According to sports journalist Ariel Helwani, one of the highly anticipated boxing matches of the year between Tyson Fury and former UFC heavyweight star Francis Ngannou is nearing its finalization. An official announcement regarding the fight is expected to be made “very soon.” This news has undoubtedly generated excitement among boxing and combat sports fans, who eagerly await the confirmation and details of this anticipated showdown between two formidable athletes.
Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou to announced soon as per reports. (Credits-Getty Images)
‘The Predator’ has been seeking a high-profile boxing fight. Francis Ngannou, the UFC’s heavyweight champion, departed the organization in January, becoming the first titleholder to do so since BJ Penn. Upon leaving, he indicated that he intended to go to the boxing ring and, perhaps, meet Tyson Fury.
Tyson Fury x Francis Ngannou is expected to be announced very soon, per sources.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 7, 2023
However, the two heavyweights have been associated with completely different opponents since then. Francis Ngannou joined the PFL in April, putting an end to his MMA free agency. In the meantime, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have begun negotiations for a historic heavyweight title fight. ‘The Gypsy King’ has not fought since a knockout victory over Derek Chisora in December.
Consequently, Francis Ngannou started discussions with Deontay Wilder and others. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ recently disclosed that he spoke with the PFL to discuss a possible cage battle with the former UFC champion. In addition, the MMA fighter said that the two were in negotiations for a two-fight agreement, one in boxing and one in the cage.
Fans blurt out in discontentment over the super fight rumor
As soon as Michael Benson dropped the bombshell regarding the probable Fury-Ngannou exhibition fight, fans reacted strongly. Several supporters appeared to be disappointed and dissatisfied in an instant and evident manner. Here are some of the reactions:
Fury will toy w him and get a late finish
— Matty Betss (@MattyBetss) July 7, 2023
It’s an exhibition match. Nothing more than a WWE match for show.
— 🏴DreadedHeathenTX🏴🔨(Expert) (@DreadedHeathen2) July 8, 2023
Why does Francis want to get knocked out so bad for?
— Chris Castro (@chriscastro21) July 7, 2023
Tyson taking the easiest fights possible at this point.
— Majick (@Majick666) July 7, 2023
I don’t believe this for a second. I’ll believe it when I officially see the signed contract.
— GoGo (@tagg_george) July 7, 2023
From what I’m hearing, and my sources are nowhere near the level of yours, it’s going to be some kind of exhibition and not a “real” boxing match.
— christopher james (@ChrisJamesMMA) July 7, 2023
Fury practically set the wheels in motion after his win over Dillian Whyte last year when he brought the former UFC heavyweight champion into the ring and suggested a fight between them. Both heavyweights looked interested in the fight, but nothing was finalized because ‘The Predator’ had recently had surgery.
As per reports from Bad Left Hook, Ngannou has been exploring possibilities for the past year and a half, eventually signing with PFL this past May, but he has yet to fight for the organization. He has discussed many prospective boxing ventures, including talks with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom about a fight with Anthony Joshua.
The nature of the battle itself remains to be determined. Fury has proposed rule modifications, maybe combining boxing with MMA gloves, and with all of the unofficial exhibition fights going on across the world, anything is possible.
