Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: The W.A.D.E. Concept - Tommy Fury's Return Fight EXPOSED
Release Date: May 12, 2025
Host: Wade Plemons
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Introduction to the W.A.D.E. Concept
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Wade Plemons delves into the recent developments in the influencer boxing scene, focusing primarily on Tommy Fury's return fight. The episode is part of the W.A.D.E. Concept series, presented in collaboration with Ring Magazine and Chloe Concept.
Tommy Fury’s Return Fight in Budapest
Wade Plemons opens the discussion by highlighting Tommy Fury's latest bout in Budapest, describing it as a "part-time boxing event, part-time rave LSD trip" (00:33). Plemons expresses frustration over the quality and organization of the event, questioning its significance in the broader boxing landscape.
Notable Quote:
"Today Tommy Fury made his return in front of tens of people in what looked like a part time boxing event, part time rave LSD trip." – Wade Plemons (00:33)
Critique of the Influencer Boxing Scene
Plemons critiques the influencer boxing trend, labeling it as a disappointing amalgamation of entertainment and sports. He emphasizes how the scene often prioritizes spectacle over genuine athletic competition, which undermines the credibility of the sport.
Notable Quote:
“It’s so frustrating to see what could have been and what is based on the choices made and the losses.” – Wade Plemons (00:33)
Breakdown of Tommy Fury vs. Opponent
The host provides a detailed analysis of Tommy Fury's opponent, whom he disparagingly refers to as "a novice." Plemons challenges the legitimacy of the opponent's experience, questioning the claim of over 100 amateur fights and suggesting a lack of transparency about the fighter's background.
Notable Quote:
“He’s got more experience than Tommy. I didn’t hear that same shit when Jake Paul went and fought Ryan Borland or Andre August.” – Wade Plemons (03:18)
Darren Till Controversy
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the contentious relationship between Tommy Fury and Darren Till. Plemons recounts past altercations and criticisms, highlighting Tommy Fury's reluctance to engage professionally with Till due to perceived unprofessional behavior on Till's part.
Notable Quote:
“Another name that was linked with yourself. The fight didn't materialize up to you and Darren Till down the line... I don't care about Darren Till.” – Darren Till (02:58)
Plemons counters by arguing that Till is indeed the unprofessional party, citing Till's dominance over Anthony Taylor and contrasting it with Tommy's failures to capitalize on higher-profile fights.
Notable Quote:
“Darren Till mopped the floor with him and then took him out. So Tommy flexing a win from five years ago, he didn't even look as good in the win.” – Wade Plemons (03:18)
Analysis of Tommy Fury’s Performance and Career Trajectory
Plemons critically assesses Tommy Fury's boxing skills, noting a lack of progression despite his undefeated record (11-0). He attributes this stagnation to repetitive fighting styles and insufficient skill enhancement over the years.
Notable Quote:
“He just looked the same, which is why I think we've hit our ceiling with the Tommy Fury been boxing since what, he was 13, right? That's the whole story.” – Wade Plemons (09:30)
Additionally, Plemons discusses Tommy's inconsistent performance, referencing issues like failing to make weight in previous fights and the superficial nature of his victories.
Impact on Future Fights and Prospects
The host explores the implications of Tommy Fury's latest fight on his future opportunities, particularly regarding potential rematches with high-profile figures like Jake Paul and KSI. Plemons suggests that the recent performance may diminish Tommy's draw and negotiating power for lucrative bouts.
Notable Quote:
“Every single metric of his stock as a boxer went down with this fight. His pay per view draw ability, his namesake, his skill level, his talent and his ceiling all look like they were worse than we thought they were going into this fight.” – Wade Plemons (13:00)
He also touches upon the strained relationships and missed opportunities that further jeopardize Tommy's standing in the boxing community.
Conclusion and Look Ahead
Wade Plemons concludes the episode by summarizing his disappointment in Tommy Fury's recent fight and expressing skepticism about his future in both traditional and influencer boxing. He hints at upcoming content, including his perspectives on Manny Pacquiao's return, promising more in-depth analysis in future episodes.
Notable Quote:
“The big takeaway from that fight is, yeah, he was off for two years, fair play came out and fought. But what for? What did we learn? What did he get? Why did he do it?” – Wade Plemons (14:50)
Plemons invites listeners to share their opinions, fostering engagement and encouraging discourse around the topics discussed.
Timestamp Reference
For ease of navigation, here are the key timestamps referenced in the summary:
- 00:33: Introduction to Tommy Fury’s return fight
- 02:58: Darren Till discusses potential fight with Tommy Fury
- 03:18: Plemons critiques Darren Till and Tommy Fury’s past fights
- 09:30: Analysis of Tommy Fury’s career trajectory
- 13:00: Impact of the latest fight on Tommy Fury’s prospects
- 14:50: Conclusion and future content tease
Note: Timestamps correspond to sections within the provided transcript.
Final Thoughts
This episode offers a critical lens on the intersection of influencer culture and professional boxing, using Tommy Fury's latest fight as a case study. Wade Plemons articulates concerns over the dilution of boxing's integrity and the personal and professional setbacks faced by fighters like Tommy Fury within this evolving landscape.
For more insightful discussions and analyses on the latest in sports and boxing, tune into future episodes of The Herd with Colin Cowherd.