Tyson Fury has claimed that he would beat Francis Ngannou in a combined martial arts combat, forward of the heavyweights’ boxing match in Saudi Arabia.
Fury, who holds the WBC heavyweight title, will field the ex-UFC heavyweight champion in Riyadh on 28 October, however the Briton has hinted that he already has his eyes on a rematch in a special self-discipline.
Speaking at the press conference for the pair’s boxing match, which has been billed ‘Battle of the Baddest’, Fury stated on Thursday: “I’d like to fight Ngannou in the cage, I think I can beat him for sure.
“He’s not a good wrestler; he’s known for striking, and I’m a better striker than him. In little gloves, I’d knock him out in seconds.
“I’d fight [current UFC heavyweight champion] Jon Jones also in the cage, if the money was right.”
Meanwhile, Ngannou stated on stage: “I always ask myself, ‘What will happen when that guy hits the floor? Are you still the best boxer in the world now?’”
The 35-year-old Fury, whose WBC title won’t be on the road on 28 October, has come below criticism for selecting to face Ngannou, 37, as a substitute of unified heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, 36.
Asked about his resolution to field the Cameroonian, Fury stated: “Obviously I’m getting paid a hell of a lot of money, and I get millions of people from MMA and boxing who are gonna watch it.
“Whether they like that I’m doing it or not, guess what they’re gonna do? Still watch it.”
Ngannou has a behavior of knocking out opponents within the first spherical, typically within the first minute
(Action Images through Reuters)
Fury final fought in December, beating Derek Chisora for the third time to retain the WBC belt and keep unbeaten. Fury received the bout through TKO in Round 10.
Meanwhile, Ngannou final fought in January 2022, outpointing Ciryl Gane to retain the UFC heavyweight title. Ngannou, extensively deemed the toughest puncher in MMA historical past, then vacated the title this January whereas leaving the UFC.
He proceeded to signal with a rival firm, the Professional Fighters League, which allowed him to field earlier than he makes his promotional debut in 2024.
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Source: www.unbiased.co.uk
