Francis Ngannou says his team has been in contact with Tyson Fury’s team about setting up their much-discussed superfight.
Ngannou announced his disengagement from the UFC earlier this month after the promotion and he were unable agree on a new contract. One of the key requests from Ngannou during the negotiations was the ability to pursue boxing bouts while still under UFC contract. Now a free agent, Ngannou and his team are free to pursue any fights they want, and the former UFC heavyweight champion says they’re already working on the biggest one of all.
“I spoke to someone, some [Tyson Fury’s] advisors but they are working on a fight in April with [Oleksandr] Usyk,” Ngannou said to TMZ Sport . “So, until then, he will not be free. But I’m trying to see if we can have an agreement before that fight.
” This will allow me to prepare for my boxing bout. The timeline I expect is acceptable. I believe it will take place sometime between June and July. This should be possible. Let’s wait and see. It’s still too soon to draw a conclusion. It’s too early to say anything about it but it’s definitely something that we’re looking into.”
Ngannou has been expressing interest in superfights between Fury and Fury for over a decade. Ngannou was even present ringside during Fury’s TKO win over Dillian Whyte back in April. Earlier this week, Fury renewed his interest in the fight, calling out Ngannou for a bout in four-ounce gloves. Ngannou is still obviously interested in the fight, though he has also thrown out Anthony Joshua as a possible opponent, if he cannot come to terms with Fury, and while “The Predator” still believes that’s an option, he thinks the Fury fight will ultimately get made.
” We’ve been discussing this fight for the past two-years,” Ngannou stated. “A little over two years. “A little over two years. I believe that people have been waiting longer for the fight than they did the Joshua fight. However, it is still an important fight. Both fights would have the same size, however, we’re advanced enough to be able to fight Tyson Fury. That seems like the best way .”
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While nothing is official for a Fury vs. Usyk fight, things do seem to be trending towards a spring bout between the two champions. Ngannou, meanwhile, last fought at UFC UFC 270, defending his heavyweight title against interim champion Ciryl Gane.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/1/28/23575625/francis-ngannou-his-team-is-in-contact-with-tyson-fury-boxing-superfight-hoping-for-summer-showdown?rand=96749
