RIYADH: Tyson Fury, the current WBC heavyweight boxing champion, and Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, are in the midst of intense psychological warfare as they prepare to face off in a highly-anticipated showdown at Boulevard Hall in Riyadh on October 28.
This epic clash has been aptly dubbed “The Battle of the Baddest.”
In a recent episode of TNT Sports’ “The Face Off,” the two fighters engaged in a candid discussion about their expectations, mutual respect, and the sheer magnitude of this unique crossover battle. Here are some highlights from their face-to-face encounter:
Ngannou’s underdog spirit
Francis Ngannou, renowned for his extraordinary strength and knockout power in the MMA world, acknowledges Tyson Fury’s supremacy in the boxing realm. However, driven by a history of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, Ngannou exudes a unique brand of self-belief. Despite recognizing Fury as the best in the business, Ngannou is determined to prove himself by facing the world’s boxing champion. He firmly believes that anything is possible.
Fury’s cautious confidence
Tyson Fury reveals that he has embarked on an extensive 12-week training camp in preparation for this monumental bout, a departure from his usual six-week preparation for past opponents. He emphasizes the need for rigorous training due to Ngannou’s MMA striking skills, which significantly differ from traditional boxing. While acknowledging Ngannou’s punching power, Fury remains unfazed, as he believes that all heavyweights possess knockout capabilities. For Fury, the key is to avoid getting hit by a heavyweight punch and showcase his own resilience and toughness.
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With this bout being titled “The Battle of the Baddest,” the discussion naturally turns to Fury’s assertion of being the most powerful puncher in heavyweight boxing. He lays claim to this title after defeating Deontay Wilder in a memorable trilogy of fights, thus dethroning Wilder as the biggest puncher in the heavyweight division.
Drawing parallels with Mike Tyson due to his explosive knockout ability in MMA, Ngannou has revealed that Tyson serves as his hero and has taken on the role of his boxing coach for this fight. Tyson’s involvement adds a unique dimension to this already intriguing showdown, making it a must-watch event for fans of combat sports.
As the battle date draws near, the anticipation and excitement surrounding “The Battle of the Baddest” continue to grow, making it a defining moment in the world of combat sports.
