Tyson Fury to tackle ex-UFC champion Ngannou in boxing struggle
T
yson Fury has introduced a conflict towards blended martial arts fighter Francis Ngannou in a boxing contest on October 28 in Saudi Arabia – however the Briton’s WBC heavyweight title is not going to be at stake.
Fury most just lately fought final December, stopping compatriot Derek Chisora inside 10 rounds, however talks over an undisputed world title showdown towards Oleksandr Usyk bitterly broke down earlier this 12 months.
While Usyk defends his WBA, IBF and WBO crowns towards Fury’s promotional stablemate Daniel Dubois subsequent month, his fellow world champion will go up towards somebody who has no skilled report in boxing.
Ngannou, nonetheless, constructed a popularity as a formidable puncher on his approach to turning into UFC heavyweight champion, a title he held till acrimoniously departing the corporate in January.
A crossover bout has been mooted for a while however whereas the PA news company understands Fury is not going to be defending his world title, the 34-year-old’s camp have insisted this is not going to be an exhibition.
Francis Ngannou in 2022
/ Zuffa LLCThere can be three ringside judges current and the 10-point should system – the scoring standards utilized in all {of professional} boxing – is being applied, however it’s unclear what number of rounds are scheduled.
“This guy is supposed to be the hardest puncher in the world, but let’s see how he reacts when he gets hit by the Big GK,” Fury stated.
“I can’t wait to get back out there. I’m looking forward to showing the world that The Gypsy King is the greatest fighter of his generation in an epic battle with another master of his craft.
“There is nobody harder than me, and you may all see that in devastating vogue on October 28.”
While Fury, who holds a record of 33 wins and one draw, is likely to attract criticism for his choice of opponent, there is a precedent as Floyd Mayweather moved to 50-0 as a boxer by defeating UFC superstar Conor McGregor in a fight that attracted in excess of four million pay-per-view buys.
Ngannou, who has won 17 and lost three of his MMA fights, signed a contract with the PFL – one of the UFC’s rivals – in May, but the deal does not stop the Cameroonian-French fighter from pursuing boxing.
Ngannou – now 36 – initially held ambitions to be a professional boxer but focused on MMA upon arriving in Europe in his mid-20s.
“I’ve been ready to satisfy Tyson within the ring for the previous three years,” Ngannou said. “My dream was at all times to field and to field the perfect.
“After becoming the undisputed MMA heavyweight champion, this is my opportunity to make that dream come true and cement my position as the baddest man on the planet.”