Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou sees incredible last-minute RULE CHANGE for controversial Saudi crossover fight
The change will affect the fighter's professional records
TYSON FURY’s controversial fight against Francis Ngannou has seen a last-minute rule change.
The Gypsy King is set to fight the MMA star tonight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The fight had been touted as an exhibition. However, that is no longer the case after a rule change.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) has now officially sanctioned the bout.
This means that the fight will go on both Fury and Ngannou’s professional records.
However, despite the fight now being professional, it does not appear that Fury’s WBC belt will be on the line.
Fans reacted to the news as they took to social media.
One Tweeted: “Just to pad our fury’s record a bit more.”
A second wrote: “Fight still doesn’t make sense but ok.”
A third said: “I totally concur. If Mayweather/McGregor could, don’t see why this shouldn’t.”
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A fourth added: “Speechless.”
Another questioned: “How can it be a sanctioned fight but Fury’s belt not be on the line?”
Fans were also left fuming after Fury’s poor attempt to sell the fight on PPV.
The British boxer claimed that he was going to beat Ngannou quickly, with many wanting to get their money’s worth.
TYSON FURY VS FRANCIS NGANNOU: ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED AHEAD OF HUGE CROSSOVER CLASH
Fury compared himself to tennis legend Novak Djokovic taking on a table tennis champion.
He said: “I’m gonna make it nice and short.
“It’s like a table tennis champion facing Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.”
It is understood Fury will make around £65million for his crossover bout with Ngannou.
He is then poised to earn £100m for two fights with Usyk.
Both Fury and Usyk are unbeaten as professionals in a combined 55 bouts.
There is still the possibility the clash could be pushed back to early 2024, but Fury has insisted this week that the plan is for it to go ahead on December 23.
On Friday night Fury and Ngannou attended a Gala dinner in Riyadh and were joined by many VIPs.
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand, Mike Tyson and Eminem attended the evening bash.