Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou: Previewing the Gypsy King's return to the ring

Tyson Fury (left) and Francis Ngannou (right) during a press conference. (Photo by AFP)

Tyson Fury will make his much-anticipated return to the ring in October against the former UFC Heavyweight Champion — Francis Ngannou. He’s known for his quick rise to the top and scary knockout power, but many are predicting the fight to be a routine victory for Fury and a warm-up for bigger things in 2024.

Fury is the heavy favourite

Fury has been unbeaten in the ring ever since he made his debut in 2008. The Gypsy King most recently extended his record against Derek Chisora in 2022. He has faced much stronger opponents than Ngannou in the past and will expect to win with ease in the upcoming bout. The bookies seem to share his confidence, with Premier Bet having him at -3333 to make a successful return to the sport.

In a boxing ring, this fight is a mismatch. Fury has yet to find his match after consistently facing top-level heavyweights over a lengthy career and has every right to feel confident.

Well-rounded boxers in their primes like Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder were defeated on many occasions by Fury. Meanwhile, Ngannou is facing his first professional boxing fight, which is not an ideal time to face the greatest boxer in the world.

Fury can use the fight as a warm-up for a potential future bout against OleksandrUsyk. Usyk holds the three other major belts and would represent the biggest boxing fight in years.

The fight in Riyadh could allow Fury to find his rhythm in the ring again. Ngannou will also benefit from seeing if he can truly cope with the big hitters in the boxing side of combat sports. If Ngannou was to achieve a monumental upset, then he could jump the queue to a title fight straight after breaking into the sport.

Cameroonian mixed martial arts star and boxer Francis Ngannou (C) spars with Dewey Cooper while former world champion Mike Tyson (R) watches during a training session at Ngannou’s gym in Las Vegas. (Photo by Ian Maule / AFP)

Ngannou has the strongest punch but Fury has elite defence

Ngannou may be a huge underdog against Fury, but he does have one incredible weapon in his arsenal —the strongest punch on record. This not only serves as a dangerous weapon but also as an intimidation factor that could play on Fury’s mind.

But Fury’s style and stature could prevent Ngannou from unleashing his biggest threat. His 6’9 frame and oddly fast movement means it is difficult to land significant strikes on the WBC heavyweight champion.

Fury is also effective when it comes to avoiding punches at close range due to his style. He only fights aggressively and lowers his guard when his opponent is in danger. Ngannou may be a remarkably heavy striker, but Fury controls his bouts like no other. The Gypsy King avoids damage very well and tends to tire his opponents before launching dangerous attacks.

Ngannou is not the typical mixed martial arts convert to enter the boxing scene. He has years of training in the ring and was known for his striking ability throughout his time in the octagon. With practice and patience, it is foreseeable that he could turn out to be a threat in the heavyweight division. But at this stage, Fury will likely be a step too far.

If Ngannou was to somehow down Fury, it would be a genuine sporting miracle. There is no doubt that the meeting in Saudi Arabia should represent a straightforward task for Fury this October.
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