In an unexpected crossover event, heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury will go up against Francis Ngannou, one of the top heavyweight fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA), in a professional boxing match. The bout is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 28.
The announcement comes after months of speculation and heightened interest following Ngannou’s departure from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the leading MMA promotion worldwide.
Details of the fight indicate that it will be contested under professional boxing rules, with three judges adopting the 10-point must system ringside. However, the specific number of rounds has not been confirmed.
Fury, the current World Boxing Council champion, last fought in December, defeating British boxer Derek Chisora. Talks for an undisputed world title showdown against Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk fell through in March. As the undefeated “Gypsy King,” Fury is eager to step back into the ring and test his skills against Ngannou.
Ngannou gained recognition as a formidable puncher during his time as the UFC heavyweight champion, which he held until his departure from the organization in January due to a strained relationship with UFC President Dana White. He boasts an impressive record of 17 wins out of 20 professional fights, with 12 knockouts.
While MMA fighters have struggled when transitioning to boxing, Ngannou has expressed his long-standing desire to face Fury in the ring. He sees this crossover match as an opportunity to fulfill his dream and establish himself as the “baddest man on the planet.”
The World Boxing Council (WBC) clarified that it would not be involved in the fight since it is a non-title bout. Fury has been granted special permission due to the absence of a mandatory challenger in his current title reign.
