All Latest ES ThinkTank Newsletter Hub NFL Golf NBA College Basketball NASCAR WNBA Tennis Boxing Olympics UFC Swimming MLB Track and Field Gymnastics Soccer College Football

Tommy Fury vs. Liam Payne Is Happening, but Not in Boxing: Fan Says “Whatever, Not Watching”

ByJaideep R Unnithan

Apr 15, 2023 | 6:30 AM EDT

Link Copied!

The day before yesterday, a picture-perfect poster shook the wits out of netizens. It showed Tommy Fury facing the pop band One Direction’s vocalist Liam Payne. Incidentally, the duo wasted no time displaying the snap on their Instagram page. The boxer has achieved stardom of sorts in crossover boxing, especially after his win over YouTuber Jake Paul. Hence to most, it gave a palpable impression of an upcoming contest.

Only, the poster was meant to serve an altogether different purpose, for a different sport. Fury finally settled all the arguments he had with longtime archrival Jake Paul during their headlining bout on February 26 at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia. Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury‘s half-brother now sits pretty with an unblemished record of nine wins.

Post their February fight, both Fury and Paul had agreed upon a rematch. However, details of the venue and the date remain uncertain, though a few sources put July as the tentative month for the rematch to take place. Amidst such an oscillating atmosphere, even a mere hint of a name is liable to look as though his next bout is hot to trot.

Article continues below this ad

Thankfully talkSPORT‘s boxing editor Michael Benson came to the rescue. Putting an end to all the rumor mills, he tweeted a fresh update on the Fury-Payne poster. “One Direction’s Liam Payne and Tommy Fury have now confirmed their poster yesterday was not for a boxing match, they are instead playing in Soccer Aid…” he said.

One Direction's Liam Payne and Tommy Fury have now confirmed their poster yesterday was not for a boxing match, they are instead playing in Soccer Aid… pic.twitter.com/2DsMxm4nCR
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) April 13, 2023

Expand Tweet

The tweet has so far received nearly 300k views. But, the idea behind the hype seems to have irked a few followers who decided to voice out their thoughts.

Fans react to Tommy Fury vs Liam Payne

User @reneboxyoung seems pretty clear that whether it’s a soccer match or a boxing bout, they wouldn’t be watching it.

Soccer, Boxing whatever, not watching 😂
— RENE_BOX_YOUNG (@reneboxyoung) April 13, 2023

Expand Tweet

Another user, @JeromeWH appeared sarcastic as he lauded the efforts behind the propaganda that has led to more and more people talking about it.

Nice ploy to get people talking…
— jerome. (@JeromeWH) April 13, 2023

Expand Tweet

Though not sure to whom his diatribe was pointing, user @SGB798, another cynic in the crowd, chimed in that nobody’s bothered. They are just a bunch talking nineteen to the dozen.

We don’t care abt the fraudy’s . They r all talk.
— SHIVAM (@SGB798) April 13, 2023

Expand Tweet

One user, @TalkingsReal ruthlessly brought it down on the shenanigans, saying, “Would expect nothing less from these girls.“

Would expect nothing less from these girls
— Real talkings (@TalkingsReal) April 13, 2023

Expand Tweet

The update came much to user @Jakethejourno12‘s relief who lamented that if it was genuinely a boxing bout between the two, then it would have been disastrous for the sport.

Thank goodness this would’ve been a new low for boxing
— Jake (@Jakethejourno12) April 14, 2023

Expand Tweet

Lastly, user @GloryHuntingMU was very direct while responding. They wanted the tweets to be restricted to boxing or related news only.

Article continues below this ad

Post boxing news or we unfollow bro
— Qatari FC 🇶🇦 🏆 (@GloryHuntingMU) April 13, 2023

Expand Tweet

The poster was meant for Soccer Aid, an annual charity event involving a soccer match between England and World XI. Teams mostly consist of celebrities, actors, and musicians besides many retired players. For the June 11 event at Old Trafford, while Liam Payne would be part of the English team, Tommy Fury would be playing for the World XI.

Article continues below this ad

What’s your take on Soccer Aid? Do share your views and opinions with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Tommy Fury’s Luxurious Lifestyle: Mansion, Cars, Net Worth, and More