Queensberry Promotions has confirmed that Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou will square off in a boxing match in October.
In recent days, IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has held his official press conference with Daniel Dubois, as has Anthony Joshua ahead of his meeting with Dillian Whyte.
A day on from those two media events, it has been announced that WBC heavyweight champion Fury will meet UFC legend Ngannou on October 28 in Saudi Arabia.
Reports had indicated that the fight would effectively be an exhibition, and it is known that Fury will not be putting his world title on the line.
However, the showdown will be held under, as per Queensberry, 'the official rules of boxing' and in a standard boxing ring, seeing Ngannou make the tranisition from MMA.
Ngannou left the UFC on a six-fight winning streak and as the UFC heavyweight champion, with his last victory coming against Ciryl Gane by unanimous decision in January 2022.
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Prior to that, the 36-year-old had stopped five opponents in a row by the second round, leading to his clash with Fury being described as "the toughest chin in boxing tested by the Most Powerful Punch in the world."
On Queensberry's official website, Fury said: "As soon as that bell goes, it'll be bombs away! This guy is supposed to be the hardest puncher in the world, but let's see how he reacts when he gets hit by the Big GK.
"I can't wait to get back out there under the lights. I'm looking forward to showing the world that The Gypsy King is the greatest fighter of his generation in an epic battle with another master of his craft."
Ngannou added: "I've been waiting to meet Tyson in the ring for the past three years. My dream was always to box, and to box the best. After becoming the undisputed MMA Heavyweight Champion, this is my opportunity to make that dream come true and cement my position as the baddest man on the planet."
If Fury and Usyk winning their upcoming fights, the expectation is that they will attempt to reignite discussions for an undisputed fight for the early part of 2024.
Darren Plant
