SinAfricaNews
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou, billed as Battle of the Baddest, is an upcoming heavyweight professional crossover boxing match between reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou, scheduled to take place on 28 October 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The British Boxing Board of Control will be the host commission for the event
Background
Prior to winning the UFC heavyweight title, Ngannou had long expressed an interest in moving to boxing, specifically facing Fury or former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Following Fury’s victory against Dillian Whyte in April 2022, Ngannou entered the ring and the pair put forth a suggestion for a bout against one another. Ngannou left the UFC in January 2023 following a year-long contract dispute. One of his main gripes was the UFC’s denying of his insistence of a right to box in his contract. Ngannou later signed with the PFL, who would allow him to box.
A professional bout between Fury and Ngannou was announced on 11 July 2023, to take place in Saudi Arabia. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed that Fury would not be stripped of his title and that the organisation had given him special permission to compete.
BATTLE OF THE BADDEST
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou
| Date | 28 October 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Venue | Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title(s) on the line | WBC Commemorative Riyadh Championship | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tale of the tape | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Broadcasting
| Country/Region | Broadcasters | |
|---|---|---|
| PPV | Stream | |
| MENA (inc. Saudi Arabia as host) | Webook | |
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports Box Office | |
| Ireland | ||
| Unsold markets | DAZN | |
| Australia | Main Event | |
| Kayo Sports | ||
| Canada | TSN+ | |
| United States | ESPN+ | |
