The Gypsy King also compared Ngannou's punching power to Deontay Wilder, and his brother provided an update on the stalled Anthony Joshua bout.
Tyson Fury has revealed he did not approach his fight against Francis Ngannou with the seriousness typically reserved for a professional boxing match. The heavyweight champion recently confessed that he viewed the highly anticipated cross-code contest as little more than an exhibition or a game, a stark contrast to how Ngannou perceived the high-stakes encounter.
This candid admission comes as Fury reflects on his controversial points victory over the former UFC star in October 2023. During that bout, Ngannou unexpectedly knocked down Fury, leading to scorecards that many observers found contentious.
The revelation sheds new light on Fury's mindset heading into one of the most talked-about fights of last year, even as he weighs in on Ngannou's power and provides insights into the perpetually stalled super-fight against fellow Briton Anthony Joshua, according to reporting by The Independent - Sport.
Fury Calls Ngannou Bout an 'Exhibition'
Speaking to ALF Global, Tyson Fury elaborated on his perspective, stating he never considered the Ngannou fight to be a true professional contest. "It wasn’t really a fight," Fury explained. "It wasn't, in my mind, a fight; it’s just an exhibition, a game." He clarified that his preparation wasn't due to underestimating Ngannou's skill, but rather his perception of the event's stature.
The 38-year-old fighter acknowledged Ngannou's dedication to the moment. "To him, to Ngannou, it was: ‘Ah, big fight. I fight Tyson Fury!’ To me, it was play, a game," Fury recounted. Following this controversial clash, Ngannou did not receive a rematch. Instead, Fury went on to face Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight titles, a bout he ultimately lost, while Ngannou suffered a second-round knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua.
Ngannou's Power Compared to Deontay Wilder
Beyond his candid remarks about the fight's seriousness, Fury also offered a direct comparison of Francis Ngannou's punching power to that of Deontay Wilder, widely considered one of the hardest hitters of his generation. Fury, who famously stopped American Wilder three times in an iconic trilogy that included a controversial draw, downplayed Ngannou's power in comparison.
"Ngannou’s a strong guy, big guy, but he doesn’t punch like Wilder," Fury asserted. "No way." This assessment from a man who has faced both power-punchers offers a unique perspective on the Cameroonian's abilities inside the boxing ring.
Anthony Joshua Mega-Fight Continues to Stall
The long-awaited heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua continues to face significant delays, despite the pair being contracted to fight later this year. The latest hurdle appears to be a dispute over the fight's location. Joshua's contract reportedly stipulates the bout must take place in Britain, while Fury's agreement offers more flexibility. Key figures involved in negotiations are reportedly pushing for the United States to host the contest, with New York City’s Madison Square Garden frequently mentioned as a likeliest venue.
A date of November 20 is currently being mooted for the blockbuster event. Joshua, 37, last fought in July, surviving two knockdowns in round one to stop Kristian Prenga in round two. One day earlier, Fury stopped a 46-year-old Mariusz Wach in seven rounds in Thailand, although that particular fight was not broadcast anywhere.
Brother Shane Fury Offers Fight Update
Amid the ongoing negotiations and speculation surrounding the Fury vs. Joshua fight, Tyson's brother, Shane Fury, provided an update on his sibling's plans. Speaking to Boxing King Media, Shane indicated that Tyson Fury remains committed to fighting on the proposed date, regardless of whether Anthony Joshua is the opponent.
"It don’t affect us, because we’re fighting on that date anyway," Shane Fury stated. "Tyson’s over in America now, training as we speak." He reiterated, "So, if it’s not [Joshua], Tyson will be fighting on that day, so it really don’t affect us. It really makes no difference to us, because we will fight on that date either way." Shane concluded by emphasizing the magnitude of the potential matchup, calling it "a big, big, big fight" and assuring that "there’ll be someone lined up for a big, big fight."
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Tyson Fury say about his fight with Francis Ngannou?
Tyson Fury recently stated he didn't take his October 2023 fight against Francis Ngannou seriously, referring to it as an "exhibition" or "game" rather than a true fight. He acknowledged Ngannou's personal investment in the bout, but maintained his own casual approach.
How did Tyson Fury compare Francis Ngannou's punching power to Deontay Wilder?
Tyson Fury claimed that while Francis Ngannou is a strong and big individual, he "doesn’t punch like Wilder." This suggests Fury believes Deontay Wilder, widely known for his formidable power, hits harder than Ngannou.
Is the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight happening?
The Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is currently stalled due to a dispute over the location, with Joshua reportedly contractually bound to fight in Britain, while other parties prefer the US. A November 20 date is being discussed, possibly in Madison Square Garden, New York City.
When did Tyson Fury fight Francis Ngannou?
Tyson Fury fought Francis Ngannou in October 2023. Fury won the controversial bout by a split decision on points, despite being knocked down by Ngannou during the fight.