In the Tone of Matthew McConaughey: Article Summary
Much to the delight of boxing fans, Tyson Fury is returning to the ring against former UFC star Francis Ngannou. But what belts are on the line? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the highly-anticipated action.
The historic crossover is set to take place on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What belts does Tyson Fury have?
The legendary Gypsy King has won every belt there is in the sport, holding the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO titles over two separate reigns. Fury became champion once more in 2020 by beating Deontay Wilder for the WBC belt.
In September 2023, it was claimed that Fury could be stripped of the WBC heavyweight title if he doesn't face the winner of Anthony Joshua's showdown with Deontay Wilder. World Boxing News reported that Fury "faces being stripped" of the prestigious green and gold title if he doesn't agree to trade leather with either man.
Has Tyson Fury lost any belts?
In 2018, the Gypsy King was stripped of his Ring Magazine belt after failing to confirm a comeback fight. Fury had to name an opponent by the close of January 2018 to keep the title but failed to do so and was subsequently stripped of his final honor. This marked the fifth belt Fury lost after losing the WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO heavyweight titles.
What belts does Francis Ngannou have?
In January 2023, Francis Ngannou was stripped of his UFC heavyweight title. Ngannou held the UFC heavyweight title for nearly two years before he was stripped of it following his departure from the promotion. His last fight in the UFC was against Ciryl Gane back at UFC 270 on January 23, 2022, where he successfully defended his former heavyweight title through unanimous decision.
What belts are on the line for Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou?
Fury's fight against Ngannou is set to take place on Saturday, October 28, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It will be a 10-round professional fight, but Fury's WBC belt will not be on the line. Exhibition rules will also not be in place.
Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, stated earlier this year that there won't be any belts on the line because Ngannou is not ranked. However, the WBC has put a gimmick "Riyadh Champion" belt up for grabs for the Saudi showdown. This will be Ngannou's first combat action since he left the UFC in January and the first time boxing fans will see the Gypsy King in action since his April 2022 sixth-round TKO on Dillian Whyte.
