Tyson Fury has likened Francis Ngannou’s prospects in their upcoming bout to those of a “table tennis champion” competing against Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.
The Bout in Riyadh: Ngannou vs. Fury
The former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou, is set to face WBC heavyweight champion Fury in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night (October 28). Although the British fighter’s title will not be on the line in Riyadh, the bout remains a professional competition where the outcome is expected to be determined by the boxing records of both participants, in this case, the mixed martial artist Ngannou’s 0-0 record.
At the weigh-in on Friday, Fury weighed in at 277.7 pounds, while Ngannou tipped the scales at 272.1 pounds. Both men, however, were appropriately attired.
Fury’s Take on the Bout and Ngannou’s Ability
After the weigh-in, 35-year-old Fury commented on his Cameroonian opponent, stating, “I consider him a bit on the heavier side, and I will put him out with lightning speed. We’re paid for the time we spend together, so I’ll ensure that it’s a brief encounter for him.
“[Ngannou] offers very little. It’s akin to a table tennis champion facing Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. Boxing is a noble and skilful sport; it’s not about two men brawling, but about the individual with the greater ability to set up a knockout strike.”
Djokovic is the most successful male tennis player ever, winning a record 24 grand slam trophies. In the meantime, Margaret Court holds the record in women’s tennis.
Fury, 37, was signed to confront unified boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk after his Riyadh fight with Ngannou. However, Fury declined to discuss that match with his undefeated compatriot.
“We’re not entertaining any other nonsense from the world,” he declared. “The topic of discussion will be Francis Ngannou tomorrow evening. After I knock him out, I’ll take a week off. I have no interest in hearing about any boxing-related matters from any of you. Once I’ve spent some quality time with my family, I’ll consider what comes next.”
Fury’s Unhappiness with Usyk
Fury issued an apology after the weigh-in host apologized to viewers for the strong language he had used, saying, “I must repent. Anyone who doesn’t appreciate my language should leave immediately!”
Fury said he was “unhappy” with Usyk’s September statement earlier this week.
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