Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has revealed that he secured the services of Hall of Famer Mike Tyson to be the head trainer for the upcoming fight with WBC champion Tyson Fury.
Ngannou and Fury will collide in a non-title boxing match on October 28 in Saudi Arabia.
Tyson, a former undisputed heavyweight champion, is excited with his role in the fight.
“It is no secret I back Ngannou 100% 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 said.
“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 knock-out blow. We’re here to win.”
Ngannou is one of the most feared fighters in MMA, but has no experience in professional boxing.
He believes Tyson is the missing piece of the puzzle for his training camp.
“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. 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,” Ngannou said.
“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 28th, the world will know who’s the ‘Baddest Man on The Planet’.”