Tyson Fury lands in Riyadh for Francis Ngannou fight

Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion of the world, is no stranger to Saudi Arabia. (File/AFP)
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  • ‘The Battle of the Baddest’ takes place on Oct. 28 at Boulevard Hall in Saudi Arabia’s capital

Tyson Fury touched down in Riyadh yesterday ahead of his blockbuster boxing match with Francis Ngannou, and as the game’s ultimate showman, immediately started talking up the fight.

The contest — billed as “The Battle of the Baddest” — will take place on Oct. 28 and will mark the start of Riyadh Season.

Tyson, the WBC heavyweight champion of the world, is no stranger to the Kingdom, and reportedly commented upon arrival: “I’m very happy to have just landed here in Saudi Arabia. It’s my third time here in a few years. It’s a very lovely place and I’m very happy to be fighting here.”

The two giants of the fight game will be battling it out for the WBC Commemorative Riyadh Champion Belt.

Ever the showman, Fury hyped up what he plans to bring to Riyadh’s latest high-profile boxing event.

“The Gypsy King delivers entertainment, day-in, day-out,” he said. “That’s what I do. I’m here because I’m the best at what I do and that’s entertaining.”

Fury is the lineal heavyweight boxing champion of the world, and Ngannou is the former UFC heavyweight champion.

The 35-year-old Fury sees this spectacle as important for his legacy.

“Next Saturday is going to be one of the best nights in combats sports that’s remembered,” he said. “People will be saying ‘Where were you Oct. 28, 2023?’”

“It’s the biggest event in the world of combat sports for sure. No other thing can come close to this … It’s going off. Unbelievable.”