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Just over a week is left in the epic clash between WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. In the leadup to the battle of the heavyweights, Francis has been labeled as a massive underdog. Why? Well, because Ngannou doesn’t have any boxing experience, and statistically, no UFC fighter who found himself in the boxing ring has won a fight. 

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However, Ngannou has elicited help from the legendary fighter who conquered the allusive heavyweight title at the age of 20. If it’s unclear, the legendary fighter is none other than ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson. Moreover, ‘Iron’ Mike and Ngannnou’s former trainer, Dewey Cooper, believe Ngannou will shock the world by knocking out Tyson Fury. Despite backing from prominent names in combat sports, many in the domain still think the fight would be a cakewalk for Fury. So, during the recent face-to-face between Fury and Ngannou, the latter expressed his thoughts about the naysayers.

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Francis Ngannou claims things are looking pretty good

During their face-off, Carl Frampton brought up the fact that both boxing and MMA fans have written him off as the loser. Frampton questioned the ‘Predator’ about how the lack of support makes him feel. With confidence and determination in his voice, Ngannou informed Frampton that it made him feel confident about winning the upcoming clash. “That makes me feel confident,” said Ngannou.

Citing the reason behind his unwavering confidence, Ngannou asserted that the lack of support is not new for him, despite achieving great things in his UFC career. “Because everything that I have achieved, that’s how they feel about me,” Ngannou told Frampton.

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He went on to add that if history is any evidence, things are looking good for him. “Seems like it’s working for me pretty good,” said Ngannou. 

Ngannou can peer through Fury’s tactics

During the same face-off interview, Ngannou repeated something he had spoken about before while appearing on Joe Rogan’s podcast. When asked about how he plans to defeat the ‘Gypsy King.’ Ngannou claimed that Fury intentionally puts on a foolish demeanor, hiding his intelligence, all to penetrate his opponent’s psyche. “You [Fury] act like a fool, but he’s very smart. And he knows what he is doing,” said Ngannou.

Also Read: “Going to Shock the World”: Despite Him Being the Underdog in the Fight, Francis Ngannou’s Former Trainer Remains Positive Ahead of Tyson Fury Fight

Ngannou even suggested that he remains impervious to Fury’s tactics and is fully prepared for what’s to come during the fight night. “I am very focused and very ready for everything that’s gonna come,” said Ngnannou. Moreover, he even acknowledged that the fight wouldn’t be easy for him, but reaffirmed his resolve saying, “I am gonna fight.” 

Despite a lack of support from the world of combat sports, Francis Ngannou seems physically and mentally ready to take on ‘Gypsy King.’ However, we want to know – do you think Francis Ngannou can defeat Tyson Fury?

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

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Written by

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Sudeep Sinha

4,781 Articles

Sudeep Sinha is a Golf Writer at EssentiallySports, covering the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the storylines around the sport's biggest events and names. He previously spent over two years writing in the Boxing department, where his fight-night coverage was featured on Sports Illustrated, Daily Mail, and Yahoo Sports, including his reporting on Ryan Garcia's career arc. On the golf beat, Sudeep covers tour news, player form, and the season-long storylines that shape the men's and women's game, from majors to the ongoing shifts in how professional golf is structured. That same appetite for detail that made his boxing coverage stand out now shows up in how he breaks down a swing change or a schedule shakeup for hardcore and casual fans alike. Outside work, he splits his time between reading, cycling, and following combat sports.

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Gokul Pillai

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