The ‘Battle of the Baddest’ is broadcast live on TNT Sports Box Office in the UK & Ireland and via Top Rank LIVE on ESPN PPV on Saturday 28 October.
This weekend sees Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury, the reigning WBC and lineal heavyweight boxing champion, stepping into the ring against Francis Ngannou, the lineal MMA heavyweight champion. All the action is set for Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Thanks to Queensberry, Top Rank, and GIMIK Fight Promotions, fans won’t miss a moment. The entire Fury-Ngannou fight will be streamed live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV, kicking off at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. And if you’re thinking about the price tag, it’s a smooth $79.99 across all platforms, accessible through cable and satellite pay-per-view outlets too.
Tyson Fury
“Being here in the magnificent Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is truly an experience, and being the main event is even more extraordinary. I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who’s played a part. We all have much to be grateful for, and the journey to this moment has been incredible, especially considering how quickly everything came together. Witnessing the planning and now seeing it come to life is surreal. Firstly, a heartfelt thank you for this opportunity. And then there’s my opponent, the towering Francis Ngannou. I’ve noticed he’s taken a few fashion cues from me, especially his choice to wear a suit jacket without a shirt. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Many might try to emulate, but no one can truly replicate. After all, there’s only one Gypsy King.”
Francis Ngannou:
“Where do I start? I think this is a manifestation, a dream come true. I remember four years ago when I met Mike Tyson, my only request was when I fight Tyson Fury will you be in my corner? People thought I was losing it, I was crazy, it would never happen. Here we are and the fight is happening, so I am very excited, I am living the dream. It is never easy. I want to thank everybody here who has helped to make the fight happen. It might be a little weird, but I also want to thank Tyson Fury for taking the fight, for taking the risk because there is a lot of risk here for him too. He might go to sleep on Saturday night, so I appreciate his courage and thank him a lot for the opportunity as well.”
Sugarhill Steward:
“To be frank, this has been one of our most challenging training camps. The uncertainty is due to the fact that he’s transitioning from the UFC. He’s been in fights all his life, and this is reminiscent of an amateur contest where you’re unsure of your next opponent or their technique. Preparing for such an unpredictable fight is daunting. Our focus has been on honing our skills to their peak and being ready for any eventuality.”
Mike Tyson:
“I’m eagerly awaiting the opening bell. When I first heard about this, I dismissed it, thinking it wouldn’t materialize. But then I witnessed his sparring session. Initially, I found it laughable, but seeing him deliver a blow that injured another fighter’s leg, changed my perspective. If he can exert such force, becoming the heavyweight world champion isn’t out of reach. His strength is undeniable.”
Frank Warren:
“Participating in this event is truly remarkable for me, featuring the impressive heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury. He consistently draws major attention, breaking records every time. And then we have Francis, an undefeated UFC champion. Saturday promises a thrilling fight in an outstanding environment. This night is set to be unforgettable. A huge nod to Spencer Brown for his contributions. This is the dawn of a grand era, and Tyson is indeed the driving force. The unwavering support from His Excellency and his team has made this event even more memorable.”
Dewey Cooper (Ngannou’s trainer):
“Francis dedicated over three months to rigorous training. We engaged multiple sparring partners to familiarize him with Fury’s height, reach, movement, and agility. Francis, a champion hailing from Cameroon, has faced numerous challenges throughout his life, and this fight is just another challenge he’s set to conquer. We’re confident of his triumph in the upcoming fight.”
Bob Arum:
“Decades from now, this showdown will still be a topic of conversation. It’s an unprecedented event. The announcement of the fight led to the construction of a 22,000-seat arena in just 90 days – a feat almost unimaginable elsewhere. Comparing it to the US, constructing a similar facility would typically take years. This fight is unparalleled, pitting the premier MMA heavyweight against arguably the finest heavyweight boxer, reminiscent of greats like Muhammad Ali.”
