- Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou hit the pads in front of fans media
- The always charismatic Fury kept those in attendance entertained
- Fury faces former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou on Saturday
It wouldn’t have been a successful press event in the eyes of Tyson Fury if he didn’t steal the show and overshadow his opponent Francis Ngannou.
The Gypsy King was escorted to the ring by the 11-man team that helped him behind the scenes in the build-up to this weekend’s fight.
He booped his head to the sound of the drum and base blaring out of the speakers and called for the crowd to hype him up as he approached the ropes.
As he stepped into the ring, the crowd expected the usual display of jabs and hooks, but what they got was a slightly different version of the Gypsy King.
With a mischievous glint in his eye, Fury started to move to the beat of the music being blasted around Saturday night’s venue.
The Gypsy King’s footwork mimicked a youngster taking to the dance floor for the first time but it was clear he was enjoying himself.
Fury’s trainer Sugar Hill was bewildered at first but it didn’t take long for him to join in. The pair were seen going toe-to-toe in a dance battle before clinching and tussling with each other in front of the cameras.
After dancing around the ring for a couple of minutes, Fury took to the corner for some water. He took a casual sip, swirled it around his mouth and sprayed it into the air.
It was after that Fury decided to begin boxing. Switching regularly between an orthodox and southpaw stance, Fury showed off his quick footwork and thudding power.
He looked focused and committed to the drills being deployed by Sugar Hill – leaving the ring dripping in sweat.
Meanwhile, Ngannou – who has never competed in an official boxing match – focused solely on power.
The former UFC heavyweight champion stayed close to his trainer Dewey Cooper and prioritised uppercuts and left hooks.
Those ringside were a little disappointed not to see Mike Tyson in the ring with Ngannou, but it won’t be long before they are reunited.
Ngannou will be looking to make a statement on Saturday night, but he will have to deliver a performance of a life time.
However, fans aren’t convinced he’s capable of doing so after witnessing him at the open workout.
One fan took to social media to say: ‘Those first couple of straights he threw, he really loaded up and telegraphed them.
‘That will leave him very susceptible to Fury, the brief combination looked decent towards the end though but he doesn’t have that much speed especially with the power punches’.
Another added: ‘Why does his jab looks so weak and floppy’, while another said: ‘Tyson Fury is going to end this fight inside three rounds.’