Riyadh Receives Tyson Fury: The Gypsy King arrives in Saudi Arabia
Tyson Fury touched down in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia yesterday, October 18, ahead of his blockbuster boxing match with Francis Ngannou. The contest – billed as “The Battle of the Baddest” – will take place on October 28th and will mark the beginning of Riyadh Season.
Tyson, the WBC Heavyweight Champion of the world – and no stranger to The Kingdom, said upon arrival: “I’m very happy to have just landed here in Saudi Arabia. It’s my third time here in a few years. It’s a very lovely place and I’m very happy to be fighting here.”
The two giants of the fight game will be battling it out for the WBC Commemorative Riyadh Champion Belt.
Ever the showman, the 35-year-old unbeaten heavyweight hyped up what he plans to bring to Riyadh’s big time boxing event:“The Gypsy King delivers entertainment; day-in, day-out. That’s what I do.
I’m here because I’m the best at what I do and that’s entertaining.”
“The Battle of the Baddest” sees Tyson Fury – the lineal Heavyweight boxing champion of the world – taking on the lineal Heavyweight MMA champion of the world, Francis Ngannou.
Two heavyweight behemoths, with similar skillsets, yet different disciplines are coming together to lay claim to the title of “Baddest Man on the Planet”. It is this mix of curiosity and a novel approach to combat sports – together with two international superstars – that is creating excitement and drawing eyes to Saudi Arabia.
The boxing behemoths will be battling it out for the WBC Commemorative “Riyadh Champion” Belt.
Tyson Fury, sees this massive spectacle as important for his legacy, saying that, “Next Saturday is going to be one of the best nights in combats sports that’s remembered. People will be saying “Where were you October 28th 2023?”
“It’s the biggest event in the world of combat sports for sure. No other thing can come close to this.
“Me and Francis Ngannou: The Battle of The Baddest – here in Riyadh. It’s going off.. Unbelievable!”
Respect in Riyadh
Speaking to ESPN, Tyson Fury expressed a deep sense of respect for Francis Ngannou and his readiness to take on the challenge: “A lot of people are on about this undisputed fight – fantastic. But I have a much more dangerous person to deal with on next Saturday than I do after for the undisputed fight, I believe. Because Francis is a bigger man, stronger, more powerful, and has knockout capability.”
Francis Ngannou, known for his incredible power and explosiveness, has struck fear into the hearts of his MMA opponents. Fury recognises the immediate and devastating consequences of Ngannou’s punches, comparing them to the measured skill set of Oleksandr Usyk.
“As we’ve seen with Oleksandr Usyk, he doesn’t really do much damage to people he hits. So you could probably let Usyk punch you all about the head, and he’ll give you a black eye. If you let Ngannou punch you all about the head, he’s probably going to rattle your brain for you.”
“He won’t do anything that I’ve not seen before,” Fury stated confidently. “I’ve sparred with a lot of kickboxers and MMA fighters over the years. They’re all strong and tough guys, and they all can take a good beating usually.”
However, the Gypsy King respects the commitment and preparation Francis Ngannou brings to the ring. “I’m expecting him to be fit and strong and motivated. He’s getting an awful lot of money to be here and fight, so I’m sure he is going to have a good game plan, and I’m sure he is going to try and execute it.”
The fight will take place in Boulevard Hall, Riyadh at 9pm local time.
Tickets are available here: https://webook.com/en-US/events/battle-of-the-baddest
Presented by Queensberry, Top Rank, and GIMIK Fight Promotions, the Fury-Ngannou event will be broadcast live on Top Rank through ESPN+ PPV in the United States, commencing at 2pm Eastern Time / 11am Pacific Time.
This pay-per-view event, priced at $79.99 through various platforms, will also be accessible via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers.
The fight will also be broadcast live for UK viewers on TNT Sports Box Office.
Fury vs Ngannou fight predictions
Who is Francis Ngannou?
Things you didn’t know about Tyson Fury
How to watch Fury vs Ngannou
Article sponsored by HÖRFA