Veteran fighter, Mike Tyson has thrown his weight behind Francis Ngannou ahead of the blockbuster clash against Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia as he tips the Cameroonian to cause an upset against the Gypsy King.
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Tyson, the former undisputed world champion, believes Ngannou can serve up a shock to the Briton despite never previously having fought under boxing rules Mike will be giving him his maximum backing when the former UFC champion takes on Tyson Fury in their heavyweight fight in Saudi Arabia on October 28.
“It is no secret I back Ngannou 100 percent in this face-off of champions. He isn’t a combat novice – he is a world champion,” Tyson said.
‘He added – “I am looking forward to working with Ngannou and supporting his transition from the octagon to the boxing ring.”
The contest, which is essentially an exhibition bout, will take place in a regular boxing ring with three judges scoring it via the contention 10-point-must system.
Since the public announcement in July, October’s match-up has sparked controversy with British heavyweight contender Dave Allen calling for the Gypsy King to be stripped of his WBC title after agreeing to face Ngannou.
Whilst Fury’s promoter Frank Warren insisted that his team had chased other heavyweight opponents for the fight, the groundbreaking Ngannou match-up came about after it was reported a deal couldn’t be reached with alternative competitors.
Ngannou became UFC’s heavyweight champion in 2021 after defeating Stipe Miocic, six years after signing with the franchise in 2015.
The fighter – who holds the world record for most powerful punch – left the organization in 2023, later signing for the Professional Fighters League, which allows him to pursue lucrative options beyond the octagon.
