We analyse the credentials and statistics of WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury and MMA star Francis Ngannou as the pair get set to collide in a mammoth cross-over showdown in Saudi Arabia this weekend.
For the true boxing purists, there is very little to be enthused about in seeing Tyson Fury tackle Francis Ngannou on Saturday night.
Yes, we will witness two greats from their respective combat sports coming together, and yes. this will prove to be a mega event - but make no mistake about it, this is certainly not a mega fight.
A 6ft 9ins world boxing heavyweight champion - undefeated in 34 fights and the current WBC champion - squaring off against a man who has never competed in a professional boxing match.
It should really be a mismatch!
Of course, there will be those who correctly argue that Ngannou is one of the most feared strikers in MMA history, and let's not forget he was also a world champion in his own right in that sport; but still, it wasn't boxing.
To assess this as a boxing match would truth be told, a waste of time. The only thing I'd say is that Fury is a master pugilist and Ngannou a devastating puncher.
But how will he close the distance to use his power? How will he dodge Fury’s jab? Will stamina let him down? Will he grapple if doesn’t get his own way? How can overcome the vast size difference? Will he even land a meaningful punch?
There are so many questions that need to be answered, and truth be told, I don't think he will be able to answer any of them - not meaningfully anyway.
Still, with all of that said, we all know that boxing, first and foremost, is a business, and we all understand what this event is about...
Fury v Ngannou will whet the appetite of many, but not all, but ahead of the showdown let's take a look at the Tale of the Tape...
Tyson Fury v Francis Ngannou
Tale of the Tape
| Tyson Fury | Francis Ngannou | |
| Odds: | 1/10 | 6/1 |
| Age: | 34 | 36 |
| Nickname: | 'The Gypsy King' | 'The Predator' |
| Height: | 6ft 9ins | 6ft 4ins |
| Reach: | 85ins | 83ins |
| Weight: | Heavyweight | Heavyweight |
| Trainer: | SugarHill Steward | Dewey Cooper |
| Record: | 33-0-1 (24 KO's) | 0-0 |
| Last Fight: | Won (UD) v Dereck Chisora (Oct 2022) | Won (UD) v Ciryl Gane- UFC 270 (Jan 2022) |
Tyson Fury
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths: | Weaknesses: |
| Superb jab | Suspect chin |
| Outstanding footwork | Smothers work |
| Size and stature | Performs at level of opposition |
| Great ring IQ | High-mileage |
Francis Ngannou
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths: | Weaknesses: |
| Punch-power | Lack of boxing experience |
| Explosiveness | Low stamina |
| Strength | Footwork |
| Ruthless | Doesn't move too well |
All odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.
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