Top Rank CEO Todd DuBoef has voiced his belief that Francis Ngannou has rightfully earned a rematch with Tyson Fury after their gripping clash in October. The former UFC heavyweight champion, stepping into the boxing ring for the first time, surprised the world by taking WBC heavyweight champion Fury to the distance, even knocking him down in the third round. Despite losing by a narrow split decision, many spectators felt Ngannou had done enough to claim victory.
DuBoef emphasized that Ngannou’s remarkable performance warranted another bout, stating, “His performance dictated that, ‘Woah, he has a chance. We never thought he had a chance’ and in that situation, I think absolutely. I think Tyson is regretful. He blamed himself. He thought he had an off night.”
Fury himself admitted to underestimating Ngannou, taking responsibility for the challenging fight. DuBoef highlighted Fury’s acknowledgment of his off night, stating, “Ngannou outperformed anybody’s expectation and as a result of that, you have all the components to say, hey, I want to see this again, and that creates and warrants a rematch.”
While Ngannou’s impressive showing has fueled the call for a rematch, Fury is currently occupied with an upcoming undisputed heavyweight world title clash against Oleksandr Usyk on February 17. The bout has the potential to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era, adding an additional layer of significance to Fury’s immediate focus.
As fans eagerly anticipate the clash between Fury and Usyk, the prospect of a rematch with Ngannou looms in the background. The dynamics of the heavyweight division have rarely been more intriguing, with fighters crossing over from different combat sports and challenging the traditional norms, setting the stage for captivating matchups and potential rematches that capture the imagination of the sporting world.