Tony Ferguson finishes Salt Papi to make successful boxing debut

Tony Ferguson offered the perfect answer to his critics as he dispatched Salt Papi inside three rounds in the co-main event at Misfits 22 - Ring of Thrones on Saturday night.

The former UFC star saw his run with the promotion end after eight consecutive losses, with many feeling it was time for the ex-interim lightweight champion to hang up his gloves.

But Ferguson did not heed the advice and kept his detractors quiet after swapping sports, taking a third-round TKO win to disprove those who thought he was crazy for the move.

The result ensures the California native becomes the holder of the Misfits Boxing Pro interim Middleweight Championship and tees up an exciting future with the promotion.

Ferguson showed flashes of his striking power in the early exchanges, but could not find a definitive way through against his opponent, who was landing the crisper blows.

But in the third round, the veteran turned on the pressure, and got his opponent against the ropes with a barrage of blows that saw the referee step in and wave off the fight.

Afterwards, he was challenged in the ring by Dillon Danis following the latter's MMA win over Warren Spencer, with suggestions the two could yet meet in a bout of their own.

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