Rumble in Riyadh: Francis Ngannou assesses the impact of Tyson Fury getting knocked down multiple times in Deontay Wilder trilogy
Francis Ngannou has offered his take on the impact of Tyson Fury getting knocked down multiple times against Deontay Wilder.
The former UFC heavyweight champion is set to make his boxing debut against 'The Gypsy King' later this weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after leaving the UFC earlier this year. Ahead of his fight against Fury, Ngannou sat down for an interview with iFL TV to speak about a number of topics.
During the interview, Francis Ngannou was asked if he believed Tyson Fury being knocked down multiple times against Deontay Wilder took something away from him. Ngannou brushed off the question by saying:
"I mean he got dropped, he didn't get knocked out...yes, nearly but no I don't think so."
The former UFC heavyweight champion was asked if he thought Fury was the best heavyweight in the world. He agreed and said:
"Absolutely yes. Right now arguably he's the best heavyweight in the world unless somebody else proves otherwise."
Catch Ngannou's comments in the video below (6:27):
Eddie Hearn claims Tyson Fury "may play" with Francis Ngannou
A lot has been said about the highly anticipated bout between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury. While many believe Ngannou could trouble Fury with his power, others don't agree, including Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
During a recent interview with Boxing Social, Hearn was asked about the upcoming heavyweight clash. Responding to the question, he claimed that Tyson Fury would likely "play" with Francis Ngannou inside the boxing ring.
Hearn also claimed that the power of the former UFC heavyweight champion may not trouble Fury at all:
"Fury may play with him and just hold him up. If Fury wants to, he’ll stop him in the first round, no problem. If not, he’ll school him, get him to gas out and stop him on his feet. He can’t win a round. He can’t hurt him. He could actually put his chin out and let Ngannou hit him clean and it wouldn’t bother him, honestly. They’re not strikers like boxers.”