Tyson Fury has suggested that it will be a shoot-out in any potential crossover bout with Francis Ngannou, with the first one to "land" likely to win.
The 'Gypsy King' has been exchanging on social media with the UFC heavyweight champion over a potential mixed-rules bout which is unlikely to happen until 2023.
Although it seems unlikely in the near future, the pair certainly seem keen to stage a historic event, but not before Fury eyes becoming undisputed champion with the first step set to be his title defence against Dillian Whyte.
Fury has admitted that a clash with Ngannou is definitely on his radar and has branded the Cameroon star a "machine".
"Yeah he is definitely a machine that is for sure," Fury told ESPN. "He is definitely a good puncher and all that and let's face it, it isn't a wrestling match or no grabbing or anything.
"It is just a stand-up punching battle with small gloves on. He has got big power and so do I so whoever lands first is likely to get knocked out. So as I say I am certainly interested in that.
"Dillian Whyte is a much harder challenge than Francis Ngannou for me at this minute in time, so I only focus on Dillian Whyte for the next fight which is to be announced very shortly."
Ngannou is keen to step in the boxing ring as his row with the UFC continues over his recent earnings in addition to his inability to pursue more lucrative opportunities.
He recently defended his UFC title against Cyril Gane and declared that he would rather face Fury in the boxing ring next as opposed to another defence of his title against Jon Jones.
The Cameroon star accepted the challenge from Fury on social media before proposing a rule-set of his own which could be a deciding factor if the pair do meet in a crossover clash.
However he has admitted it is unlikely to happen until next year while his future is resolved, in addition to facing nine-months on the sidelines after suffering a knee ligament injury.
Who would win if the pair fought - Tyson Fury or Francis Ngannou? Let us know in the comments section below
Ngannou earned fifty times less for his recent title defence than Fury did for his recent trilogy victory over Deontay Wilder.
He is confident that the fight will be made in the future but has admitted he feels without "power" in the decisions being made on his future.
"Listen Tyson Fury and I, we have been going back and forth for two years now and I do believe that this fight will happen," he said on The MMA Hour.
"We thought this would be something that the UFC can make it big because this is an opportunity that I have and they could have got involved and make it happen.
"But it seems like it's not their concern. Regarding what is going on, it doesn't look like they care about [it]."
