The recently announced fight between Tyson Fury and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has split opinion in the combat sports world, and certainly raised more than a few eyebrows.
The pair have been linked to a bout for over a year now, ever since Ngannou took to the ring following Fury’s stoppage victory over Dillian Whyte last April.
However, Fury appears to have been on Ngannou’s radar for much longer than that.
On an episode of HotBoxin’ with Mike Tyson that was recorded over three years ago, ‘The Nightmare’ was talking of his desire to take on Fury in both the octagon and the boxing ring.
The episode was recorded in May 2020 and Ngannou didn’t become UFC heavyweight champion until March 2021.
“Tyson Fury just said he wanted to crossover and come to the UFC. I’ll welcome you here, then return the favour in the ring!
I want that fight.”
Despite how long ‘The Gypsy King has been in his crosshairs, few are giving Ngannou much of a chance on October 28 in Riyadh, especially given the lack of success MMA fighters have had in boxing outings in recent years.
Ngannou has a reputation as one of the hardest punchers in the history of MMA, and has ended 12 of his 17 victories inside the distance, so it would appear that he has the power to rival any top heavyweight in the world of boxing.
However, he is expected to fall well short in the realms of speed, technique and ring IQ against a fighter as skilled and accomplished as Fury.
That’s certainly the opinion of the oddsmakers, as Fury has opened as a 1/20 favourite for the contest.