Promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom believes WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s next fight is going to be an exhibition bout against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
During a recent interview, Fury’s co-promoter, Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions, revealed that his boxer’s next fight will be a “game-changer” and something that will surprise a lot of people.
Most observers would like to see Fury have an undisputed fight with WBO, IBF, IBO, WBA champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Warren confirmed that Fury vs. Usyk clash will not happen in 2024.
Fury and Ngannou have been discussing the idea of fighting each other since early last year.
The contest was roadblocked by the UFC – but Ngannou would eventually become a free agent and sign a deal with rival MMA promotion PFL – with a contractual clause that allowed him to compete in pro boxing.
Hearn has heard widespread whispers that Fury’s next outing will be against Ngannou – with some modified rules in place where there won’t be any knockdowns counted.
“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,” Hearn told Boxing Social.
“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 has been out of the ring since last December, when he battered Derek Chisora for a stoppage win in their trilogy fight. Several attempts to secure an opponent for the first half of 2023 have failed for one reason or another.