The AO Arena in Manchester was buzzing with anticipation on June 13, 2026, as the much-hyped "Beauty vs. The Beast" boxing event unfolded, headlined by the unlikely pairing of Tommy Fury and Eddie Hall. This main event, orchestrated by Misfits Boxing, brought together two British icons from vastly different sporting worlds: Fury, the undefeated professional boxer and reality television star, and Hall, the former World’s Strongest Man making only his second foray into the boxing ring. The spectacle was as much about personalities and spectacle as it was about pugilistic skill.
From the outset, the matchup was billed as a true clash of contrasts. Fury, holding an 11-0-0 record as a pro boxer, was stepping in against Hall, whose only previous professional bout had ended in defeat. The intrigue was amplified by the staggering weight difference between the two: Fury weighed in at a career-high 217.5 pounds, while Hall tipped the scales at a massive 325.5 pounds. That’s over a 100-pound gap—some sources even put it closer to 120 pounds—making this a literal "David vs. Goliath" encounter that had fans and pundits alike scratching their heads and rubbing their hands in anticipation.
The event was available exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view, with coverage kicking off at 1 p.m. ET. The undercard featured a colorful mix of bouts across multiple weight classes, from featherweight to heavyweight, and even a "Body Shots Only" contest. The main event was scheduled for 12 rounds, with Fury considered the heavy favorite due to his undefeated record and boxing pedigree. Hall, best known for his 2017 World’s Strongest Man title, entered the ring as a massive underdog but brought a level of raw power rarely seen in a boxing ring.
The backstory added an extra layer of drama. The rivalry didn’t just exist between the two fighters—it was fueled by a longstanding feud between Hall and John Fury, Tommy’s father. That personal grudge was a driving force behind the match being set up in the first place, and it certainly helped to sell the event as one of the most anticipated novelty fights of the year.
As the undercard unfolded, fans were treated to a mix of athleticism, chaos, and pure entertainment. Notable results included Armz Korleone defeating Big Stacks by TKO in the fourth round of their "Body Shots Only" contest, a bout that saw Stacks—already battered from a previous altercation at the press conference—succumb to relentless body work. Ibiza Final Boss edged out Jordan McCann by majority decision in a fight that, by one commentator’s admission, was "one of the worst boxing matches I have ever seen from a technical standpoint." Jade Jones, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in taekwondo, made short work of FederiKita, winning by TKO in the second round and demonstrating the gulf in class between a world-class athlete and an internet personality. Swarmz stopped Biel by TKO in the second round after a cut ended the Brazilian musician’s night early.
Other undercard highlights included Adam Brooks, at 46 years old, outclassing Rahim Pardesi with a unanimous 40-36 decision, and Sheena Bathory dispatching Tina Snows by TKO in the opening round—capping off a week that included a bizarre press conference altercation involving a hamburger. Khallas Karim and Luke Nevin put on an entertaining brawl, with Karim emerging victorious on all three judges’ cards. Lil Bellsy, showing the most polish among the featherweights, defeated The CrAsian by unanimous decision, with scores of 39-37, 39-37, and 40-36.
When the main event finally arrived, the atmosphere in the AO Arena was electric. The novelty factor was undeniable: Hall, with his massive frame and strength, versus Fury, the slick, undefeated boxer. The fight itself, though not a fully sanctioned pro bout, was fought under full-contact rules and delivered on spectacle if not on technical mastery. According to the official scorecards, the judges scored it 57-57, 58-56, and 59-56. While Hall managed to land a few shots and showcased his raw power, it was Fury’s superior boxing skill and ringcraft that carried the day. As one live commentator put it, "Fury definitely won the fight. Eddie Hall did fine given he’s not a boxer and all, but Fury was the better boxer, and it was boxing."
The fight followed a familiar rhythm for such novelty matchups. Fury circled the ring, using his footwork and jab to keep Hall at bay, while Hall pressed forward, hoping to land a decisive blow. By the third round, Hall was visibly exhausted, his lack of boxing experience and conditioning evident. Still, the crowd appreciated his effort, and there was a sense that both men had delivered on the entertainment promised by the "Beauty vs. The Beast" billing. The event was as much about the spectacle and personalities as it was about the result, and fans in Manchester seemed to revel in the fun of it all.
Outside the ring, the event was a commercial success for Misfits Boxing and DAZN, with a range of PPV options available for fans—$59.99 for the event or a bundled offer that included another major fight later in the month. The broadcast also highlighted DAZN’s growing portfolio of combat sports, offering everything from fight replays and highlights to documentaries and other PPV events for subscribers.
Reflecting on the night, it’s hard not to appreciate the sheer audacity of the matchup. While purists may scoff at the novelty aspect, there’s no denying that "Beauty vs. The Beast" captured the imagination of fans and delivered a memorable night of entertainment. With Fury extending his unbeaten record—even in a non-sanctioned bout—and Hall earning respect for stepping into the ring against a skilled pro, both men left Manchester with their reputations intact.
As the crowd filtered out of the AO Arena, the talk was less about technique and more about the spectacle. For one night, Manchester played host to a true sporting oddity—one that will be remembered not for its technical brilliance, but for its sheer entertainment value and the unlikely clash at its heart.