Boxing legend Tyson Fury has compared the potential embarrassment of losing to Francis Ngannou to the devastating 7-0 defeat suffered by his beloved Manchester United at the hands of Liverpool last season. The Gypsy King is set to face former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou in a controversial crossover clash in Saudi Arabia next month. Despite being the overwhelming favorite, Fury insists that he is not underestimating Ngannou and understands the stain that losing the fight would leave on his career. He likened it to Manchester United's humiliating loss to Liverpool.
Fury acknowledges the risk:
Although Ngannou lacks professional boxing experience, Fury is treating him with the same level of respect as any other opponent. He recognizes the inherent danger in fighting a powerful MMA fighter like Ngannou and is aware that losing the bout would result in being ridiculed. He draws the analogy to Manchester United's heavy defeat, highlighting the potential struggle to recover from such a blow to one's reputation.
Analyze the risks:
Fury acknowledges Ngannou's physical attributes, describing him as 6ft 5in tall and weighing about 278 pounds. He recognizes Ngannou as a hard-hitting fighter, earning a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the hardest puncher ever. Fury admits that the biggest risk in facing Ngannou is the fact that he is an MMA fighter, while Fury is the world heavyweight boxing champion. He questions how he would recover from a loss to such an opponent, drawing parallels to Manchester United's humiliating defeat by Liverpool.
Fury's approach:
Despite Ngannou's lack of professional boxing experience, Fury does not underestimate him. He treats all his opponents as risky fights and recognizes their potential as big men in the ring. Fury acknowledges that any opponent over 14 stone is a significant challenge. However, he assures that he never leaves any stone unturned in his preparation. Fury is fully devoted to doing everything in his power to ensure success, even against formidable opponents like Ngannou.
Fury's sportsmanship:
If Ngannou were to defeat him, Fury displays an admirable sportsmanship attitude. He states that he would congratulate Ngannou, recognizing his skill as a fighter. Fury would gladly shake his hand, share a beer, and accept the defeat gracefully. He understands that beating him is no easy task, and he would show respect to anyone who could accomplish it.
Fury's fight with Ngannou is set to be a quick turnaround, as he has another significant fight lined up. After facing Ngannou, Fury is scheduled for a historic undisputed heavyweight title fight against former pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk. The fight is currently expected to take place in Saudi Arabia on December 23, although it may be pushed back to January.
