Heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson will be teaming up with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou ahead of Ngannou’s boxing match against Tyson Fury, aiming to support Ngannou’s transition from the octagon to the boxing ring.
Boxing heavyweight legend Mike Tyson is collaborating with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Tyson plans to support Ngannou in preparation for an upcoming boxing match against Tyson Fury. The announcement was made by Riyadh Season PR in a press release on Thursday. The highly anticipated match, known as the “Baddest Man on the Planet,” is set for Oct. 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a highlight of the capital’s Riyadh Season festival.
Tyson expressed his full support for Ngannou in the press release, being particularly impressed by his power and ability in the ring. He stated, “It is no secret I back Ngannou 100 percent in this faceoff of champions. He has one hard punch, and when it lands, it’s game over. I am looking forward to working with Ngannou and supporting his transition from the octagon to the boxing ring.” However, it remains unclear whether Tyson will join Ngannou’s training camp or will be present on his team when the PFL fighter arrives in Saudi Arabia for the match.
Known as one of the most feared knockout artists in boxing history, Mike Tyson’s impressive career spans from 1986 to 1990, during which time he reigned as a heavyweight champion. Tyson’s affinity for KOs/TKOs, with 44 wins out of his 50 career victories being won this way, makes him the ideal mentor for Ngannou. Ngannou, recognized for his impressive punching power, claimed victory in 10 out of his 14 UFC fights by KO/TKO.
Ngannou’s first professional boxing match, a 10-round bout against Tyson Fury, the reigning WBC titleholder, is eagerly anticipated. Fury has an undefeated record of 34 fights and is a former undisputed heavyweight champion. Ngannou has often expressed his admiration for Tyson and reiterated this in the recent press release, stating, “Bringing Mike Tyson into my training camp is one of the best decisions I can make to prepare for Tyson Fury in the ring at this year’s Riyadh Season. Mike Tyson is an idol of mine in the sport. His experience and boxing IQ will be important to honing my technique under his guidance to win this superfight.” Ngannou has great expectations for the fight, aiming to “shock the world on the most epic stage for the fans in Riyadh” and demonstrate who truly is the ‘Baddest Man on the Planet.’