The end of 2023 will witness a thrilling unification bout between WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and WBA heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. However, just around a month prior to this epic showdown, Fury must face former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. According to some, Fury stands to pocket a staggering $200 million from these fights. The announcement of the Fury-Usyk fight caught many off guard, sparking discussions within the combat sports community. Even a UFC legend has weighed in, accusing Tyson Fury of showing disrespect towards Francis Ngannou during a recent segment on ESPN MMA.
The stage is set for Ngannou to face Fury on October 28th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, competing for the prestigious Riyadh belt. There is immense hype surrounding this fight, as Francis Ngannou is a lethal knockout artist, while Fury remains undefeated and remarkably agile for a heavyweight.
But questions do persist about Ngannou’s limited boxing experience. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Michael Jai White, and Andrew Tate are among those who have shown support for the British boxer to secure a victory. However, disappointed with Fury’s decision to accept the fight against Usyk under the current circumstances, a UFC legend has backed Ngannou to beat the undefeated boxer.
UFC Legend Accused Tyson Fury of disrespecting Francis Ngannou
Only a month following the fight, Tyson Fury is set to face Oleksandr Usyk on December 23rd in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a title unification bout.
Fury’s upcoming fights took center stage during the latest DC and RC show on ESPN MMA. Former UFC double division champion, Daniel Cormier, accused the ‘Gypsy King‘ of showing disrespect to the Cameroonian-French fighter by prematurely scheduling the Usyk clash. He said:
“It is the most disrespectful thing Tyson Fury can do. It is so disrespectful, Tyson Fury knows. It’s kind of crazy, bro, because I hope Francis knocks his head off. I like Tyson Fury… But it is the most disrespectful thing that you could do. He’s scheduled a fight two months later essentially saying that he’s gonna be completely clean when he’s done with Francis Ngannou. So he’s gonna beat Francis and go fight the number two heavyweight in the world, right afterwards. It’s crazy.“
Cormier was incensed by Fury’s lack of respect for his former colleague, Ngannou. Therefore, he passionately supported Ngannou’s efforts to secure a knockout victory. This sentiment was echoed by none other than the legendary Mike Tyson, Ngannou’s boxing coach for the fight.
‘Iron’ Mike backs Ngannou to knockout Fury
The ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ joined forces with Ngannou to assist in his boxing debut preparations. Doubts are looming over his chances against the undefeated British boxer. Whilst ‘Iron’ Mike confidently asserts that Ngannou possesses the capability to triumph over Fury.
Tyson recently sat down for an interview with the Daily Mail. Duing their conversation, he emphasized that Fury belongs among the current era’s greats rather than being an all-time boxing legend. Consequently, Ngannou stands as a formidable contender with the potential to become the first fighter to best him.
Coach Tyson’s confidence may be the driving force to secure Ngannou’s victory against Fury. Yet Fury’s decision to schedule a fight with Usyk so soon has raised concerns among several MMA experts.
