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via Imago

via Imago

The highly anticipated crossover super-fight between WBC Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former UFC Heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is set to go down as an official professional bout, despite no world Heavyweight title being at stake. With the WBC confirming the fight’s official recognition, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this clash of titans.

Ngannou has long desired to face Fury. However,  his previous UFC contract prevented the matchup. Now, as a free agent, the Cameroonian-French has eagerly seized the opportunity to face Fury, relinquishing his UFC Heavyweight belt in the process. Despite this, he still is the lineal champion over current belt holder Jon Jones. Fury, on the other hand, has set his sights on the matchup after failed negotiations with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. Moreover, in the lead-up to this crossover fight, ‘The Gypsy King’ came out with a video showcasing his footwork as anticipation builds. This was not all as he also had a motivating message for his loyal followers.

Training in full swing: Tyson Fury hones footwork and power ahead of showdown with Francis Ngannou

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The WBC champion took to social media and uploaded a video of him practicing. In the video, he can be seen working on his jab and cross, often referred to as the 1-2 in boxing, along with some excellent footwork drills. In addition, with a rallying cry to all those who have supported him throughout his career, Fury declared that this fight would be one for the ages. His message serves as a call to action, urging fans to be present and witness history unfold.

“As we walk through the storm together my loyal followers, we are going on a journey hold on tight! We are on are way to the stars ✨ October 28 2023 where will you be when history will be made ? @francisngannou” he wrote.

 

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The mega-fight, while not for a world Heavyweight title, holds immense significance in the world of combat sports. Both Fury and Ngannou are two of the top athletes in their respective sports and while the fight may not hold the prestige as the Usyk fight, it is still a monumental clash. Moreover, this will be ‘The Predator’s’ highest paycheck since the beginning of his combat sports career.

Francis Ngannou’s massive purse for the Fury fight surpasses UFC earnings

Ngannou’s representative, Marquel Martin, recently shed light on the staggering amount his client is set to earn. In an interview with The MMA Hour, Martin revealed that Ngannou’s purse was so big that it may be challenging to carry it to the bank. In addition, the deal represents a life-changing opportunity for Ngannou, surpassing the earnings from all his previous UFC bouts combined.

Let’s just say this, the bag is so big, he may actually drop it on the way to the bank. Let’s just say that. If anyone even tries to come at us, I don’t even know what the haters are trying to say right now, I kind of just blocked it out, but they’ll just be proven wrong again. This is life-changing, this is exactly what we planned and visualized, so we are happy” said Martin.

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via Imago

The former UFC champion’s move to box Fury was initially met with a lot of criticism. However, this move not only elevates Ngannou’s status in the combat sports world but also highlights the immense opportunities present for MMA athletes. In addition, he has now set a precedent, making changes outside his sport which only a few have done before.

Read More: Oleksandr Usyk And His Promoter Claim They Know Something That Could Destroy Tyson Fury’s Image

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What did you think about Fury’s message to his followers as the Ngannou fight draws closer? Let us know in the comments.

Watch This Story: Everything We Know So Far About Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou