Boxing legend Mike Tyson has been providing assistance to former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in preparation for his highly-anticipated match against Tyson Fury tonight. With his extensive knowledge of heavyweight power punching, Tyson believes that Ngannou has a significant opportunity to emerge victorious in the bout.
While some remain skeptical about Ngannou’s ability to hold his own against Fury, the current WBC heavyweight world titleholder, the fight has garnered attention and criticism within boxing circles. Fury’s decision to engage in an exhibition match instead of facing IBF, WBO, IBO, and WBA champion Oleksandr Usyk has sparked debate. However, a future showdown between Fury and Usyk is now being considered for either December or January.
The undefeated Fury enters the fight as the overwhelming favorite against the 6ft 4in, 20st Ngannou, whose journey from a small village in Cameroon to the world stage is nothing short of remarkable. Ngannou’s life took him from working in a sand quarry at the age of 10 to embarking on an arduous journey across the Sahara and eventually finding himself homeless on the streets of Paris before discovering a gym that transformed his life.
The fight will adhere to standard boxing rules, consisting of 10 rounds, with three judges available to settle the contest if necessary. It should be noted that Fury’s WBC belt will not be at stake in this particular matchup.
The highly anticipated clash between Fury and Ngannou is scheduled for tonight, Saturday, October 28, 2023. The main event is expected to commence around 10/11 pm (BST).
A stacked undercard featuring heavyweight matchups has been finalized for the event. In addition to Fury vs. Ngannou, fans can expect to witness bouts between Fabio Wardley and David Adeleye, Joseph Parker and Simon Kean, Arslanbek Makhmudov and Junior Anthony Wright, Moses Itauma and Istvan Bernath, Carlos Takam and Martin Bakole, and Jack McGann and Alcibiade Duran Galvan.
The fight will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, spanning ten rounds.
For viewers in the UK, the fight will be broadcast live on TNT Sports Box Office. The pay-per-view price has been confirmed at £21.95, offering an affordable option for fans. Alternatively, the action can be streamed live via the TNT Sports Box Office app, available for download on mobile and tablet devices. Radio coverage will also be available on Talksport.
Fury has expressed his determination to deliver Ngannou his first knockout defeat during their clash in Riyadh. Trainer SugarHill Steward acknowledges the challenges of preparing Fury for a matchup against an MMA fighter like Ngannou, given the unpredictability of their opponent’s approach.
Confident in his abilities, Fury stated, “I have been working with SugarHill to knock him out cold on Sunday night. I have no doubt in my mind that I will knock him out.” The heavyweight champion emphasized his own power and levels of skill, expressing curiosity about Ngannou’s capabilities and whether he possesses the courage to trade blows with the world heavyweight champion.
Throughout the pre-fight build-up, Fury has taunted Ngannou, accusing him of being “embarrassed” by his own physique. The verbal sparring continued during Thursday’s media conference, with Fury referring to Ngannou as a “big fat sausage” ahead of what is being billed as the “Battle of the Baddest.”
As fight night approaches, anticipation and excitement continue to build for this monumental clash between two heavyweight powerhouses. The world will soon witness whether Ngannou can defy the odds and make his mark against the formidable Tyson Fury.
