Tyson Fury compared to Muhammad Ali ahead of Francis Ngannou boxing fight
Tyson Fury is in the spotlight ahead of his boxing fight with Francis Ngannou
REUTERS
Boxing promoter Frank Warren believes Tyson Fury is the most entertaining heavyweight boxer since the late, great Muhammad Ali.
Fury has never lost a fight throughout his career, drawing just once, with the 'Gypsy King' one of the most entertaining athletes in the sport.
The 35-year-old is currently focused on his upcoming fight with Francis Ngannou, with that showdown in Saudi Arabia due to take place on October 28.
And Warren has now compared Fury to Ali ahead of the bout with Ngannou in Riyadh.
Muhammad Ali is considered one of the greatest boxers in history
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"Tyson Fury is the most entertaining, most best fun as a heavyweight since Muhammad Ali," he said.
"Unbelievable. Wherever he goes, he brings excitement and people.
"Last year, we did two shows in the UK jointly with Bob (Arum - against Dereck Chisora and Dillian Whyte). Both of those shows sold out. They broke the box office record at Wembley.
"We sold out the Spurs on December 8, freezing cold, not like the weather today.
"We sold out. Why? Because of Tyson Fury.
"Why is he in Riyadh? Why is he opening this Riyadh festival? Because it is him. He is Tyson Fury.
"He is the best in the world. The most well known boxer at the moment. There's no doubt about that.
"This will be a social event, and as I say. It’s two guys that are the best of their discipline. This is the best fighting the best.
"The winner will walk away with that belt, and they’ll do well financially.
"There’s no doubt about that."
Fury knows he's the strong favourite to beat Ngannou, who has never taken part in a professional boxing match.
The Brit has overcome some of the very best in the sport to establish himself as one of the greatest boxers of his generation.
And he admits that he would be a laughing stock if he ends up losing to Ngannou given his opponent's lack of experience.
"I need to be on my A-game," Fury said. "There's more on the line now than in a boxing fight.
"If I lose to an MMA guy I'll never be able to show my face in public again.
"It's going to ridicule me - people will chuck it at me forever.
"There's more riding on this than ever before.
"Whether the media want to take it as a joke, make no mistake Tyson Fury will leave zero stones unturned and I will come in as my fittest and strongest I've ever been to defeat this man.
"If I'm not and I get knocked out, then I want you all to laugh at me. That's what I want, because I deserve it."
As for Ngannou, the former UFC star is looking forward to realising his dream when he steps out into the ring.
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Francis Ngannou is confident he can stun Tyson Fury in their boxing showdown
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"I have had these dreams since I was a kid to become a boxer today," he stated.
"It's not just that I'm going to box, but I am going to box the guy on the mountain.
"Nobody knows exactly what's going to happen. But what I do know for sure is I am going to be out there hunting for this guy's head, to take it off.
"What will happen at the moment that guy hits the floor and doesn't stand up?
"Will I be the best boxer in the world? If you take out the number one, you are the number one? I think so."