John Fury, father of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, fully supports his son’s decision to take part in a crossover boxing match with former UFC world champion Francis Ngannou.
A few days ago, it was officially announced that Fury would face Ngannou on October 28th in Saudi Arabia.
The bout will be a non-title contest, with traditional boxing rules in place.
Fury has received a lot of criticism over the fight – especially after his failed negotiations to finalize an undisputed showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.
John explains that his son landed the biggest financial opportunity out there.
He also states that Muhammad Ali took part in a similar scenario by facing pro wrestler Antonio Inoki in a crossover fight back in 1976 in Tokyo, Japan.
“Well, [Tyson has] beat everybody out there. He’s the best in the world. And I think people are just sore because there’s a lot of green-eyed monsters about, and most of it is jealousy, you know because anybody with a brain will know it’s a good business move, it’s a good payday,” John Fury told Express Sport.
“You know, I think the people make comments are people who are irrelevant anyway. I know fans are what we want, but what can he do? What can he do? No one wants to fight the kid. So this opportunity presented itself. He took it with both hands, and why not? And there’s only the great country of Saudi to put these fights on now because they’re blowing everything out of the water.
“The rest of the world can’t compete with Saudi Arabia. Not a chance. So people today are making comments about things they don’t really understand. Muhammad Ali did the same thing when he was lineal champion. What’s he doing wrong? He can’t get a fight, there’s no mandatories. So what does he do? Sits on his arms to please the public? I don’t think he’s going to do that. That’s why it’s called professional boxing. It’s about money and business. That’s it. Good luck to him. There’s no more you can say.”