The Battle of the Baddest in Boxing’s Most Anticipated Crossover Event
In a clash that promises to go down in the annals of sports history, the boxing world is abuzz as WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou prepare to square off in the boxing ring. These two giants of combat sports are set to take the crossover boxing trend to a whole new level, making this one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in recent memory.
Tyson Fury: The Undefeated Gypsy King
Tyson Fury, often referred to as the “Gypsy King,” boasts an unblemished professional record. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing in around 275 pounds, Fury is known for his incredible boxing skills, agility, and unshakable confidence. His journey in the boxing world has been nothing short of remarkable.
Undefeated Champion
Fury’s professional record stands at an impressive 31 wins, with 22 of those victories coming by way of knockout. He has never tasted defeat in his career, a testament to his skill and determination. Fury’s most notable bouts include his trilogy with Deontay Wilder, where he survived knockdowns to secure thrilling victories.
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Pursuit of the Ultimate Glory
Fury is not one to rest on his laurels. He is currently eyeing a showdown with Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning WBA, WBO, and IBF champion. This ambitious quest for the title of undisputed heavyweight champion adds an extra layer of intrigue to his impending battle with Ngannou. Any injuries or setbacks could derail Fury’s quest for boxing greatness.
Francis Ngannou: The UFC Heavyweight Phenom
Francis Ngannou, a formidable heavyweight hailing from Cameroon, made a name for himself in the UFC. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing approximately 260 pounds, Ngannou’s sheer power and knockout abilities have struck fear into his opponents.
UFC Reign
Ngannou’s journey to the top of the UFC’s heavyweight division was swift. He captured the heavyweight title by defeating Stipe Miocic in March 2021 and successfully defended it with a decisive win over Ciryl Gane in January. His ability to finish fights quickly and with authority sets him apart as a true powerhouse.
The Desire for a Boxing Dream
One of the defining elements of Ngannou’s journey is his desire to conquer the world of professional boxing. His departure from the UFC amid contract disputes was motivated by this ambition. Ngannou’s dream was set in motion when he met the legendary Mike Tyson, expressing his wish to have Tyson in his corner when facing Tyson Fury.
The dream has now become a reality. Ngannou’s enthusiasm is palpable as he gears up for this historic battle.
A Collision of Legends
The fight between Fury and Ngannou is more than a mere crossover event; it’s a battle of legends from different combat sports worlds. Both fighters bring a unique set of skills, experience, and charisma to the ring, making this clash an absolute must-watch for sports enthusiasts worldwide.
Before securing the UFC heavyweight championship, Francis Ngannou had been vocal about his desire to transition to the world of boxing, with a particular interest in facing off against the likes of Tyson Fury or the former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder. This interest culminated in a significant moment in April 2022, following Fury’s triumph over Dillian Whyte. Ngannou joined Fury in the ring, and the two fighters floated the idea of a potential matchup.
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However, a contract dispute with the UFC, which spanned a year, ultimately led Ngannou to part ways with the promotion in January 2023. Among the core issues in this contractual standoff was the UFC’s refusal to grant Ngannou the right to pursue boxing as part of his contract terms. Seeking an avenue to pursue his boxing dreams, Ngannou inked a deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), an organization that accommodated his aspiration to compete in the boxing realm.
The anticipation of a professional bout between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou became a reality on July 11, 2023, with the fight scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia. Notably, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that Fury would retain his title and received special permission from the organization to participate in this extraordinary crossover event.
What time is Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou today?
The fight card begins at 2 p.m. ET. Here’s how that translates to different timezones globally:
| Region | Date | Main Card Start Time | Main Event Ring Walks (approx.) |
| USA and Canada (ET) | Saturday, October 28 | 2 p.m. ET | 5:15 p.m. ET |
| USA and Canada (PT) | Saturday, October 28 | 11 a.m. PT | 2:15 p.m. PT |
| UK and Ireland | Saturday, October 28 | 7 p.m. BST | 10:15 p.m. BST |
| Australia | Sunday, October 29 | 4 a.m. AEST | 7:15 a.m. AEST
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How to watch Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou: TV channel, live stream
In the U.S., Fury vs. Ngannou is available on ESPN+ PPV. It is available via TNT Sports Box Office in the U.K. and DAZN in Australia.
Fury vs. Ngannou PPV price: How much does the fight cost?
- PPV price on ESPN+: $79.99
- PPV price on TNT Sports PPV: £21.95
- DAZN monthly subscription: 13.99 AUD
Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou fight card
- Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou
- Fabio Wardley vs. David Adeleye for the British Heavyweight Title
- Joseph Parker vs. Simon Kean
- Carlos Takam vs. Martin Bakole
- Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Anthony Wright
- Moses Itauma vs. Istvan Bernath
- Jack McGann vs. Alcibiade Duran
Final Thoughts
As the world eagerly awaits this monumental showdown, fans can rest assured that the battle between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou will be a spectacle for the ages. It’s not just a fight; it’s a collision of two titans from different disciplines, and the world will be watching with bated breath as these warriors step into the ring.
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