‘Don’t ever count me out’: Francis Ngannou talks up chances against Tyson Fury

The UFC heavyweight title holder is keen on facing the seemingly retired boxing champion

Alex Pattle
Combat Sports Correspondent
Tuesday 03 May 2022 06:27 EDT
Comments
Tyson Fury has expressed interest in fighting Francis Ngannou (pictured)
Tyson Fury has expressed interest in fighting Francis Ngannou (pictured) (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Francis Ngannou has warned boxing fans not to dismiss his chances of beating Tyson Fury.

UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou is engaged in a contract dispute with the UFC, with the Cameroonian insisting that his next deal must allow him to take part in boxing matches.

Ngannou, 35, is especially keen on fighting Fury, who knocked out Dillian Whyte last month to retain the WBC heavyweight title before seemingly retiring from boxing.

After that fight at Wembley Stadium in London, Ngannou entered the ring to talk to Fury, who has expressed an interest in facing the “Predator” in a boxing match.

“I think I can take everybody. Even the fact that I’m here, we are discussing about it, something will make sense,” Ngannou told LadBible. “It’s just the proof that I can make it.

“He’s a great boxer, one of the best to ever do it. Personally I think he’s a show guy. He’s a good show guy. He likes to have fun, he’s cool.

“And what I love about him: He’s a free man. He speaks free, he lives free, he’s not caged. And I like that attitude.

“Ten years ago, I wasn’t in the picture. Not even in the corner, like a dot. So, I have my own chance. Obviously [boxing] is not my comfort zone. I know that he’s an expert in that discipline – but, man, don’t never count me out.”

Fury has a professional boxing record of 32-0-1 (23 knockouts), while Ngannou’s mixed martial arts record is 17-3.

Twelve of Ngannou’s wins have come via knockout, with eight of those finishes having been achieved in the first round.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in