Mike Tyson is set to corner the former UFC Heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou – (Image: Twitter)
Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury are set to battle it out in the representing different combat sports in Riyadh.
Former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou will have the boxing heavyweight icon, Mike Tyson in his corner as Ngannou faces the WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury in a boxing bout held in Saudi Arabia on October 28.
In a statement released on Thursday, Ngannou and Tyson confirmed their partnership.
“It’s no secret I back Ngannou 100 per cent in this face-off of champions,” Tyson said in the statement.
“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.”
Ngannou has no professional record in boxing, but the 36-year-old Cameroonian-French fighter built a reputation as a formidable puncher on his way to becoming UFC heavyweight champion, a title he held until leaving in January after an acrimonious relationship with the organization’s president Dana White.
He has won 17 of his 20 professional UFC fights with 12 knockouts.
Ngannou said in the statement that bringing Tyson in “is one of the best decisions I can make.
“His experience and boxing IQ will be important to honing my technique under his guidance to win this super-fight.”
Fury’s WBC title will not be on the line in the “exhibition” bout, which will take place under the rules of professional boxing.
The British boxer’s last fight was in December when he stopped compatriot Derek Chisora inside 10 rounds but talks over an undisputed world title showdown against Oleksandr Usyk broke down earlier this year.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)
