Promoter Bob Arum has admitted that Francis Ngannou has nothing more than a puncher’s chance when he enters the ring to face Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia this upcoming Saturday. However, Arum is concerned regarding Fury’s comments in the lead-up so far to Saturday’s action that he will stand his ground and will trade with Nagnnou.
Speaking to Dev Shani of Queensberry Promotions and Andy Clarke, who presented yesterday’s Grand Arrival Ceremony coverage, Arum dismissed the realistic chances of Ngannou claiming victory despite commenting that Ngannou had impressed during his preparations to face Fury.
“That guy was training in my home city of Las Vegas,” Arum said of Ngannou, “and the word got back to me from everybody who was watching him that he was knocking guys down in the gym, and that he has the most powerful punch that they’ve seen. That being said, he doesn’t have the boxing experience that Tyson Fury has. But I hope that Tyson is smart enough, and I’m sure he is, not to stand toe-to-toe with this guy and trade punches.”
Frank Warren, who, along with Arum, co-promotes Fury, agreed that Arum’s comments were sensible but believes that Fury is more successful when the WBC heavyweight champion does indeed stand and trade with opponents.
“What Bob’s saying is a sensible way to go about it,” Warren said. “But what he’s done his last couple of fights with, certainly with Deontay Wilder, he stood toe-to-toe with the biggest punching heavyweight in the last 40 or 50 years.”
Arum would counter Warren’s beliefs, saying, “That wasn’t so smart. He got knocked down twice.” Arum referred to Fury’s third fight with Wilder back in 2021.
Fury has agreed and signed terms to face unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk following the contest’s conclusion with Ngannou. No date has been given for the undisputed heavyweight fight with Usyk, but there is strong speculation that the contest with Usyk could be held as soon as December 23rd in Saudi Arabia.
Warren agrees with Arum that Fury has to be cautious not to trade with Ngannou due to what lies in wait for Fury in the form of Usyk.
“I’m with you on it,” Warren told Arum in reference to Fury’s aggression almost costing him against Wilder. “Don’t worry about that. I’m with you, but he done it. And obviously, his eye will be on he wants to fight again before the end of the year. So, I don’t want him to get fazed by that. I just want him to go out and do a job, and do it properly. But I think it’s gonna be very exciting.”
