A huge heavyweight fight goes down this weekend as Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou will collide in a major crossover fight where the former is a significant favourite.
Being fought under boxing rules, Fury’s experience against the debutant will be provide him with a major advantage over the former UFC heavyweight champion.
Here, DAZN looks at the approach both men should take as they look to claim glory with the eyes of the world on them.
Tyson Fury
Don’t get complacent
This is a huge fight for Tyson Fury as he has to escape it with no damage whatosever if he’s to face Oleksandr Usyk later this year.
He needs to treat this seriously and respect whatever strengths Francis Ngannou possesses. One big shot could change the entire heavyweight division and Fury must be fully switched on.
End it at earliest opportunity
Fury doesn’t need to be in the ring longer than he must be and if there’s expectation from show organisers to provide a spectacle then Fury should put himself and his career first before providing value for money.
Ngannou will believe he only needs one huge moment in the fight so if Fury can end matters before his opponent gets comfortable, he should take it.
Be careful up close
If Ngannou can close the gap, then surely his grappling experience is going to come into play at some point.
Ngannou will want to apply rough tactics and unsettle Fury and if he can do that successfully then Fury’s at risk of being marked up and potentially cut.
Francis Ngannou
Make it a fight
Ngannou has next to no chance if he tries to box so he must let his hands go as soon as the bell goes and try to get Fury’s respect early.
Neglecting his jab and opting to throw right hands and hooks is a reckless approach, but it may be Ngannou’s only chance of landing something significant.
Risk the wrath of the referee
Ngannou should aim to make this fight as dirty as possible. Although not the sporting approach, if Ngannou is intent on winning then he may have to push the rules as far as possible.
Hold, grapple, wrestle, do anything to get close to Fury and make him uncomfortable because if he gets into a rhythm, it’s going to be a painful night for Ngannou.
Start quick
It’s impossible to think that Ngannou is capable of going the distance on his boxing debut against the WBC heavyweight champion.
Ngannou should tell himself it’s a four round fight and go flat out from the outset in the hope he can catch Fury off guard.