TYSON FURY has called out Francis Ngannou after the UFC heavyweight champion revealed that he could return to the octagon by the end of the year.
Ngannou, 34, has been out of action since January after undergoing knee surgery in the aftermath of his victory over Ciryl Gane.
Francis Ngannou appeared in the ring with Tyson Fury back in April
Amid contract talks with the UFC, the Cameroonian has been linked with a lucrative boxing match with Fury.
Ngannou even appeared in the ring with the Gypsy King after his Wembley victory over Dillian Whyte in April.
His contract with mixed martial arts’ premier promotion is set to expire in the summer and the UFC’s attempts to tie him down to a new deal have failed.
He has rowed back from the Fury fight, admitting that he could be back in the octagon by the end of 2022 – to the bemusement of Fury.
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The Gypsy King wrote on social media: “Thought you wanted some smoke @francis_ngannou
“Lets do a propper fight! Wembley Stadium 2022.”
Ngannou took under an hour to reply, writing: “Don’t you dare think that I take my eyes out of you. You’re still my priority !
“I’m coming for all the smoke 
. 2023.”
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He then added: “What do you mean when you say “PROPER” fight? because I’m a real fighter, and I can make it a la carte for you since you can’t handle it all 
”
Fury, 33, hit back: “Bring it on big boy. You wouldn’t last a round me muscles @francis_ngannou”
Asked by TMZ about a potential opponent, Ngannou said: “You know, as for now let’s fight for the situation and get everything squared up.
“And then when I will be close to the return, we will see where the landscape is at because a lot of things can happen.”
Although Ngannou is still playing hardball over a contract extension, UFC president Dana White is refusing to rule out the possibility of both parties coming to an agreement.
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The veteran promoter told The Underground: “It’s the same as ever, there’s no lost cause. It’s all business and we’ll see how it plays out.
“We got Francis right now with his knee, we’re waiting on that, gonna see how long that’s going to be.”
