WBC chief speaks out on Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou after calls to strip belt

Jul 12, 2023 at 1:50 PM
WBC chief speaks out on Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou after calls to strip belt

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has revealed that Tyson Fury has been granted “special permission” to battle former UFC champion Francis Ngannou. The news comes simply hours after a battle date has been agreed between the duo for later this 12 months.

Following the announcement, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has revealed how Fury was capable of get permission to battle, and that he will not be stripped of any titles for the bout. “Last night it was announced that the Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will be fighting in Saudi Arabia against UFC’s former champion Francis Ngannou in a ten round fight,” he stated.

“He requested for a particular permission to the World Boxing Council. As you recognize Fury did every little thing doable to battle [Oleksandr] Usyk since December of final 12 months, he has tried every little thing doable to battle [Anthony] Joshua, to battle towards Andy Ruiz.

“Anyways, he hasn’t been capable of land a prime tier battle and it’s due to that, by not having an official challenger, he has been granted permission to do a battle in October 28 in Saudi Arabia.”

The battle between the 2 heavyweights comes after weeks of negotiations. Rumours of a battle ramped up following a number of social media posts from WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

The outspoken boxer known as out Ngannou and fellow MMA fighter Jon Jones in a video posted on his Instagram. “Here’s a thought, how about this,” Fury said. “How about I battle Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou on the identical evening? How about that? That’s how a lot I worth them two bums. Get up! Let’s go boys.”

Fury has since had a part of his problem granted after it was introduced that he would battle Ngannou on Saturday, October 28 this 12 months. The bout will probably be contested below boxing guidelines in Saudi Arabia, however the outcome wouldn’t rely in the direction of both fighter’s skilled file.

The battle will probably be Fury’s first for nearly 9 months when he defeated Derek Chisora in a ultimate trilogy bout. The 34-year-old received by way of TKO within the tenth spherical to defend his WBC title.

Ngannou final fought again in January 2022 which noticed a victory by way of unanimous resolution towards Ciryl Gane. It was his final battle below the UFC which noticed the 36-year-old be part of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) as a free agent.