Francis Ngannou wanted to test his boxing skills against the best that the sweet science has to offer. And now his dream has come true.
A Top Rank press release Tuesday announced that Tyson Fury will clash with Ngannou in a boxing bout set for October 28th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Whether Fury's WBC and lineal heavyweight world championship titles will be on the line has yet to be announced nor does the bout have a confirmed number of rounds.
Both Fury and Ngannou, the former UFC world heavyweight champion, cannot wait to fight.
“As soon as that bell goes, it’ll be bombs away!" Fury said in the press release. "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 [Dillian] Whyte fight, but there is no one tougher than me, and you’ll all see that in devastating fashion on October 28."
Ngannou, who announced his signing with the PFL in May, is equally excited to test his boxing skills against the undefeated Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs).
“I’ve been waiting to meet Tyson in the ring for the past three years," Ngannou said. "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.
"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 doesn't tout any boxing experience but he owns the 'Most Powerful Punch' in the world, as confirmed by the Guinness World Records. In the UFC, Ngannou recorded 12 of his 17 wins by knockout.