoor began. "I feel like he did me a favour. All I did was trim off the fat. This man is making me fight heavyweight title at cruiserweight. But, I am going to show up on weight. I am going to have my tangerines ready and I am going to pack him in. When I walk into that ring, I am going to be 110 kilos strong!"
The fight marks a significant moment for Misfits Boxing, the promotion that announced Tate as its new CEO back in October. Tate brings a glittering CV from his professional kickboxing career, making him a formidable debut opponent for the active champion. Whether the unusual 200lb limit will prove to be a tactical masterstroke or a hindrance for Tate remains to be seen when the two finally meet in the ring this weekend.
