It’s time for another crossover fight, as Tyson Fury (boxing) takes on Francis Ngannou (MMA) in the squared circle on October 28. The ESPN+ PPV event takes place in Saudi Arabia, and Fury’s WBC heavyweight title will not be on the line.
Ngannou is a boxing novice, having only trained in the sport before transferring to MMA. Conversely, Fury, a true veteran, has beaten some of the best in boxing and is considered No. 1 at the weight.
Per Bet MGM, Fury is the -1600 favorite, while Ngannou is the +800 underdog. Boxing experts believe Fury can win the fight with one hand tied behind his back. Is it “mission impossible" for Ngannou, or does he have a puncher’s chance?
There is a debate about whether this is a legitimate contest or an exhibition. The fight relates to influencer boxing, with massive interest in a bout that appears to have an obvious outcome.
Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have signed for a fight in December to determine the next undisputed heavyweight champion. Is Fury taking Ngannou lightly? Can Ngannou land a punch of consequence|
WATCH: Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, exclusively on ESPN+
If Ngannou pulls it off, what does that mean for Fury and the heavyweight division? Would Fury be the biggest laughing stock in boxing history?
Even with no title up for grabs, Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, would have a solid case to be considered the true heavyweight champion with a win.
On the latest Fightin’ Words, The Sporting News’ Andreas Hale, Tom Gray, and Karisa Maxwell discuss all things Fury vs. Ngannou, including the following topics:
- Predicting the winner of Fury vs. Ngannou
- Debating the future of crossover fights
- Discussing Fury vs. Usyk, and when the undisputed fight will actually happen
MORE from The Sporting News:
- Boxing (Fury) vs. MMA (Ngannou): Which punch hits harder
- Fury vs. Ngannou has shades of 1956 Olympic champ's debut shot at gold
- SN Exclusive: Randy Couture, James Toney talk Fury vs. Ngannou
- My Sweetest Victory: Tyson Fury on beating Deontay Wilder
- Breaking down the Fury vs. Ngannou undercard