Boxing

Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou: Odds, How to Watch Heavyweight Boxing Match

Gabriel Santiago
Gabriel Santiago@gps_onthemic
Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou: Odds, How to Watch Heavyweight Boxing Match

Ahead of a career-defining fight in December with Oleksandr Usyk, apparently WBC heavyweight champion Tyson "The Gypsy King" Fury wants to shake some rust off.

This Saturday, October 28, Fury (33-0-1, 24 KO) heads to Saudia Arabia's capital city of Riyadh to duke it out with debut boxer and UFC star Francis "The Predator" Ngannou (17-3, 13 KO in MMA).

Dubbed as the "Battle of the Baddest," these two Herculean sluggers pack quite a wallop. Set to air live in the United States on Saturday afternoon, Fury and Ngannou will headline a seven-bout fight card.

As mentioned, Fury is the current WBC champ, but this match with Ngannou will serve just as an exhibition (10 rounds). Still, being that Fury is one of the most skilled boxers of all-time at his size, he'd do well not to make this a close contest.

Of course, Ngannou has the sort of power that always warrants a "puncher's chance."

For all information on Fury-Ngannou (betting odds, how to watch, fighter and full card details), read below:

Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou Fight Odds

All Fury-Ngannou boxing odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.
Updated October 27, 2023 at 11:15 a.m. ET

Moneyline

  • Fury: -2000
  • Ngannou: +1080

Round Total

  • 4.5 rounds (-156/+122)

Will Fight Go the Distance?

  • Yes: +470
  • No: -750

Method Of Victory

  • Fury by Points or Decision: +490
  • Fury by KO/TKO: -440
  • Draw: +2800
  • Ngannou by Points or Decision: +5000
  • Ngannou by KO/TKO: +1000

Specific round betting for Fury-Ngannou is also available at FanDuel Sportsbook.

How To Watch Fury vs. Ngannou

In the United States, ESPN+ will hold the pay-per-view rights for Fury-Ngannou. On top of existing subscription, purchase for the Top Rank event is $79.99.

The card is slated to begin at 1 p.m. Eastern (ESPN broadcast starts at 2 p.m. Eastern) with main event ringwalks for Fury and Ngannou scheduled tentatively for 5:40 p.m. Eastern. Keep in mind, this strap will be hosted across the planet in Saudi Arabia.

Fighter History

Tyson Fury

Simply, Tyson Fury has been the most dominant heavyweight of the current boxing epoch. Towering at 6-feet-9 inches, the Brit utilizes his rangy 85-inch reach to punish opponents seemingly at will. Still, he is anything but a statue in the ring, blending precise footwork with timely feints to keep his (pretty much always) smaller foes off-balanced.

Fury has never been defeated outright in his professional boxing career, so it does seem farfetched to believe someone making their debut will be able to do the trick -- even a man as strong a puncher as Ngannou. At age 35, Fury is also the younger fighter here.

Notably, Fury's lone blemish on his record came against American Deontay Wilder in downtown Los Angeles back in 2018. In a moment that will live eternally in heavyweight history, Fury sustained a haymaker left-right combination from Wilder early in the final round that sent the former crashing into unconsciousness. Of course, Fury miraculously beat the 10-count and finished the bout, earning his only professional draw.

December 2022 was the most recent time Fury saw action in the ring. On that night, he squared up with Derek Chisora at home in the U.K. Fury did not look particularly challenged in that match, scoring a stoppage victory in the 10th round.

Francis Ngannou

Francis Ngannou is definitely the type of cat to let his fists do the talking, and if you're unfamiliar, those knuckles speak quite loudly. Still, he will be working with just about every disadvantage in his date with Fury. Next to "The Gypsy King," Ngannou is shorter, less rangy, older (age 37) and a less experienced boxer. It's a shame this one isn't being fought under UFC sanctions; could you imagine?

Ngannou's overarching story is an incredible one. A native of Cameroon, he grew up in mostly poverty and hostility but remained adamant about channelling his abilities into something positive. Ngannou's fight career began with boxing training, but after relocating to Paris, he was introduced to MMA by Fernand Lopez. Ngannou has gone on compile a 17-3 record in the discipline, producing many showstopping knockouts.

Back in 2017, Ngannou earned various "Knockout of the Year" accolades after he sent Alistair Overeem into a deep dream state with a crushing left-uppercut. Simply, Ngannou has weapon-grade fists, but will he be able to mount consistent attacks against the ring skills of Fury?

I mentioned Ngannou is smaller, but he is certainly not little. Standing at 6-foot-4, his reach of 83 inches actually measures a closer to Fury's. Of course, Ngannou is built burly like a heavyweight. He'll need to stay strong and focused to take down the champ.

Full Card

  • Main Event: Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou
    • Exhibition heavyweight bout

  • Fabio Wardley vs. David Adeleye
    • British heavyweight title bout
  • Joseph Parker vs. Simon Kean
    • Heavyweight bout
  • Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Junior Anthony Wright
    • Heavyweight bout
  • Moses Itauma vs. Istvan Bernath
    • Heavyweight bout
  • Carlos Takam vs. Martin Bakole
    • Heavyweight bout
  • Jack McGann vs. Alcibiade Duran Galvan
    • Super welterweight bout

Looking for the latest boxing odds? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook to see the lines for all upcoming fights.


The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.