Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou: Francis Ngannou seems to have got what he wanted after all.
The former UFC heavyweight champion is expected to meet undefeated boxing champion Tyson Fury in a boxing match on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to an ESPN report. Whether this fight will be an exhibition or not is not yet known.
Nagannou confirmed the fight on Twitter.
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Never doubt a man with hope and faith.#FuryNgannou | 10.28.2023 | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/44pfCQgGgq
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) July 11, 2023
The highly anticipated heavyweight boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou has finally been announced. Mike Coppinger and Chisanga Malata of ESPN Boxing Insider confirmed the news on Twitter.
“Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou will fight Oct. 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, sources told ESPN. WBC president Mauricio Suleiman Fury did not respond to a text message asking if the heavyweight title would be on the line. Rules and number of rounds are unclear at this time.”
-Mike Coppinger
Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou will fight on Oct. 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, sources told ESPN.
— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) July 11, 2023
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman didn't respond to a text message asking if Fury's heavyweight title will be on the line. The rules and number of rounds are unclear at this time. pic.twitter.com/shxhaqvjt8
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“Full details on Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou, according to multiple sources. WBC heavyweight title not on the line. Date: October 28, Location: Saudi Arabia, Duration: 10 rounds.”
🚨FIGHT UPDATE🚨
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) July 11, 2023
The full details on the Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou exhibition, per multiple sources.
The WBC heavyweight title will NOT be on the line.
🗓️ October 28
📍Saudi Arabia
🥊 10 Rounds
👑 WBC heavyweight title will NOT be on the line. #FuryNgannou #Boxing pic.twitter.com/Jiv7gFFnMy
Ngannou has long wanted a crossover fight against one of boxing’s biggest heavyweight stars, and Fury has always been his preferred choice of opponent. “The Predator” and Fury have toyed back and forth over a potential super fight for years, with Ngannou also surprisingly appearing in the ring with Fury in April 2022 following Fury’s victory over Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium. This past January, Fury called Ngannou for a special rules bout in the cage against Ngannou with four-ounce gloves under boxing rules.
Ngannou’s desire to box was one of the tips that led to his historic departure from the UFC while still holding the promotion’s heavyweight title, as UFC officials would not allow him to pursue a payday in boxing while under contract. With Ngannou’s free agent signing with the PFL, UFC President Dana White pushed hard for a matchup between new UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones and Fury, but the prospect of facing “The Gypsy King” ultimately led to Ngannou.
Ngannou (17-3 MMA) is generally considered one of the hardest punchers in MMA history. He captured the UFC heavyweight title with a brutal knockout of Stipe Miocic in March 2021, then took a decision over Cyril Gunn despite battling a torn ACL. Eleven of Ngannou’s 12 UFC victories have ended in stoppages, including highlight-reel knockouts of Alistair Overeem, Cain Velasquez, Curtis Blaydes (x2), and Junior dos Santos.
Fury (33-0-1) is boxing’s No. 1 ranked heavyweight and WBC heavyweight champion. He has notable wins over Deontay Wilder (x2), Wladimir Klitschko, Whyte, Derek Chisora (x3), and more.