Error code: %{errorCode}

MMA

Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou: What are the potential rules for the boxing-MMA crossover fight?

Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou: What are the potential rules for the boxing-MMA crossover fight?DAZN

Crossover fights are here to stay in the world of combat sports.

Whether it be influencers taking each other on inside the boxing ring, or boxing stars stepping into the cage, they are sporting events which generate a huge amount of interest across the world. 

One crossover bout which seems to be closer than ever is the clash between WBC world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. 

After leaving the UFC at the start of this year, Ngannou has made no secret that he wants to dip his toes into the world of professional boxing and has revealed that talks with some of the sport's biggest names including Fury have taken place.

But if the pair were to meet, what would the rules be for a fight between two competitors who are trained in different combat disiciplines? 

MMA analyst Dan Hardy put forward his rules for the contest on The DAZN MMA Show

Would Fury vs. Ngannou take place inside a ring or a cage?

"Well, I think we do it in cage because I think it’s important that the fighters do not lean back over the ropes.

"A hard barrier would take away some of the rope-a-dope skills that Tyson Fury would use against Ngannou."

What gloves would Fury and Ngannou use?

"I also feel like we have to have the small gloves and my preference of course would be the 4oz gloves, a good wrap underneath and a good 4oz glove will protect their hands, but they will be able to clinch and grapple, and punch on the inside."

Will takedowns or grappling be allowed for Fury vs. Ngannou?

"We can do clinch work to the upper body only.

"We don’t need to do any takedowns or any other unnecessary grappling, but I certainly think some clinch work, some body locking, some over hooks with strikes, there’s nothing wrong with that."

Watch on YouTube