In an unprecedented clash of combat sports giants, Tyson Fury, the reigning WBC heavyweight champion, is set to face former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou. This bout will be broadcasted exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office and on ESPN+ PPV. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will play host to this colossal encounter, during its annual Riyadh Season festival.
Fury, known as “The Gypsy King,” has held the WBC title since 2020 and will be entering the ring for the first time since his triumphant defense against Derek Chisora in December 2022. On the other hand, Ngannou, who left the UFC in January 2023 as its heavyweight champion, will be making his boxing debut. Known for possessing the “World’s most powerful punch”, Ngannou’s transition from the octagon to the squared circle is one of the most anticipated events in combat sports.
Both fighters have expressed their excitement and determination leading up to the bout. Fury acknowledged the unique challenge Ngannou presents, stating, “With an MMA fighter like Francis, bringing his own flair, it promises to be a distinct experience.” Ngannou, reflecting on his boxing dream, mentioned, “Today, I’m not just boxing – I’m squaring up against a giant.”
Watch the road to Riyadh: Watch
In the co-main event of the evening, Ipswich's sensation, Fabio Wardley (16-0, 15 KOs), has been on a tear, recently securing a TKO victory over Michael Coffie. He'll be challenged by the ferocious Londoner, David Adeleye (12-0, 11 KOs), the current WBO European champion. Wardley has been the British heavyweight champion since 2022, and at the youthful age of 28, he's being groomed to become a prominent figure in the division, under the astute management and mentorship of Dillian Whyte. Tensions between the fighters skyrocketed after a public brawl, leaving Wardley with visible injuries. This fight promises not just technical skill but an intense rivalry sure to electrify the audience.
Fabio Wardley vows to finish David Adeleye: Watch
In the undercard, former WBO world champion, Joseph Parker (32-3, 22 KOs) from Auckland, New Zealand, is set to clash with Canada’s Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs). Parker, known for his prowess and championship pedigree, captured the WBO title in 2016 and boasts significant victories, including over the likes of Derek Chisora. On the other hand, Kean has demonstrated his might by winning the WBC International Silver championship in 2019, with his most recent victory being a dominant seventh-round stoppage over Eric Molina earlier this year.
Moreover, the undefeated powerhouse Arslanbek Makhmudov (17-0, 16 KOs) is gearing up to face the seasoned Croatian, Agron Smakici (19-2, 17 KOs). Makhmudov has consistently showcased his lethal power, recently marking his US debut with a resounding victory over Raphael Akpejiori. Meanwhile, Smakici, while having stumbled against the likes of Agit Kabayel and Zhan Kossobutskiy, brings a wealth of experience and determination into the ring.
Additionally, the young heavyweight sensation, Moses Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs), at just 18, will be showcasing his talent in a six-round special attraction against Istvan Bernath (10-1, 8 KOs).
The preliminary bout won't fall within the heavyweight division; instead, it's a super welterweight showdown. In this classic UK vs. USA clash between Jack McGann (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and Alcibiade Durán Galván (12-3, 9 KOs), the stage is set for a potentially thrilling start to the evening.
Also on the card, Martin Bakole (19-1, 14 KO) prepares to face Carlos Takam (40-7-1, 28 KO) in the heavyweight division. After a dominant performance against Tony Yoka last year, Bakole had nearly a year’s break before triumphing over Ihor Shevadzutskyi in April.
Despite a seemingly deceptive 1-2 record in his recent three bouts, Takam has been a tough opponent, challenging both Joe Joyce and Arslanbek Makhmudov. He clinched a victory against Tony Yoka after those losses.
Watch the fight night preview on YouTube: Watch
Promoters and insiders have touted this event as more than just a fight; it’s a global sensation. Frank Warren, Tyson Fury’s promoter, emphasized the monumental nature of the event, describing it as “an intersection of domains.” Whether it’s the allure of two champions from different combat worlds colliding or the sheer unpredictability of the outcome, this bout is set to be a landmark moment in the world of sports.
Main card:
▪️Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, 10 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Fabio Wardley vs. David Adeleye, 12 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Joseph Parker vs. Simon Kean, 10 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Junior Anthony Wright, 10 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Moses Itauma vs. Istvan Bernath, 6 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Martin Bakole vs. Carlos Takam, 10 rounds, heavyweight
Preliminary card:
▪️Jack McGann vs. Alcibiade Duran, 8 rounds, super welterweight
You’ve got to give Francis Ngannou credit: Watch
