Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou set date for exhibition boxing match in Saudi Arabia

July 11, 2023

Tyson Fury, the undefeated Lineal and WBC heavyweight champion, and Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, will lock horns on Saturday October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Talk of a crossover bout between the pair had been mooted since Ngannou joined Fury in the ring following his knockout victory over Dillian Whyte.

The fight will be an epic showdown between two giants of their fields following the opening of Riyadh Season, a festival that has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and other unique cultural events.

The clash to find out who is the "Baddest Man on the Planet" will take place under the official rules of professional boxing, with three judges ringside adopting the 10-point must system. Both fighters however are promising to meet in the middle of the ring, go to war and win by knockout in devastating fashion.

An agreement has been reached with Queensberry, Top Rank and Ngannou's promotional banner, GIMIK Fight Promotions, to partner with Riyadh Season to host the history-making event that will capture the imagination of fight fans around the globe.

The fight will see the toughest chin in boxing tested by the Most Powerful Punch in the world, as confirmed by the Guinness World Records.

Fury has said as much, stating: "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. 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.

"Francis looked tough when he jumped in the ring after the Whyte fight, but there is no one tougher than me, and you'll all see that in devastating fashion on October 28.

"I'd like to thank my promoters Frank Warren and Bob Arum, my manager Spencer Brown and the guys at Riyadh Season for making this incredible event possible. It's going to be a fight for the ages. Get up!"

Fury will look to enamour last December's overwhelming victory over Derek Chisora, where a 10th-round stoppage led to a third defence of his WBC world championship.

Ngannou has also had his say: "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. 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".

Ngannou has had time to prepare for his showdown since he departed the UFC following the end of his contract, subsequently signing an unprecedented mega-deal as a global strategic partner with global MMA co-leader Professional Fighters League (PFL) and their Super Fights Division in 2023.

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