Francis Ngannou claims Tyson Fury is trying to ‘trick people’ by calling himself a ‘fat pig’ and grabbing his love handles on stage but insists he won’t fall for it: ‘He’s the best f***ing boxer!’

Francis Ngannou says Tyson Fury is trying to ‘trick’ people by calling himself ‘a fat pig’ and pointing at his love handles during press events. 

Ngannou will go toe-to-toe with Fury in a highly anticipated crossover bout that will take place in Saudi Arabia, as part of Riyadh Season on October 28.

The pair faced-off for the first time during their press conference in London earlier this month, with Fury ripping off his shirt during their stare down. 

Fury decided to poke fun at his own physique while on stage. He was seen grabbing his iconic love handles and calling himself a ‘fat pig’. 

However, Ngannou has seen right through Fury’s tactics and says he would be naive to judge the Gypsy King just on his body. 

Speaking about Fury’s comments on stage, the MMA star said: ‘I don’t think he was nervous. I think he was playing mind games.

‘I think he was playing mind games by saying look I am a fat pig. No you’re not. You’re the f***ing best boxer so you are not.’

Ngannou went on to add: ‘It was just impressive to see [his stomach closer]. It wasn’t very cool though, wasn’t very nice right? But, you can’t let him fool you. 

‘I think that was the purpose. He was trying to let his body maybe fool you but if you only look at his body, then he tricks you.’ 

The crossover bout in Saudi Arabia will see Ngannou step through the ropes for the first time as a professional boxer.

Ngannou is confident he can cause an upset against the WBC heavyweight champion despite it being his first sanctioned bout.

It will take place in Saudi Arabia in  late October with the former UFC star hoping to be the first man to defeat Fury in a boxing ring.