Los Angeles: Mixed martial arts star Francis Ngannou will put heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in his corner in Saudi Arabia on October 28 when he faces World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in the boxing ring.
The partnership between Ngannou and Tyson was confirmed Thursday in a statement released by Riyadh Season — the annual entertainment and sports festival that will kick off this year with the Ngannou-Fury bout.
In the statement, Tyson said: “It’s no secret that I support Ngannou 100 percent in this showdown of champions.”
“He has a hard punch, and when he lands, it’s game over. I look forward to working with Ngannou and supporting his transition from the Octagon to the boxing ring.”
Ngannou has no professional boxing record, but the 36-year-old Cameroonian-French fighter built a reputation as a powerful puncher en route to becoming the UFC heavyweight champion, a title he lost to the organization in January. Kept it with me until I left. President Dana White.
He has won 17 of his 20 professional UFC fights with 12 knockouts.
“Bringing Tyson was one of the best decisions I could have made,” Ngannou said in a statement.
“His experience and boxing IQ will be crucial in honing my technique in guiding him to win this superfight.”
Fury’s WBC title will not be an “exhibition” bout, which will be held under the rules of professional boxing.
The British boxer last fought in December, when he stopped compatriot Derrick Chisora inside 10 rounds, but talks over an undisputed world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk fell through earlier this year.
