In a thrilling announcement for boxing fans worldwide, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is set to face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. The bout, which will be held under professional boxing rules, is scheduled for 28 October in Saudi Arabia, according to the fight’s promoters.
The details of the match, such as the number of rounds, were not specified in the announcement. However, it was confirmed that the fight would take place in a regulation boxing ring with three ringside judges using the 10-point must system.
Fury, who has an undefeated streak, was initially slated to fight Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, the IBF, IBO, WBO, and WBA champion, in a unification match. This fight was intended to determine the first undisputed champion in boxing’s bellwether division in over two decades. Unfortunately, negotiations fell through in March.
The 34-year-old Fury last fought in December, retaining his WBC title with a 10th-round stoppage of fellow Briton Derek Chisora. He is eager to put his undefeated streak on the line against Ngannou, stating, “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 can’t wait to get back out there under the lights.”
Ngannou, on the other hand, boasts a 17-3 record in mixed martial arts, with 12 knockouts. After a contentious split with the UFC while still the heavyweight champion, the 36-year-old signed with the Professional Fighters League in May. He was stripped of his heavyweight belt following a contract dispute with UFC and exited as a free agent in January.
Ngannou has been vocal about his desire to face Fury in the ring, especially after Fury’s victory over Dillian Whyte in April last year. Having become the UFC heavyweight champion with a second-round knockout of Stipe Miocic in their March 2021 rematch, Ngannou sees this as an opportunity to fulfill his dream of boxing the best and cementing his position as the “baddest man on the planet.”
Frank Warren, who co-promotes Fury, anticipates a fierce battle between the two giants from the leading codes of combat fighting. He said, “This heavyweight clash has ‘war’ written all over it. 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.”
