Former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, is preparing to enter unfamiliar territory. With a boxing match against WBC champion Tyson Fury on the horizon, Ngannou is acutely aware of the challenges he’s about to face. The non-title bout is set to occur on October 28th in Saudi Arabia.
To help him transition from the octagon to the boxing ring, Ngannou has enlisted the expertise of boxing legend, Mike Tyson. The decision isn’t just about gaining the best training. For Ngannou, training under Tyson is the realization of a long-held dream. “He has always been very important,” Ngannou said, highlighting the respect and admiration he has always held for Tyson.
Ngannou recently shared his journey and the skepticism he faced in a special show “The Face-Off” on TNT Sports. Reflecting on his late start in boxing at 22 and the doubts from loved ones, including his mother, he said, “I really believe that everything is possible... But I proved them wrong.” Ngannou’s confidence remains unwavering, but he acknowledges Fury’s cunning, admitting, “He acts like a fool but he’s very, very smart.”
With the fight approaching, Ngannou’s strategy is clear. Drawing inspiration from Tyson’s boxing style and approach, he recognizes the need for unique techniques tailored to his stature and strengths. "I'm the smallest guy inside,” he observed, emphasizing the rare challenge he’s facing. With Tyson in his corner, Ngannou hopes to combine his innate fighting spirit with tried-and-true boxing techniques, aiming to prove his naysayers wrong once more.
Image Credit: DAZN