Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngnanou Betting Tips: 13/2 punt for Saudi Arabia crossover fight
Instead of making the heavyweight unification fight that the public has been crying out for, fans are getting a different kind of matchup on Saturday night when heavyweight champion Tyson Fury takes on the former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in the daddy of all crossover boxing promotions.
Viewers will determine whether "Battle of the Baddest" proves to be a trick or a treat this Halloween. The 10-round fight being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, sees the Gypsy King take on The Predator and despite popular misconception is not an exhibition fight, meaning it will be considered a professional boxing match where knock downs and knock outs are permitted.
This will mark Ngannou's first foray into the boxing world having gone 12-2 in the UFC over seven years with the organisation. The Cameroonian-French mixed martial artist last fought in the octagon in January 2022, and returns after almost 18 months off by dipping his toe into the other side of combat sports against the man widely regarded as this generation's great.
WBC heavyweight champion Fury steps out for his first 2023 bout, almost a year removed from his 10th round TKO victory over Derek Chisora at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He and Usyk have signed contracts to fight in this century's first undisputed clash at the same venue on 23rd December, but first 1/14 favourite Fury will have to dispatch 10/1 shot Ngannou before focusing on that career-defining fight.
Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou Tip
Finding value in a circus act like this is like trying to draw blood from a stone. That being said, we think delving into the later round group betting could provide a winning punt, or at least make for a more exciting watch.
In our eyes it's a matter of whether Fury will drag out the spectacle to a points decision or grind down his opponent before closing out the fight with a late stoppage.
The latter seems more likely to be true, with Fury bringing his usual showmanship and wanting to avoid being caught by his power punching adversary while he's still fresh and firing.
People touting that Ngannou possesses a puncher's chance in this fight, while technically true, is blind optimism more than anything. Fury is going to have his way with Ngannou in that ring and Francis will be mostly powerless to stop it.
The Predator has made a customary prediction for the fight's outcome, tipping himself to win by 6th round knockout. That offers us a little window of insight into his mind, and also indicates just about how long Francis believes he is conditioned for.
No number of UFC knockouts can make up for Ngannou's lack of boxing experience, and Fury will showcase that on Saturday. The Gypsy King has seen and defeated Francis' type before, merely needing to execute a copy of that game plan in Saudi Arabia.
Fury is a master of keeping out of range and avoiding getting hit. Even when he is caught and knocked down, it's seemingly impossible to keep him there. Ngannou will have to come out swinging for the fences if he's to stand a hope in hell but that will only result in him emptying the gas tank sooner.
Expect Fury to see out the first half of this fight, boxing behind his jab and evading any danger that may come his way before pouncing on his opponent's fatigue in the second half of the fight and using his precision to disable Ngannou with a late stoppage.
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