This week, an electrifying crossover combat event is set to take center stage as Tyson Fury, the undisputed boxing champion, faces off against Francis Ngannou. While Fury's WBC belt won't be on the line against the former UFC champion, this showdown is all about legacy and asserting dominance in the heavyweight category. With the significance of this crossover event, it's no surprise that stars from various disciplines, including Conor McGregor, Mike Tyson, and Cristiano Ronaldo, are expected to grace the occasion. It's bound to be a star-studded affair, so let's dive into the details. Fury vs. Ngannou represents one of the most noteworthy crossovers in recent times, bringing together MMA fighters and boxing legends. Speaking of crossovers between MMA and boxing, Conor McGregor is a prominent figure, having previously taken on the boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. For this upcoming event, the Irishman has enthusiastically confirmed his attendance. McGregor shared a voice note on Twitter, stating, "Just wanted to announce that I'll be heading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia early AM tomorrow for the big blockbuster fight between boxer Tyson Fury and mixed martial artist Francis Ngannou." But it's not just McGregor in the star lineup; Mike Tyson, who played a pivotal role in training Ngannou for this event, will also be present. Reports even suggest that Tyson is receiving compensation from the Saudi Arabian government as part of an extensive marketing plan to coach Ngannou. His presence at the event is sure to add to the excitement and prestige of the occasion. Additionally, Cristiano Ronaldo, a close friend of Ngannou and someone who recently met with him in the lead-up to the event, is also expected to be a prominent figure at the arena. The presence of CR7 further elevates the roster of distinguished attendees for this high-profile event. All in all, it's shaping up to be an exhilarating and star-studded affair.

International superstar, "King" Ryan Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs), and knockout artist Oscar "La Migraña" Duarte (26-1-1, 21 KOs) of Parral, Mexico, held a press conference today ahead of their highly anticipated 12-round super lightweight clash. The showdown is scheduled for December 2 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, and is presented in association with Cancun Boxing. Fans worldwide can catch the event on DAZN as part of their subscription. Tickets for the Garcia vs. Duarte fight are now available for purchase, with prices ranging from $50 to $500, along with a limited number of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets, offering exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades. Standard and VIP tickets can be bought through ToyotaCenter.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. Ryan Garcia, International Boxing Star and Super Lightweight Contender: Ryan Garcia expressed his readiness to face the tough opponent Oscar Duarte, acknowledging his reputation as a knockout artist. He emphasized the importance of staying prepared and building upon his training with Derek, noting his increased confidence and strength at this new weight class. Garcia highlighted the significance of challenging opponents to reach championship status, pointing out Duarte's speed, strength, and impeccable timing. He expressed his excitement about the support from the city of Houston, anticipating a remarkable show of love from the fans. Oscar Duarte, Super Lightweight Contender: Oscar Duarte conveyed his happiness and excitement about the upcoming fight, expressing gratitude for the opportunity. He mentioned that he is in the best moment of his career, thanks to his dedicated team and family support. Duarte is determined to make Chihuahua and Mexico proud with a victory on December 2, aiming to become the next idol in Mexican boxing. Duarte stressed his readiness, both physically and mentally, emphasizing the importance of the big challenges that lie ahead. He acknowledged the formidable opponent in front of him and credited his incredible team for providing the necessary strength. Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy: Oscar De La Hoya praised Ryan Garcia's fearless attitude, noting that Oscar Duarte is a tough knockout artist, and choosing him as a comeback opponent demonstrates Garcia's readiness to make a statement and strive for a world championship. De La Hoya highlighted Garcia's champion's attitude, surprising many in the boxing industry, given Duarte's 11-fight knockout streak. He anticipated a showcase of the best from both fighters, with the fans in Houston generating incredible energy and excitement for the bout. Derrick James, Former Two-Time Trainer of the Year: Derrick James expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event in Houston and the positive synergy between him and Ryan Garcia in training camp. He underlined the continuous improvement in their preparation and expected a fantastic night of boxing. Pepe Gomez, Chairman of Cancun Boxing: Pepe Gomez expressed his happiness and emphasized the significance of this fight for Cancun boxing, Mexico, Oscar Duarte, and their team. He thanked Oscar De La Hoya for making the fight happen, acknowledging the need for the best fights in the sport.

  Former WBC cruiserweight world champion, Tony Bellew, shares his recommendation for Anthony Joshua's December fight as he gears up for a potential clash with Deontay Wilder in 2024. After months of speculation surrounding a showdown with Deontay Wilder in the latter half of 2023, Anthony Joshua and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, have acknowledged the challenges in making that fight a reality. In an interview with Ade Oladipo, Bellew encourages Joshua to consider a formidable alternative opponent following his victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius earlier this year. Bellew suggests elevating the competition by looking at a gatekeeper, mentioning Michael Hunter, who previously defeated Martin Bakole. Although Hunter's cruiserweight background may raise eyebrows, he is undeniably a tough contender. Moreover, he recently served as one of Joshua's sparring partners. Michael Hunter's most recent victory was a second-round knockout of Mexican journeyman Miguel Cubos (14-24-1) in September. Nevertheless, his win over Martin Bakole demonstrates his prowess, solidifying Bakole's status as a top-ten heavyweight fighter. While Wilder has expressed his desire to face Joshua, fans are eagerly anticipating a potential showdown between the two heavyweights. Wilder himself has taken to social media, emphasizing the significance of this matchup, and the anticipation is building for it to finally come to fruition in the coming year.

While many consider Canelo Alvarez the best fighter in the super middleweight division due to his ability to collect all the world titles at 168 pounds, Demetrius Andrade strongly disagrees. Andrade questions the validity of Canelo's claim to greatness, particularly after his recent victory over Jermell Charlo, the former undisputed champion at 154 pounds. Andrade highlights Canelo's win over Charlo as evidence that the Mexican superstar may not be as invincible as some believe. He points out that Charlo had never fought above the junior middleweight limit, and therefore, Canelo's praises should be tempered. Canelo's convincing victory over Charlo, who had long boasted of his ability to defeat Canelo, seems to have fueled Andrade's doubts about Canelo's status as the best super middleweight. Andrade is scheduled to face David Benavidez on November 25, a bout he has eagerly awaited. He sees Benavidez as an elite-level opponent and believes that Canelo would not have the courage to move up two weight classes to fight someone of Benavidez's or his own caliber. Andrade is confident that no fighter at 154 pounds would willingly step up to fight either him or David Benavidez, underscoring the challenges of facing larger opponents. As he prepares for the biggest fight of his career, Andrade uses this opportunity to challenge the notion of Canelo's supremacy in the super middleweight division.

In the lead-up to the epic clash between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia, the presence of boxing legend Mike Tyson in Ngannou's corner is creating quite a stir. Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, is making his boxing debut against Fury in a highly anticipated crossover event known as 'the Battle of the Baddest.' To level the playing field against the boxing titan Fury, Ngannou has sought the guidance and training of none other than Mike Tyson, known as 'The Baddest Man on the Planet' during his prime. Tyson has taken on a coaching role, eager to impart his legendary boxing prowess to the MMA powerhouse, helping him harness his concussive power in the boxing ring. Tyson, despite being a former world champion, has shown a rare willingness to step into a coaching role. He has been working on refining Ngannou's style and in-ring qualities, much like his legendary trainer Cus D'Amato did with him over four decades ago. Ngannou, who boasts a ferocious MMA record with 12 of his 17 wins by knockout, is now aiming to translate his MMA knockout power into boxing success. While Fury is the clear favorite in their impending battle, Tyson's presence adds an intriguing dimension to the showdown. According to former UFC fighter Dan Hardy, who now serves as the director of European fighter operations with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), Tyson has been instilling the same style and ringcraft that made him a dominant force in the heavyweight division during the 1980s and 90s. Hardy believes that Tyson's presence in Ngannou's corner provides a significant psychological advantage. He points out that Tyson's ability to move swiftly, keep a high guard, and employ the Peek-a-boo style is precisely what Ngannou needs to get inside Tyson Fury's jab and land his powerful punches. Hardy acknowledges that Ngannou may not have had enough time to add extensive new elements to his game, so optimizing his existing strengths, particularly his knockout punch, is the key. Tyson's technical expertise and understanding of fighting larger opponents could be invaluable to Ngannou. Fury, who himself is named after the youngest heavyweight world champion in 1986, views Tyson as a hero. However, Tyson will be plotting Fury's downfall in this unique matchup. Ngannou's commitment to seeking Tyson's guidance demonstrates his determination to excel in the boxing world and his willingness to learn from the best. For Tyson Fury, after this bout, his attention will turn to Oleksandr Usyk and their historic undisputed title fight, possibly by the end of December. Interestingly, Fury has expressed his openness to competing against Ngannou in the MMA world, leaving his comfort zone to face his opponent in a different arena, where Ngannou has been highly effective. The potential of these two worlds colliding adds an extra layer of excitement to this already intriguing showdown. In the ever-evolving landscape of combat sports, fighters crossing over from one discipline to another are becoming more common, and the presence of legends like Mike Tyson in the corner adds an element of mystique to this unique matchup.

Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou Exchange Words Ahead of Showdown As the much-anticipated PPV event at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, draws near, WBC heavyweight champion Tyson "The Gypsy King" Fury, MMA star Francis Ngannou, and other fighters showcased their skills during public workouts. Tyson Fury, in his characteristic confident style, boasted about his recent performance, highlighting his agility despite his imposing 6-foot-9, 19-stone frame. He humorously referred to himself as the matador to Ngannou's bull, emphasizing the traditional advantage of the matador. Fury didn't hold back in his taunts, playfully calling Ngannou a "big, fat sausage" and suggesting Ngannou was self-conscious about his physique. On the other side, Francis Ngannou appeared undeterred by the lack of respect from the boxing community. He acknowledged that he needed to earn his respect in the world of boxing but expressed his belief that anything is possible. Ngannou reflected on the unlikely scenario of discussing a matchup with Tyson Fury just a few years ago. With both fighters exuding confidence and exchanging words, the showdown promises to be a must-watch event, generating significant excitement in the world of combat sports.

  Martin Bakole, the Congolese heavyweight contender, is eyeing a world title fight against Deontay Wilder, should the WBA belt become vacant. Bakole is set to fight Carlos Takam on the undercard of the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou bout in Saudi Arabia this Saturday. Bakole's trainer, Billy Nelson, explained that if the WBA belt is vacated after Fury's upcoming fight against Oleksandr Usyk, Bakole could be in line to face the No. 1 WBA contender, Deontay Wilder. This would be the only avenue available for Bakole, as neither Fury nor Usyk are likely to want to fight IBF contender Filip Hrgovic. Bakole, currently ranked No. 2 by the WBA, has been on an impressive run, securing wins over notable opponents like Sergey Kuzmin and Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka. With a strong track record, Bakole is poised to make a statement in the heavyweight division. Nelson expressed confidence in Bakole's abilities, suggesting that his style of fighting makes him a formidable opponent. Whether Takam stands in front of him or tries to evade, Bakole is prepared for the challenge. Deontay Wilder, who has been eager for a showdown with Anthony Joshua, is also open to the possibility of facing Bakole. While discussing the potential match with Joshua, Wilder emphasized his readiness and determination to make it happen. He stressed the importance of this bout for boxing history. With the heavyweight division heating up, fans are eagerly anticipating these exciting matchups. The upcoming fight card promises high-stakes action, and Bakole is looking to stay in the mix for a shot at the WBA world heavyweight title.

Ryan Garcia, the 25-year-old boxing sensation, is gearing up for a significant showdown against Mexican contender Oscar Duarte in a 12-round super lightweight battle. This exciting match is set to take place on Saturday, December 2, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, and will be broadcast live on DAZN. At a recent press conference, both fighters expressed their eagerness for the upcoming clash. Garcia, coming off his first career defeat to Gervonta Davis in April, emphasized the importance of challenging opponents on his journey to becoming a world champion. Duarte, with an impressive 11-fight knockout streak, is equally ready to make his homeland proud. Promoter Oscar De La Hoya commended Garcia's choice of Duarte as his comeback opponent, highlighting Duarte's knockout prowess. He stressed that Garcia's champion mentality is evident in his decision to take on such a formidable adversary. Garcia himself acknowledged Duarte's strength and knockout ability, emphasizing the need to be prepared for a challenging fight. He has been training diligently and feels more confident at this new weight class. Garcia believes that in order to achieve his goal of becoming a champion, he cannot afford to take easy fights. Oscar Duarte, with a record of 26-1-1 and 21 KOs, is riding a 12-fight winning streak. He is excited about the opportunity to face Garcia and is confident in his preparation. Duarte aims to make Chihuahua and Mexico proud with a victory on December 2. He expressed that this is the best moment of his career, not just physically, but mentally as well. The undercard bouts for the Garcia vs. Duarte event will be announced shortly. In the UK and Australia, fans can catch the action live on Sunday, December 3. Houston is expected to come alive for this thrilling showdown, with both fighters eager to put on a show for their fans.

Francis Ngannou's life journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From toiling in a sand quarry as a 12-year-old in Cameroon to achieving UFC heavyweight champion status with a remarkable 16 stoppages in 17 wins, Ngannou's story is a testament to the power of determination and relentless pursuit of his dreams. Now, at 37, Ngannou is on the verge of making his boxing debut against undefeated heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia, marking one of the biggest crossover fights in combat sports history. But how did this MMA star manage to reach such heights in the world of combat sports? For many boxing fans, Ngannou is an unfamiliar face with an untold backstory. However, for Ngannou, this fight is just another milestone in his incredible journey. A Rough Start in Batie, Cameroon Ngannou was born in Batie, Cameroon, where he, like most of the town's 10,000 residents, grew up in poverty. Francis was sent to work from a young age, enduring the challenges of a difficult upbringing. Inspired by his father, a renowned street fighter, Ngannou aspired to carve a career in combat sports, but he dreamed of facing his adversaries in the ring, not on the streets. His Journey to France At 26, Ngannou decided to pursue his dream and left Cameroon for France, a journey filled with treacherous obstacles and dangerous migrant routes. Crossing the sea was, in Ngannou's words, "hell on earth," but he pressed on. In Paris, Ngannou faced further hardships, living on the streets and struggling to make progress in his fighting career. Eventually, he stumbled upon a training gym where he was introduced to MMA. It was there that he met Fernand Lopez, a fellow Cameroonian who ran MMA Factory, France's most prestigious MMA gym. Ngannou found refuge in the gym, honing his skills and training tirelessly, a far cry from his life on the streets. The Path to MMA Stardom However, a stable career in MMA was still a distant dream. The sport was illegal in France at the time, and the UFC, the world's premier MMA organization, was based in the USA. Ngannou's journey was fraught with hardships and moments of doubt. About a year before joining the UFC in 2015, Ngannou questioned whether he was cursed due to the many challenges life had thrown at him. Yet, he had an epiphany – he realized that his resilience was his greatest asset. He had fallen many times, but each time he had risen stronger. He was unafraid of life's challenges because he had the ability to overcome them. A UFC Phenomenon Ngannou's 6ft 4in frame made him a formidable presence in the UFC's heavyweight division. However, it was his extraordinary power, specifically the immense strength of his right hand, which registered the hardest punch on record, that set him apart. His punch was measured at the equivalent of 96 horsepower, a force that could be compared to a Ford Escort colliding with your face. Ngannou's power caught the attention of the UFC after just six fights in 2015. He swiftly rose to prominence with six early stoppages, including two first-round, one-punch knockouts. This trajectory led to a title challenge against Stipe Miocic in 2018, although he lost on points. Ngannou admitted that he was not yet a complete fighter at that time. A Champion's Redemption Ngannou persevered and faced Miocic once again in 2021, seven years after learning about MMA while homeless in Paris. In a spectacular fashion, Ngannou secured his place in history by knocking out Miocic with a single punch, claiming the UFC's heavyweight championship. A New Challenge in Boxing Unfortunately, Ngannou's reign as UFC champion was short-lived due to a knee injury and his desire for greater financial rewards. His relationship with the UFC deteriorated, leading him to make the bold decision to leave the promotion, even at the height of his powers. Now, Ngannou is preparing for his boxing debut, taking on Tyson Fury, the undefeated heavyweight world champion. This fight marks a pivotal moment in his journey, showcasing his remarkable rise from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of combat sports. Francis Ngannou's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and his story continues to inspire as he ventures into the world of boxing, ready to face one of the biggest challenges of his career.

Japanese boxing sensation Naoya Inoue, known as the "Monster," is set to pursue a second undisputed world championship, this time in the superbantamweight division. In an exciting showdown scheduled for December, Inoue will face off against Marlon Tapales, with all four superbantamweight belts up for grabs. In 2022, Inoue achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first undisputed bantamweight world champion in over 50 years. However, he vacated his bantamweight titles to make the move up to the superbantamweight division. In his debut at this new weight class, he secured the WBC and WBO titles with a victory over American fighter Stephen Fulton in July. Now, on December 26 in Tokyo, Inoue aims to complete the set by challenging Marlon Tapales, the IBF and WBA superbantamweight champion from the Philippines. Inoue, the undefeated 30-year-old boxer with an impressive record of 25 wins, including 22 knockouts, is determined to demonstrate his formidable power and emerge victorious in this pivotal match. Inoue shared his ambitions, saying, "I want to show my overwhelming power and win, even in a fight like this where becoming undisputed champion in a second division is on the line." He added his intent to secure a knockout victory. Marlon Tapales, aged 31, boasts a record of 37 wins, with 19 of them coming by knockout. In April, he pulled off an upset victory against Uzbekistan's Murodjon Akhmadaliev, claiming the IBF and WBA titles via a split decision. Inoue respects his upcoming opponent, acknowledging Tapales as a tough fighter with solid defensive skills and impressive technique. Notably, Inoue's victory over England's Paul Butler in December of the previous year made him the first undisputed bantamweight world champion since Panama's Enrique Pinder in 1972. He also became only the ninth undisputed world champion since the era of four-belt titles commenced in 2004. Terence Crawford of the United States recently became the first fighter to hold all the belts in two weight divisions when he clinched the undisputed welterweight world title in July. Inoue now has a unique opportunity to match this achievement just one year after his remarkable run through the bantamweight division. Reflecting on his journey, Inoue expressed his satisfaction, "It took me over four years to win all the bantamweight belts, but it looks like I can win all the superbantamweight titles within 2023. I'm really glad that I've been able to quickly make up for the time I lost to the coronavirus pandemic." The upcoming fight between Inoue and Tapales promises to be a monumental event in the world of boxing, and fans can eagerly anticipate the clash between these two exceptional fighters.

Jorge Linares Retires from Boxing After Defeat to Jack Catterall Jorge Linares, the former three-division world champion, has officially announced his retirement from professional boxing at the age of 38. His decision to retire came after a unanimous decision loss to Jack Catterall in Liverpool, England, marking his fourth consecutive defeat and his sixth loss in his last ten fights. Linares had a remarkable 21-year career in professional boxing, spanning from 2002 to 2023. During his illustrious career, he captured titles in three weight divisions, including the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight championship, the World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight championship, and the WBC lightweight championship. Linares compiled an impressive record of 47 wins, 9 losses, with 29 victories coming by knockout. His professional journey began with a victory in December 2002 when he defeated Kyong Soo Chung in Osaka, Japan. Throughout his career, Jorge Linares proudly represented Teiken Promotions, a company led by Akihiko Honda in Japan. Following his last fight, Linares affirmed his decision to retire, stating, “This was my last fight, I told my team, I told my wife, my family, that if I lost this fight, I would retire. So I lost, and I’m leaving boxing. That’s why I’m very happy as I have accomplished so much. I told my team that it was a beautiful fight. Finishing today by decision was a victory for me.” The World Boxing Council (WBC) and its President, Mauricio Sulaimán, extend their best wishes to Jorge Linares in his future endeavors, recognizing the remarkable moments and contributions he has made to the sport.

The prospect of Terence Crawford making a leap to the super-middleweight division, specifically to face Canelo Alvarez, has raised eyebrows within the boxing community. Yet, the notion has piqued the interest of former world champion Antonio Tarver, who himself has tasted victory over the legendary Roy Jones Jr. Crawford asserted his dominance in the welterweight division with a stellar performance in July, where he secured a remarkable victory over Errol Spence in Las Vegas. Since that memorable bout, Crawford's name has been linked with various opponents, with Canelo Alvarez being the standout candidate following his triumph over Jermell Charlo. Antonio Tarver, renowned for his exceptional victories over Roy Jones Jr. during his time as a world champion at 175 pounds, is closely monitoring Crawford's impressive run. He expressed his thoughts on the potential move up to super-middleweight to challenge Canelo. Tarver emphasized the intensity such a matchup would bring, stating, "It would be a lot more heated than the Charlo fight because Terence Crawford is one of those guys who means what he says. He isn't there tapping; he's standing on everything he says, and you have to respect fighters like that." Despite his admiration for Crawford's commitment, Tarver acknowledges that adjusting to Canelo's natural strength and power would be the critical factor in such a clash. The raw power of the Mexican superstar is always a game-changer in the ring. While the Crawford vs. Canelo superfight may appear ambitious to some, the potential showdown continues to tantalize boxing enthusiasts, leaving fans eagerly awaiting any developments in this intriguing storyline.

As Tyson Fury gears up for his highly anticipated exhibition bout against Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia, the heavyweight champion remains undeterred about the bigger prize awaiting him in December – a showdown against Oleksandr Usyk. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Fury expressed his conviction that Usyk "has to" face him in December, emphasizing that his rival has "no choice." Fury's confidence stems from the contractual agreement, making it clear that any delay or evasion would lead to a legal breach, ultimately resulting in a lawsuit. Despite the potential risks of injury or unforeseen outcomes in the Ngannou bout, Fury is resolute in his belief that he will dispose of his opponent within six rounds. His intent is to swiftly deal with Ngannou, whom he humorously referred to as a "sausage," before pivoting to the heavyweight clash with Usyk. The scheduled date for the Fury-Usyk encounter is set for December 23, just eight weeks after Fury's exhibition with Ngannou. Usyk had previously expressed a desire for a 14-week training camp for the fight, which now appears challenging unless he commences with substantial training in the coming weeks. Fury, with his commitment to staying in peak physical condition for the Ngannou fight, has the advantage of transitioning quickly into his training camp for Usyk. Fans eagerly anticipate the undisputed heavyweight championship clash and will be content as long as both fighters are prepared and willing to engage in a memorable contest. As Tyson Fury prepares for his sparring session with Ngannou and subsequently squares up against Usyk, the boxing world awaits a historic bout that promises to deliver thrilling action and a potential test of Fury's formidable skills.