TYSON FURY went face-to-face with Francis Ngannou for the first time since eking out a win over the boxing novice.
The WBC heavyweight champion went the distance with the MMA man-mountain in their much-maligned Saudi showdown last October.
Tyson Fury locked horns with Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia last OctoberCredit: REUTERS
Fury was cut and dropped in the fight but beat the ex-UFC champ via split decisionCredit: GETTY
The pair crossed paths at the Joy Awards in Saudi Arabia last weekendCredit: QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS
Fury edged out the former UFC heavyweight king via split decision, although his stock suffered a huge black eye as he was cut and dropped in the third round of ‘The Battle of the Baddest’.
The pair were both in attendance at the Joy Awards in Riyadh last week and embraced one another after crossing paths.
After shaking Ngannou’s hand, Fury shouted: “He’s a big fella isn’t he?”
Boxing fans were quick to comment on their meeting, with one saying: “He greets Francis humbly and he steps back.
“FRANCIS EDUCATED HIM. HE DON’T WANT THIS SMOKE!!”
Another said: “Fury’s looking like he has PTSD.”
And another said: “Fury knows Francis won that fight.”
One remarked: “Tyson meeting his son.”
The pair were all smiles as they shook handsCredit: QUEENBERRY PROMOTIONS
Another chimed in: “I’m so excited for this rematch after Fury beats Usyk twice.”
Ngannou, 37, is hoping a rematch with Fury will come to fruition this year – although he’s refusing to hang around for The Gypsy King.
He told MMA Fighting: “I win this fight and I’m fighting Fury period.
“Whether or not he has the belt. Our rematch term was within next year, so it’s going to be October this year.
“I just want to be free and fight, the thing is with the title is this is a system I don’t want to fall into anymore.
“You have to make a concession with an organisation, I don’t want that political stuff.”
Fury, 35, will be back in action next month when he bids to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over 25 years when he finally faces Oleksandr Usyk.
Ngannou, meanwhile, will return to the ring three weeks later for a lucrative showdown with former two-time unified heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua.
