Sep 07 2023 News

'He’s [Ngannou] a Tough, Tough Guy' - Frank Warren Warns Tyson Fury Prior Fury vs Ngannou Bout

Frank Warren, Tyson Fury's promoter, has emphasized the need for the "Gypsy King" to be at his absolute best when he squares off against ex-UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. The much-anticipated fight is set to light up Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 28, though Fury's WBC title will not be at stake. The contest, tagged "Battle Of The Baddest," is a headline attraction for the Riyadh Festival. As two stalwarts of their respective sports collide, global interest is inevitable. Speaking on the White and Jordan show, Warren highlighted the credentials of both fighters: “They’re both the best of their respective disciplines." While Warren acknowledges the prowess and boxing prowess of Fury, he has reservations due to Ngannou's sheer punching power.

“I don’t expect Ngannou to out-box Tyson but I know that he’s a tremendous puncher. He’s a roughhouse... he’s a tough, tough guy."

Warren believes the only path to victory for Ngannou would be a knockout, a feasible outcome given Ngannou's reputation as the world's hardest puncher. Warren stated:

“You know that [Ngannou] is going to come throwing bombs."

For the safety of the fighters, he underscored the need for a vigilant referee to enforce boxing regulations strictly. Elaborating on Ngannou's potential strategy, Warren said,

“He’s going to have to throw bombs and put Tyson out of his stride."

He also pointed out that one solid punch could dramatically alter the course of the fight. To underscore this point, he referred to Daniel Dubois's recent bout with Oleksandr Usyk. In reaction to Simon Jordan dismissing the event as 'rubbish', Warren defended its significance, stating:

“It’s not rubbish, it’s two guys getting in the ring and you’ve got to have balls to get in the ring."

Warren highlighted that combat is not new to Ngannou. Expecting a win for Fury, he remains cautious, concluding that the bout promises to be thrilling. Warren also responded to suggestions that the fight is primarily for monetary purposes. Comparing boxing to any profession, he explained that everyone works for monetary compensation. Asserting the magnitude of the event, Warren hinted at significant developments over the coming weeks.