While Tyson Fury’s next boxing match remains in the air, it’s clear that the Gypsy King still intends to face off against UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
Ngannou appeared next to Fury inside the ring after Fury’s staggering sixth-round technical knockout of Dillian Whyte. The two fighters told ESPN of the fight that is yet to come.
“I’m the boxing heavyweight champion. This is the UFC heavyweight champion. Is he in good shape? Look at the muscles on him,” Fury said.
“This is going to be one very special fight, like one never before seen in the sport. We’re not talking two light guys. It’s going to be an explosive fight when it happens.”
Ngannou responded, “I’m going to find out who is the baddest (man) on the planet. … It’s going to be a hybrid fight. MMA gloves, in the ring. Something different.”
Ngannou has been sidelined for about three months – and will likely sit out another six months – following knee surgery in both legs. He suffered the injury prior his first title defense against then interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane, who he defeated by unanimous decision.
Weeks leading up to the big pay-per-view event, Ngannou expressed his unsatisfaction with his current UFC contract, demanding a new one with bigger pay and an option to box.
That’s where Fury comes in.
But UFC President Dana White has previously said he’s against it, saying “a really bad idea” for Ngannou to box Fury.
Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum has made it clear he’s open to promoting the hybrid fight.
“I don’t know what (Ngannou’s) contract situation with the UFC is,” Arum said. “Obviously, it’d be a massive fight, and it should be easy to make.”
“We’ll have plenty of time to talk everything out.”