Mike Tyson to mentor Francis Ngannou for Fury clash

Former UFC champion, Francis Ngannou, has enlisted the help of boxing legend Mike Tyson as he prepares for his highly-anticipated boxing debut against heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

The 10-round bout between Ngannou and Fury (33-0-1, 24 KOs) is set to take place on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Expressing his support for Ngannou, Tyson said in a statement, “I back Ngannou 100 percent in this face-off of champions. He has one hard punch, and when it lands, it’s game over. I am looking forward to working with Ngannou and supporting his transition from the Octagon to the boxing ring.”

Tyson continued, “He isn’t a combat novice; he is a world champion. He knows how to compete when the bell rings, but the key will be combining his energy and combat skills into his punches and using his agility to move swiftly around the ring then delivering the knockout blow. We’re here to win.”

Ngannou, who is no longer associated with UFC after his contract expired in January, expressed excitement about having the “Baddest Man on the Planet” in his corner.

“Bringing Mike Tyson into my training camp is one of the best decisions I can make to prepare for Tyson Fury in the ring at this year’s Riyadh Season,” Ngannou said. “Mike Tyson is an idol of mine in the sport. His experience and boxing IQ will be important to honing my technique under his guidance to win this super fight.”

Born in Cameroon and now based in Las Vegas, Ngannou is part of the Professional Fighters League. The upcoming showdown with Fury is expected to be a momentous clash between two heavyweight titans, and Ngannou is eager to make a mark in the boxing world under the tutelage of the boxing legend, Mike Tyson.