Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou: Boxing Odds, Prediction

There’s a lot of hype around this fight as it’s being billed as the biggest crossover between boxing and MMA since Conor McGregor fought Floyd Mayweather six years ago.

This will be a 10-round professional fight, but there is little risk for Fury. Since it is Ngannou’s first professional boxing fight, he is not officially ranked by the WBC, meaning Fury’s belt is not on the line. The WBC has elected to create a special “Riyadh Champion” belt that essentially is just symbolic.

Fury is a heavy -2000 favourite to win on the boxing odds, while Ngannou is a +750 underdog.

Tyson Fury Boxing Odds

The 35-year-old Fury has literally been unbeatable in his professional boxing career, with 33 victories, no losses and one draw on his record. Those wins include 24 knockouts. He has held the WBC heavyweight title since 2020 and he previously held the unified heavyweight titles from 2015 to 2016 and the Ring magazine title twice between 2015 and 2022. He also held the IBO title during his first reign as champion.

“The Gypsy King” has won six straight fights since a controversial draw against Deontay Wilder in 2018. Over that win streak, he’s earned knockout wins over Wilder (twice), Tom Schwarz, Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora. After Saturday’s fight, Fury is already scheduled to face unified WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title.

Fury will continue to be trained by SugarHill Steward, nephew of legendary Detroit trainer Emanuel Steward. Steward began training Fury in 2020 before his first rematch with Wilder. The pair have managed to win all four of their fights together by stoppage.

Francis Ngannou Boxing Odds

The 37-year-old Ngannou was the reigning UFC heavyweight champion when he left the UFC in January over a contract dispute. Money was likely a partial factor, but it’s been reported the big sticking point for Ngannou was the UFC’s refusal to give him the right to box as part of his contract. Ngannou is the first reigning champion to leave the UFC since B.J. Penn in 2004.

“The Predator” finished his UFC career on a six-fight win streak, which started with four straight first-round knockout victories. He’s defeated almost every notable current UFC heavyweight, including victories over Curtis Blaydes, Junior dos Santos, Stipe Miocic (won the heavyweight belt) and Ciryl Gane (defended the heavyweight belt). In May, Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League, although he has not yet fought in the PFL.

Ngannou’s longtime striking coach, former kickboxer Dewey Cooper, will be in his corner for Saturday’s bout. He also has his head MMA trainer Eric Nicksick and legendary boxer Mike Tyson helping him train. It’s worth remembering that Ngannou is a brawler in the MMA world, with 12 of his 17 career victories coming via knockout.