Mike Tyson to train Francis Ngannou for boxing debut vs. Tyson Fury

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Boxing legend Mike Tyson has confirmed that he will train former UFC champion Francis Ngannou for his boxing debut against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“It is no secret I back Ngannou 100 percent in this face-off of champions,” Tyson said Thursday. “He has one hard punch, and when it lands, it’s game over.

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“I am looking forward to working with Ngannou and supporting his transition from the Octagon to the boxing ring.”

Ngannou’s fight against Fury is part of his new deal with the PFL. “The Predator” last stepped into the cage in January last year to defend his heavyweight belt from former teammate Cyril “Bon Gamin” Gane at UFC 270. Following his win, Ngannou did not book any more bouts as he had failed to reach a new deal with promotion president Dana White.

After over a year of free agency, Ngannou finally signed with a rival organization last March. However, the deal was not announced until May.

His PFL contract came as a multi-fight deal, allowing him to explore combat arts other than MMA, including boxing.

Struggling to find an opponent

Despite his opponent being guaranteed a purse worth millions of dollars, Ngannou struggled to secure an opponent for his maiden boxing match. The Cameroonian did not have a fight booked until later in July.

That, too, came following a social media tug-of-war with UFC double champ Jon “Bones” Jones to get Fury’s attention. “The Gypsy King” ultimately chose Ngannou over Jones.

“I’ve been wanting this fight for years and now that it’s here, I’m focused on fighting the greatest fight of my career and shocking the world on the most epic stage for the fans in Riyadh. October 28, the world will know who’s the ‘Baddest Man on The Planet,’” the 36-year-old said.

Tyson is joining Ngannou’s Xtreme Couture gym coaches, including Erik Nicksick and Dewey Cooper, on the trip to Saudi Arabia. While Tyson would be the boxing expert, Nicksick explained that his team would be in charge of Ngannou’s strength and conditioning.

“I’ll be part of the team. Francis kind of laid it out like, ‘Look, I’m going to have a boxing team, but I want you and Dewey to be involved at whatever capacity you both feel comfortable with,’” Nicksick, Ngannou’s head coach, said.