Tyson Fury ‘set to face ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou’ in exhibition match with ‘NO knockdowns’

Tyson Fury’s next fight is set to be an exhibition bout against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

Boxing fans had hoped for an undisputed world title showdown between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, but the Gypsy King’s co-promoter Frank Warren has since confirmed the Ukrainian will not be his next opponent.

Instead, Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has spilled the beans on the 34-year-old’s next match-up, which he understands to be a mouthwatering clash against ex-UFC champ Ngannou.

Asked about social media rumours of Fury vs Ngannou, Hearn told Boxing Social: ‘Yes, I believe so, this is what I’ve heard.

‘It will be an exhibition apparently, no knockdowns or anything. I don’t know, I’m only telling you what I’ve heard.

Eddie Hearn revealed Fury will contest an exhibition fight that’ll include no knockdowns 

Ex-heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou was stripped of his title after leaving the UFC in 2023

‘Who knows what’s what, but I think that is apparently what is gonna be the next fight. Disappointing, but it is what it is. It’s a big event, but I wanted to see him fight Oleksandr Usyk.

‘It’d be nice to get an undisputed champion, but Tyson’s in charge of his own career and I’m sure he’s gonna make a load of money, good luck to him.’

Fury’s prospective opponent Ngannou has been actively seeking a route into boxing ever since his unceremonious dethroning in January.

The 36-year-old failed to agree a contract extension with the UFC and has stripped of his title, becoming the first reigning champion to leave in nearly two decades.

The Cameroonian enjoyed a record of 17-3, though his last fight came well over a year ago in a unanimous decision victory against Ciryl Gane in January 2022.