Now that he’s free from the shackles of his UFC contract, former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou (17-3) is well within his rights to box WBC counterpart Tyson Fury (33-0-1). And according to legendary promoter Eddie Hearn, it’s on-track to actually happen. Albeit with certain wet dream-dampening stipulations.
“This is what I’ve heard. It’ll be an exhibition apparently. No knockdowns or anything,” Hearn told Boxing Social.
“I’m only telling you what I’ve heard, who knows what’s what. But I think that is apparently what is going to be the next fight.”
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No belt on the line, no changes to the professional record. Essentially a pay-per-view sparring session between the Gypsy King and the Predator. But it’s better than nothin’.
Francis Ngannou has not competed professionally since he successfully defended his UFC title against Ciryl Gane back in January 2022.
Since then, much of his time had been occupied with finding another promotion — one that was commercially flexible and allowed him to take on side hustles like boxing — eventually inking a contract with the PFL,
In addition to coming on board as a rostered athlete, Ngannou will also serve in a leadership role on the PFL global advisory board (plus assume the role of chairman and equity owner in PFL Africa).
“I believe in the PFL’s ‘fighter first’ culture and global vision including developing the sport in Africa,” the 36-year-old mixed martial artist hailing from Cameroon said in a statement.
“With that, I am also proud to announce that I will serve as Chairman of PFL Africa which will be the leading MMA organisation on the continent providing great African fighters the opportunity to compete on a global platform.”
Tyson Fury, on the other hand, last fought back in December 2022 to complete the trilogy against Derek Chisora; and has been flirting with the idea of putting on “the biggest fight in Australian history.”
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“I’m definitely keen, it may even be my next fight, over here. I just haven’t got an opponent yet, so we’re going to figure it out,” he said while visiting Melbourne for training partner Joseph Parker’s bout against Faiga “Django” Opelu (via news.com.au).
“Over the next few days we’re going to be travelling around to a few different states and looking at some potential venues.”
Currently, Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane) and Marvel Stadium (Melbourne) are the leading contenders to host, with Fury noting he doesn’t have a preference between the two “at the moment.”
The matter of “who” is also still up for debate.
We’ll be sure to update you on all things Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou here.
