Francis Ngannou thinks Tyson Fury underestimated him ahead of their boxing match two weeks ago.
Ngannou was fighting for the first time on Oct. 28 as he took on Fury in his pro boxing debut. The former UFC heavyweight champion was a massive underdog, and many expected the Brit to dominate Ngannou.
However, Ngannou held his own as he dropped Fury and lost a competitive split decision. After the fight, many thought Fury didn’t train, but Ngannou thinks that isn’t true, and does believe the Brit underestimated him.
“Definitely, I do think so but I also think he trained,” Ngannou said to TMZ Sports. “I just think he wasn’t as determined and dedicated as me as he thought his challenge was smaller. I knew my challenge was bigger and I always think that would be an advantage for me. I know the guy is great and the best, I know everything about him, but he doesn’t know anything about me, as far as boxing. So, it’s quite easy to underestimate me.”
Ngannou eyes Fury rematch
Although Francis Ngannou thinks Tyson Fury underestimated him, he still was able to get the win. ‘The Gypsy King’ is set to unify the heavyweight division against Oleksandr Usyk in a highly-anticipated bout.
With Fury booked up, there is some talk that Ngannou could box someone like Deontay Wilder or Anthony Joshua. However, Ngannou says he’s not interested in that and is just focused on getting a rematch with the Brit.
“First of all, it’s too soon. Secondly, my focus as far as boxing is concerned is the rematch with Tyson, that is the most important thing for me right now. Everything else for boing comes after… I would be willing to wait (for Fury to fight Usyk). I know that they are going to fight, they had a contract already, so they are going to fight sometime in February instead of December 23, which is my fault. I shouldn’t have cut him. He would’ve fought December 23, and maybe we would’ve run it back early next year,” Ngannou continued.
Whether or not Ngannou will rematch Fury in 2024 is to be seen.
