Francis Ngannou will be taking on Tyson Fury for one of the most anticipated crossovers of the year. Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, left the organization due to disputes over contracts. After a period of free agency, Ngannou announced earlier this year that he had signed with the PFL (Professional Fighters League). And his first fight outside the UFC will be the clash against the heavyweight champion of the world in boxing!
Ngannou is known for his devastating knockout power. Something that he is betting on winning him the fight against Fury’s skill and experience in the ring. However, recent footage of Ngannou working out on the pads has fans concerned about his chances on October 28, and their reactions online show their alarm at his supposed lack of ‘boxing’ skills!
Francis Ngannou and his boxing skills are not up to par according to fans
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The bout between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou is being promoted as ‘The Battle of The Baddest’. Nonetheless, Ngannou will be making his debut in the professional boxing world for this fight. The MMA fighter rose to fame in the UFC by flat-lining notable opponents like Alistair Overeem, Junior Dos Santos, and Cain Velasquez. He secured the UFC title by knocking out 2-time UFC heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic, at UFC 260.
Ngannou had relinquished his UFC title to pursue his boxing dreams. This fight with Fury is not for the title but will go on the professional record for both men. However, boxing fans are concerned if Ngannou will be able to carry the same power over from MMA to boxing.
As footage of him working out on the pads days before the fight surfaced on social media, the community expressed concerns about his chances in the bout.
Francis Ngannou shows off his hands for his boxing match vs. Tyson Fury. #FuryNgannou pic.twitter.com/7FVfLCMpoq
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) October 25, 2023
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Fans were concerned about his left hand not being strong enough
Left hand looking hella weak
— ☣ Olaf ☣ (@PapiOlaf_) October 25, 2023
His susceptibility to jabs was also pointed out
Frances is going to eat a steady diet of jabs.
— Wander (@_PiggyPie) October 25, 2023
Many also showed concern for his stamina and endurance
This doesn't look great tbh. Looks like he's gassed out too.
— MMA Bonehead (@MMAbonehead) October 25, 2023
His jab was the main point of concern for many fans
Why does his jab look so weak and floppy
— dusty (@thedusty69) October 25, 2023
Others were concerned about his ability to last through the entire fight.
He looks tired though. I hope you can last the full fight. Or is he planing on a quick KO?
— Warchild.Dtravel Ⓥ 📍 (@aliMMA) October 25, 2023
Some fans broke down his form and made comments about his physique which is different than a boxer’s
Form looks awful, but I think it’s because he has way too much muscle. Makes him too stiff, makes him slower, and makes his combos look really awkward. He’s a more of a single punch hitter, definitely tailored more for MMA.
— Abel Polanco (@SpartanMmaPicks) October 25, 2023
And others simply stated that boxing and MMA are too different from each other.
Boxing is a different game, people don’t understand
— Stan (@MoonShotNews) October 25, 2023
Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Francis Ngannou’s More Than $4 Million per Fight Deal With PFL
Others were honest about their opinions on the fight.
Fury is gonna do circles around him and it’s be an embarrassing night for Ngannou, but who cares, he is going to be a rich guy afterwards.
— M Zaki Ur Rehman (@mzaki1990) October 25, 2023
In conclusion, fans have mixed opinions and concerns about Francis Ngannou’s readiness for the boxing match against Tyson Fury. While some worry about his technique, stamina, and muscle mass, others believe his strength lies in single punches and that boxing is a different challenge.
Regardless of the outcome, Ngannou’s story stands as an inspiration for everyone. The hardships he has faced to now become one of the most popular athletes in the world are cinema-worthy!
Ngannou’s inspirational story to superstardom
Ngannou was born in Cameroon and grew up having to work from a young age due to financial difficulties. He left for France at age 26 to pursue his dreams of becoming a star in combat sports.
His arrival in Paris was marked by struggles with homelessness and being slow to progress in his fighting ambitions. Ngannou eventually found his way to the MMA factory gym where he started training in MMA. Since MMA was illegal in France at the time, he had to relocate to the US to compete in the UFC.
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His immense strength and power led him to become an instant must-watch fighter. His fights usually ended in spectacular knockouts that gained him a huge fan following. Despite losing in his first attempt at capturing the UFC title in 2018, Ngannou persevered. And it paid off when he knocked out Stipe Miocic to capture the UFC heavyweight title in 2021.
Despite his success, Ngannou’s reign as champion was short due to a knee injury and a desire for a better payday in boxing. With possibly the biggest cross-over fight in history on the horizon for him, Ngannou has achieved incredible heights despite his humble beginnings.
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Do you think Francis Ngannou can knock out Tyson Fury? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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