Mike Tyson Reportedly 'Paid Handsomely' by Saudi to 'Train' Francis Ngannou for Tyson Fury Mega Fight

(Photo : Ian Maule/Getty Images) Former US boxer Mike Tyson (L) and Cameroonian-French mixed martial arts star and boxer Francis Ngannou laugh while talking to media before a training session at Ngannou's gym in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 26, 2023. Mixed martial arts star Francis Ngannou will have heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in his corner when he faces World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in the boxing ring in Saudi Arabia on October 28.

Boxing legend Mike Tyson has been "training" former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, as seen in multiple promotional videos and social media posts.

This mentorship comes ahead of the Cameroonian's highly anticipated bout against current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, scheduled for Saturday, October 28, at the Boulevard Hall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Tyson  "handsomely" by the Saudi Arabian backers of the event to guide the former UFC star, according to boxing reporter Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports. However, the precise amount has not been made public.

The Saudis have paid Mike Tyson to act as Francis Ngannou’s trainer (very, Very, VERY handsomely, I’m told). They are flying in celeb boxers, including Pacquiao, Duran, Morales, Big George Foreman, MA Barrera, Joe Calzaghe, Tommy Hearns, Frank Bruno. Floyd Mayweather may go too

— Kevin Iole (@KevinI)

Moreover, the event organizers have arranged for the attendance of multiple legendary boxers, such as Manny Pacquiao, Roberto Duran, Erik Morales, George Foreman, Marco Antonio Barrera, Joe Calzaghe, Tommy Hearns, and Frank Bruno.

Additionally, there is a potential for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to join the group of boxing legends at the event.

Mike Tyson is not training Francis Ngannou

Iole clarified that the former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion is not conducting the actual training for Ngannou despite several videos of the two sparring with each other.

Instead, former kickboxer and boxer Dewey Cooper oversees the former UFC star's training.

The Saudi organizers  Tyson's involvement would garner more attention for the upcoming mega-fight, hence his supposed "training" role.