Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou set for October 28 in Saudi Arabia – ‘with no title on the line’

Tyson Fury is set to collide with former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on October 28.

Fury, one of boxing’s two reigning world heavyweight champions, has been on the hunt for a new opponent since his lopsided win over Dereck Chisora at Wembley Stadium back in December.

Yet after a proposed undisputed battle with Oleksandr Usyk failed to materialise earlier this year, and Anthony Joshua passed up the chance to face him in September, the Gypsy King has now been forced to turn to Ngannou.

On Tuesday it was confirmed that he will face the MMA star in a 10-round exhibition under boxing’s Queensberry rules in Saudi on October 28 – with Fury’s WBC title not on the line.

Tyson Fury will face ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on October 28

Fury and Ngannou, who came face to face after his win over Dillian Whyte in April 2022, are set to collide in a 10-round boxing exhibition later this year 

Their crossover bout is therefore taking place inside a standard boxing ring as opposed to the cage Ngannou has earned his success in.

Though while it will not go down as a professional outing on their respective CVs, knockouts are permitted in the exhibition – and both men are seeking them.

Fury said after the fight was confirmed on Tuesday: ‘As soon as that bell goes, it’ll be bombs away! 

‘This guy is supposed to be the hardest puncher in the world, but let’s see how he reacts when he gets hit by the Big GK. I can’t wait to get back out there under the lights. 

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‘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.’

Ngannou also added: ‘I’ve been waiting to meet Tyson in the ring for the past three years. My dream was always to box, and to box the best. 

‘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. I’d like to thank Riyadh Season and my team at 3Point0 Labs for helping put this event together. 

Fury has not been out since his win over Dereck Chisora at Wembley in December of last year

‘All I will say to Tyson for now is he better dance in that ring because if I touch him, he’s going to sleep.’

The Cameroonian reigned for close to two years as UFC heavyweight champion before leaving the company in January, first capturing the title by knocking out Stipe Miocic in January 2021.

However, after failing to agree terms over a new contract, he waved goodbye to the UFC at the start of the year and put pen to paper on a multi-fight deal with MMA promotion the Professional Fighters League in May.

Ngannou, who underwent surgery in March to repair his MCL and ACL, is allowed to box under the terms of his PFL contract.

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