I issue the exact same warning every time a “fight” like Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou is announced.
When we learned Floyd Mayweather was going up against Conor McGregor, I wrote that there’s nothing wrong with believing in a mismatch as long as you understand what it is. If you find value in that, it makes sense to skip the exorbitant pay-per-view fee.
Fury versus Ngannou is the same, an elite boxer versus an MMA fighter with no formal boxing experience and virtually no chance of winning. If you still want to watch it, God bless you.
Of course, as a boxing fan, I’m disappointed that 34-year-old Fury has gone in this direction. He should be up against Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua or another top man, not a 37-year-old when they meet on October 28 in Saudi Arabia.
Fury is the best heavyweight boxer in the world, in his prime he should be building on his boxing legacy, not taking on side gigs.
I will adjust when the time comes and it will be interesting to see how Fury will take down an opponent who is truly unqualified to fight him beyond MMA experience, which he will not be prepared for. him for what he will encounter in October.
Indeed, from a competitive standpoint, this match could not have been much worse. However, from a business standpoint, it’s great.
First, let’s make one thing clear: This promotion will be a hit thanks to Fury’s popularity in his world, Ngannou’s following of him, and the curious element of a crossover fight. Who hasn’t watched a car crash while being driven by one person?
As a result, Ngannou will make more money than ever as a mixed martial artist, although no numbers have been reported. Basically, he won the lottery. And Fury will enjoy another chance without risk, which is the best possible investment.
I don’t like the match as a sporting event, but as a capitalist, I understand and appreciate the decision to make this match.
And remember: Fury isn’t the first boxer to perform such a stunt.
Did I mention Mayweather, who ended his career with 10lame pants-Knock out a superior McGregor. The event was a huge success, generating 4.3 million reported pay-per-view purchases in the United States and approximately $600 million in revenue.
Another example is Muhammad Ali, who faced off against Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki in 1976, five years before the last sanctioned boxing match. And George Foreman defeated 5 boxers on the same night in 1975, a strange but fascinating sight.
So Fury doesn’t break new ground. He is simply making a living while continuing difficult negotiations with fellow countryman Usyk and countryman Joshua, both of whom will likely face Fury before all is said and done.
Fury has yet to fight this year. We can all understand his desire to stay busy and provide for his family. Yes, he can also make a lot of money playing a fringe opponent or even a hired hand but not the kind of payday he will command against Ngannou in Saudi Arabia, where have a lot of money to spend. That’s why he’s doing this instead of a real big fight.
This brings us back to my original thinking.
Again, Fury vs Ngannou is not a competitive bout. It was a ostentatious, glorified practice session between the big boys who often took part in different sports. If you find value in it and still want to buy pay per view, enjoy it. If you believe this is a serious sporting event, wake up!
