Francis Ngannou says it’s a ‘great honor’ to be compared to ‘greatest boxer of all time’ Mike Tyson ahead of UFC 270

UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou admits it’s a ‘great honor’ to be compared to boxing legend Mike Tyson.

The Cameroonian has earned a fierce reputation as one of combat sport’s most vicious knockouts during his six years in the UFC.

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Ngannou’s ferocity in the cage has recently earned him the same fearsome aura as Tyson in the late 1980s and early 90s.

And having his name mentioned in the same light as Tyson is the source of great pride in ‘The Predator’.

The 34-year-old told SunSport this week: “Well, that’s a huge honor.

“It’s an honor for them to compare me to Mike Tyson.”

Though he’s delighted to be compared to Iron Mike – whom he values ​​most – Ngannou has no plans to rest on his laurels.

He said: “I wouldn’t say that’s my ultimate goal, but it’s something huge because Mike Tyson is my greatest boxer, [greatest] martial artist of all time. I get Mike Tyson all day long. “

That being said, the former refugee remains on the moon for his name to be mentioned in the same breath as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

He said with a wry smile on his face: “So to that point [in my career], it’s awesome, man. It’s just the good stuff. “

Ngannou fell in love with boxing before his former coach Fernand Lopez – who will face him this weekend – urged him to try mixed martial arts.

The UFC’s first African-American heavyweight champion still has ambitions to reach the squared circle and has set his sights on a blockbuster fight with Tyson Fury.

And he believes a big-money showdown with The Gypsy King will materialize after he makes his first defense of his title this weekend.

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When asked how confident he is about his fight with the WBC heavyweight champion coming to an end, he replied: “Out of ten?

“Let’s say eight. Why not nine? Just to be conservative.”

Before Ngannou can think about entering the world of boxing, he must first pass Unified UFC 270 . Heavyweight Belt duel with former teammate and teammate Ciryl Gane.

The couple knew each other intimately while training together at the MMA Factory in Paris, but Gane insists he has ‘improved’ significantly since the days they were training partners.

Bon Gamin told SunSport: “I think this time we have improved 100%.

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“We have improved a lot – for me and for him.

“At the moment, the feeling is, ‘I’m really lucky’ because I’m just starting out in MMA and I can fight a guy who’s already in the top five.”

“So I think today, it’s going to be a little bit different. But this has given me a little bit more confidence.”

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