It’s hard to assume anything, especially the obvious, in a sport riddled with so much controversy as Boxing, but such is life even in Tyson Fury’s world. Ahead of their fight, let’s make our Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou pick and prediction while looking at the odds.
The heavyweight champion hasn’t fought in nearly a year. And yet, he takes on former UFC champ Francis Ngannou Saturday in Saudi Arabia. It’s another one of these crossover fights originally started by the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor crossover. Once again we see a UFC fighter making his boxing debut, this time against a boxer who has stood the test against some of the sport’s heaviest hitters.
Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou Odds
Fury is a ridiculous -1400 favorite to win the fight, as he’s done in 33 of his last 34 bouts. Despite a heavy favorite on one side, there are still a couple of ways to bet this fight for profit!
Best Tyson Fury-Francis Ngannou Pick
There’s just no possible way that Ngannou is going to win this fight. Certainly not within the actual time of the fight, the 10 rounds for this match simply aren’t enough for this former UFC fighter to turn the tables on Fury. Anyone thinking Ngannou boasts the KO power to bring down Fury, similar to what was done in UFC fights, didn’t watch Fury rise from the canvas after absorbing blows from Deontay Wilder.
This is a different type of knockout and it takes a different type of fighter to bring down the likes of Fury. Instead, the only true chance Ngannou has in beating Fury would be to hang around long enough to push this fight to the cards. Boxing is a shady business and we’ve seen far crazier results than a split-decision going against Fury in an exhibition fight.
What it would take to get there would be nothing short of miraculous, but lucky for anyone betting this fight there is a play – albeit a longer shot. Instead of taking $1400 to make $100 on what should be a lock, take advantage of two elements – one from each fighter – that can be factored into this fight.
The first is that despite having the shorter reach, being unable to kick people, and not being a full-blown boxer, Ngannou does have some serious power. More than any other UFC fighter coming into this scenario, that’s for sure. The second element focuses on Fury who has hit the canvas a couple of times, especially against the aforementioned Wilder.
The only way to bet this fight at + money odds while still having a chance to cash the ticket is to bet Fury to be Knocked Down and Win +550 at DraftKings. This banks on Fury still leaving himself open enough – especially against a lesser fighter in his eyes – but having the endurance and strength to withstand an entire barrage, while still winning the fight. It’s been done before and wouldn’t be as appealing if Fury were fighting a JiuJitsu type fighter or wrestler.
The only other way this might make sense is if Ngannou truly outfights – not outboxes – Fury. If the former can stay alive while still landing punches, scoring as opposed to winning the fight itself, Ngannou could force a decision. It’s worth a small sprinkle as the likelihood of Ngannou forcing a draw would coincide with a poor effort and even worse execution by Fury. Just relying on his name won’t be enough for Fury if it hits that point, and after all, it’s just an exhibition so anything can happen when the cards come out.
BEST TYSON FURY-FRANCIS NGANNOU Pick: Fury to be Knocked Down and Win +550 DraftKings .75U
BEST TYSON FURY-FRANCIS NGANNOU Longshot: NGANNOU to Win by Decision +5000 DraftKings .1U
