Heavyweight icon, Mike Tyson, was recently announced as Francis Ngannou’s new trainer ahead of the former UFC superstar’s boxing debut against current WBC champion, Tyson Fury.
Like ‘Iron Mike’, Ngannou is renowned for his power, but this time in the world of mixed martial arts – with nine of his eleven UFC wins coming by way of knockout and all coming in the second round or sooner.
As a result, it makes sense that Tyson could enjoy the chance to share his expert tips in harnessing power in a boxing ring in an attempt to spring the greatest ever heavyweight upset.
In an interview with ESPN, Tyson explained that people have been quick to write off the Cameroonian debutant and that the 36-year-old will make the contest a competitive one and told Fury to expect a “tougher fight” than expected.
“He’s had many professional fights, he’s just never experienced a professional boxing match. Working with him yesterday, he has the aptitude and I see a good future in his life, it’s not going to be as one-sided as people thinks it is.
I was speaking with Francis once he came in [to the gym] and I asked him “Are you sore today?” and he said no. That was a big mistake.
We are going to work him and exert everything he has for this particular match, because he is going to have to do that, and I definitely believe that it’s going to be a tougher fight than everyone thinks”.
Fury-Ngannou will take place of Saturday October 28th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, although ‘The Gypsy King’s’ WBC title will not be on the line, as the debutant is unranked.
However, the bout will still be classed as a professional fight, fought over ten rounds and will be recorded on the official records of both men.