14 September 2023 , 13:24
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Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou appear to have been given conflicting reports on whether there is a rematch clause for their upcoming super-fight in Saudi Arabia.
The heavyweight champions from UFC and boxing will compete in an unprecedented crossover next month, with Fury a huge favourite given that the fight is in his sport. However, Ngannou is a massive puncher, and has landed a string of concussive knockouts during his run to the world title in the octagon.
Despite Fury's huge favourite tag, there is still a slight opportunity for Ngannou to shock the world, and should that happen, he has detailed a rematch clause between the pair. However, speaking at last week's launch press conference Fury offered a different take on what happens if he loses, declaring that it will be a case of 'move on' after the fact.
“Oh yeah, by the way, we’ve got no rematch clause," Fury told the media in London. "So that sucks, doesn’t it? Imagine that. Couldn’t be bothered. I don’t like rematches. I hate them. I’ve been in litigation loads of times over poxy rematch clauses. When you beat a man once, that should be it, move on.”
This is a direct contrast to what Ngannou claimed during an interview with The MMA Hour immediately after the fight was announced, where he insisted that there would be a rematch should he win. It is standard fare for the 'B-Side' in a major bout like this to be forced to accept a rematch clause in the case that they win.
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"There is a potential rematch clause," Ngannou explained. "But I don't know exactly how to explain that language, but yes, there is a rematch inside it." Asked by host Ariel Helwani if that was one-sided should he beat Fury, the fighter responded: "For that one, definitely."
Asked what happens in the more likely scenario where he is to lose, Ngannou added: "That's what I don't know, we will see how it goes. That's why I have to win this fight, I have to give everything to get that rematch as well."
Bookies have made Fury an unbackable 1/12 favourite in the fight, where only three outcomes are possible. They will compete over 10 rounds with judges scoring at ringside and while a draw is possible, it is very rare in boxing. Meanwhile, Ngannou is priced at a whopping 7/1 to pull off what would be the sport's biggest upset.