Tyson Fury says there “is more on the line” in his crossover fight with Francis Ngannou next month than a traditional boxing bout.
The WBC champion is set for an exhibition clash against the former UFC heavyweight king in Riyad, Saudi Arabia on Saturday October 28, 2023.
Fury has been criticised for not meeting long-term rival Anthony Joshua or for taking on a unification title fight against Oleksandr Usyk. That came off the back of more disapproval back in December when the 35-year-old defended his title against Derek Chisora, a fighter he had already beaten twice.
Still, Fury used a London press conference to defend his decision to fight untested boxer Ngannou – who is being trained by former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson – and to explain the extreme jeopardy a champion of his standing is facing.
“Losing to a boxer or a number one contender is one thing but if I lose to an MMA game I won’t be able to show my face,” said Fury.
