Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou: Heavyweight showdown set for October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Updated 11/07/2023 at 15:00 GMT
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury will box former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia later this year. The unbeaten heavyweight Fury was victorious in his most recent outing, overcoming compatriot Derek Chisora. Fury puts his unblemished record on the line on October 28 against the untested Ngannou in his professional boxing debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Tyson Fury celebrates after defeating Derek Chisora, during their WBC heavyweight championship fight, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 03, 2022 in London, England.
Image credit: GCT
Tyson Fury will box former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia later this year in a match that promises to confirm "the baddest man on the planet".
Fury will put his unblemished record on the line on October 28 against the untested Ngannou, who will make his professional boxing debut.
The fight will "take place under the official rules of professional boxing, with three judges ringside adopting the 10-point must system", although Fury's WBC title will not be on the line.
Fury, 34, was victorious in his most recent outing, overcoming compatriot Derek Chisora at Wembley.
"As soon as that bell goes, it’ll be bombs away!" said Fury.
"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 [Gypsy King].
"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.
"Francis looked tough when he jumped in the ring after the [Dillian] Whyte fight, but there is no one tougher than me, and you’ll all see that in devastating fashion on October 28."
Ngannou has made no secret of his ambition to start a career in boxing, previously talking up bouts with Fury and former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.
“I’ve been waiting to meet Tyson in the ring for the past three years. My dream was always to box, and to box the best," said Ngannou in a statement confirming the fight on Tuesday afternoon.
The Cameroonian spent seven years in the UFC, winning 12 of 14 fights, and left the promotion as a reigning champion.
He last fought in January 2022, defending his title in a unanimous decision win over Ciryl Gane, before a knee injury kept him out for the remainder of his contract.
He was then stripped of the title upon his departure from the UFC.
"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," he added.
"This heavyweight clash has ‘war’ written all over it," said Fury's promoter, Frank Warren.
"Tyson Fury is the most exciting heavyweight on the planet. It is a game changer; we didn’t want to wait for Tyson to get out and here we are at Riyadh Season in a super-fight.
"Tyson is at his best when he is breaking new boundaries and this event is one of a kind. History will be made in Riyadh with a battle of the giants from the two leading codes of combat fighting."
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