According to a report from Yahoo Sports journalist Kevin Iole, Mike Tyson was allegedly paid to play the role of Francis Ngannou’s trainer.
In two days, Francis Ngannou will take his first steps in the boxing ring. Find out the card, times and how to watch the fight here. The Cameroonian will face WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in a 10-round, 3-minute fight. Unsurprisingly, the ‘Predator’ is considered the underdog in this clash. Tyson Fury is undefeated, has 33 wins and 1 draw in his professional boxing career. Despite being the former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou has no experience in boxing. Fortunately, the ‘Predator’ was able to count on the help of the legendary Mike Tyson for his preparation (see training videos here). He therefore has a little more chance of winning and shocking the planet… or not.
Mike Tyson would not have really trained Francis Ngannou
According to a report from Yahoo Sports boxing and MMA journalist Kevin Iole, Mike Tyson was allegedly paid handsomely to act as Francis Ngannou’s trainer for promotional purposes. Kevin Lole spoke on his X account (formerly Twitter).
The Saudis have paid Mike Tyson to act as Francis Ngannou’s trainer (very, Very, VERY handsomely, I’m told). They are flying in celeb boxers, including Pacquiao, Duran, Morales, Big George Foreman, MA Barrera, Joe Calzaghe, Tommy Hearns, Frank Bruno. Floyd Mayweather may go too
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) October 24, 2023
However, a surprising revelation shook the boxing world. A report by Yahoo Sports’ Kevin Iole disclosed that Tyson’s involvement was, in fact, a strategic move orchestrated by the Saudis. According to Iole, the Saudi organizers had paid Tyson handsomely to act as Ngannou’s trainer. In addition to Tyson, the Saudis were also bringing in other celebrity boxers, including the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Roberto Duran, Erik Morales, George Foreman, Marco Antonio Barrera, Joe Calzaghe, Tommy Hearns, and Frank Bruno. There was even speculation about Floyd Mayweather joining this star-studded lineup.
According to Kevin Lole, Francis Ngannou was not really trained by Mike Tyson, who would have played the role of trainer to promote the fight.
Despite this revelation, Tyson’s presence in Ngannou’s corner was seen as a masterstroke in promoting the fight. Fury himself acknowledged the impact of Tyson’s involvement, praising the boxing legend’s role in generating excitement for the event. Speaking to CBS Sports, Fury expressed his delight at having a living legend like Mike Tyson associated with the fight. He considered Tyson’s presence in the same boxing ring where he would be competing as a fantastic honor.
As fans eagerly anticipate the Fury vs. Ngannou showdown, questions loom over the true extent of Mike Tyson’s involvement. Amidst marketing strategies and celebrity engagements, the upcoming clash between these exceptional athletes remains shrouded in speculation.
Is Tyson’s role in Ngannou’s corner genuine, or merely a tactic to generate buzz? With fight night on the horizon, the truth remains undisclosed, leaving fans in suspense until the moment the fighters step into the ring.
“He hasn’t trained Francis but they figured his presence would bring attention to the event,” he added in a follow-up post. “Dewey Cooper trained him.”
He hasn’t trained Francis but they figured his presence would bring attention to the event. Dewey Cooper trained him
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) October 24, 2023
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