Tyson Fury expresses interest in a boxing match against Francis Ngannou

Tyson Fury is still very much interested in a boxing match against Francis Ngannou, after his departure from the UFC.

MMA and boxing journalist Chisanga Malata reported that Fury would still like to put the boxing vs. MMA heavyweight superfight together. He tweeted out that the former UFC heavyweight champion's current free agent status does help make a bout more likely.

He wrote:

"JUST IN...Tyson Fury is open to facing ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou next. 'I'm very interested in the Francis Ngannou fight & he is not contracted to the UFC anymore."

Malata added that Fury will evaluate his options should his bout with Olesksandr Usyk fails to materialize. He noted that 'The Gypsy King' would pursue a bout with 'The Predator.'

Fury said:

"I am interested in that & if the undisputed fight doesn’t get done then I will be looking to take on him."

The former UFC heavyweight champion has made it clear that he would like to compete in a boxing fight, which was one of the things he requested when negotiating with the UFC. He is known for his devastating knockout power inside the octagon, so it would be intriguing if he could carry that over into boxing with different gloves and rules.

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Francis Ngannou wants a boxing fight

Francis Ngannou decided to leave the UFC and explore other opportunities as a free agent after declining the promotion's offer to return.

'The Predator' was the reigning heavyweight champion at the time of his departure, and coming off a successful title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. While speaking with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, he mentioned that he was willing to return to the UFC for a three-fight deal if they allowed him to do a boxing fight, saying:

"There was like, 'If and only if in good faith and this' {boxing fight}. I'm like, 'I'm not betting on that. You know, let's get a three fight deal.' I could knock out a three fight deal in one year - if I'm not hurt - and then after that I could do my boxing whatever I want." {22:16 - 22:36}

The former heavyweight champion also added that if the promotion changed their stance on him boxing during his three fights, he would have been open to boxing with the UFC involved, which would be similar to when Conor McGregor fought Floyd Mayweather.