Francis Ngannou reveals intriguing detail about potential Tyson Fury boxing rematch: "There was something in the contract"
Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury's boxing match has become the stuff of combat sports legend, and according to 'The Predator,' there was potential for a rematch. He said as much during a recent sitdown with Joe Rogan on episode #160 of the latter's ultra-successful podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience.
Ahead of his past bout with Fury, Ngannou was heavily underestimated by anyone and everyone, even his own contemporaries from MMA, who felt that the gap between his boxing skill and Fury's was astronomical. Fury, it seemed, agreed by issuing a specific condition that could earn Ngannou a rematch.
"There was even a rematch clause. How do they call it? First regard of rematch clause. There was some sort, something in the contract about a rematch clause."
When asked by Rogan what the specific condition was regarding the rematch clause, Ngannou made a curious revelation.
"It was if I get in the 8th round. So, the deal was if I get in the 8th round."
Check out Francis Ngannou disclosing details about his rematch clause for a Tyson Fury bout (14:53):
Unfortunately, the rematch never took place. Ngannou blamed it on scheduling conflicts or timing issues, as he went on to face Anthony Joshua in a bout that had a disastrous result. The Englishman completely dominated the former UFC heavyweight champion, knocking him out cold in round two.
Now, 'The Predator' is expected to return to MMA. During his JRE appearance, he revealed that the plan is for him to fight fellow knockout artist, PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira sometime this year. He did not, however, rule out another boxing match following his scrap with Ferreira.
Francis Ngannou's loss to Tyson Fury was controversial
When Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury locked horns last year on Oct. 28, 2023, hardly anyone predicted 'The Predator' to win. However, what ensued was a shocking competitive bout that saw Ngannou outland 'The Gypsy King' 37 to 32 on power punches, while Fury outlanded him 71 to 59 in total punches.
Though the defining moment in the fight was Ngannou's knockdown of Fury in round three, which left the combat sports world jaw-dropped as Ngannou danced over Fury trying to get back to his feet. Ultimately, Fury survived and won the fight via split-decision: an outcome that many labeled a robbery.