Mike Tyson thinks Francis Ngannou is on the brink of making some kind of history.
The legendary heavyweight boxing champion, who’s been helping Ngannou prepare for his professional boxing debut against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, thinks a win for Ngannou on Oct. 28 will mean history, and not just in sports.
“It would be the biggest upset in the history of entertainment,” Tyson said speaking with reporters at Ngannou’s media workout in Las Vegas last Tuesday.
There’s been many headlines, stemming from Ngannou adding Tyson to his training camp. Many have wondered what kind of contribution can Tyson have. The former champion says the biggest contribution has been adding confidence to Ngannou’s game, not technique.
“No way,” Tyson said when asked if he’s taught Ngannou his style of boxing. “We’re different people. We have different styles. He’s going to box like Francis, and he’s going to do well.
“It’s not for everybody. It’s great for me, but for most people, it won’t work for them.”
The boxing match between Fury and Ngannou is scheduled for 10 rounds, a fully professional bout, although Fury’s WBC heavyweight title won’t be on the line.
Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, had to go to great lengths to get this cross over super fight. It even put him at odds with the UFC, as it trigger contract disputes that resulted in Ngannou fighting out his deal and leaving as a free agent.
Tyson is proud to see how far Ngannou has come.
“Listen, you’re going to see he’s been constantly improving, and I’m very proud of him to take this whole ordeal and perspective,” Tyson said. “He’s fighting the greatest fighter in the last … maybe the greatest fighter ever. I’m looking forward to that, and I’m so proud of him to take this step and do the impossible, so to speak.”
For more on the matchup, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Fury vs. Ngannou.
