Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou fight: Date, location announced for 2023 boxing showdown

Years ago, the world saw two of the best in combat sports clash as Floyd Mayweather fought Conor McGregor. It was unheard of at the time, generating a buzz many thought could never materialize again.

Now, two of the baddest men on the planet will look to top that. 

Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, and Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, are set to face one another in a boxing bout on October 28. 

ESPN’s Mike Coppinger announced the fight, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is following an initial report from Ariel Helwani. The bout will reportedly be ten rounds of action.

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"He defied the odds once again. We did it," Ngannou's manager Marquel Martin told Helwani. 

Here's all you need to know so far about Fury vs. Ngannou. 

Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou fight

A Fury vs. Ngannou fight has been brewing for months. Ngannou, under a UFC contract at the time, appeared in a boxing ring for what was meant to be Fury’s retirement fight in April 2022 against Dillian Whyte. The Cameroonian made clear his intentions to enter a boxing ring, but many didn’t think the fight would happen. 

They teased hybrid exhibitions with mixed rules involving a cage and a boxing ring. Fury returned from his quick sabbatical, beating Derek Chisora in December 2022. He has since competed in multiple fights, mainly on social media against Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua. 

Meanwhile, Ngannou was released from his contract with the UFC in January 2023. He attempted to negotiate with UFC President Dana White on a new deal, which included the opportunity to box, health insurance, and a fighter advocate to represent fighters. When negotiations went sour, they went separate ways, and Ngannou signed a groundbreaking deal with the PFL. 

Fury has worked with Top Rank in the past as well as Queensberry Promotions. Both promotions have produced fight cards which air on ESPN+, the same as the PFL. 

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Fury vs. Ngannou: Is the WBC heavyweight title on the line? 

Fury, who has held the WBC heavyweight title since beating Deontay Wilder for it in 2020, has not defended the belt since the Chisora fight. He was expected to fight Usyk at some point to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion, but negotiations went south. 

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has not responded to questions surrounding the status of the WBC title in this fight. However, it is rumored the title will not be on the line.  

When is Fury vs. Ngannou?

Fury vs. Ngannou takes place on October 28. As of now, fight times have not been announced yet. 

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Where is Fury vs. Ngannou?

Fury vs. Ngannou will emanate from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fury has previously competed in Saudi Arabia while in a WWE ring.