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.

In the world of heavyweight boxing, a legendary figure is hinting at a return from retirement to take on Tyson Fury. Riddick "Big Daddy" Bowe, a former undisputed champion, has expressed his desire to challenge Fury and "expose" him in the ring. Tyson Fury, on the cusp of becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion with a highly-anticipated bout against Oleksandr Usyk in the pipeline, has grabbed the attention of the boxing world. However, before Fury can focus on the Usyk showdown, he is set to engage in a crossover spectacle with MMA star Francis Ngannou. Riddick Bowe, who had a remarkable career and even defeated Evander Holyfield twice out of three fights, regrets that he never had the opportunity to face Lennox Lewis professionally, although they did compete for an Olympic Gold Medal in the amateurs. He considers the absence of a professional fight between them as one of the sport's greatest missed opportunities. The 56-year-old Bowe, who boasts a record of 43 wins and one loss, is confident in his abilities and envisions a strategy to take on Tyson Fury. He believes that he would mirror Fury's movements and feints before delivering a knockout blow. Bowe, acknowledging the height difference, is inspired to make it a war in the ring. While the boxing world eagerly awaits Fury's matchup with Ngannou on October 28, a win for Fury would pave the way for the much-anticipated Usyk fight, with the potential for a surprise comeback by Riddick Bowe adding intrigue to the heavyweight division.  

WBO bantamweight world champion, Jason Moloney, recently shared the fascinating story of his sporting journey during a visit to Rockhampton. While Moloney has become a household name in the boxing world, his initial foray into the sport was a mere fitness pursuit during the off-season of his first love, Australian rules football. Intriguingly, Moloney initially laced up his boxing gloves as a means to stay in shape while pursuing a career in Aussie rules. His passion for the sport led him to put on the gloves at the age of 13. Over the course of three years, he primarily used boxing for fitness. Eventually, the passion for boxing overtook his love for football, leading him to embrace boxing as his career. Moloney's journey was not without its challenges, as he faced three consecutive losses in his early amateur fights. However, his unwavering determination and consistent hard work turned his fortunes around. The 32-year-old world champion emphasizes the importance of dedication and consistency in achieving success in the tough world of boxing. Turning professional at the age of 24, Moloney felt he had exhausted his opportunities as an amateur. His goal from the outset was to become a world champion, and he realized this dream with a WBO bantamweight world title win in May of the previous year. Moloney's hunger for success remains insatiable, and he is determined to collect more belts and ultimately become the undisputed champion of the world. As he prepares for his first title defense, expected in early 2024, Moloney's journey from Aussie rules to boxing stardom serves as an inspiring example for aspiring fighters. He is not only a dedicated athlete but also a role model who values the opportunity to inspire the next generation of boxers. Moloney's remarkable story of transformation highlights the significance of unwavering dedication and perseverance in achieving one's dreams, even when faced with early setbacks.  

Japanese former two-time champion Miyo Yoshida is on the quest for another world title opportunity, and her path leads her to face off against Dallas-based Shurretta Metcalf. The highly-anticipated bout is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7th, as part of DiBella Entertainment's Broadway Boxing series, titled "Heroes on the Hudson." This event is dedicated to supporting the heroic veterans of the United States Armed Forces and will take place at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. The contest is set for ten rounds in the bantamweight division, and former world champion and US Marine Veteran, Jamel "Semper Fi" Herring, will be competing in the main event. Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, acknowledged the significance of the match, emphasizing that it could lead to a world title challenge for the winner. Miyo Yoshida (16-3), a two-time world champion, is no stranger to the championship stage. Despite facing a title loss due to an accidental headbutt, she reclaimed the belt in a rematch six months later. In her debut under DiBella Entertainment, Yoshida secured a win against Indeya Smith in the United States. Yoshida aims to deliver an even more impressive performance in her upcoming bout, as she was previously hindered by visa issues and limited training time. Her journey to a world title opportunity has been marked by dedication and perseverance, and she's eager to prove herself on November 7th. For Shurretta Metcalf (12-4-1, 2 KOs), this match presents an opportunity to assert her presence in the ring against a two-time world champion. Metcalf is coming off a notable victory against the former IBO bantamweight champion Melissa Oddessa Parker. As a fighter from a military family, Metcalf feels a deep connection to the "Heroes on the Hudson" event, honoring veterans and military personnel. The event will commence with five amateur bouts, each featuring an NYPD officer or military veteran. It will culminate with four world-class professional bouts, including the headline fight between Yoshida and Metcalf, which will be broadcast live exclusively on DAZN.

Tyson Fury's upcoming bout against Francis Ngannou may be garnering attention, but the undisputed heavyweight championship fight against Oleksandr Usyk is on the horizon. Both Fury and Usyk have inked contracts for this highly-anticipated matchup, with a tentative December date reportedly in the works. However, doubts have surfaced about the feasibility of a December fight due to the short turnaround, especially if Fury manages to dispatch Ngannou quickly without any injuries. In a characteristically candid manner, Fury dismissed any concerns about the bout's timeline. When questioned about a potential delay in the fight due to Usyk desiring a longer training camp, Fury confidently stated that Usyk would be in breach of contract if he attempts to push back the fight. Fury is adamant that the bout will proceed as planned in December, emphasizing that Usyk has a contractual obligation to face him in the ring. Despite the tight schedule and uncertainties surrounding Fury's exhibition match against Ngannou, Fury remains resolute about the December showdown taking place in Saudi Arabia. According to Fury, the contract is binding, and Usyk has no room to maneuver; failure to meet the agreed-upon date would result in legal consequences for the Ukrainian fighter. In light of Fury's firm stance and his commitment to fulfilling the contractual obligations, it appears that the boxing world can indeed anticipate the long-awaited clash between Fury and Usyk in December. The battle for the undisputed heavyweight title promises to be a significant sporting event, and fans can look forward to this epic showdown in the final month of the year.

In the world of professional boxing, there's a debate surrounding the significance of titles like the WBA Pan African and WBF Africa belts. Critics often label these titles as meaningless in terms of advancing a boxer's career. However, history tells a different story, with notable fighters like Noni Tenge and Cassius Baloyi using these stepping stones to catch the eye of prestigious organizations such as the IBF, one of the four respected sanctioning bodies alongside the WBA, WBF, and WBO. Noni Tenge, a former WBF champion, used her platform to challenge and dethrone Daniela Smith as the welterweight holder. Tenge's victory etched her name in history as the first South African female boxer to claim a prestigious world title. On the other hand, Cassius Baloyi's journey to recognition involved his consistency as the IBO lightweight champion, earning him the approval of the IBF for a significant bout against Manuel Medina. Now, all eyes are on Mapule "Thunder" Ngubane, who recently secured the WBA Pan African middleweight belt at the Ridge Casino in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga. Her impressive victory came in the fourth round, as she delivered a flurry of well-executed body blows to defeat Kenyan opponent Charity Mujwiri. Ngubane's win was a highlight of Boxing South Africa's Rise of Women in Boxing Series, demonstrating the potential of these titles in elevating a boxer's career. Ngubane, now the WBA Pan African champion, is confident that this title will pave the way for bigger fights with substantial purse money. She attributes her success and opportunities to the Boxing South Africa series, which enabled her to fight twice in a single year, defending her SA title and adding the international title to her collection. Without this platform, her dreams of making a defense of the SA title might have remained unrealized. In the main event of the evening, Matshidiso Mokebisi successfully defended the SA junior-featherweight belt by a split points decision after a grueling 10-round bout against Monalisa Takane. The judges' scores of 98-92 (twice) and 96-94 for Takane showcased the fierce competition and determination that makes these events memorable in the world of women's boxing. The stories of fighters like Mapule Ngubane continue to underscore the significance of titles like the WBA Pan African and WBF Africa belts as crucial stepping stones for budding boxers looking to make their mark on the global stage. These belts, though sometimes questioned, can be the launchpad for dreams of greater recognition and championship glory.