07 August 2023 , 13:23
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Mike Tyson thinks Francis Ngannou can do more than hold his own against Tyson Fury in their crossover fight.
Heavyweight champion Fury is set to welcome Ngannou to the ring when they fight in Saudi Arabia on October 29. 'The Gypsy King' was expected to meet Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed heavyweight title fight at the end of the year but the highly-anticipated fight fell through yet again as both parties failed to reach an agreement.
Tyson will work alongside Ngannou's MMA coaches Eric Nicksick and Dewey Cooper for the bout as the legendary boxer will also be in his corner. 'Iron Mike' has been impressed by Ngannou's boxing skills so far and thinks many people will be surprised by what the former UFC champion shows on the night.
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“He’s had many professional fights, but he’s just never experienced a professional boxing match,” Tyson told First Take. “By working with him yesterday, he has the aptitude and I see a good future in this life. It’s not going to be as one-sided as people think it is. I was speaking with Francis once he came in and I asked him ‘Are you sore today?’, and he said ‘No’.”
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“That was a big mistake, but we’re going to work and we’re going to exert everything he has for this particular match. I definitely believe that it’s going to be a tougher fight than anyone thinks.” Fury's heavyweight title won't be on the line in the fight as Ngannou is not ranked by the WBC, but traditional boxing rules will apply as the pair meet over 10 three-minute rounds.
Mike Tyson will train Francis Ngannou for his Tyson Fury fightNgannou snubbed a UFC title defence against Jon Jones to part with the promotion earlier this year in the hopes of securing a big-money boxing fight. Fury's longtime rival Anthony Joshua played down a potential clash against Ngannou, who was briefly linked to a fight with Derek Chisora.
Tyson insisted that he isn't coaching Ngannou for money by adding: "I'm very appreciated at the fact they allowed me to do this, I want people to know I am not doing this for the money. I am doing this for the pride of Cameroon, he's the biggest star and contributes the most to that country. They need to have a heavyweight champion and I think Francis is the man to do it."