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Mike Tyson is apparently not actually training Francis Ngannou ahead of his fight against Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia.
For the past month, Iron Mike has been featured in several videos and workouts giving Ngannou pointers ahead of his boxing debut against the heavyweight boxing champion Fury.
@jzosportsmma Mike Tyson trains Francis Ngannou before fight vs Tyson Fury #miketyson #tysonfury #francisngannou #ngannoufury
According to Yahoo Sports’ Kevin Iole, Tyson training Ngannou is a marketing ploy by the Saudis to get fans interested in the fight. Iole notes that Mike is being compensated very well for his act.
“The Saudis have paid Mike Tyson to act as Francis Ngannou’s trainer (very, Very, VERY handsomely, I’m told). They are flying in celeb boxers, including Pacquiao, Duran, Morales, Big George Foreman, MA Barrera, Joe Calzaghe, Tommy Hearns, Frank Bruno. Floyd Mayweather may go too”
“He hasn’t trained Francis but they figured his presence would bring attention to the event. Dewey Cooper trained him”
During an interview this week, Fury praised Tyson’s role in promoting the fight.
“It’s very good for Mike to be a part of this promotion. He’s done a good job promoting Francis,” Fury told CBS Sports. “What a pleasure to have a living legend because that’s what I believe Mike Tyson is.
“To have a living legend in the same boxing ring as me on that night is fantastic. And the fact that I’m named after the guy who then became world heavyweight champion himself and then the two guys meet, that’s fantastic. I’m very, very happy.”