Teddy Atlas believes that Francis Ngannou has the potential to shock the world and defeat Tyson Fury in their upcoming fight, particularly if Fury underestimates Ngannou’s punching power.
World-renowned boxing trainer and analyst Teddy Atlas believes that Francis Ngannou has the potential to shock the world when he goes up against Tyson Fury, although he acknowledges that it will not be an easy feat. In an ESPN opinion piece, Atlas discussed how he would prepare Ngannou for the upcoming matchup, expressing his belief that an upset is not to be expected given Fury’s status as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of a generation. However, Atlas does highlight certain advantages that Ngannou may possess.
According to Atlas, Ngannou’s experience as a former UFC heavyweight champion could prove beneficial, particularly in utilizing an MMA-style clinch and capitalizing on strategic openings. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a proper distance from Fury and avoiding overextension, as Fury is known for his counterpunching abilities. Atlas advises Ngannou to focus on footwork and feinting in order to safely maneuver around Fury’s timing and potentially land successful offensive strikes.
Fury enters the fight heavily favored, with some betting lines listing him as a -1400 favorite. However, there are concerns that Fury may not be taking Ngannou seriously, considering the possibility of a bigger fight against Oleksandr Usyk on the horizon. Atlas warns against underestimating Ngannou, as his punching power poses a significant threat. He considers the fight to be a dangerous proposition, particularly if Fury’s focus is solely on a big payday without realizing the danger Ngannou presents.
While acknowledging Fury’s elite boxing skills and heavyweight champion status, Atlas raises the question of whether Fury can readjust if Ngannou exceeds expectations early on. He emphasizes the mental aspect of the fight, noting that punchers like Ngannou possess an innate ability to inflict damage and potentially knock out their opponents. If Ngannou is able to land a solid punch on Fury’s chin, it could have serious consequences for the reigning champion.
In conclusion, Teddy Atlas recognizes the formidable challenge Ngannou faces in taking on Tyson Fury, but he highlights the potential advantages Ngannou possesses. He cautions against underestimating Ngannou’s punching power and suggests that if Fury doesn’t take the fight seriously, it could prove to be a dangerous mistake. Ultimately, only time will tell whether Ngannou can accomplish the feat of shocking the world in his bout against Fury.