It seems that Mike Tyson’s role in Francis Ngannou’s training camp for his Saturday bout with heavyweight superstar Tyson Fury may not be as impactful as some might have thought.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is just a day away from the biggest fight of his combat sports career. The native of Cameroon left his long-time home earlier this year with the hope of seeking out record paydays in the world of boxing and beyond.
Related: Tyson Fury’s next fight – ‘Gypsy King’ battles Francis Ngannou on Saturday
While many doubted that possibility, he will achieve just the goal this weekend in a boxing bout with heavyweight great Tyson Fury. The fight will pay him more in one night than he made in an outstanding career in the UFC. However, while he will make millions, the 37-year-old is not showing up just for a payday. He has designs on shocking the world Saturday in Saudi Arabia.
Ngannou is a huge underdog heading into his professional boxing debut, however, he has recently gotten some help from one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, Mike Tyson. The legendary pugilist has been assisting the MMA star with his bout against Fury, and it seemed like a perfect fit.
Ngannou has the sort of power that could end the fight in one punch, and Tyson is an icon for how he used his power punches during his peak. However, it seems that the New York native may not have been as influential in Ngannou’s training as some might have thought.
Mike Tyson being paid ‘handsomely’ to train Francis Ngannou
Earlier this week, Yahoo Sports MMA insider Kevin Iole revealed some surprising information about the working relationship between Ngannou and Tyson.
“The Saudis have paid Mike Tyson to act as Francis Ngannou’s trainer (very, Very, VERY handsomely, I’m told),” Iole wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “They are flying in celeb boxers, including Pacquiao, Duran, Morales, Big George Foreman, MA Barrera, Joe Calzaghe, Tommy Hearns, Frank Bruno. Floyd Mayweather may go too.”
“… He hasn’t trained Francis but they figured his presence would bring attention to the event. Dewey Cooper trained him.”
Cooper has been Ngannou’s long-time striking coach during his MMA career. The bout will be one of the top sports events in Saudi Arabia this year as the country attempts to curry favor with Western sports fans and try to change its reputation abroad.