Mike Tyson: ‘Tyson Fury Should Worry About Francis–Stop Thinking About Me’

“Tyson versus Tyson?” said Tyson Fury. “That would definitely sell.”

Tyson Fury steps into the ring this Saturday against Francis Ngannou.

The reigning WBC champion, Fury (33-0-1) is expected to walk away with his undefeated record unblemished. Although Ngannou is a former UFC heavyweight champion, this is his boxing debut–and, at the current moment, he is no match for Fury, who is the best in the world.

After this fight, Fury is expected to set a winter date for a bout against Oleksandr Usyk (21-0), who holds the IBF, WBA and WBO titles. Expected to take place in December or January, the winner of that bout will become the first undisputed heavyweight world champion in boxing since 1999.

Courtesy Tyson Fury

If Fury had his way, Ngannou would not be his opponent this Saturday in Saudi Arabia. He would have liked a shot against Mike Tyson, who will be in Ngannou’s corner.

“Tyson versus Tyson?” said Fury. “That would definitely sell.”

Fury, who holds Tyson in high esteem, takes no umbrage over the fact he has helped train Ngannou for this Saturday’s pay-per-view bout.

“I’m named after Mike Tyson,” said Fury. “He’s a hero of my own. This is a great opportunity for him. I wish him all the best of success, and I don’t hate him for doing this. It’s all strictly business.”

Courtesy Randy Faehnrich

On paper, Fury would have struggled against Tyson, especially with the way “Iron Mike” fought in the pocket. But outside of friendly sparring, it is unlikely that Fury, 35, will ever match up in the ring against Tyson, 57.

“Tyson Fury should worry about Francis,” said Tyson. “Stop thinking about me.”

Courtesy Randy Faehnrich

To Fury’s credit, he does not lack confidence. While there is little doubt he will win on Saturday, he also claimed that he would defeat Ngannou in MMA–a fight that Ngannou’s new promotion, the PFL, would gladly entertain.

“Boxing is totally different from MMA, but I believe I’d kick Ngannou’s ass in the cage, too,” said Fury. “I’m known for knocking motherf------ out. One punch, it would be over. Hopefully we can do it in the cage one day. I’d win there, too.”

There will be a curiosity factor attached to Saturday’s fight, especially if Ngannou can rattle Fury with one monstrous shot.

“I’ll be in Francis’ corner,” said Tyson. “You’ll hear me screaming my head off.”

The outcome may not be in doubt, but hopefully Ngannou–a genuine success story–keeps this competitive.

“In a boxing match, I’m supposed to win,” said Fury. “Francis has nothing to lose. If he loses, he’s supposed to lose. So I have all the pressure. But that’s where I thrive.

“Even the haters are going to watch this. If you’re a fight fan and you don’t watch, there is something wrong with you.”