Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former UFC champion Francis Ngannou finalized a boxing match set for Oct. 28 in Saudi Arabia.
“I can’t wait to get back out there under the lights,” Fury said Tuesday in a statement confirming the bout. “I’m looking forward to showing the world that The Gypsy King is the greatest fighter of his generation in an epic battle with another master of his craft.”
Fury teased an “exhibition fight” with Ngannou in London in April 2022, when the UFC star was present to see him retain his title with a TKO in the sixth round over Dillian Whyte.
“He’s on my hit list in an exhibition fight, however he wants it: in a cage, in a boxing ring, boxing gloves, UFC gloves, we can make it happen. I think everyone wants to see it. He’s a monster of a guy, I’m a monster of a guy, so it will be a clash of the titans for sure,” Fury said post-fight in 2022.
What is left to be sorted out by WBC officials and the fighters is whether the heavyweight title will be at stake. Ngannou referenced fighting Fury more than a year ago, but uncertainty surrounded the type of fight — mixed martial arts or boxing — would be staged.
Ngannou is no longer with the UFC after the two sides failed to extend his contract in January, via decision, beating Ciryl Gane at UFC 270.
Rules for the bout will follow Fury’s background with a 10-round fight in a regulation boxing ring and three judges ringside.
“My dream was always to box, and to box the best,” Ngannou said in a statement. “After becoming the undisputed MMA heavyweight champion, this is my opportunity to make that dream come true and cement my position as the baddest man on the planet.”
–Field Level Media