The year of super fights – 2023 – is not done dishing out the biggest and most anticipated boxing bouts, with the latest between WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury and PFL star Francis Ngannou.
The two giants of combat sports are set to trade leather in the squared circle in a fight that will determine who is the baddest man on the planet.
The epic crossover boxing showdown is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, with a packed under card also expected to give fans some excitement before the main event.
It will be a professional debut for former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou against arguably one of the best heavyweight boxers in history in Fury, who is undefeated in 15 years in the sport.
Fury is expected to be a tough opponent for Ngannou, who has no experience in the sport of boxing and will be looking to beat a man who has never been defeated, even by more experienced boxers.
The “Gypsy King” has not entered the ring since comfortably dispatching Derek Chisora at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December 2022 and will be rusty to a certain extent.
Ngannou, on the other hand, last fought in the UFC against Ciryl Gane early last year and will be rustier than Fury, having spent over a year inactive.
“The Predator” was UFC heavyweight champion until he vacated the title in 2022 after failing to agree a new contract with the UFC before joining PFA with a lucrative deal.
Ngannou is not set to debut in the PFL until mid-2024 and that has given him an opportunity to taste free agency and seek a lucrative fight with the biggest heavyweight fighter in boxing.
In an attempt to get an edge over Fury, Ngannou enlisted the help of former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike “Iron Mike” Tyson as his trainer.
“I am very excited. I am very happy. I have been dreaming of becoming a boxer since I was a kid. And now I’m not just going to box; I’m going to box the guy on the peak of the mountain,” said Ngannou.
“Usually, I would not pay attention to what is going around. But this thing is so big that I can’t stop thinking about it. History is going to be made.”
Meanwhile, Fury, who is the overwhelming favourite to win the fight, insists he simply can’t afford to lose to Ngannou as that would damage his reputation.
“There’s more on the line now than just a boxing fight. If I lose to a number one contender or another champion it’s understandable but if I lose to an MMA guy I’m never going to be able to show my face in public again,” said Fury.
“I will be ridiculed and people will throw it on my face every time. So there’s more riding on this than there’s ever been in my entire career. Tyson Fury will leave zero stones unturned and I’ll be at my best to face him.”
