Footage has emerged of former UFC heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou hitting the pads and doing other pure boxing training, ahead of a potential crossover clash with Tyson Fury.
Fury and Ngannou have to been linked to a fight for over a year, after ‘The Nightmare’ entered the ring and faced off with Fury following his stoppage win over Dillian Whyte last April.
Though there have been plenty of rumours and speculation, only in the past week or so have reliable sources reported that talks are at an advanced stage, with esteemed combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani claiming the bout will be announced “very soon.”
Following the reports, a compilation has been put together consisting of just about every piece of footage in existence of Ngannou training boxing.
Ngannou has a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the history of MMA and has ended 12 of his 17 victories inside the distance, so there is no doubt he has the power to rival any top heavyweight in the world of boxing.
However, one would imagine he will fall short in the realms of speed, technique and ring IQ, particularly up against a fighter as skilled and accomplished as ‘The Gypsy King.’
Fury vs Ngannou is tipped to land in October, and will no doubt generate huge numbers and be a great commercial success.
That said, there is no denying that Fury electing to go for an uncompetitive exhibition whilst a legacy defining undisputed fight against Oleksandr Usyk sits on the table is disappointing for purists.