Israel Adesanya placed a $15,000 bet on Francis Ngannou to win against Tyson Fury in his professional boxing debut, showing his support for his close friend and potentially winning almost $175,000 in return.
Israel Adesanya, the former UFC middleweight king, recently demonstrated his unwavering support for his close friend Francis Ngannou by placing a substantial bet on him in his professional boxing debut against heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Just hours before the fight, Adesanya revealed his betting tickets showing that he had wagered $15,000 on Ngannou to win and an additional $5,000 on Ngannou to score a knockout victory over Fury. While the odds are stacked against Ngannou, who is considered a massive underdog compared to the far more experienced Fury, Adesanya seems undeterred.
Comedian Darius DK acknowledged the challenge of Ngannou’s task and expressed doubt about the outcome. However, Adesanya appeared unconcerned about the possibility of losing his bet, responding to DK casually by saying, “It’s OK… I’m rich.” Adesanya’s nonchalant response demonstrated his confidence in both Ngannou’s ability to win and his own financial stability. While the potential loss of $20,000 may not faze Adesanya, the joy he would experience if Ngannou defied the odds and emerged victorious would undoubtedly be immeasurable.
Adesanya’s commitment to supporting Ngannou extended beyond placing his bet. He traveled to Saudi Arabia alongside fellow former UFC champion Kamaru Usman to show their solidarity with Ngannou. The fight garnered significant attention, attracting notable MMA fighters like Junior dos Santos and UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture, who also attended the event. The presence of these accomplished fighters demonstrated the respect and admiration they had for Ngannou’s bravery in venturing into the realm of professional boxing against such a formidable opponent.
Adesanya’s actions exemplify his loyalty as a friend and his willingness to back his close companions when they need it the most. Despite the odds, he believed in Ngannou’s potential to shock the world and was willing to put a significant amount of money on the line to show his unwavering support. While the outcome of the fight remains uncertain, Adesanya’s faith in his friend and his carefree attitude towards the potential loss of his bet solidify his role as an enthusiastic and loyal ally in Ngannou’s journey.