This weekend marks a highly anticipated clash between two titans of combat sports: Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. This bout has generated immense excitement, echoing the fervor seen in the boxing versus MMA crossover bout between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor back in August 2017.
Fury, a heavyweight boxing champion widely regarded as one of the greatest of his generation, steps into the ring against Ngannou, a powerhouse known for his devastating punches in the Octagon. The collision of these two high-profile athletes has captured the attention of fans worldwide.
A notable aspect of the build-up to this fight was the involvement of legendary boxer Mike Tyson. Videos surfaced, showing Tyson imparting wisdom and guidance to Ngannou, fueling speculation that the former world champion was training the MMA star for this epic showdown. For a month, Tyson’s presence in Ngannou’s training camp became a focal point of discussion among fight enthusiasts.
What is Mike Tyson Role?
However, a surprising revelation shook the boxing world. A report by Yahoo Sports’ Kevin Iole disclosed that Tyson’s involvement was, in fact, a strategic move orchestrated by the Saudis. According to Iole, the Saudi organizers had paid Tyson handsomely to act as Ngannou’s trainer. In addition to Tyson, the Saudis were also bringing in other celebrity boxers, including the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Roberto Duran, Erik Morales, George Foreman, Marco Antonio Barrera, Joe Calzaghe, Tommy Hearns, and Frank Bruno. There was even speculation about Floyd Mayweather joining this star-studded lineup.
Despite this revelation, Tyson’s presence in Ngannou’s corner was seen as a masterstroke in promoting the fight. Fury himself acknowledged the impact of Tyson’s involvement, praising the boxing legend’s role in generating excitement for the event. Speaking to CBS Sports, Fury expressed his delight at having a living legend like Mike Tyson associated with the fight. He considered Tyson’s presence in the same boxing ring where he would be competing as a fantastic honor.
As fans eagerly anticipate the Fury vs. Ngannou showdown, questions loom over the true extent of Mike Tyson’s involvement. Amidst marketing strategies and celebrity engagements, the upcoming clash between these exceptional athletes remains shrouded in speculation.
Is Tyson’s role in Ngannou’s corner genuine, or merely a tactic to generate buzz? With fight night on the horizon, the truth remains undisclosed, leaving fans in suspense until the moment the fighters step into the ring.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
