MUCH to the delight of boxing fans, Tyson Fury is returning to the ring against former UFC star Francis Ngannou.
But what belts are on the line? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the highly-anticipated action.
The historic crossover is set to take place on October 28
What belts does Tyson Fury have?
The legendary Gypsy King has won every belt there is to win in the sport, but currently holds the WBC title.
In 2015 Fury’s victory over Wladimir Klitschko earned him the WBA, IBF, WBO IBO and The Ring heavyweight belts, however various events following the win forced him to vacate those titles.
He gained his WBC belt by beating Deontay Wilder in 2020, having failed to win the title in a draw in 2018.
In September 2023, it was claimed that Fury could be stripped of the WBC heavyweight title if he doesn’t face the winner of Anthony Joshua’s showdown with Deontay Wilder.
World Boxing News claimed Fury “faces being stripped” of the prestigious green and gold title if he doesn’t agree to trade leather with either man.
Has Tyson Fury lost any belts?
In 2018, the Gypsy King was stripped of his Ring Magazine belt after failing to confirm a comeback fight.
Fury had to name an opponent by the close of January 2018 to keep the title but failed to do so and as a result was subsequently stripped of his final honour.
This marked the fifth belt Fury lost after losing the WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO heavyweight titles.
What belts does Francis Ngannou have?
In January 2023, Francis Ngannou was stripped of his UFC heavyweight title.
Ngannou held the UFC heavyweight title for nearly two years before he was stripped of it following his departure from the promotion.
Francis Ngannou’s last fight in the UFC was against Ciryl Gane back at UFC 270 on January, 23 2022.
The Cameroonian successfully defended his former heavyweight title on the night after winning by unanimous decision.
What belts are on the line for Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou?
Fury’s fight against Ngannou is set to take place on Saturday, October 28 – with the bout located in in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
It will be a 10-round professional fight but Fury’s WBC belt will NOT be on the line.
Exhibition rules will also NOT be in place.
Speaking earlier this year, the Gypsy King’s promoter Frank Warren told talkSport: ”There won’t be any belts on the line because the guy is not ranked, but we’re not selling it as that, it’s an event.
“We’re not saying he’s in the ratings and he won’t be in the ratings, it is what it is. It’s a crossover event between two guys from two different disciplines.”
The WBC have, however, put a gimmick “Riyadh Champion” belt up for grabs for the Saudi showdown.
It will be the first time Ngannou will be in combat action since he left the UFC back in January.
And it will also be the first time boxing fans see the the Gypsy King in action since his April 2022 sixth-round TKO on Dillian Whyte.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
