SUMMARY
- In October 2023, Francis Ngannou made his boxing debut against Tyson Fury.
- Dewey Cooper talked about Mike Tyson's involvement in training Ngannou.
Mike Tyson is the greatest boxer to have ever graced the boxing ring. The legendary boxer was only compared to Mohammad Ali. ‘Iron Mike’, as he is often nicknamed, was the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1987 until 1990. The boxer was also famous for his decisive knockout victories, as 44 of his fights were knockouts out of his 50 wins.
After retirement, the great boxer has tried his hand in several ventures. From speaking in podcasts to making appearances in several movies and TV shows, Iron Mike has never faded away from the limelight. Francis Ngannou is a professional MMA fighter and a boxer. Ngannou, in his debut heavyweight boxing bout, lost to modern-day legend Tyson Fury.
Francis Ngannou will be fighting against Anthony Joshua, and it remains a question whether Mike Tyson will be training him again. With that, Francis’ trainer, Dewey Cooper, talked about how Tyson might be involved in the 37-year-old’s training.
Cooper stated that, “‘Iron Mike’ play as big a role as Ngannou wants him to over the next couple of months. Whatever way Francis wants Mike Tyson to be involved he will be. I’m sure he will, but either way, [Ngannou] is going to be prepared and ready to go against Anthony Joshua”.
The statement makes it clear that the heavyweight boxing legend is going to train Ngannou in his upcoming match-up against Fury. Needless to say, having someone like Mike Tyson in one’s corner is always an added advantage when it comes to a confidence boost.
How Mike Tyson’s coaching will be crucial for Francis Ngannou?
Though it was his first boxing match, Francis Ngannou gave a tough contest to Tyson Fury. The match was lost with the controversial split decision of ( 95-94, 96 – 93, 94-95) but it became obvious that the Cameron-born boxer has a bright future ahead in the world of boxing.
The chances of a Ngannou-Tyson were becoming clearer when Francis spoke during the Mike Tyson podcast. Furthermore, Dewey Cooper also said, “Mike had to be a part of it. He[Tyson] trained Francis when he could. He had a very busy schedule. He and I are good friends, so whenever he came in, he took over. It’s Mike Tyson! So, I hope he will come through like he did last time and keep implementing his mentality and technique“.
These statements suggest that Francis Ngannou’s upcoming fight against Anthony Joshua on March 8, 2024, is going to be a tight contest. Joshua, on the other hand, beat Otto Wallin in the 5th round by TKO on December 23, 2023.
Needless to say, the match has given Joshua a highly-needed confidence boost. But with the legendary Mike Tyson on his side, Ngannou has a good chance of defeating the former heavyweight champion and stunning the world.
Francis Ngannou questions about Anthony Joshua’s chin
Making edgy comments towards an opponent is normal in the world of boxing. In an interview, Francis Ngannou questions the ability of Anthony Joshua to take a hit. The statement was made as two fighters came together to promote their fight that was supposed to take place on March 8, 2024.
Ngannou further stated, “I heard that he doesn’t have a chin. I don’t know if it’s true or not. We’re going to find out. I hope I have the opportunity to test that out, that’s my wish”.
According to Joshua, it is a matter of pride and he has vowed not to hold back, for him it is nothing short of a war. He stated, “There is but right now no lives matter. This a straight war. I’ll be real with you. It’s war. We’re at war. This is like they say ‘there’s no friends at war”.
The statements from Ngannou and Joshua suggest that the fight on March 8 is going to be an exciting one where no fighter will ask nor give a quarter.