Expert Selection, Undercard, Preview, Start Time, and Fight Predictions
This Saturday, the WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury and the former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou will square off in the boxing ring as two renowned fighters. This fight unites two of the toughest guys in combat sports to create a crossover boxing match that gives the current wave of “cross-over boxing” tournaments a new twist.
The Unbeaten Champion, Tyson Fury
Throughout his professional career, Fury has faced several illustrious heavyweights, including three fights with Deontay Wilder, who has the ability to knock him down but not finish him off. Fury has never experienced loss. The fact that Fury is preparing to take on Oleksandr Usyk, the champions of the WBA, WBO, and IBF, on December 23 lends a little more drama to the Ngannou bout because any injury or setback might prevent Fury from becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Francis Ngannou: The Transition from UFC
Ngannou defeated Stipe Miocic in March 2021 to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship. After losing his championship defense to Cyril Gane in January, he ended his contract dispute with the UFC. One significant condition of the negotiations was Ngannou’s wish to give boxing a go.
Highlights from Undercard
Forecasts and Professional Picks
As expected from the main event, the undercard actually does little to attract casual viewers’ attention. Nevertheless, some well-known fighters from the matches before Fury and Ngannou entered the arena are present. David Adeleye and Fabio Wardley have been selected as the primary supporting fights. Joseph Parker, the former WBO Heavyweight Champion, returns to fight against Simon Kean. And seasoned Carlos Takam enters the ring once more to take on Martin Bakole.
Event Specifics
Let’s examine the entire fight schedule in more detail before moving on to our predictions and choices for the main PPV event, since there is a lot going on this Saturday night.
“Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou Viewing Information”
Date: 28 October
The main event begins at 1 PM ET and ends about 5 PM ET.
Boulevard Hall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is the location.
ESPN+ PPV
“Roshe vs. Ngannou Card, Challenges”
“Roshe vs. Ngannou Card, Challengesis available to watch.-1400 for Tyson Fury versus +750 for Francis Ngannou Heavy-duty
David Adeleye +230 vs. Fabio Wardley -310 Heavy-duty
Simon Kean +600 vs. Joseph Parker -1200, Heavy-duty
Carlos Takam +475 vs. Martin Bakole -750 in heavyweight
Brian Campbell, “Morning Combat” host and author:
Unquestionably, this fight will be spectacular, and it is anticipated that Fury will prevail. But if Ngannou can pull off a late knockout versus Fury, he has the ability to completely alter the course of events. The issue lies in the fact that defeating Ngannou, who lost his first UFC title match in the last four rounds, is harder than it looks. The likelihood of this battle lasting the distance is low, particularly if Ngannou turns out to be more hazardous than anticipated. In any event, anticipate that traffic to be biased in favor of Fury.
Brent Brookhouse, staff writer
: There’s no real question about who wins here. Beyond the cliche of “the guy who lands the punch,” there’s not a real path to victory for Ngannou. That path also gets somewhat less clear when you remember that Fury has survived being repeatedly caught and dropped by Deontay Wilder in some of the most grueling heavyweight bouts in boxing history. Ngannou will need a bomb far bigger than what felled Wilder to finish Fury. It’s possible Ngannou can land that bomb, and it’s possible Fury’s chin has eroded just a bit. But it’s unlikely. Add to that Fury’s nearly every physical advantage, and it gets even more complicated. WBC Heavyweight champion Fury is long, he’s tall, he’s young, and he has a better gas tank than Wilder. My inner contrarian doesn’t like saying it, but I’m seeing Fury making it to Round 6 before putting Ngannou away. TKO6, Fury.
