Francis Ngannou has confirmed that heavyweight great Mike Tyson has not trained him for Friday night’s crossover clash with Anthony Joshua.
Ngannou teamed up with Tyson prior to his professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury in October, and ‘Iron’ Mike almost guided him to a famous victory in Saudi Arabia.
The former UFC champion knocked down Fury in the third round, but lost a razor-thin points decision. He has now returned to the Middle East to take on another Brit in Joshua, but this time will not have Tyson in his corner.
When asked if he had been working with Tyson again, Ngannou told Mail Sport: ‘Unfortunately not for this camp.
‘My full camp was here in Saudi Arabia so I was here this entire time, although I was training in Mike Tyson’s gym!’
Francis Ngannou has revealed he has not been trained by Mike Tyson for his fight with Anthony Joshua
Ngannou worked alongside Tyson for his professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury
Ngannou knocked Fury down in October, but lost a close points decision to the Gypsy King
Ngannou admits he no longer has the element of surprise in his favour, but still expects to beat Anthony Joshua (pictured) on Friday
Ngannou was given little hope of beating Fury last year, but shocked the world as he held his own against the WBC champion.
Reflecting on that night, the Cameroonian-born star insisted he has only gained confidence from his performance, and is convinced he can cause another major upset this week.
‘I learned a lot about the sport, about boxing. I gained a lot of experience from that training camp, from that fight, from everything,’ Ngannou added.
‘And one thing that I understand is just an affirmation of what I have always believed, that everything is possible. Come in for my first fight, take on a world champion and beat him up!’
Ngannou has conceded that the element of surprise will not be a factor in his fight with Joshua after his impressive outing against Fury, but he still expects to have enough to get past the two-time heavyweight king.
‘My prediction is that I’m going to win,’ he said. ‘I know it’s going to be a tough fight, it’s going to be a very competitive fight, a very challenging fight because now Anthony Joshua has definitely watched the tape on me.
‘There is tape out there on me, unlike the last time, so he’s been preparing for me, preparing for some style, and I think that’s going to make it slightly difficult for me.’