LONDON: The “Battle of the Baddest,” the highly anticipated showdown between WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and UFC champion Francis Ngannou, is set to take place in Riyadh on October 28.
In a press conference in London to promote the event, Fury wasted no time asserting his confidence, boldly stating that he could best the renowned UFC fighter in the boxing ring.
The upcoming bout, which will be held in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, has garnered immense attention in the world of sports. Fury, a British boxing sensation, spoke confidently about the fight, predicting an easy victory against the French-Cameroonian MMA heavyweight champion. He declared that he would “100 percent” secure the win, both in the ring and in the game of words.
This epic showdown is scheduled to adhere to the official rules of professional boxing, with three judges employing the standard “must 10 points” system to declare the winner.
Addressing the media, Fury shared his eagerness for the clash, saying, “I’d love to fight him in the cage; I think I’ll beat him for sure. He’s not a good wrestler; he’s known for striking, and I’m a better striker than him. With little gloves, I’d knock him out in seconds.”
Francis Ngannou Optimistic for His Success
On the other side of the ring, Francis Ngannou expressed his excitement about making his professional boxing debut, emphasizing that it’s a lifelong dream come true. He spoke of his ambition to not just be a boxer but to challenge the best at the pinnacle of the sport.
“Since childhood, I had a dream to become a boxer, not just to box, but to box the guy on top of the mountain,” Ngannou declared. “The thing is so big I can’t stop thinking about it. This is history about to happen, it’s something I didn’t see coming, even though my dream was there, I didn’t see it as one of the biggest events in the world.”
Ngannou’s determination to take Fury’s head off in the ring was evident in his remarks: “Nobody knows exactly what’s going to happen, but I know for sure I’m going to be out there looking for that guy’s head to take it off, I can guarantee that.”
Amid the daring and bold claims, Fury expressed his respect for Ngannou’s talent and bravery. He emphasized that he has been rigorously training for the past 12 weeks, working closely with his nutritionist to ensure he’s in peak condition for the fight.
Fury also thanked General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Al-Sheikh and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for bringing the fight to Saudi Arabia, acknowledging the significance of the event. He acknowledged the potential consequences of losing to an MMA fighter, saying, “If I lose to an MMA guy, I’ll never be able to show my face in public again, it’s that When I’m mocked, people will throw it at me forever.”
Fury promised: “As much as the media wants to take it as a joke, make no mistake, Tyson Fury will leave no stone unturned, and I’m going to come in the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been to beat this man. If I’m not, and I get out of it, then I want you all to laugh at me. This is what I want because I deserve it.”
Bob Arum, Ngannou’s promoter, hailed Riyadh as the perfect venue for this historic fight and predicted an “instant” fight. He also praised Saudi Arabia as a major hub for sports and entertainment, stating, “Riyadh will soon become the entertainment capital of the region and perhaps one of the biggest entertainment cities in the world.”
“The plans for the city and the surrounding area are immensely ambitious, making our visit there exceptionally well-suited. I would like to express my gratitude to the authorities in Saudi Arabia for their pivotal role in making this happen. It is the launch event for Riyadh’s entry into the world of sports and entertainment,” he added.
Frank Warren, Fury’s co-promoter, lauded the event as the “biggest” he has ever been involved with, emphasizing that it transcends boxing and is about personalities. He praised Tyson Fury as the most entertaining heavyweight since Muhammad Ali, making it an event that promises both sporting spectacle and entertainment value.
