“The much-anticipated boxing debut of Francis Ngannou, famously known as ‘The Predator,’ is finally on the horizon, with a showdown against none other than Tyson Fury slated for later this year.
Ngannou’s desire to transition to the boxing ring has been a topic of discussion for years, and in January, he took a significant step by vacating the UFC heavyweight title to pursue this new venture.
Despite initial skepticism about his ability to secure a high-profile fight, Ngannou has defied the odds and secured a bout against ‘The Gypsy King’ in October, set to take place in Saudi Arabia. While the match won’t feature the WBC title on the line, it marks a historic moment as the first meeting between the lineal heavyweight champions from MMA and boxing.
In the wake of the fight announcement, Ngannou finds himself as a considerable underdog. However, he’s not entering the ring unprepared.
The former UFC champion had the opportunity to glean insights from none other than the legendary Mike Tyson himself. In a podcast session back in 2020, ‘The Predator’ and ‘Iron Mike’ engaged in a discussion, followed by some shadowboxing, during which Tyson imparted valuable advice and pointers.
Despite Tyson Fury’s formidable reputation as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, Ngannou remains undeterred.
Fury’s versatility, defensive prowess, and seemingly indestructible chin have earned him acclaim across the boxing world, particularly showcased in his trilogy with Deontay Wilder, where he repeatedly rose from knockdowns.
However, Tyson’s belief in Ngannou’s chances against Fury adds an intriguing dimension to the upcoming bout.
Despite being pegged as a significant underdog in betting circles, Ngannou’s potential to upset the odds has not escaped Tyson’s attention. In a previous interview with TMZ Sports earlier this year, Tyson succinctly expressed his belief in Ngannou’s prospects with a resounding three-word answer.”