Francis Ngannou will be facing his biggest test on October 28, 2023, when he fights the undefeated boxer Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This will be the boxing debut of the former UFC heavyweight champion and also his first fight since leaving UFC.
The PFL heavyweight is taking this fight very seriously as it was his dream to box Tyson Fury. ‘The Predator’ has enlisted the help of some of the best minds in the world of combat sports. For his training camp, he has invited one of the greatest boxers of all time, Mike Tyson as a trainer and advisor.
Apart from ‘Iron Mike’, Francis is being coached by Dewey Cooper who is a very famous boxing and kickboxing coach. Furthermore, he is a long-time coach for Francis. Another familiar face on Ngannou’s coaching squad is Erik Nicksick, the head coach of Xtreme Couture. Lastly, he enlisted the help of John M Bumba who is a French boxing coach from Ngannou’s past in France.
We have a very clear picture of the coaching team of ‘The Predator’ but who are the sparring partners helping Francis Ngannou? Let’s find out the details about Ngannou‘s sparring partners for the Tyson Fury match.
Who are Francis Ngannou’s sparring partners for his match against Tyson Fury?
Carlos Takam – Carlos Takam is a French professional boxer who was born in Cameroon. Takam has a decent boxing record of 40-7-1, with 28 of his victories coming by way of knockout. He has competed with elite-level boxers like Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce, and Joseph Parker.
According to Takam, Ngannou’s power exceeds the power of Deontay Wilder, who is the most powerful puncher in boxing. Furthermore, he said that if Francis lands a shot similar to what Wilder landed, it will be lights out for Tyson Fury. “I really think if Tyson Fury takes that punch from Francis, he not gonna get up,” said Carlos.
Francis Ngannou & Carlos Takam en mode sparring technique 🇨🇲pic.twitter.com/pZYW1HQcnP
— ARENA (@MMArena_) September 28, 2023
Jackson Murray – Jackson Murray is an undefeated Australian boxer who is recently coming off a win over Louis Marsters. The 28-year-old boxer was handpicked by Dewey Cooper due to his similarity in size with Tyson Fury along with his ability to switch stances.
The 5-0-0 boxer joined Ngannou’s camp just three days after his latest fight. Murray said that his team sent some sparring footage of himself to Francis and his team after which he was recruited. “I can switch stances between orthodox and southpaw, which Fury is known for,” said Jackson Murray.
Three days after winning a tough bout, Aussie Jackson Murray was in Vegas sparring UFC star Francis Ngannou – with stitches and bandages on his head!https://t.co/Dltdjk2nFO
— MAIN EVENT (@MainEventTV) September 19, 2023
When he was asked about his experience after sparring ‘The Predator’ he said, “It was difficult sparring Francis so soon after my last fight.” Furthermore, Murray has encouraged MMA fans by saying that Ngannou will “shock the world” against Tyson Fury.