Tyson Fury is ‘regretful’ over Francis Ngannou fight and ‘took it lightly’ but rematch with ex-UFC star remains on cards

TYSON FURY is “regretful” over his fight with Francis Ngannou and “took it lightly” leaving a rematch on the cards.

Fury was dropped by the ex-UFC champion – who was making his ring debut – in their Saudi Arabia crossover clash in October.

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Francis Ngannou knocked down Tyson Fury[/caption]

The Gypsy King escaped with a controversial split-decision win but his title unification with Oleksandr Usyk was delayed from December to February 17.

But Todd DuBoef of Top Rank – who promote Fury – revealed a rematch with 37-year-old Ngannou remains possible.

DuBoef told Sky Sports: “That’s an earned ability to get the rematch. He earned that.

“His performance dictated that, ‘Woah, he has a chance. We never thought he had a chance’ and in that situation I think absolutely.

“I think Tyson is regretful. He blamed himself. He thought he had an off night.

“He said: ‘I took it lightly. It was all on me.’ Didn’t point fingers, which was good.

“Ngannou outperformed anybody’s expectation and as a result of that you have all the components to say, hey, I want to see this again and that creates and warrants a rematch.”

Fury, 35, and Usyk, 36, are set to contest for all four world titles – a first in heavyweight history.

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And the rivalry could extend over two bouts with the deal believed to include a rematch clause.

DuBoef said: “I’m not a big rematch fan. I just think that it kind of takes the prize out of the prizefight.

“It [the use of rematch clauses] is a new phenomenon that’s come in the last probably decade and a half.

“So I’m not a big rematch fan but you have to understand that there are rematch clauses in fights and it’s more of the norm today.”

Reuters

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk facing off[/caption]