Unified heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he will be present at ringside for Tyson Fury’s anticipated crossover bout against former UFC champion, Francis Ngannou, set for October 28th. Usyk, while intrigued by the matchup, leans heavily towards Fury, given Ngannou’s lack of professional boxing experience. He stated that he’s “sure 100%” of a Fury win and believes the fight is a guaranteed win for the British boxer.
Fury’s clash with Ngannou is generating significant buzz, with ESPN+ PPV charging American fans $79 to watch the encounter. Despite some viewing this bout as controversial and mismatched, the possibility of an upset by Ngannou cannot be ruled out entirely. Notably, some boxing observers feel Fury has shown signs of physical decline since his iconic win over Deontay Wilder.
Usyk also expressed interest in a potential match with Fury for the undisputed heavyweight championship later in December. However, he is skeptical about its possibility, especially if Fury opts to indulge after his bout with Ngannou.
Comparing Ngannou to Fury’s recent opponents, Dereck Chisora and Dillian Whyte, Usyk hinted that the UFC star might fare no worse. Yet, he emphasized the vast difference between UFC and professional boxing, and given Fury’s two decades in boxing, Ngannou’s chances seem slim. Usyk concluded by stating that while Ngannou might have a puncher’s chance, the outcome will provide clarity to all debates.
Image Credit: Sky Sports