Tyson Fury compared to boxing legend Muhammad Ali by John Fury ahead of fight with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou
John Fury has leapt to the defence of Tyson Fury amid the backlash his son is facing for agreeing to face Francis Ngannou.
The ‘Gypsy King’ angered some boxing fans by booking a fight with the former UFC heavyweight champion, who will make his boxing debut when they clash in Saudi Arabia on October 28.
Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, has even called for the WBC heavyweight titleholder to be stripped by the organization for opting to face a debutant rather than a ranked contender.
However, John Fury believes anyone talking down on his son is simply jealous of the fact he’s cleaned out the division and is now able to take crossover bouts.
“Well, [Tyson has] beat everybody out there,” John Express Sport via Free Bets Ireland.
“He’s the best in the world. And I think people are just sore because there’s a lot of green-eyed monsters about, and most of it is jealousy, you know because anybody with a brain will know it’s a good business move, it’s a good payday.
“I think the people who make comments are people who are irrelevant anyway.
“I know fans are what we want, but what can he do? What can he do?
“No one wants to fight the kid. So, this opportunity presented itself, he took it with both hands, and why not? And there’s only the great country of Saudi to put these fights on now because they’re blowing everything out of the water.”
The 59-year-old also pointed out that Muhammad Ali, who is regarded by many as the greatest boxer of all time, took part in a similar bout when he fought professional wrestler Antonio Inoki in 1976.
“The rest of the world can’t compete with Saudi Arabia,” Fury added.
“Not a chance. So, people today are making comments about things they don’t really understand. Muhammad Ali did the same thing when he was lineal champion.
“What’s he doing wrong? He can’t get a fight, there’s no mandatories.
“So, what does he do? Sits on his arms to please the public? I don’t think he’s going to do that. That’s why it’s called professional boxing. It’s about money and business.
“That’s it. Good luck to him. There’s no more you can say.”