Boxing Coverage on Sherdog.comThe Pulse: Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou
Combat sports worlds will once again collide when Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou headlines a Top Rank-GIMIK Fight Promotions boxing pay-per-view on Saturday at Boulevard Hall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fury, the reigning WBC heavyweight champion, enters the ring with a 33-0-1 record. Ngannou, a former Ultimate Fighting Championship titleholder, has never before competed in the Sweet Science. Talk surrounding the match—arguably the most significant crossover event of its kind since Floyd Mayweather Jr. fought Conor McGregor in 2017—permeates social media. A look into some of the discussions:
Fury and Ngannou started their final approach to fight night with open workouts, showing off some of their wares to the buying public in the Middle East.
Poised in the ring 😮💨@Francis_Ngannou x #FuryNgannou pic.twitter.com/90jo3ks7tt
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) October 25, 2023
Tyson Fury is looking sharp on the pads 😮💨#BattleOfTheBaddest | #FuryNgannou | Saturday, 6PM | Live on TNT Sports Box Office pic.twitter.com/UjtodcBYst
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) October 25, 2023
From the time #FuryNgannou was announced I have been asking if it is an official bout, as it goes on their records regardless of outcome. Not only no answer but serious evasiveness from all I have asked. Also, card is not listed on boxrec, which is HIGHLY unusual in fight week. https://t.co/iOGfXLyihL
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) October 24, 2023
“Rumble in Riyadh” pits two of the most accomplished heavyweights in boxing and mixed martial arts history against one another. As such, it has drawn the interest of some of the usual suspects in the combat sports world.
Nice feeling to travel halfway across world and be greeted so warmly. #RiyadhSeason Not long now till we know who will be last man standing. #BattleOfTheBaddest Not expecting a Decision #FuryNgannou pic.twitter.com/fLZDutmbSs
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) October 26, 2023
At the open workouts in Riyadh and they’ve been playing ‘play that funky music white boy’ for 11 minutes now.
— Declan Taylor (@DeclanTaylor87) October 25, 2023
. @FrankWarren "I've got every faith in @Tyson_Fury but all the pressure is on him. @francis_ngannou has nothing to lose in this fight..."
— Gareth A Davies (@GarethADaviesDT) October 20, 2023
Episode 9 of Battle of the Baddest podcast
Interviews w/ @FabioWardley @davidadelaye @danhardymma and @RealCFrampton
Full episode here ...… pic.twitter.com/Q67aEUrbRZ
The Breakdown King himself @danhardymma gives me his thoughts on Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou 👑#FuryNgannou pic.twitter.com/DfGPjfvort
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) October 24, 2023
Ngannou may be a longshot at best—pundits point to the proverbial “puncher’s chance”—against Fury, but some feel he can take a victory lap no matter the outcome.
#FuryNgannou Francis has won as soon as the check clears. Hopefully Fury doesn't completely walk over him. Francis might do better than Chisora 🤷♂️
— Eno Har🇳🇬🇬🇧 (@Eon1Eno) October 25, 2023
While Fury-Ngannou carries widespread appeal due to the accomplishments and skills of those involved, apathy toward the fight does not appear to be in short supply.
Its crazy how Francis Ngannou is fighting Tyson Fury on Saturday and NO ONE CARES😭😭😭#UFC #FuryNgannou #Boxing pic.twitter.com/HPwiRQk0pz
— Míchaél SNM:🕹 🥕 (@MchaelSNM1) October 24, 2023
Fury will carry Ngannou for a few rounds and then end it after everyone feels like they got their “money’s worth”.
— #RingsideFracas (@Ringside_Fracas) October 25, 2023
The same thing as Mayweather vs McGregor#FuryNgannou
