In his latest column, the former Olympian and heavyweight contender has his say on this autumn’s crossover fight and assesses the former UFC champion’s chances of causing an almighty upset.
Boxing all about filling your pockets
There have been some huge fights announced across the heavyweight division in the last two weeks. But Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou is very much the odd one out. It’s a fight that makes Fury look a little weak but no one should be shocked by this, I definitely wasn’t.
He has earned the right to be called heavyweight champion and one of the best fighters in the world. But the point boxing is at now, whether you are a fighter or a promoter, it isn’t about what is right or wrong anymore. It is about what puts money in people’s pockets.
It’s always been that way, yes. But this is the case now more so than ever. People would sell their soul for views and a lot of what we are seeing would make a lot of boxing greats turn in their graves if they could see what is going on. It is the world we are in, we have to acknowledge and accept that if it makes money, it’s going to happen.
You can turn your nose up to it, refuse to watch it and try talk the fights down, but it is what it is. It is not going to change. In Fury’s case, he is such a big fighter and big personality, he has got the governing bodies wrapped up around his little finger. He does what he wants and that is the reality of it.
He is going to earn a lot of money and have a lot of eyes on him from all walks of life. But boxing fans see straight through it.
Losing to Ngannou would be catastrophic
Having said that, I wish him all the best and for God’s sake, don’t let Ngannou land a shot on your chin and put you to sleep because that would be catastrophic.
We all know he can punch and if you are fit and you can punch in heavyweight boxing, you have as good a chance as anyone because if you land that shot, it can be good night. There has been lots of talk about levels in the sport and what level he it at having never done it professionally. But he probably has more of a shot than a non-puncher at British level.
But at the same time, experience counts for so much this game, the way you move, the way you control rounds, he will find it very difficult against someone who is probably the best in the world at managing rounds and controlling fights.
I imagine Fury will make Ngannou dance to his tune. But in this game, if you can punch, you have got a chance. As good as Fury is in defence, you have to give guys like Ngannou all the respect or the worst can happen.
September fight almost confirmed
My team have been working on getting my next fight over the line and we are hoping to have something big locked in for early September. We are just waiting for a few more details and hopefully we will have some confirmation in the next couple days.
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Fabio Wardley has been ordered to defend his British title against David Adeleye and it a fight that makes a lot of sense.
After the nightmare of my situation, the title needs to be competed for and i completely understand that.
David has earned the right to fight for the title so best of luck to both of them and hopefully I will be in there with the winner in the very near future. It’s a 50-50 fight for me, you probably just edge Fabio but it is a very intriguing fight.
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