Francis Ngannou stunned by Mike Tyson ahead of Jake Paul boxing fight – ‘What the hell is this!’
Francis Ngannou has admitted he was left stunned by Mike Tyson after being trained by the boxing icon for his fight with Tyson Fury last year.
Tyson coached Ngannou, who knocked Fury down before going on to lose via split decision.
Iron Mike is set to come out of retirement on November 15 to battle Paul, with the boxing icon currently training hard.
It will be his first fight in four years, having previously drawn with Roy Jones Jr in their exhibition bout in 2020.
Ngannou knows all about Tyson and the danger the boxing legend can pose.
And the Cameroonian, speaking at a press conference, has admitted he was left stunned after working with the 58-year-old.
“I did train with Mike Tyson, and that was for one fight, my fight against Tyson Fury,” he said.
“Boxing is a completely different sport to mixed martial arts … the application of everything.”
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He added: “He’s definitely not as he was when he was young, but when he moves around and shows you something, I’m like, ‘What the hell is this.
“So I think that is something that people don’t understand about Mike Tyson.
“His footwork is still there.”
Ngannou was also asked what asset could give Tyson a big chance of beating Paul, who is 31 years his junior.
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The 37-year-old added: “He can still move from your left to your right in the blink of an eye.”
Tyson suffered an ulcer flare up earlier in the year that forced his showdown with Paul to be pushed back.
There are some concerns that he could suffer a serious injury when he goes up against his opponent in November.
And Paul mocked the boxing icon at their press conference last week, saying: “I was ready before, you needed a little break.
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“Your tummy hurt still?”
Tyson admitted that he ‘got sick’. But he also says he’s ready for the clash as he looks to add to his legacy in boxing.
After all, beating a man 31 years your junior is no easy feat.
“I had a small adversity,” he admitted.
“I got sick, but I’m better. I feel good.”
On why he’s facing Paul, he added: “Because I can. Who else can do it but me? Who else is he going to fight to make this happen?”