Will Tyson Fury's WBC title be on the line against Francis Ngannou? Huge crossover bout coming up in Saudi Arabia

23/10/2023 11:50

WBC title holder Tyson Fury returns to the ring on Saturday night to take on former UFC superstar Francis Ngannou in a huge crossover bout in Saudi Arabia.

The Gypsy King has not fought since knocking out Dillian Whyte to defend his heavyweight belt in April 2022. 

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He was tipped to take on Oleksandr Usyk next but Fury instead comes up against MMA legend Ngannou who will be boxing professionally for the first time. 

But will 'The Predator' be competing for a WBC title in his first-ever bout in the sport? 

Will Fury’s WBC title be on the line? 

Fury's WBC heavyweight title will not be on the line against Ngannou. 

Speaking earlier this year, the Gypsy King's promoter Frank Warren revealed that his belt would not be in jeopardy in Saudi Arabia. 

“There won’t be any belts on the line because the guy is not ranked, but we’re not selling it as that, it’s an event,” Warren told talkSPORT.

“We’re not saying he’s in the ratings and he won’t be in the ratings, it is what it is. It’s a crossover event between two guys from two different disciplines.”

This news came despite the fight being under the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) organisation. 

The heavyweight title is not on the line and the winner of the bout will instead be awarded with a special belt created just for this fight. 

Fury and Ngannou will be fighting for the 'Riyadh Champion' belt. 

The idea has not go down well with fans though, as they disagreed with the decision made by the boxing body.

But the action will now take centre-stage and one man will take home the gold.

talkSPORT will have updates throughout fight week and  will be running a live blog of all the action on fight night as well.

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