Tyson Fury, the reigning WBC heavyweight boxing champion, and Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, have been ratcheting up the psychological warfare ahead of their showdown on Oct. 28 at Boulevard Hall, Riyadh, that has been dubbed “The Battle of the Baddest.”
In a recent episode of TNT Sports’ “The Face Off,” the two fighters discussed their expectations, mutual respect, and the magnitude of this unique crossover battle.
Here are some of the highlights of the face-to-face between “The Gypsy King” and “The Predator.”
Underdog Ngannou ready to prove himself
Ngannou, known for his incredible strength and knockout power in the MMA world, acknowledges Fury’s supremacy in the boxing arena. Yet, driven by his history of overcoming insurmountable odds, he conveyed his unique brand of self-belief.
Ngannou said: “We all know he’s the best in the business. If you talk about boxing, heavyweight boxing, he’s the man. But I still have confidence in myself because in the past, I’ve always been on the dock and I always prevail where people didn’t expect me (to).
“My point is to go out there and prove that I’m a boxer by boxing the best in the world and beat him. I really believe that everything is possible.”
Fury is cautious but confident
To prepare for the monumental bout, Fury revealed that he had undergone a 12-week training camp — a departure from his usual six-week preparation for previous opponents. He emphasized the need for intense preparation due to Ngannou’s MMA striking skills, which are significantly different from his own.
“I’m giving Francis 100 percent focus because he’s not a boxer, and he’s coming from a different background. I have to be prepared more and that’s why I’m training as hard as I can, giving it 100 percent respect. It’s going to be tough,” Fury said.
However, Fury remains unfazed by Ngannou’s punching power. He acknowledges his opponent’s strength but insists that all heavyweights have knockout power; all it takes is one carefully placed punch.
“I don’t get concerned over a man’s ability because that’s his God-given talent. He’s strong and he can punch out and knock men out,” said Fury.
“But all heavyweights can punch out. If you let a heavyweight hit you in the face, it’s a knockout. So it’s up to me not to let that happen. My chin is not like a piece of paper that falls over with a touch. You’ll find out that I’m very tough, hence the reason I’ve had 34 fights unbeaten in 15 years. It’s not like I’m going to get one hit and get knocked out.”
King of the heavyweights
Given that this contest is called “The Battle of the Baddest,” the conversation naturally led to Fury’s claim of being the biggest puncher in heavyweight boxing; a title he claims he wrested from Deontay Wilder after defeating him in a memorable trilogy of fights.
“People say that Deontay Wilder was the biggest puncher in heavyweight boxing, but I beat him. I knocked him out. So I take that crown. I’m the biggest puncher in heavyweight boxing,” the British fighter said.
Mike Tyson as Ngannou’s secret weapon
Based on Ngannou’s explosive knockout ability in MMA, parallels have been drawn with Mike Tyson.
Ngannou himself has made it known that Tyson is his hero and as such, sought inspiration and guidance from the legend, who has taken on the role of his boxing coach for this fight.
Ngannou said: “When I met Mike Tyson the first time, we were talking, and I said: ‘Whenever I fight Tyson Fury, will you be in my corner?’ And he said: ‘Yes, brother, I got you.’ I took a note, and now, when the fight’s happening, I’m like: ‘Brother, that thing is happening.’”
