Many eyes are on the upcoming fight between heavyweight champions Tyson Fury (33-0-1, 24 KO) and Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KO) slated for either December 2023 or January 2024 in Saudi Arabia. One person definitely not interested in the proposed fight, however, is Fury’s upcoming opponent, former UFC champion Francis Ngannou (0-0 in boxing, 17-3 in MMA). Ngannou has made quite the selection for his first boxing bout, but is Fury looking past the MMA veteran with a heavy punch? The two will find out on October 28 in Saudi Arabia, headlining an all-heavyweight card broadcast live on ESPN+ PPV in the US and TNT Sports in the UK.
When Will Tyson Fury Vs. Francis Ngannou Take Place?
Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou will face off on October 28, 2023. The undercard will be broadcast at 6pm BST, or 1pm EST/10am PST.
Where Will Tyson Fury Vs. Francis Ngannou Take Place?
Fury/Ngannou will occur in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A venue has still yet to be named.
Where Can I Watch Tyson Fury Vs. Francis Ngannou?
UK fight fans can order the card from TNT Sports for £21.99. US fans are not so fortunate, with ESPN+ PPV charging a ludicrous $79.99. For comparison, the Alvarez/Charlo bout that happened last month was $84.99,
Who Else Is On The Undercard?
Fabio Wardley (16-0, 15 KO) vs. David Adeleye (12-0, 11 KO), heavyweight
Joseph Parker (32-3, 22 KO) vs. Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KO), heavyweight
Arslanbek Makhmudov (17-0, 16 KO) vs. Agron Smakici (20-2, 18 KO), heavyweight
Moses Itauma (5-0, 3 KO) vs. TBA, heavyweight
Tyson Fury (-1350) vs. Francis Ngannou (+720) – Main Event
It’s the classic (some might say tired) battle of boxing versus mixed martial arts. Ngannou has gone on the record saying he has wanted to box since he was a kid, but he picked one hell of an introduction to the sport. Fury may have been inactive over the past year, but he is still the reigning WBC heavyweight champion, with 24 knockouts on his dance card and a 73% knockout percentage, Ngannou’s 17-3 MMA record may not amount to much, especially if what we’ve seen from Ngannou’s public sessions are to be believed.
And they expect Americans to pay $79.99 for this nonsense? Don’t expect this to go the distance. Don’t even expect this to go halfway before the Gypsy King crushes Ngannou.
Joseph Parker (-550) vs. Simon Kean (+350) – Undercard Fight To Watch
While the undercard may not be worth $74.99, there is one undercard bout of note. Joseph Parker (32-3, 22 KO) will be stepping into the ring against Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KO). Parker has been in the ring with the likes of Derek Chisora, Dillion Whyte, Anthony Joshua, and Andy Ruiz Jr., big players in the heavyweight scene. However, even though the only notable name on Kean’s resume is Eric Molina, it’s tough to look past Kean’s 96% knockout percentage. If Parker can take Kean into deep waters, say, past round five, Parker should be able to outlast the Canadian. However, Parker cannot use those early rounds as “feeling-out” rounds. Kean’s gloves will be out to end the night early. If he can survive the early onslaught, Parker by decision.
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