Tyson Fury has vowed to prove he is the hardest hitter in combat sports when he takes on former UFC champion Francis Ngannou.
Heavyweight boxing world champion Fury will meet MMA star Ngannou over 10 rounds in Saudi Arabia on October 28. The Brit's belt will not be on the line but the fight will be scored by three ringside judges in Riyadh.
Fury had been expected to fight fellow champion Oleksandr Usyk this year but instead turned his attention to Ngannou who gave up his UFC title when he left the promotion last year. And Fury said: “As soon as that bell goes, it’ll be bombs away! This guy is supposed to be the hardest puncher in the world, but let’s see how he reacts when he gets hit by the big Gypsy King. I can’t wait to get back out there under the lights.
"I’m looking forward to showing the world that The Gypsy King is the greatest fighter of his generation in an epic battle with another master of his craft. Francis looked tough when he jumped in the ring after the Whyte fight, but there is no one tougher than me, and you’ll all see that in devastating fashion on October 28."
Ngannou has not fought since he defeated Ciryl Gane to retain his UFC title 18 months ago but recently signed a deal with rival MMA outfit Professional Fighters League. He joined Fury in the ring after the boxer's win over Dillian Whyte last year and said: “I’ve been waiting to meet Tyson in the ring for the past three years.
"My dream was always to box, and to box the best. After becoming the undisputed MMA heavyweight champion, this is my opportunity to make that dream come true and cement my position as the baddest man on the planet. All I will say to Tyson for now is he better dance in that ring because if I touch him, he’s going to sleep."
