Top Rank president Todd DuBoef, who co-promotes WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, believes MMA veteran Francis Ngannou has “earned” the right to a rematch.
In one of the most unexpected moments of the year, Ngannou made his professional boxing debut in a crossover boxing match against Fury.
Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, generated worldwide headlines when he dropped Fury in the third and fought the unbeaten champ on competitive terms for much of their ten round contest.
Fury was able to come away with a razor-close split decision victory.
Ngannou has been pushing for a rematch, which DuBoef could see happening in the future.
“That’s an earned ability to get the rematch. He earned that,” DuBoef told Sky Sports.
“His performance dictated that [people think:] ‘Woah, he has a chance. We never thought he had a chance’ and in that situation I think absolutely. I think Tyson is regretful. He blamed himself. He thought he had an off night. He said: ‘I took it lightly. It was all on me.’ Didn’t point fingers, which was good.
“Ngannou outperformed anybody’s expectation and as a result of that you have all the components to say, hey, I want to see this again and that creates and warrants a rematch.”
Before he can think about a rematch, Fury will step in the ring with IBF, WBO, IBO and WBA heavyweight titlist Oleksandr Usyk in the undisputed championship fight on February 17 in Saudi Arabia.
There is a two-way rematch clause, which sets the stage for either man to force a second encounter.
“I’m not a big rematch fan. I just think that it kind of takes the prize out of the prizefight. It [the use of rematch clauses] is a new phenomenon that’s come in the last probably decade and a half. So I’m not a big rematch fan but you have to understand that there are rematch clauses in fights and it’s more of the norm today,” DuBoef said.
“I think it’s a special moment in February when we get all the heavyweight titles together. I think that we’re talking about two world class heavyweights that will hopefully put on an incredible performance and if it’s that good of a fight then it warrants a rematch. It shouldn’t be something that should be dictated prior to seeing what the first fight is. Let’s hope that they put on such a great fight that it warrants a rematch.”